Does the flight have a senior citizen discount? A guide to saving on airfare

While senior airfare discounts are not as ubiquitous as they once were, a significant number of major carriers still offer them on select routes. To find out if a flight has a senior citizen discount, you must check directly with each airline, as the booking methods, age requirements, and discount amounts vary widely. Comparing the senior fare to regular promotional fares is crucial to ensure you get the maximum possible savings.

Quick Summary

Several airlines provide discounts for senior travelers on specific flights, but the eligibility and availability vary greatly. These special fares are often unadvertised online and may require a phone booking. It is essential to research each carrier's specific policies and compare senior rates with standard promotional offers to secure the best price for your travel.

Key Points

• Availability Varies by Airline: Not all airlines offer senior citizen discounts, and policies differ significantly for those that do, including eligibility age, discount amount, and booking method.

• Call to Confirm Deals: Many airlines, including Delta, do not publish senior discount details online and require a phone call to check for availability on specific routes.

• Age Requirements Differ: The standard age for a senior discount is often 65+, but some carriers like Frontier may offer promotions for those as young as 55, while international airlines have their own rules.

• Online vs. Phone Booking: Some airlines, such as United and American, allow you to check for senior fares online by selecting 'Senior' during the search, while others only offer the discount via phone.

• Compare with Regular Fares: It is crucial to compare the senior fare with other available deals, as a regular promotional sale might offer a better price than the standard senior discount.

• AARP Membership Offers Benefits: Joining organizations like AARP can provide access to exclusive discounts on flights with partner airlines, such as British Airways, regardless of your age.

• Check Restrictions Carefully: Senior discounts often come with restrictions, such as applying only to certain routes, cabin classes, or travel periods, and may be non-refundable.

Do Flights Offer Senior Citizen Discounts? The Lowdown on Airline Policies

For senior citizens looking to travel, saving money on flights can significantly impact travel plans and budgets. However, finding a definitive answer to the question "Does the flight have a senior citizen discount?" is not straightforward. The availability of these special fares depends on the airline, route, and current promotions. While a percentage off might seem like an obvious saving, these special fares are sometimes less competitive than other promotional offers, so a savvy approach is necessary.

Which airlines offer senior citizen discounts?

Several major carriers and smaller airlines offer special discounts, but their policies differ significantly. Here is an overview of how some of the most prominent airlines handle senior fares:

• American Airlines: Offers discounted fares for travelers 65 years and older on select international flights, particularly to Latin American destinations. To check, use the 'Advanced/Multi-city search' and select 'Senior (65+)'. Online searches don't always show the full range of discounts, and calling a reservations line may reveal more options.
• Delta Air Lines: Provides senior discounts in certain markets, but details are not available on their website. Customers must contact Delta's reservations line at 800-221-1212 to inquire about specific flight eligibility and booking.
• United Airlines: Features discounted fares for passengers 65 and older on select routes and destinations. To find available deals, select 'Seniors (65+)' when searching for tickets on their website.
• Frontier Airlines: Occasionally offers significant promotions for travelers 55 and older, but these are often limited-time offers and may come with specific booking requirements. For example, a 55% discount promo might require a round-trip booking with a seven-day advance purchase.
• British Airways: AARP members can access exclusive discounts, including savings on economy and business class fares. This benefit is available to AARP members regardless of age.
• Southwest Airlines: While some sources have reported senior fares, Southwest's official help center states they do not offer age-based senior discounts. Seniors can still save by utilizing the Rapid Rewards loyalty program or the Companion Pass. It is always worth calling to confirm current policies.
• Indian Airlines (e.g., Air India, Vistara, IndiGo): Many carriers that operate within India offer senior discounts, often for domestic travel. Eligibility generally starts at age 60, with discounts ranging from 6% to 25% off the base fare, depending on the airline and cabin class.

How to find and book senior discounts

1. Check the Airline's Website Directly: When searching for flights online, look for an 'Advanced Search' or a passenger drop-down menu that allows you to specify the traveler as a 'Senior' or '65+'. Not all flights will have a discount, so you may need to check different routes or dates.
2. Call the Airline: For carriers like Delta, or if you can't find an online option for a carrier like American or United, calling the reservations number is the most reliable way to confirm if a senior discount applies to your desired travel dates and destination. Phone agents may have access to unadvertised fares.
3. Join an Organization like AARP: Members of organizations like AARP can access discounts on airfare and other travel services, even if the airline does not offer a public senior fare. British Airways' AARP partnership is a prime example.
4. Compare Fares: Before booking a senior fare, do a separate search for the same flight as a regular adult passenger. Sometimes, promotional fares or sales can be cheaper than the senior discount.
5. Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Like all discounted fares, senior rates are often limited and may not be available during peak travel seasons, major holidays, or high-demand flights. Traveling on weekdays or during off-peak seasons can increase your chances of finding a deal.

Comparison of Senior Discounts by Airline

Airline	Age Requirement	Booking Method	Typical Discount	Key Restriction/Note
American Airlines	65+	Online (Advanced Search) or Phone	Varies (often 10-15%)	Primarily international routes to Latin America
Delta Air Lines	65+	Phone Only	Varies (often 5-15%)	Not bookable online; availability depends on market
United Airlines	65+	Online or Phone	Varies (often 5-25%)	Available on select destinations; check online by selecting 'Senior 65+'
British Airways	AARP Member (50+)	Online via AARP Link	Up to $200 off	Requires valid AARP membership to book
Frontier Airlines	Varies (e.g., 55+)	Online with Promo Code	Varies (can be significant)	Often limited-time promotions with specific booking rules
Air India	60+	Online (Concession Type) or Ticketing Office	Minimum 10%	Only on domestic flights within India
IndiGo	60+	Online or Check-in	Flat 6% off base fare	Domestic flights within India only
Southwest Airlines	None (officially)	N/A	None (officially)	Focus on Rapid Rewards and promotional sales instead

Conclusion

Securing a senior citizen discount on a flight is still possible, but it requires proactive research and a bit of effort. The days of universally advertised senior fares have largely passed, replaced by selective, often hidden, programs that vary by carrier. By checking directly on airline websites using the 'Senior' passenger option or by calling their reservations line, you can uncover these exclusive offers. For maximum savings, always compare the discounted senior fare with the standard promotional rates, as a sale price may sometimes beat a senior-specific deal. Membership in organizations like AARP also remains a valuable tool for finding travel discounts that might otherwise be unavailable. Ultimately, a combination of research and flexibility will help you get the best value for your next trip.

Further Reading

For more information on senior discounts and travel tips, you can visit the AARP website: AARP Travel Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical age requirement to get a senior citizen discount on a flight?

The typical age requirement is 65 years or older for most major U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, and United. However, some airlines may have different age requirements, with some offers starting at 55 or 60, especially in other countries.

Are senior discounts for flights always available?

No, senior discounts are not always available on all flights or routes. They are typically offered on specific routes and fare classes and may not be valid during peak travel periods, major holidays, or high-demand seasons.

How do I find out if a senior discount applies to my flight?

The method varies by airline. For some, like United, you can select 'Seniors (65+)' on their website when searching for tickets. For others, like Delta, you must call their reservations line to inquire about eligibility.

Is an airline's senior citizen discount always the best deal?

Not necessarily. It is important to compare the senior discount fare with regular promotional fares and sales. Sometimes, a standard sale price can be lower than the available senior rate, so always double-check before booking.

Do I need to be an AARP member to get senior travel discounts?

While some airlines offer discounts exclusively through an AARP partnership, such as British Airways, many other carriers offer their own senior fares that do not require an AARP membership. AARP is one of many organizations that provide travel benefits for its members.

Can I get a senior discount when booking through a third-party website?

It is unlikely. Most airline senior citizen discounts are only accessible by booking directly through the airline's own website or by calling their reservations number. Third-party sites typically cannot apply these special fares.

What if an airline's website doesn't show a senior discount?

If an airline's website doesn't display an option for a senior discount, it is still worth calling their reservation department. Some airlines, like Delta, do not list these fares online but have them available through a phone agent.