Do Airlines Still Offer Senior Flight Discounts?
While senior discounts on flights were once a more common offering, they have become less widespread and are frequently unadvertised on many airlines' primary booking websites. The good news for senior travelers is that they haven't disappeared entirely. Many airlines, especially major carriers like American, Delta, and United, maintain special fare programs, typically for passengers aged 65 and older, though some exceptions start earlier. These discounts are often for select routes and may be less generous than promotional deals available to all travelers, making it essential to compare all options before booking.
How to Find and Book Senior Discounts
Finding senior discounts often requires a little detective work, as they are not always prominently displayed. Here are the most effective strategies:
Using Advanced Online Search
Some airlines integrate the option to search for senior fares directly into their websites. For example, American Airlines allows users to select “Senior (65+)” under the passenger type during the advanced search booking process. United Airlines also has a similar feature on its website for passengers 65 and older. It's always a good practice to check the official airline website for specific age filters before you book.
Calling the Airline Directly
For several major carriers, including Delta and often Southwest, the best—and sometimes only—way to inquire about senior rates is to call their reservations department. Customer service agents may have access to unpublicized promotions or fare classes not visible to the general public online. Calling is particularly recommended for Delta, which explicitly states that some discounts are not available on their website.
Using Third-Party Memberships
Organizations like AARP offer significant travel discounts that are often more straightforward to access than individual airline programs. British Airways, for instance, partners with AARP to provide members with discounts on certain US flights. What many people don't realize is that AARP membership is open to anyone 18 or older, allowing younger travelers to access these senior-focused benefits.
Additional Ways for Seniors to Save on Flights
If a senior discount isn't available or doesn't offer the best price, there are other strategies to reduce airfare costs:
- Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Mid-week flights or travel during off-peak seasons can often yield significant savings compared to weekends or peak holiday travel.
- Use Frequent Flyer Programs: Accumulate miles and redeem them for free or discounted flights. This is a powerful long-term strategy for any frequent traveler.
- Join Airline and Travel Newsletters: Signing up for email alerts can inform you of special promotional fares that may be lower than any senior discount.
- Consider Alternative Airports: Sometimes flying into or out of a smaller, nearby airport can result in lower fares.
- Look for Promo Codes: Keep an eye out for promotional codes or special offers from the airline. These are often advertised through newsletters or social media.
Comparing Senior Fares vs. Standard Deals
One of the most important takeaways for senior travelers is to always compare the senior fare against the standard promotional fare. In some cases, the senior fare is less restrictive (e.g., more refundable), but the actual price can be higher than a special deal the airline is running online. Checking both options ensures you get the maximum value for your money.
Comparison of Senior Flight Discounts
| Airline | Age Requirement | Typical Discount Notes | Booking Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 65+ | Available on select routes, often international | Online (Advanced Search) or Phone |
| Delta Airlines | 65+ | Only available in certain markets | Phone Only |
| United Airlines | 65+ | Available on select routes | Online (Special selection) or Phone |
| British Airways | AARP Member (18+) | Up to $200 off round-trip flights for members | Through AARP's Travel Center |
| Frontier Airlines | 55+ | Substantial but often limited-time promotions | Online with promo code |
| Southwest Airlines | 65+ (sometimes) | Often unadvertised, best to call and ask | Phone recommended |
| Vistara (India) | 60+ | 5-10% off base fares for domestic travel | Varies |
| IndiGo (India) | 60+ | 6% off base fare for domestic travel | Varies |
Conclusion: Your Proactive Approach to Savings
While the answer to "do seniors get discounts on flights over 60?" is yes, the ease of finding them has changed. Today's senior traveler must be a proactive shopper, comparing different booking methods and evaluating special senior rates against standard promotional deals. By leveraging both traditional phone inquiries and modern online tools, and even looking into membership benefits from groups like AARP, you can secure the best possible price for your next trip. Always do your research and be prepared to compare options to fly smarter and save more. For more comprehensive information on discounts, visit the National Council on Aging.
