What Airlines Accept AARP and How to Find Flight Discounts

Oct 18, 2025 3 min read •

travel Senior Discounts AARP

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average cost of domestic flights has been rising, making travel savings more important than ever. This guide addresses the common question: what airlines accept AARP membership for discounts, and reveals how you can find real savings on your next trip.

Quick Summary

British Airways is the only airline with a direct discount for AARP members, offering savings on round-trip transatlantic flights. For other airlines, members must use the AARP Travel Center to book packages for a $50 gift card and access general Expedia-powered deals.

Key Points

Direct Airline Partner: Only British Airways offers a direct, fixed-amount discount for AARP members on round-trip transatlantic flights, ranging from $65 to $200 depending on the class.
Use the AARP Travel Center for Other Airlines: For travel on other carriers like American or Delta, AARP members can book through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia to get a $50 gift card on qualifying flight packages.
Anyone Can Join AARP: AARP membership is available to anyone 18 or older, not just seniors, so these travel discounts are widely accessible.
Book Correctly to Get the Discount: You must book the British Airways discount directly via their AARP-specific online portal, while Travel Center benefits are accessed through the Expedia-powered website or phone line.
Maximize Savings with Packages: Booking your flight along with a hotel or car rental through the AARP Travel Center triggers the $50 gift card, adding more value to your trip.
Combine with Other Rewards: Enhance your savings by combining AARP deals with airline loyalty programs or travel credit card rewards.

British Airways: AARP's Exclusive Airline Partner

British Airways is the primary airline partner offering direct, fixed-dollar discounts for AARP members on round-trip transatlantic flights. These savings can be substantial, particularly on business class fares.

How to Secure Your British Airways Discount

To access this discount, bookings must be made online through a specific British Airways portal designated for AARP members. Discounts are not available for phone bookings or through travel agents. The process involves visiting the dedicated page, entering your flight details for a round-trip transatlantic journey, and observing the discounted fares during booking.

British Airways AARP Savings Details

Savings for AARP members on British Airways transatlantic flights vary by class:

Economy (World Traveller): $65 off round-trip.
Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus): $65 off round-trip.
Business Class (Club World): $200 off round-trip.

These discounts are applicable to over 130 international destinations.

The AARP Travel Center: Your Hub for Flight Deals

Beyond the direct British Airways discount, the AARP Travel Center, powered by Expedia, is a key resource for members seeking flight deals on numerous other airlines. This platform provides access to general flight pricing and member benefits, although not direct discounts on every carrier.

Accessing Deals Through the Travel Center

The main flight-related benefit through the AARP Travel Center is a $50 gift card when booking a vacation package that includes a flight and either a hotel stay or car rental. This allows members to book with various airlines available through Expedia, such as American, Delta, United, and JetBlue, and still receive an AARP benefit. To get the gift card, book a package through the AARP Travel Center website, and the gift card will typically arrive before your travel date.

Comparison: British Airways vs. AARP Travel Center

Deciding how to book depends on your travel needs. Here’s a comparison:


Feature	British Airways (Direct Discount)	AARP Travel Center (Powered by Expedia)
Discount Type	Fixed dollar amount ($65 or $200)	$50 gift card for flight packages
Eligibility	Round-trip transatlantic flights only	Any flight booked as part of a package
Booking Method	Online via specific AARP link	Online or by phone via AARP Travel Center
Airlines Covered	British Airways and certain codeshare partners	All airlines available through Expedia
Best For...	A transatlantic trip where you can utilize the specific discount amount	Any trip where you are bundling a flight with a car or hotel, offering greater flexibility

How to Maximize Your AARP Flight Savings

Savvy AARP members can use several strategies to enhance their travel savings.

Combine Benefits Wisely

Layering benefits is key. Combine AARP discounts with airline loyalty programs to earn points or use AARP-branded credit cards for travel purchase rewards.

Know Your Booking Channels

Ensure you book through the correct platform. The British Airways discount requires their specific AARP portal, while the AARP Travel Center's $50 gift card is for packages booked through their site. Understanding these rules is essential for receiving your benefits.

Consider Off-Peak Travel

Traveling during the off-season can lead to naturally lower fares. Combining these lower prices with your AARP benefits can result in even greater overall savings.

Stay Updated on Offers

Regularly check the AARP website for special promotions or member-only deals that can offer additional savings.

Conclusion: Making the Right Travel Choice for You

For AARP members, securing flight discounts involves understanding the specific channels. British Airways provides direct savings on transatlantic flights, ideal for international travel. For broader options and flexibility, the AARP Travel Center, powered by Expedia, offers a $50 gift card when booking flight packages. By using these resources effectively and applying smart travel strategies, AARP members can significantly reduce their travel expenses.

For more information on AARP travel benefits, including details on flight, hotel, and car rental discounts, please visit the AARP Member Benefits: Travel page.

Frequently Asked Questions

British Airways is the only airline that has a direct, fixed-dollar-amount discount for AARP members on round-trip transatlantic tickets. For other airlines, your savings come from booking packages through the AARP Travel Center, not from the airline itself.

No, you do not have to be a senior. AARP membership is open to anyone aged 18 or older. Any AARP member can access the organization's travel discounts and benefits, regardless of their age.

To receive the British Airways discount, you must book your flights online through their dedicated AARP member portal. The savings are not available for reservations made by phone or through a travel agent.

No, AARP does not have a direct partnership for a fixed discount with airlines like American or Delta. However, you can book through the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia to access competitive fares and get a $50 gift card when purchasing a flight package.

A flight package is a booking that includes a flight plus a hotel stay or a car rental made simultaneously through the AARP Travel Center. This combination is what qualifies you for the $50 gift card benefit.

No, according to AARP, the discounts with British Airways do not apply to basic economy (lowest cost) fares. It is always important to read the terms and conditions when booking to ensure your specific fare is eligible.

To find the best deals, book a flight package to receive the $50 gift card, set price alerts, and consider traveling during off-peak seasons. You should also check the site for limited-time promotions and compare prices against booking each component separately.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.