[Los Angeles Times]
American Airlines has eliminated its so-called bereavement fares for people who need to book a last-minute flight because of the death of a loved one.
The airline, which is merging with US Airways, said it discontinued the fare as of Feb. 18 to be consistent with the policies of US Airways.
In the past, American Airlines offered a bereavement fare that was lower than typical last-minute fares but varied based on route, departure time, availability and other factors.
Instead, American Airlines now offers only to waive change fees for travelers who have a pre-purchased ticket and want to use it to attend the funeral of an immediate family member.
Bereavement fares on other airlines can save passengers 5% to 50% on last-minute bookings, which are typically the most expensive fares. But travel experts say passengers can usually book cheaper fares by searching the Internet.