Tips for Senior Air Travel Discounts

Read more about how to Get Senior Discounts on Airlines

While senior airfare discounts are not as common as they used to be, some airlines still offer passengers of a certain age travel deals. Some airlines offer senior discount booklets that are sold comprising one-way tickets, while others offer a fixed percentage off the fare.

Here’s what airlines currently offer elderly passengers as incentives to fly:

American Airlines: Senior citizen fares are offered in some American, American Eagle and American Connection domestic markets for seniors ages 65 or older. Travelers should call American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300.

Delta: While offering senior discounts on certain itineraries, they aren’t available online, so travelers should call 1-800-221-1212 to check eligibility.

Delta Shuttle: Senior fares are offered for travelers ages 62 and above. Delta Shuttle operates 16 daily flights between New York and Boston, and 15 daily flights between New York and Washington, D.C., Monday through Friday. Call reservations at 800-221-1212 and tell the agent that you are interested in the senior fares or check with an agent at any Delta ticket office.

Southwest Airlines: Discount fares are available to those 65 years or older. For details on fares and limitations, call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). As an additional benefit, senior fares are also fully refundable on Southwest.

Air France: Senior fares are reserved for passengers 60 years of age or older within metropolitan France. Proof of age must be shown, and the tickets are neither changeable nor refundable. They can be reached at 1-800-237-2747.

United Airlines: United offers senior citizen discounts in certain markets. Contact United’s reservations department at 1-800-241-6522 to find out if a senior discount is applicable for a particular flight.

Some airlines don’t offer discounts on flights but have partnership agreements offering senior discounts on hotels, rental cars, and attractions and events. Organizations like AARP have an active discount travel program that covers car rentals, hotels, tours, and cruises, so check them out before booking.

Many of the airlines’ regular discount fares are cheaper than senior fares. If you’re not able to find a senior discount, there are still ways to find low-cost airfares:

• Sign up for airline and travel newsletters and deal notification alerts.
• Be flexible with your dates. The savings can often be significant if you’re willing to depart on a Tuesday morning rather than a Friday evening.
• Be aware of fees. Airlines nowadays are charging fees for everything, so think ahead by packing only a carry-on, dodging change fees and bringing your own snacks on board.

One last thing to remember: While senior fares may sometimes cost more than the airline’s online-only specials, the cost is rarely more than a few dollars and there are advantages. Senior fares may not be as restrictive as other fares, can be used for last-minute travel deals and are refundable if you have to cancel your flight. If you are flexible about when you fly or you have missed out on the internet special fares, senior fares may be your best option.