Direct AARP Airline Partnership: British Airways
As of 2025, British Airways is the only airline to offer a direct, publicly advertised discount program specifically for AARP members. This partnership provides significant savings on round-trip transatlantic flights to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
How the British Airways Discount Works
To take advantage of this offer, members must book their flights through a dedicated link on the British Airways website and enter their AARP membership information. The discounts apply to specific fare classes and are not available for basic economy tickets. The savings include:
- $65 off round-trip World Traveller (Economy) and World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) fares.
- $200 off round-trip Club World (Business Class) fares.
Booking Flights Through the AARP Travel Center
For all other airlines, the primary method for AARP members to find potential flight benefits is through the AARP Travel Center, which is powered by Expedia. This is not a direct partnership with individual airlines, but rather a booking portal where AARP members can access specific benefits when bundling flights with other travel elements.
Benefits of the AARP Travel Center
Booking a flight package (a flight bundled with a hotel or rental car) through this portal can provide significant value. Key benefits include:
- $50 Gift Card: Receive a $50 gift card of your choice when booking any flight package.
- Package Deals: Gain access to competitive pricing on vacation packages that include airfare, hotels, and car rentals.
This method allows members to find savings across a wide range of carriers, including those that do not have a direct partnership with AARP, such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and others.
Important Distinction: AARP vs. General Senior Fares
It is crucial to differentiate between AARP-specific benefits and general senior citizen discounts offered by airlines. While AARP members can be any age (typically 18 and older) and access the British Airways or Expedia deals, general senior fares are typically reserved for passengers aged 65 and older.
Airlines with Separate Senior Fares
- American Airlines: Offers senior fares for passengers 65+ on select flights, though these are not AARP-specific.
- Delta Airlines: Provides senior discounts in select markets for passengers 65+, but these are often unadvertised and require booking by phone.
- United Airlines: Offers senior fares for passengers 65+ on certain flights.
Which Airlines Do Not Have AARP Discounts?
Some airlines, like Southwest, do not offer any AARP-specific discounts or even general senior fares. In these cases, AARP members can still search for competitive rates via the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.
How to Maximize Your Airline Savings with AARP
To ensure you are getting the best deal on your flight, it is recommended to follow a few steps:
- Compare all options: Never assume the AARP discount is the best rate. Compare the AARP offer with the regular fare directly on the airline's website and on general travel booking sites.
- Check both booking methods: If flying British Airways, check the direct AARP link and the AARP Travel Center to see which provides more value for your trip.
- Look for packages: If you are also booking a hotel or rental car, using the AARP Travel Center's package deals can provide substantial value through the included gift card.
- Be flexible: Travel during off-peak seasons or on less popular days of the week to maximize your savings. AARP benefits can often be stacked with seasonal promotions.
Comparison: British Airways vs. AARP Travel Center
| Feature | British Airways (Direct) | AARP Travel Center (Expedia) |
|---|---|---|
| Discount Type | Specific dollar amount off transatlantic tickets | Up to $50 gift card on flight packages |
| Booking Method | Dedicated AARP link on British Airways website | AARP-branded Expedia website or phone |
| Eligible Airlines | Only British Airways | Various major airlines, depending on availability |
| Booking Requirements | Purchase round-trip transatlantic flights | Purchase a flight package (flight + hotel/car) |
| Membership Age | 18+ | 18+ |
| Destination Coverage | Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East | Worldwide destinations |
Conclusion
While a direct partnership with airlines is rare, AARP membership offers valuable travel benefits through British Airways and the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia. The key to unlocking these savings is knowing which channel to use for your specific travel plans. By comparing direct airline rates with AARP member offers, you can make the most of your membership and save on your next adventure. For a complete list of member benefits, visit the AARP Member Benefits page.
