Bereaved and Aggrieved

Twice in one month, my father faced death. He died the second time. I flew from Los Angeles to Akron, Ohio, each time, and the “bereavement” fare I was charged by Continental Airlines totaled $1,980.

Other airlines quoted similar fares. That the airlines feed their profits off people’s sorrow is outrageous. Several agents told me I was getting a special fare, 50% off a last-minute rate. The airlines maylook at 50% off as being generous, but who are they kidding?

I love my father and spent what I had to, but I would prefer the money go toward his funeral expenses or sending a rose to his grave every day rather than to the coffers of Continental. If the airlines had any moral decency they would establish a reasonable bereavement fare and implement a system of strict verification. If those who set the airline fares cannot raise their level of humanity, then bring in Washington.

The fleecing of Americans is outrageous no matter what the circumstance, but when it entails human sorrow and bereavement it is downright insidious. Shame on those greedy, greedy airlines.

CAROL ANN ROSENBLUM

Los Angeles