How to get senior citizen discount on flights? A guide to saving on your next trip

According to the National Council on Aging, many travel companies and organizations offer special rates for older adults, yet these discounts are often unadvertised online.

Learn how to get senior citizen discount on flights by exploring the right avenues, including specific airline booking methods, membership perks, and the power of calling customer service.

Quick Summary

Accessing senior flight discounts requires you to look beyond standard booking, as many are not widely advertised; learn how to check directly with airlines, leverage membership organizations like AARP, and understand where the best deals can be found to start saving on your next flight.

Key Points

• Check Directly: Always visit the airline's official website and use their booking tool to indicate 'Senior (65+)' as the passenger type, which will show any available discounts.

• Call for Clarity: If no senior discount is visible online, especially with airlines like Delta, call the reservations desk to inquire about any unadvertised deals on your specific route.

• Join Organizations: Membership in groups like AARP provides exclusive flight discounts with partner airlines, such as British Airways, and other travel companies.

• Compare Prices: Never assume the senior discount is the best deal; always compare it against the airline's general fare sales and promotions to ensure maximum savings.

• Be Persistent: Finding senior flight discounts sometimes requires extra effort, as they are not always prominently displayed, but the savings are worth the persistence.

Navigating the changing landscape of senior flight discounts

For many years, senior discounts were a well-known perk of airline travel, but the landscape has shifted significantly. While some airlines have scaled back their offerings in favor of promoting general fare sales, many still provide special pricing for travelers aged 65 and over, and sometimes even younger for members of certain organizations. The key is knowing where to look and, more importantly, how to ask. Booking platforms often do not have a dedicated "senior discount" button, so a little detective work is required to uncover these valuable savings.

Researching and booking directly with airlines

The most direct and effective way to secure a senior flight discount is to interact with airlines and their booking systems directly. This method bypasses third-party booking sites that may not have access to these special rates.

American Airlines: The "Advanced Search" option

One of the most well-known methods involves American Airlines' booking process. Instead of using the main search bar, follow these steps:

1. Go to the American Airlines website homepage.
2. Click on “Advanced/Multi-city search” located below the main search button.
3. On the next page, fill in your travel details.
4. In the "Passengers" section, select "Senior (65+)" from the drop-down menu for the eligible traveler.
5. Search for flights. Any applicable discounts will be reflected in the final prices displayed.

United Airlines: Specifying passenger type

United has a similar online process for finding senior discounts on flights to select destinations. To check for a discount:

1. Visit the United Airlines website.
2. Enter your flight information.
3. During the booking process, you can indicate that one or more travelers are seniors (65+). Any available discounts will be automatically applied.

Delta Air Lines: The power of the phone call

Delta's approach to senior discounts is different; they are typically available for specific markets only and are not bookable online. To inquire about a senior fare:

• Call Delta's reservations department directly at the number listed on their website. It's often the only way to check availability for senior-specific fares.

British Airways: AARP member benefits

British Airways offers a prime example of leveraging a membership program for flight discounts. For AARP members, exclusive savings are available on transatlantic flights.

• AARP members must book their flights through the AARP website to receive a special discount code.
• Discounts vary depending on the class of service, offering significant savings for qualifying members.

Leveraging membership organizations and special programs

Beyond direct airline bookings, numerous organizations and programs provide exclusive travel benefits for seniors.

AARP membership

As seen with British Airways, an AARP membership is a gateway to numerous travel discounts. The organization partners with various airlines, car rental agencies, and hotel chains to provide members aged 50 and older with significant savings. Always check the AARP website for the latest offers before booking your travel.

Veterans Advantage

For senior veterans, programs like Veterans Advantage can be invaluable. Some airlines, such as JetBlue, partner with this service to offer discounts to enrolled members. These discounts are not strictly age-based but are often a great resource for the senior veteran community.

Senior travel agencies and specialists

Some travel agencies specialize in booking trips for older adults. They are often aware of unadvertised senior discounts and can help navigate the complexities of booking. Their expertise can sometimes unearth deals that are not accessible to the general public.

When is a "senior discount" the best deal?

It is crucial to remember that a dedicated senior discount might not always be the best available fare. Airlines frequently run sales and special promotions that can sometimes be lower than the standard senior rate. It is always wise to compare prices before booking.

A comparison of discount booking methods

Here is a simple table to help compare different methods for finding the best senior flight deals.

Booking Method	Best For	Potential Drawbacks	Insider Tip
Direct Airline Website	Checking specific airline offers, especially with dedicated senior fields.	Discounts may not be available on all routes or dates; requires individual airline checks.	Always select the senior passenger option to see special pricing.
AARP Member Site	Accessing exclusive, negotiated deals with partner airlines like British Airways.	Requires an active AARP membership; deals are limited to partners.	Compare the AARP rate against the airline's standard sale fare.
Calling Airline Reservations	Uncovering unadvertised or limited-market senior discounts, especially with Delta.	Time-consuming; requires patience to speak with a representative.	Explicitly ask if any senior citizen discounts are available for your itinerary.
General Booking Websites	Fast comparison of all major public fares and sales.	Often does not include senior-specific discounts; might miss unadvertised deals.	Use this to establish a baseline price before checking specific senior options.

Conclusion: Persistence pays off

For older adults, saving money on travel is a key part of maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle in retirement. The process of getting senior citizen discount on flights is not as straightforward as it once was, requiring a bit more effort and informed searching. By checking with airlines directly, leveraging membership programs like AARP, and not being afraid to make a phone call, you can uncover valuable savings. The most important takeaway is to compare all your options—never assume the first price you see is the best one. With a little persistence, you can ensure your next flight is both comfortable and affordable.

For more information on senior savings, a great resource is the National Council on Aging website which provides an extensive list of discounts beyond just travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The age requirement for a senior flight discount most commonly begins at 65 years old. However, some airline partners with organizations like AARP may offer discounts to members aged 50 and over. Always check the specific airline's policy.

Are senior flight discounts available on international flights?

Yes, some airlines offer senior discounts on international routes, though availability can be limited. For example, British Airways has offered special rates for AARP members on transatlantic flights. It's best to check with the specific airline or an AARP partner site for details.

Will a senior discount save me more money than a regular promotional fare?

Not necessarily. A senior discount is a fixed rate, while promotional fares vary based on demand and timing. It's crucial to check both the senior fare and any advertised sale fares before booking to see which offers the best price for your specific flight.

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

Generally, no. Most senior flight discounts must be booked directly through the airline's website or by calling their customer service line. Third-party sites typically do not have access to these exclusive rates.

Do I need to show proof of age to get a senior flight discount?

Yes. While you may not be asked for it during the booking process, you should be prepared to show a valid government-issued ID proving your age at the airport check-in counter to verify your eligibility for the discount.

Are senior discounts always available on every airline?

No, not all airlines offer senior discounts. The availability of these discounts varies greatly between different airlines and can also be limited to specific routes or timeframes. It's important to research which airlines offer them before booking.

How can an AARP membership help with flight discounts?

An AARP membership provides access to exclusive partner deals that can include significant savings on certain flights. AARP members can log in to their account and search for travel discounts from airlines that have a partnership with the organization.