I am in Cambridge UK. I flew over on United in business (Z fare). My mother passed away yesterday and I have to get back to the states tomorrow (Tuesday). She is calling United about changing my ticket. Given some recent experiences with their new reservations service, I have my doubts about their ability to satisfactorily resolve my problem.

If United can't come through, does AA offer bereavement fares? ExpertFlyer.com shows some open seats tomorrow and AA shows seats and a fare of $1,112. Will AA improve on this fare? I know AA won't honor UA's discounted business ticket, but I hope they can come through if UA doesn't.

Yes, I know bereavement has been discussed, but I am in a mega rush. Sorry if this has been answered. Its not been a good day. I apologize if advance.

You'll likely need to call AA:

Phone: United Kingdom
Inside London:
020-7365-0777
Outside London:
0845-7789-789

07:00 - 19:00 Mon-Fri
08:30 - 17:00 Sat-Sun

Maybe UA will endorse your ticket over to AA if they're full? I'd ask about that.

Thanks for the suggestion and quick response! I really appreciate it.

DrBeeper, sorry to hear about your loss.

Don't have too much useful information for you, but AA does have bereavement compassion fares available, generally for reservations within 24 hours (or less) of departure. When I've had to use them, they're generally at least 60% off the full fare (sometimes less), and have no real restrictions. Call AA reservations at the numbers tom911 listed above, or the number listed on the back of your card as soon as you can.

It is technically possible for UA to transfer the ticket over to AA, though I would doubt that would actually happen. Doesn't hurt to try though.

Thanks! The funeral is in Boston and AA has a direct flight LHR-BOS. And UA doesn't have a direct flight.

According to AA . the bereavement fares are off full fare. The fare you list may be a one-way fare that is a discounted fare. The Y one way fare is $2264 .. tho with the bereavement factor may be close to the amount you mentioned.

You MAY need the funeral home phone number for AA to verify.

Per this Google search you have to contact AA for the fare and booking.

Very sorry to hear of your loss. When I needed AA's help in a similar situation they were VERY supportive and things were waived and adjusted as I needed.

OP: Sorry for the loss. Don't forget to check with British Airways and Virgin as well; they too have nonstops between LHR and BOS.

Everyone: There was an article on special fares (including bereavement) on the LA Times (reprinted by the Chicago Tribune), saying how the trend is for the airlines to get rid of them (like food, pillows, good service, etc.).

Let me add my condolences. When I had to fly home (to England) for a funeral, I was told by AA reservations that they don't offer bereavement fares internationally. So you may find buying an H-fare or whatever is the only option.

I had to attend a funeral and the bereavement fare was high so I booked an award ticket and that was the best use of airline miles for me. So you might want to look into an award ticket and paying the expedite fee. Much less expensive than the fare they will give you.

I was about to book a bereavement fare (domestic) this past February when my father was ill, and the EXP desk agent told me that -V- inventory had to be available (and wasn't for the dates I needed). The fare was reasonable for one with few restrictions (except that -V- inventory requirement).

I am 80% sure these fares only apply to domestic flights, not Intl.

I'm 99% sure.

Using good ole' ITA I see a fare of $558.70 one-way.

Is that all you are looking for?

London, United Kingdom to Boston, MA: 3254 miles 10 hrs 45 min

Aer Lingus Aer Lingus Flight EI 371 on an Airbus A320 (jet) in coach class
(food for purchase)
Departs London, United Kingdom (LHR) Tue, June 13 6:40a 1 hr 20 min
Arrives Shannon, Ireland (SNN) 8:00a

Layover in Shannon 2 hrs 50 min

American Airlines American Airlines Flight AA211 on a Boeing 757 (jet) in coach class
(lunch, snack, movie)
Departs Shannon, Ireland (SNN) Tue, June 13 10:50a 6 hrs 35 min
Arrives Boston, MA (BOS)


Fare (A1): EI LHRSNN XXOWLHR1 fare (rules) �29.00
Fare (B1): AA SNNBOS NKOWXIE fare (rules) �310.47
Tax: United Kingdom Passenger Service Charge �13.44
Tax: United Kingdom Air Passengers Duty �20.00
Tax: US International Arrival Tax $14.50
Tax: Irish Passenger Charge �8.87
Tax: US Customs Fee $5.00
Tax: US Immigration Fee $7.00
Tax: USDA APHIS Fee $5.00
Total for 1 adult passenger: $558.70

Sorry about the formatting, my condolences to you and your family

Good find, Mateo4321. Hopefully the OP will see it soon, because it leaves in less than 2 hours.

Cheers