Which airlines give AARP discounts? A complete guide to flight savings

With the average cost of a domestic flight sometimes exceeding $385, finding travel savings is more important than ever. This guide details how AARP members can access valuable flight benefits to reduce travel expenses.

Quick Summary

British Airways offers direct flight discounts for AARP members on transatlantic routes, while deals for other major airlines like American and United are found by booking flight packages through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.

Key Points

• British Airways Partnership: Offers direct flight discounts of up to $200 on transatlantic flights for AARP members.

• AARP Travel Center: Book flights on other airlines via this Expedia-powered portal and receive a $50 gift card on flight package purchases.

• Major US Airlines: American, Delta, and United do not have direct AARP flight discounts, but you can book them through the AARP Travel Center.

• No Southwest Discount: Southwest Airlines does not offer specific senior or AARP fares.

• Booking Process Varies: Book British Airways on their dedicated AARP page, but use the Travel Center for packages involving other airlines.

• Ages 18+ Can Join: Anyone 18 and older can join AARP and access these travel benefits, not just those over 50.

Exclusive AARP Flight Savings with British Airways

British Airways is the only airline with a direct partnership offering significant discounts to AARP members. These exclusive savings apply to round-trip transatlantic tickets booked online through a specific British Airways portal and include:

• $65 off World Traveler (Economy) and World Traveler Plus (Premium Economy) fares
• $200 off Club World (Business Class) fares

This benefit applies to over 130 international destinations and is available to any AARP member. Note that the discount is for online bookings via the dedicated portal and won't be applied through call centers or travel agents.

Using the AARP Travel Center for Other Airlines

For flights on most other carriers, AARP members can find value through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia. While this portal doesn't offer direct individual flight discounts on major U.S. airlines such as American, Delta, or United, it provides a $50 gift card when booking flight packages that combine airfare with a hotel or car rental. The Travel Center is also useful for comparing fares across numerous airlines.

Which Major Airlines Do Not Offer Direct AARP Discounts?

Many major domestic and international airlines do not offer direct AARP discounts for individual flight bookings. These include popular carriers like American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Southwest Airlines. For travel on these airlines, consider using the AARP Travel Center for package deals or look for their standard senior fares, which are generally for travelers 65 and older and not tied to AARP membership.

How to Book AARP Flight Discounts

The booking process for AARP discounts varies depending on whether you are flying with British Airways or using the AARP Travel Center.

For British Airways (Direct Discount):

1. Log in to your AARP account.
2. Find the British Airways offer page on the AARP member benefits section.
3. Use the provided link to access the special British Airways booking portal at ba.com/aarp.
4. Book your eligible round-trip transatlantic flight online, and the AARP discount will be automatically applied.

For Other Airlines (via AARP Travel Center):

1. Go to the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia and log in with your AARP membership number.
2. Search and book a flight package that includes both flights and a hotel or car rental.
3. After completing your booking, you will receive a $50 gift card as a member benefit.

Comparison of AARP Flight Savings Options

{Link: SeniorSite.org https://seniorsite.org/resource/aarp-flight-discounts-hidden-travel-savings-for-seniors} provides a comparison of AARP flight savings options, detailing features such as availability, discount type, booking method, and ideal use case for British Airways direct bookings versus the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.

Maximizing Your AARP Travel Savings

Beyond airline-specific deals, AARP offers other ways to save on travel. Consider these tips:

• Book Early: Discounted fares, particularly with British Airways, are often capacity-controlled and best secured by booking in advance.
• Stack Benefits: Combine AARP discounts with other loyalty programs where possible. Booking through the AARP Travel Center may allow you to earn points with hotel loyalty programs.
• Explore All Travel Perks: AARP provides discounts on rental cars (Avis, Budget), hotels (Wyndham, Best Western), and cruises. Utilize these for comprehensive trip savings.
• Compare Prices: Always check the AARP member price against standard public fares, as promotional rates might occasionally be lower depending on your travel dates.

Conclusion

While direct AARP discounts on flights are limited primarily to British Airways for transatlantic routes, members can find value through the AARP Travel Center by booking flight packages and receiving a $50 gift card. For travel on most major U.S. airlines like American, Delta, and United, the Travel Center is the main avenue for AARP benefits. Anyone aged 18 and over can join AARP and access these travel benefits. Utilizing these resources and comparing options helps members achieve significant travel savings. You can find more details on AARP travel benefits on the official website: {Link: AARP https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/travel/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AARP offer discounts on all airlines?

No, AARP does not offer discounts on all airlines. British Airways provides exclusive direct discounts, while for other airlines, you can access savings primarily through booking flight packages on the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.

How do I get the British Airways discount with AARP?

To get the British Airways discount, you must book online through the specific AARP member link on the British Airways website (ba.com/aarp). Discounts will be automatically applied to eligible round-trip transatlantic fares.

Can I get a discount on American Airlines or Delta with AARP?

While there is no direct AARP discount for individual flights on American or Delta, you can book flight packages (flight + hotel or car) through the AARP Travel Center to receive a $50 gift card.

Does Southwest Airlines give an AARP discount?

No, Southwest Airlines does not offer any specific AARP or senior fares. Travelers looking for deals on Southwest should focus on their regular promotional fares or Rapid Rewards points.

How does the AARP Travel Center gift card work?

When you book a package that includes a flight and either a hotel or car rental through the AARP Travel Center, you receive a $50 gift card.

Can I combine AARP discounts with other airline deals?

It depends on the specific offer. The British Airways AARP discount often cannot be combined with other deals. However, when using the AARP Travel Center, it's wise to compare the total member benefit against general public promotions to ensure you get the best price.

Do I have to be a senior to join AARP and get these benefits?

No, AARP membership is open to anyone 18 years or older. While the organization focuses on those over 50, anyone can join and access the travel benefits, including flight discounts.