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Compassion (Bereavement) Fares

Continental offers special discounts on fares (round-trip or one-way) in the event of a death or serious illness (requiring hospitalization or hospice care) of an immediate family member.

Documentation

Continental 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 funeral home, hospice, or hospital
  • Name of doctor (if applicable)
Fare Range Discount
Up to $499.99 round trip 5%
Up to $999.99 round trip 10%
$1,000.00 and up round trip 20%
Immediate Family

The deceased or hospitalized family member must be one of the following:

  • 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
  • foster sister
  • foster son
  • granddaughter
  • grandfather
  • grandmother
  • grandson
  • half-brother
  • half-sister
  • husband
  • legal guardian
  • mother
  • mother-in-law
  • nephew
  • niece
  • sister
  • sister-in-law
  • son
  • son-in-law
  • step-brother
  • step-daughter
  • step-father
  • step-mother
  • step-sister
  • step-son
  • uncle
  • wife

Book a compassion (bereavement) fare

After Travel Bereavement

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 Requirement 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 Customer Refund Services department for consideration. Request directed through other departments (reservations, airport staff, etc.) will be referred to Customer Refund Services.

E-mail: RefundsHouston@coair.com

Fax: 713.324.1431

Continental Airlines
Customer Refund Services
P.O. BOX 3046
Houston, TX 77253

Terms and Conditions

Fares apply for travel within the 50 U.S. States and to or from all international destinations. They are valid for travel on Continental, Continental Express, Continental Connection and Continental Micronesia. 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 Fare 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 Continental Airlines Reservations for assistance.

Book a compassion (bereavement) fare

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