Do senior citizens get discount on air flights? Find Hidden Deals

According to travel industry analysis, a significant number of seniors take to the skies each year, making discounted airfare a valuable resource for budget-conscious travelers. Knowing if and how do senior citizens get discount on air flights? can be the key to affording your next vacation or visiting family more often.

Quick Summary

Yes, many airlines offer senior discounts on flights, though they are often unadvertised and limited to specific markets, routes, and booking methods. Eligibility typically starts at age 65, with some programs beginning earlier, and it often requires direct phone booking or navigating specialized online search filters.

Key Points

• Hidden Discounts: Many major airlines, including American, Delta, and United, offer senior fares, but they are often not advertised prominently and must be specifically requested when booking.

• Direct Booking is Key: To access most senior discounts, you must book directly through the airline's website or reservation line. Third-party sites typically do not show these special fares.

• AARP is a Game-Changer: An AARP membership provides access to exclusive flight discounts, particularly with British Airways, which can often be more valuable than standard age-based offers and is open to anyone 18 or older.

• Booking by Phone: For airlines like Delta and sometimes Southwest, calling the reservation number directly is the only way to inquire about and book a senior-specific rate.

• Compare All Fares: Always compare the senior fare with the airline's regular promotional rates. Sometimes a standard sale price, low-cost carrier, or package deal offers better savings than the age-restricted discount.

• Proof of Age is Required: Be prepared to present a valid form of identification, like a driver's license or passport, to verify your age during the booking process or at airport check-in.

The Modern Reality of Senior Airfare Discounts

While the concept of automatic senior discounts is no longer standard practice across all carriers, special fares are still available for those aged 65 and older on many major airlines. Unlike the universal discounts of the past, today's deals require proactive research and sometimes a direct phone call to an airline's reservation center. Additionally, organizations like AARP offer significant travel benefits that can be leveraged by members to secure discounts that are sometimes better than age-specific offers.

How Airline Senior Discounts Work Today

Most airline senior fares operate on a limited basis. They are not always available on all routes, flights, or booking classes. The discount amount can vary significantly and may not always beat a special promotional fare or sale price. This is why comparing the senior fare against standard prices is crucial to ensure you get the best deal. Eligibility typically requires travelers to be 65 or older, though some exceptions exist.

United States Airlines and Their Senior Fare Policies

• American Airlines: Offers senior citizen discounts for travelers 65 and older, primarily on select international routes. These fares are not always displayed on the main booking page but can sometimes be accessed by selecting "Senior (65+)" in the passenger dropdown on the airline's website or by calling their reservations line directly.
• Delta Air Lines: Does not publish senior discounts on its website. Instead, potential discounts are available in certain markets and must be inquired about by phone through the Delta reservations line. This requires speaking with an agent to check for availability on your specific route.
• United Airlines: Provides senior fares for passengers 65 and older on specific routes and destinations. When booking online, travelers can select the "Senior 65+" option in the passenger details to see if a discounted rate is available. These are limited and subject to market availability.
• Southwest Airlines: Does not offer a specific, universal senior discount program. However, their fare structure is already known for being competitive. In the past, some sources reported phone-based senior fares, but this information has been inconsistent. It's best to check for their regular sales or use the loyalty program (Rapid Rewards) to find savings.
• Budget Carriers (e.g., Frontier): Focus on general low-cost fares rather than specific age-based discounts. However, they occasionally run temporary promotions that can offer substantial savings, sometimes targeted at age groups like 55 and over. These are highly time-sensitive.

The AARP Advantage and How It Works

One of the most reliable ways to get flight discounts is through an AARP membership, which is available to anyone 18 or older. AARP partners with various travel providers to offer members exclusive deals.

• British Airways: AARP members can access significant savings on transatlantic flights by booking through a dedicated link. The discounts vary by cabin class and can be substantial, with savings of up to $200 on business class fares and $65 on economy. For details, visit the AARP flight discounts page: AARP Flight Discounts
• AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Booking packages through this portal can yield additional benefits, such as gift cards or package discounts.

How to Book a Senior Discounted Flight

Securing a senior discount often requires a different approach than typical online booking. Follow these steps to maximize your chances:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Confirm the age requirement for the specific airline you plan to use. Most are 65+, but some programs have lower thresholds.
2. Compare Online vs. Phone: For airlines like United and American, check for senior options online first. For airlines like Delta and Southwest, calling is often the only way to inquire about potential discounts.
3. Book Directly: Senior fares are almost never available through third-party booking sites like Expedia or Kayak. Always book directly on the airline's website or over the phone.
4. Have ID Ready: Be prepared to provide proof of age, such as a passport or driver's license, during booking or at the airport check-in counter.

Comparison of Senior Discount Options

Airline	Typical Eligibility	Best Booking Method	Notes
American Airlines	65+	Website (Advanced Search) or Phone	Discounts on select routes, primarily international.
Delta Air Lines	65+	Phone Only	Call reservations to inquire, not available online.
United Airlines	65+	Website (Senior 65+ filter) or Phone	Discounts on select routes; compare against regular fares.
British Airways	AARP Member (18+)	AARP website link	Best for transatlantic flights, significant discounts available.
Southwest Airlines	Varies / Limited	Phone recommended	No consistent program; phone agents may find unadvertised deals.
Air France	65+	Website or Phone	Offers a "Senior Pass" with benefits and discounts.
Budget Carriers	Varies (e.g., 55+)	Website Promo Code	Look for temporary promotions rather than consistent programs.

Strategies for Senior Travel Savings Beyond Discounts

Even if a specific senior discount isn't available for your desired flight, there are many ways to reduce costs:

• Be Flexible: Travel during off-peak seasons and weekdays, and be open to flying at less popular times. Flights are often cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Use Frequent Flyer Programs: Loyalty programs can offer significant savings through earned miles and exclusive offers.
• Set Price Alerts: Use travel sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track prices and book when fares are low.
• Consider Nearby Airports: Sometimes flying into or out of a smaller, alternative airport can result in a cheaper fare.
• Book Well in Advance: Prices are often lower when booking several months ahead of your travel date, especially for international travel.

Conclusion

For seniors looking to save on travel, the strategy has shifted from expecting an automatic discount to being a savvy and informed consumer. Discounts still exist, but finding them requires knowing which airlines offer them and how to access them—often by phone or specific online tools. For consistent savings and excellent deals, leveraging a membership with organizations like AARP is one of the most effective methods. By combining these methods with strategic travel planning, seniors can ensure their adventures are both enjoyable and affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical age for a senior citizen discount on flights?

While the age varies by airline, most major carriers that offer senior discounts set the eligibility at 65 years or older. Some promotions, particularly from budget carriers, might be available to passengers as young as 55.

Can I book a senior citizen discount flight online?

For some airlines, yes, but for many, no. United and American Airlines allow you to select a senior fare option online, but airlines like Delta require you to call to check for and book discounted tickets. Senior fares are generally not available through third-party booking websites.

Is an AARP membership required for airline discounts?

An AARP membership is not required for most age-based senior discounts. However, it is necessary to access the substantial discounts offered through AARP partnerships, such as the one with British Airways. AARP membership is open to anyone 18+.

Why are senior discounts so hard to find online?

Airlines prioritize their most competitive promotional fares for online searches. Senior discounts are often in a different fare class and are limited, so airlines may require a specific search filter or a direct phone call to reserve them, ensuring only eligible passengers can access them.

Are senior fares always the cheapest option?

No. It's crucial to compare the senior rate with regular promotional fares. The airline's standard sale price, particularly for travel during off-peak times, can sometimes be lower than the restricted senior discount.

Do budget airlines like Southwest or Frontier offer senior fares?

Budget airlines like Southwest typically do not offer consistent, age-based senior discounts, as their base fares are already very low. They might, however, offer limited-time promotional codes for certain age groups, as Frontier has done in the past. It is best to check their websites for current sales.

What documentation do I need to prove my age?

You will likely need to present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to prove your age. The airline may ask for this documentation during the booking process or at the airport check-in counter.