8 Best Flight Discounts for Seniors
Traveling doesn't have to break the bank, especially for senior travelers who can take advantage of exclusive flight discounts. Let's explore some of the best options available to make your next trip more affordable.
AARP Travel Discounts
AARP members can access a variety of travel-related discounts and resources, including savings on hotels, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages, and select travel services. While AARP can be a useful way for older travelers to reduce trip costs, airline discounts are not always guaranteed and may vary by booking platform, route, promotion, or travel partner.
Before booking a flight, AARP members should compare prices through the AARP Travel Center, airline websites, and major travel booking platforms. In many cases, a promotional fare, flexible-date search, or bundled hotel-and-flight package may provide more savings than a traditional senior airfare.
United Airlines Senior Fares
United Airlines may offer senior fares for travelers aged 65 and older on select routes. These fares are not necessarily available for every destination or flight, so travelers should check directly with United when booking.
When searching for flights, passengers may be able to select a senior traveler option where available, or they can contact United customer service to ask whether senior fares apply to their itinerary. Because availability can be limited, it is still a good idea to compare senior fares with standard economy, basic economy, and promotional fares.
Delta Airlines Senior Discounts
Delta Airlines does not consistently advertise a broad senior discount program with a clearly published age requirement across all routes. However, limited senior fares or special pricing may be available in certain markets from time to time.
Seniors interested in flying with Delta should contact Delta directly to ask whether any age-based, promotional, or route-specific discounts are currently available. Since these fares may not appear online, calling the airline can help travelers confirm current options before booking.
American Airlines Senior Discounts
American Airlines may offer limited senior fares for travelers aged 65 and older on select routes, but these discounts are not available on every flight. Availability can vary depending on the destination, fare class, and booking conditions.
Travelers should contact American Airlines directly or check during the booking process to see whether a senior fare is available. It is also wise to compare the senior fare with regular promotional fares, as the lowest public fare may sometimes be cheaper than an age-based discount.
Southwest Airlines Senior Fares
Southwest Airlines previously offered senior fares for travelers aged 65 and older, but that program has been discontinued. As a result, seniors should not expect to find a dedicated senior fare option when booking Southwest flights.
Even without a senior-specific fare, Southwest may still be attractive to older travelers because of its flexible policies, frequent sales, and included checked bags. Seniors looking to save should monitor Southwest’s fare sales, compare flexible travel dates, and book early when possible.
JetBlue Senior Discounts
JetBlue does not currently advertise a standard senior discount program with a fixed age requirement. While the airline may offer promotional fares or limited-time deals, these are generally available to the public rather than being specifically reserved for seniors.
Older travelers interested in JetBlue should check the airline’s deals page, sign up for fare alerts, and compare prices across different travel dates. Contacting JetBlue customer service can also help confirm whether any current promotions or special offers apply.
Alaska Airlines Senior Discounts
Alaska Airlines does not appear to publish a general senior discount program with a standard eligibility age. While travelers may occasionally find promotional fares or partner offers, these should not be assumed to be senior-specific.
Seniors flying with Alaska Airlines should compare fares directly on the airline’s website and look for seasonal sales, mileage plan offers, or route-specific promotions. Calling the airline may also help clarify whether any special discounts are available for a particular itinerary.
Hawaiian Airlines Senior Discounts
Hawaiian Airlines does not broadly advertise a standard senior discount for all older travelers on flights to and from Hawaii. Some offers may be limited by route, residency, promotion, or other eligibility requirements, so travelers should verify details before booking.
Seniors planning a trip to Hawaii should check Hawaiian Airlines directly for current promotions and compare fares across multiple dates. Those who live in Hawaii or travel frequently between the islands may also want to ask about any local, resident, or special fare programs that may apply.
How Seniors Can Find the Best Flight Deals
Because many airline senior discounts are limited, discontinued, or not widely advertised, older travelers should compare multiple savings options before booking. Checking airline websites, calling reservations departments, using AARP travel resources, signing up for fare alerts, and being flexible with travel dates can all help reduce airfare costs.
In many cases, the best deal may come from a general sale fare rather than a senior-specific discount. Travelers should always confirm current eligibility rules, age requirements, baggage fees, and cancellation policies before purchasing a ticket.