DALLAS (AP) — American Airlines has ended its policy of extending special fares to passengers who must book a last-minute flight because of a relative's death.
The move brings American in line with the policy at merger partner US Airways, which does not offer bereavement fares. Walk-up prices tend to be the highest on any airline, putting family members in a bind when a relative far away dies or becomes seriously ill.
American didn't have a specific discount for bereavement travel, but it had a different fare class that could produce a lower price than the traveler might otherwise find.
Consumer advocates have said that travelers can sometimes find lower prices than the airlines' bereavement fares.
The move brings American in line with the policy at merger partner US Airways, which does not offer bereavement fares. Walk-up prices tend to be the highest on any airline, putting family members in a bind when a relative far away dies or becomes seriously ill.
American didn't have a specific discount for bereavement travel, but it had a different fare class that could produce a lower price than the traveler might otherwise find.
Consumer advocates have said that travelers can sometimes find lower prices than the airlines' bereavement fares.