1.   Even airline representatives advise that travelers seek other solutions than bereavement fares.

2.   In some cases, families may be able to beat the cost of bereavement fares by booking group tickets instead.

3.   The airlines have relatively uniform lists of family members who are eligible for bereavement fares.

4.   The bereavement fare and rules are the same, except that the ticket may be bought seven days ahead.

5.   True, bereavement fares can be bought for immediate travel at less cost than full coach fares.

6.   United Airlines does not offer a medical-emergency fare, only a bereavement fare.