 Home > Travel information > Special travel needs > Compassion (bereavement) fares
United offers a 5% discount on fares (roundtrip or one-way) in the event of a death or serious illness (requiring hospitalization or hospice care) of an immediate family member.
Documentation
United requires the following information at the time of purchase for compassion fares:
- Name of the relative
- Relationship to the customer
- Name, address and telephone number of the funeral home, hospice, or hospital
- Name of the doctor (if applicable)
Immediate family
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The deceased or hospitalized family member must be one of the following:
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- adopted ward
- aunt
- brother
- brother-in-law
- daughter
- daughter-in-law
- domestic partner
- father
- father-in-law
- foster brother
- foster daughter
- foster father
- foster mother
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- foster sister
- foster son
- granddaughter
- grandfather
- grandmother
- grandson
- half-brother
- half-sister
- husband
- legal guardian
- mother
- mother-in-law
- nephew
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- niece
- sister
- sister-in-law
- son
- son-in-law
- step-brother
- step-daughter
- step-father
- step-mother
- step-sister
- step-son
- uncle
- wife
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 Book a compassion (bereavement) fare
After travel compassion fares
Customers who do not possess the required documentation at the time of travel or who become aware of the compassion fare after completion of eligible travel may apply to receive a refund for the difference between the purchased fare and the applicable compassion fare.
Documentation requirements and processing
In cases of death, a copy of the death certificate is required. Serious illness situations require a letter (on letterhead) from a physician. If the request is due to the death or illness of an immediate family member the request must contain the name of the family member and their relationship to you.
All requests must include the ticket number and be sent to our Refund Accounting department for consideration. Requests directed through other departments (reservations, airport staff, etc.) will be referred to Refund Accounting.
United Airlines
Refund Accounting
P.O. Box 4607
Dept. HQJRF
Houston, TX 77253
Phone: 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331)
Fax: 1-713-324-1431
Terms and conditions
Fares apply for travel within the continental United States and to or from all international destinations. They are valid for travel on United and United Express® flights. Compassion fares are not valid on codeshare flights or other airlines. Fares are discounts from published fares. All fare rules apply. The discount is applied to the base fare. Surcharges and taxes will be added to the base fare.
Compassion fares FAQ
Can I upgrade with a compassion fare?
No; however, you can purchase a first class fare and receive the discount.
Can I book an open return on these tickets?
You can book an open return provided it is allowed by the rules of the fare that is being discounted.
Are there change fees associated with these fares?
All rules of the fare that is being discounted apply. Some fares allow the waiver of penalties due to documented illness.
If I have an unused ticket, can I reissue it to travel for a bereavement situation?
Yes, provided the fare rules of your original ticket allow reissue. Please contact United Reservations for assistance.
Book a compassion (bereavement) fare
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