American Airlines Drops Bereavement Discounts

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. 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.

United Airlines said it offers a bereavement discount of 5% off the lowest available rate when the ticket is issued. Delta Air Lines did not respond to messages but says on its website that that it "offers additional flexibility on the best published fare" in such cases, if seats are available. Southwest Airlines and Virgin America said they don't offer bereavement fares. (More American Airlines stories.)