Which Airline Gives Senior Discounts? A Guide to 2025 Fares

While senior airfare discounts were once common, many are now unpublicized and must be sought out directly from the airline. This guide explains which airline gives senior discounts in 2025, outlining the age requirements and specific booking methods to help you find hidden savings on your next trip.

Quick Summary

Several major airlines, including American, Delta, and United, offer senior fares, but booking methods and availability vary by carrier. Passengers typically must be 65+ to qualify for discounted rates, while some international airlines and membership programs offer benefits for younger seniors. Checking with airlines directly is crucial for uncovering these specialized savings.

Key Points

• Check Major US Airlines: United and American Airlines offer senior discounts (typically 65+) that can often be found through their website's advanced search options or by phone.

• Call Delta Directly: Delta Air Lines requires a phone call to their reservation line to check for and book senior fares, as these discounts are not available online.

• Leverage AARP Membership: Anyone can join AARP at age 18, unlocking substantial discounts (e.g., up to $200 off business class) on British Airways flights for US residents traveling overseas.

• Compare with Caution: Always compare the senior fare with the standard ticket price, as a non-restricted promotional fare can sometimes be cheaper than a senior-specific discount.

• Inquire About Budget Carriers: While Southwest no longer offers official senior fares, it's still worth calling to see if unadvertised discounts are available, and keep an eye out for temporary promotions on airlines like Frontier.

• Be Aware of International Rules: Programs for airlines like Air France and major Indian carriers have specific age requirements and may be restricted to domestic routes or require special pass purchases.

• Have Identification Ready: Most airlines require proof of age (e.g., a driver's license or passport) at check-in to confirm eligibility for senior discounts.

Major US airlines, such as American, Delta, and United, still provide reduced fares for senior travelers, though the availability is limited and requires a savvy approach to booking. In contrast, carriers like British Airways offer more transparent discounts through external partnerships, while budget airlines tend to favor general low fares over specific age-based ones. This guide breaks down the senior discount policies for a range of airlines, detailing how to find and book these elusive deals.

American Airlines Senior Discounts

American Airlines offers discounts for travelers aged 65 and older, though these are typically not advertised on the main booking page. These specialized fares are often for select international flights, particularly to Latin American destinations, rather than domestic routes.

• How to book: To check for a senior discount, you can use the 'Advanced search' option on the American Airlines website and select 'Senior (65+)' from the passenger drop-down menu. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, calling the reservations line is recommended.
• Eligibility: Passengers must be 65+ at the time of travel, and identification may be required.
• Limitations: Availability is limited and varies by route, fare class, and time of year.

United Airlines Senior Discounts

Like American, United Airlines provides discounted fares for passengers who are 65 and older on certain flights. The process for finding these fares is more straightforward than with some other carriers.

• How to book: When booking online at United.com, select 'Seniors (65+)' under the 'Travelers' drop-down menu. Any available discounts will automatically be shown in the search results. You can also call their reservations department to inquire about rates.
• Eligibility: Must be 65+ to qualify.
• Legacy program: United's former 'Silver Wings Plus' program is no longer accepting new members, but existing lifetime members can still access special fares.

Delta Air Lines Senior Discounts

Delta's senior discount program is particularly discreet, with discounted fares not available through their website or online booking process.

• How to book: To find out if a senior discount is available for your route, you must call Delta's reservation line. A phone agent can check for eligibility and book the flight for you.
• Eligibility: Passengers must be 65 or older.
• Availability: Discounts are available only on certain routes and in specific markets.

British Airways AARP Member Discounts

British Airways offers significant discounts to AARP members, regardless of their age, on transatlantic flights.

• How to book: You must book through the dedicated British Airways/AARP website link after logging into your AARP account.
• Discounts: Members can save $65 on economy and premium economy fares, or $200 on business class round-trip tickets.
• Eligibility: AARP membership is open to anyone over 18, so you do not have to be a senior to take advantage of this deal.

Budget Airlines and Southwest

Budget carriers often focus on general low-fare promotions rather than age-based discounts. Similarly, Southwest Airlines discontinued its official senior fares, though there is conflicting information online.

• Frontier Airlines: Previously offered a '55FOR55' promotion, giving 55% off for travelers 55 and older, but this was a limited-time offer. Look for similar promotions on their website.
• Southwest Airlines: According to their official policy, Southwest does not offer senior fares. However, sources suggest calling customer service to inquire about unadvertised options or comparing their already low fares with discounted senior rates on other carriers.

International Airlines with Senior Discounts

Several international carriers also offer senior discounts, particularly for domestic travel within their home countries.

• Air France: Offers a Senior Pass for travelers 65+, providing discounts on flights within France and to certain European destinations.
• Indian Carriers: Air India and IndiGo offer discounts for passengers 60+, primarily on domestic flights within India.

How to Find the Best Fare

Before booking, compare the senior discount rate with the standard fare. Sometimes, promotional fares available to all travelers can be lower than the restricted senior rate. Using online tools and being flexible with travel dates can help you secure the best deal. For travelers who are 65 and older, requesting special assistance, including early boarding or wheelchair service, is available on most airlines regardless of fare type.

Comparing Airline Senior Discounts

Airline	Age Requirement	Booking Method	Key Restrictions/Notes
American Airlines	65+	Online (Advanced Search) or Phone	Limited domestic/select international routes
United Airlines	65+	Online (Passenger Select) or Phone	Limited availability on select routes
Delta Air Lines	65+	Phone Call Only (1-800-221-1212)	Not available online; limited markets
British Airways	18+ (via AARP)	Online (AARP link only)	Must be AARP member; US-UK transatlantic only
Air France	65+ (Senior Pass)	Online (with pass number) or Phone	Annual fee for pass; specific European routes only
IndiGo (India)	60+	Online (select fare) or Phone	Domestic flights within India only

Conclusion

While senior discounts on airfare are not as universal or easily found as they once were, several major airlines still offer them. The key to accessing these savings is knowing which airlines participate and the correct method for booking, whether online or by calling a reservation agent. For those over 65, checking with United, American, and Delta is worthwhile, while AARP members of any age can benefit from the British Airways partnership. Always compare the final senior rate against other promotional fares to ensure you get the best possible price. By taking these steps, you can secure valuable discounts and enjoy a more affordable travel experience.

Sources

• CNN Underscored
• Money Talks News
• Seniorsite
• Cheap Flights
• Southwest Airlines Help Center
• United Airlines Website
• Delta Air Lines (via University of Utah)
• The Senior List
• AARP Benefits Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Which major US airline offers the most reliable senior discounts?

Among the major carriers, United Airlines is noted for making its senior discount search feature available directly on its website when booking, though availability is limited to specific routes. American Airlines also has an online search option, while Delta's discounts require a phone call.

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

For major US carriers like American, United, and Delta, the age requirement is typically 65 years and older. Some international airlines, like those in India, may offer discounts starting at age 60, and promotional offers can sometimes begin as early as 55.

Does Southwest Airlines offer senior discounts?

No, Southwest Airlines officially states on its website that it does not offer senior fares. They focus on generally low fares for all passengers. It's recommended to compare their prices against other airlines' senior discounts to find the best deal.

How do I book a senior flight discount if it's not visible online?

If a senior discount is not shown online, you will likely need to call the airline directly. For example, Delta's senior fares must be booked by calling their reservation line. You can also contact travel agencies, as they may have access to special fares.

Can I combine a senior discount with other offers, like promotional fares?

Generally, senior discounts cannot be combined with other promotional offers or sale fares. You should always compare the total cost of the senior fare versus a standard promotional fare to see which is cheaper for your specific trip.

Do AARP membership flight discounts apply only to seniors?

No, AARP membership is open to anyone aged 18 and older. The flight discounts offered through their travel partners, such as British Airways, are available to any AARP member who books through the specified channel, regardless of their age.

What proof of age do I need to show for a senior discount?

Airlines typically require a valid government-issued photo ID that shows your date of birth, such as a driver's license or passport. You may need to present this proof during the booking process or at the check-in counter.