Lufthansa Bereavement Policy: How to Book Compassionate Fares for Emergency Travel
It's an emotional and financial strain on most people to travel soon after a sudden loss. Bearing this in mind, Lufthansa offers a bereavement fare program for those who must travel at short notice due to trying circumstances. Here's Lufthansa's bereavement policy, who qualifies for such lenient fares, how to book them, and other tips on how to find the best possible fare in the face of a family crisis.
Lufthansa Bereavement Policy - Bereavement Fare
Bereavement fare is the bereavement policy offered by Lufthansa to economically support the passengers booking at short notice due to the death or serious illness of a close family member. These fares may not always be the cheapest; however, these fares are more flexible in nature. A person can readily change his or her plan with the help of a bereavement fare.
Who is Eligible for Lufthansa Bereavement Fares?
The passenger needs to be a close family member of the deceased or seriously ill person to be eligible for a bereavement fare from Lufthansa. In general, the covered family members are:
Parents and grandparents
Brothers and sisters
Spouse or partner
Children and grandchildren
You would need some form of documentation to demonstrate your close relationship with the deceased or seriously ill relative to qualify. Generally, those forms of documents include:
A copy of the death certificate
Doctor's hospital file stating serious illness
The contact number of the doctor or the hospital
How to Reserve Lufthansa Bereavement Fares
Bereavement fares can only be booked over the phone but not through any booking platform. Below is a step-by-step process on how to make a reservation:
Gather Required Documents: Dial Lufthansa in advance and ensure you have a death certificate or hospital note, proof of relation, and the entire details of the emergency.
Dial Lufthansa Customer Care: Dial Lufthansa customer care. Ask for bereavement fares. Prepare to clearly explain the circumstances with all the required details.
Documentation will be sent by e-mail or fax to Lufthansa as part of the verification process
Fare Choices: The customer service agent will give you your choices. Now, bereavement fares do offer a lot of flexibility. Compare them to the standard fare, though; they're not always the cheapest.
Confirm Your Booking: Once you have chosen your flight confirm the booking. Lastly, do not forget to ask about the special conditions or flexibility applicable to the fare because that is a critical point when emergencies arise.
Tips to Win the Best Last Minute Fares
Though bereavement fares by Lufthansa are helpful, they are not always the lowest-priced ones. Here are a few more strategies one should consider:
Use Frequent Flyer Miles: If you have Lufthansa Miles & More or any other frequent flyer points, this can be a good option to book last-minute travel without paying huge cash prices.
Check Other Airlines: Even though Lufthansa's policy is benevolent, you should cross-check with other airlines too. Some airlines may still provide lower last-minute fares even if they do not have bereavement discounts.
Flexible Tickets: If bereavement fares are not available or else have gone up a fair amount, then opt for flexible tickets. The flexibility of Lufthansa will allow you to change your flight ticket without paying too much extra if you opt for flexible bookings.
Book with Travel Insurance: As there is no certainty on emergency travel, it is also wise to book with travel insurance. This kind of travel insurance can help resolve cancellation issues, medical emergencies, etc.
FAQs
1. Are Lufthansa's bereavement fares always cheaper than regular fares?
No, a bereavement fare is sometimes more flexible, but not necessarily less costly than a regular fare. Worth comparing with regular fare.
2. How long before my travel date can I book a bereavement fare?
Because a bereavement fare is an emergency, you can usually book it as soon as you have whatever documentation is needed.
3. Can I get a refund if I am forced to cancel a bereavement fare?
Bereavement fares are generally non-refundable, except they may be canceled at any airline with little to no fee. However, cancellation flexibility is available and depends on the terms and conditions during booking.
4. How do I contact Lufthansa for booking bereavement fare?
It actually calls for direct contact with the customer service of Lufthansa. If you are a U.S.-bound traveler, the number should be found on their website or in your confirmation email.
Conclusion
Lufthansa's bereavement policy supports a traveler through difficult times by offering compassionate fares and more flexibility when booking a flight. These fares are always available to provide some degree of financial relief, but it's always best to try multiple options to get the best deal. Whether the option takes the form of utilizing frequent flyer miles, comparing other airlines, or flexible tickets, the aim is to make as few added headaches as possible while trying to console you.
For personal booking assistance or help in securing a bereavement fare, call our travel experts at +1-800-380-5097. We are here to be of service to you in finding the best travel solutions during your time of need.
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