Do senior citizens get a discount on international flights?

While senior airfare deals were once commonplace, many major airlines no longer advertise universal senior citizen discounts, especially for international travel. However, discounts do still exist on specific routes and through special programs, which can significantly reduce travel costs for savvy senior travelers.

Quick Summary

Some airlines offer discounts for seniors on select international routes, though availability is inconsistent and not always advertised upfront. Often, the best savings are found through special programs like AARP or by searching specifically for senior fares on an airline's website or over the phone. Comparing prices is key, as a standard promotional fare might be cheaper than a senior-specific one.

Key Points

• No Universal Discount: There is no universal senior discount for international flights; availability is specific to certain airlines and routes.

• AARP is Key: AARP membership, open to adults 18 and older, can provide significant international flight discounts, especially with partners like British Airways.

• Booking Varies: The method for finding a senior discount differs by airline; some require you to call, while others have a specific option on their website.

• Always Compare: Standard promotional fares can sometimes be cheaper than a senior discount, so it is essential to compare both options before booking.

• Targeted Routes: Major US carriers like American and United often offer senior discounts only on specific international routes, particularly to destinations in Latin America.

• Hidden Deals: Many senior discounts are not advertised openly on airline websites and require specific search actions or phone inquiries to uncover.

Navigating Senior Discounts for International Airfare

Finding discounts for seniors on international flights is not as simple as it once was. Many airlines have shifted away from standard, widely-advertised senior discounts toward more targeted promotions. However, with the right strategy, senior travelers can still find significant savings on their international trips. The key is to know where to look and how to book.

Where to Find Senior International Flight Discounts

Senior discounts for international flights are rarely a one-size-fits-all offering. Instead, they are often hidden within specific booking channels or tied to membership programs. This means the diligent traveler can often find deals that others miss.

Airlines with Age-Based Discounts Several major airlines offer discounts on specific routes for travelers aged 65 and older. These are not typically applied automatically, and you must specifically select the 'Senior' option during the booking process or call the airline directly to inquire.

• American Airlines: Offers discounts for passengers 65 and older on select international routes, especially to Latin American destinations. To access, use the 'Advanced/Multi-city search' feature and select 'Senior (65+)'.
• United Airlines: Similar to American Airlines, United provides discounts on certain routes for passengers 65+. You can search for these by selecting 'Senior 65+' under the traveler options on their website or by calling their reservations line.
• Air France: For travelers 65+, the Air France Senior Pass provides discounts on flights within France and to select European and international destinations for an annual fee.

Membership Programs with Partner Deals One of the most reliable ways to secure a senior discount for international travel is through a membership organization like AARP. These partnerships offer exclusive rates that can apply to a wide range of flights.

• AARP and British Airways: AARP members can save significantly on British Airways' transatlantic round-trip flights originating in the US. The discount varies by cabin class, offering up to $200 off business class fares. Membership is open to anyone over 18, so you don't have to be a senior to benefit.
• AARP Travel Center: Provided by Expedia, the AARP Travel Center can offer additional perks like gift cards when booking flight packages.

How to Maximize Your Savings

Just finding a senior fare isn't always the end of the journey. In today's dynamic airfare market, standard promotional fares can sometimes beat a senior-specific rate. Therefore, it is crucial to compare your options to ensure you are truly getting the best deal.

• Compare All Fares: Always check the senior fare against the standard economy or promotional fares for the same route and dates. Use the airline's website to do this. For example, on United.com, you can search for a flight with and without the 'Senior 65+' option to see which offers the better price.
• Be Flexible: Travel dates and seasonality significantly impact flight costs. Being flexible and traveling during off-peak times (e.g., weekdays instead of weekends, shoulder seasons) can unlock better pricing, sometimes making the senior discount unnecessary.
• Check Different Booking Methods: Some airlines, like Delta, may not display senior fares online and require you to call their reservation line to check for availability. A quick phone call could reveal a hidden deal.

A Comparison of Senior Discount Availability

This table highlights the differences in senior discount offerings from major airlines for international travel, emphasizing that eligibility and methods vary.

Airline	Age Requirement	Discount Availability (International)	How to Book
American Airlines	65+	Yes, on select routes (often Latin America).	Use 'Advanced Search' online or call reservations.
British Airways	AARP member (18+)	Yes, on transatlantic flights from US for AARP members.	Book via dedicated AARP link on British Airways website.
Delta Air Lines	65+	Yes, in specific markets, not available online.	Call reservations to inquire.
United Airlines	65+	Yes, on select routes.	Select 'Senior 65+' online or call reservations.
Air France	65+ (with Senior Pass)	Yes, to select European and international destinations.	Book with Senior Pass number online or by phone.

Conclusion

While a universal senior discount on all international flights is largely a thing of the past, senior citizens can still find valuable savings by doing their homework. By leveraging membership programs like AARP and knowing how to search on specific airline websites or by phone, you can significantly reduce your international airfare. The most important tip is to always compare your potential senior discount with the best available public fares, as flexibility and special promotions can sometimes offer even deeper savings. With a little effort, exploring the world on a budget is very much within reach.

Learn more about general air travel rights and regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all airlines offer international flight discounts for seniors?

No, not all airlines offer international senior discounts, and the ones that do have varying age requirements and only apply them to specific routes or fare classes. Many have moved away from standard, widely advertised senior fares.

What is the typical age to qualify for a senior flight discount?

The age requirement varies by airline. For major U.S. carriers like American and United, it is typically 65 or older. Some international airlines and programs, like Frontier's promotions or AARP-affiliated deals, offer discounts to travelers as young as 55 or even 18 (for AARP membership).

How do I find a senior discount on a specific airline's website?

The process is different for each airline. For American or United, you often have to use an 'Advanced Search' and select 'Senior (65+)' from a drop-down menu. For others, like Delta, you may need to call the reservation line, as the fares are not shown online.

Can I combine a senior discount with other airline promotions?

Generally, no. Senior discounts cannot be combined with other promotional offers or sale fares. It is important to compare the senior fare with the standard promotional fare to ensure you are getting the better deal.

Are senior discounts available for both economy and business class international flights?

This depends on the airline and the specific discount. For example, the AARP discount with British Airways applies to economy, premium economy, and business class tickets. Other carriers may limit the discount to economy fares.

Is an AARP membership required for international senior flight discounts?

No, an AARP membership is not universally required, but it is one of the most reliable ways to access international flight discounts through partnerships like the one with British Airways. Since membership is open to anyone 18+, it is a popular option for accessing these deals.

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

Yes, airlines will require valid government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, to verify your age during booking or at check-in. Failure to provide proof may result in having to pay the full standard fare.