Do any airlines give discounts to seniors? Your 2025 Guide to Senior Fares

While senior airline discounts are not as common as they once were, some airlines still offer special rates for older travelers. So, do any airlines give discounts to seniors? Yes, but finding these savings requires specific booking methods and a bit of inside knowledge.

Quick Summary

Some airlines do offer senior discounts, though policies vary greatly and are often not prominently advertised online. These deals may require a phone call or specific online search method to access, and age requirements differ between carriers.

Key Points

• Check specific airlines: American, Delta, and United are among the major carriers that may still offer senior discounts, but terms and availability vary greatly.

• Booking methods differ: Some airlines, like Delta, require a phone call to access senior fares, while others, like United, allow you to use a specific filter on their website.

• AARP offers valuable deals: The AARP membership provides access to exclusive flight discounts, particularly with British Airways, and membership is open to anyone over 18.

• Compare all fares: A dedicated senior discount may not always be the absolute lowest price available. Always compare it against standard promotional fares before booking.

• Flexibility is your friend: For the best chance at finding discounted senior fares, consider being flexible with your travel dates, as off-peak times and less popular routes tend to offer more availability.

• Look beyond the discount: Beyond senior fares, other strategies like booking early, utilizing loyalty programs, and traveling light can further reduce your overall travel costs.

The Shifting Landscape of Senior Airline Discounts

In the past, senior airline discounts were a standard offering across most major carriers. However, with the rise of online booking engines and dynamic pricing models, these fares have become less common and more difficult to find. Many airlines now prioritize offering the lowest possible fare to all customers, regardless of age, but senior-specific pricing still exists for those who know where to look.

Today, you often won't find a dedicated 'senior discount' button on the homepage. Instead, the process is less straightforward, requiring you to either call the reservations desk or use specific search filters on the airline's website. Eligibility criteria also vary, with age requirements typically starting at 65, though some programs cater to travelers as young as 50 with an AARP membership.

Which Major U.S. Airlines Offer Senior Fares?

Several of the largest domestic carriers still have some form of senior discount program, though the terms and availability are subject to change. It is crucial to check with the airline directly before booking, as online results can sometimes be inconsistent or outdated.

American Airlines Senior Discounts

American Airlines offers discounts for seniors aged 65 and over on select routes. The discount is often a percentage off the base fare and is primarily available on certain international routes, though some domestic discounts may also be found.

• How to book: The easiest way to check for senior fares is to use the 'Advanced Search' feature on the American Airlines website and select 'Senior (65+)' from the passenger drop-down menu. Alternatively, call American Airlines Reservations directly to inquire about senior fares for your specific itinerary.
• Key limitation: Discounts are not available on all flights and routes, so you may need to compare the senior fare with other promotional offers to find the best deal.

Delta Airlines Senior Fares

Delta offers senior discounts in certain markets for passengers aged 65 and older. These fares are generally not available online and must be accessed by calling the airline's reservations department.

• How to book: To inquire about Delta's senior fares, call 1-800-221-1212. A phone agent can check for eligibility and availability for your desired route and dates.
• Consider this: Because you cannot see the discount online, it is wise to compare the phone-quoted senior fare with the publicly listed online fares to ensure you are getting the best price.

United Airlines Senior Savings

United offers senior citizen discounts for passengers 65 and older on specific flight routes. Like American, United makes these fares available through its online booking engine.

• How to book: When searching for flights on United.com, select 'Senior (65+)' from the traveler drop-down menu. The search results will then automatically display any available discounted fares.
• Availability: Senior fare availability and the discount percentage can vary based on the destination and travel dates. Discounts tend to be more prevalent on international routes, particularly to Latin America.

British Airways AARP Member Discounts

While not exclusive to seniors, British Airways has a long-standing partnership with AARP, offering substantial discounts for AARP members. AARP membership is open to anyone over the age of 18, so this is a widely accessible saving opportunity.

• How to book: AARP members must book their flights through the dedicated AARP travel page on British Airways' website to receive the discount.
• What you save: Discounts can be significant, offering up to $200 off business class fares and $65 off economy and premium economy fares on round-trip transatlantic flights.

Southwest Airlines and Senior Fares

Southwest has historically offered senior fares, but the airline's official policy now states they do not have a dedicated senior discount program. Instead, they focus on offering low fares to all customers. However, some sources suggest calling their reservations line might occasionally reveal unadvertised discounts.

• Key takeaway: The best strategy with Southwest is to check for their regular promotional fares and book in advance, as these often provide the best value regardless of age.

How to Book Your Senior Flight Discount

Booking a senior fare is not as simple as clicking a button anymore. It requires a specific process depending on the airline.

The Phone Call Method

This is the most reliable method for airlines like Delta that do not display senior fares online. Follow these steps:

1. Find the reservations number: Locate the official reservations phone number for the airline. Calling a third-party agent may not yield the correct information.
2. State your request clearly: Inform the agent that you are a senior citizen (65+) and would like to inquire about any available senior fares for your travel dates and destination.
3. Be flexible: Be prepared to adjust your travel dates if the agent says there are no senior fares available on your requested dates. Weekday travel often has more availability.
4. Compare prices: After receiving the quote, check the airline's website for the standard fare to compare and ensure the senior discount offers a real saving.

The Online Search Method

For airlines like United and American, you can check for senior fares online:

1. Navigate to the website: Go to the airline's official website.
2. Use advanced search: When entering your passenger information, look for an 'Advanced Search' or similar option.
3. Select the senior category: Select 'Senior 65+' or a similar option from the passenger age drop-down menu.
4. Compare results: The search results will display any applicable senior fares alongside standard fares. Be sure to compare the total cost to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Expert Tips for Maximum Savings

Beyond finding specific senior discounts, these strategies can help you maximize your savings on air travel:

• Book in advance: Airlines often offer their lowest fares well in advance of the travel date. Booking early is a powerful strategy for saving money, regardless of whether you qualify for a senior discount.
• Consider off-peak travel: Travel during off-peak seasons and on less popular days of the week, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, to find cheaper fares.
• Utilize Frequent Flyer programs: Enroll in loyalty programs to earn miles and other benefits that can lead to future savings. Many airlines allow you to earn miles on senior fare tickets.
• Join AARP: As highlighted with British Airways, an AARP membership can provide access to exclusive travel deals beyond age-based discounts. You can explore the full range of benefits at AARP Travel Discounts.
• Be aware of fees: Factor in ancillary fees for checked bags, seat selection, and other add-ons. Sometimes, a senior fare that appears cheaper initially ends up costing more once fees are included.

Comparison of Senior Airline Discounts

Airline	Age Requirement	Booking Method	General Availability	Notes
American Airlines	65+	Website (Advanced Search) or Phone	Select international routes; limited domestic availability	Not valid on all flights; always compare fares.
Delta Airlines	65+	Phone Call Only	Select markets; varies by route and availability	Not available for online booking; compare quoted fare to online prices.
United Airlines	65+	Website (Senior 65+ selector) or Phone	Select international routes; varies by destination and availability	Must explicitly select the senior fare option online.
British Airways	AARP Member (18+)	AARP Website Link	Round-trip transatlantic flights to 130+ destinations	Membership required; significant savings, especially on premium cabins.
Southwest Airlines	None (Previously 65+)	Call to Inquire (Historically)	No official program	Best strategy is to book standard low fares early; no age-specific discounts advertised.

Conclusion

While senior airfare discounts are not as ubiquitous as they once were, they have not disappeared entirely. Major carriers like American, Delta, and United still offer these fares on select routes, though they often require a specific booking process, either by phone or through a specialized online search. For guaranteed savings, programs like the AARP partnership with British Airways provide a reliable avenue for discounts. By being proactive, flexible, and willing to compare fares, senior travelers can still find significant savings on their next flight. Always verify the eligibility requirements and booking methods directly with the airline to ensure the best possible outcome for your travel budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is considered a senior for airline discounts?

The age requirement varies by airline. Most major U.S. carriers, like American, Delta, and United, define a senior as someone 65 years or older. However, international carriers and programs like AARP may extend benefits to those as young as 50 or 60.

Are senior airline discounts available for international flights?

Yes, some senior airline discounts are available on international routes, though they are often more limited than domestic offerings. For example, American and United may offer senior fares on select international destinations, especially to Latin America.

Why don't airlines advertise senior discounts more openly anymore?

With the move towards dynamic pricing and the rise of online booking, airlines focus on filling seats with the lowest possible fare for all customers. Senior discounts are now often used as a targeted benefit rather than a universal one, and can sometimes be more restrictive or even more expensive than a standard promotional fare.

Is an AARP membership worth it for flight discounts?

For many, an AARP membership is worth it for flight discounts, especially if you plan to fly with partners like British Airways. Anyone over 18 can join, and the membership fee can be offset by a single booking with a partner airline, which offers significant savings, particularly on international routes and premium cabins.

Do I need to call the airline for all senior discounts?

No, not for all. For airlines like American and United, you can check for senior fares using a specific selection option on their website. However, for airlines like Delta, and potentially Southwest, calling the reservations department is the only way to inquire about and book a senior discount.

Will a senior discount always be the cheapest option?

No, a senior discount will not always be the cheapest option. It is crucial to compare the senior fare against the airline's standard promotional fares. Depending on travel dates and availability, a regular sale price might offer a better deal than the senior-specific discount.

How can I prove my age for a senior airline discount?

When booking or at check-in, airlines will typically require a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to verify your age. Be sure to have this documentation ready, as it is a standard requirement for all senior fare bookings.