Alaska Airlines Senior Fares and How They Work
Alaska Airlines offers reduced fares for passengers aged 65 and older, but the discount is not automatic — you must request it when you book or at the airport. The airline calls these senior fares, and they typically cost 10 percent less than the lowest published fare for that route on that date. The exact savings depend on the route, the day of travel, and seat availability, so a senior fare on one flight might save you $15 while another saves $80.
Senior fares are available on all Alaska Airlines flights, including flights to Hawaii and Mexico. You cannot combine a senior fare with other discounts, such as companion fares or promotional codes. If you hold a frequent flyer account with Alaska Airlines, you earn the same miles on a senior fare as you would on a regular fare.
Alaska Airlines does not publish senior fares on its website — you must call the airline directly or speak to an agent at the airport to see what senior fares are available for your dates. This is different from some other airlines that show senior fares online. Because you cannot see the price before you call, many travelers book a regular fare first, then call to ask if a senior fare would have been cheaper.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska Airlines senior fares are available for passengers 65 and older but must be requested by phone or at the airport, not booked online.
- Senior fares typically save 10 percent off the lowest available fare, though the actual dollar amount varies by route and travel date.
- You will need to provide your date of birth to prove you are 65 or older when you book or check in.
- Senior fares cannot be combined with other discounts, companion fares, or promotional codes.
- Calling Alaska Airlines directly is the only way to compare senior fares with regular fares before you commit to a booking.
How to Book a Senior Fare with Alaska Airlines
To book a senior fare, call Alaska Airlines at 1-800-252-7522 and tell the agent you are 65 or older and want to see senior fares for your travel dates. Have your departure city, destination, and preferred travel dates ready. The agent will show you what senior fares are available and quote the price. If you decide to book, the agent will take your payment information and send you a confirmation number by email.
You can also request a senior fare at the airport ticket counter when you check in, but this works only if you have not already booked a regular fare. If you have already purchased a ticket, you cannot change it to a senior fare at the airport — you would have to cancel and rebook, which may result in a change fee or loss of the original fare.
When you book, have your government-issued photo ID ready to show your date of birth. At check-in, the agent will ask to see this ID to confirm you are 65 or older. If you do not have an ID with your date of birth, you may be asked to provide other documents, such as a birth certificate or Medicare card.
What Documents You Need
You need only one document: a government-issued photo ID that shows your date of birth. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. You do not need to bring Medicare documentation, AARP membership, or any other proof of age — the photo ID is sufficient.
Bring your ID with you when you travel, even if you booked the senior fare by phone days or weeks earlier. The gate agent or ticket counter agent will ask to see it before you board or check in. If you cannot produce an ID with your date of birth, the airline may charge you the difference between the senior fare and the regular fare.
Senior Fares Compared to Other Alaska Airlines Discounts
| Discount Type | Who It Is For | How Much You Save | How to Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Fare | Age 65 and older | Typically 10% off lowest fare | Call 1-800-252-7522 |
| Military Discount | Active duty, reserve, retired military | Varies by route | Call 1-800-252-7522 or book online with military verification |
| Companion Fare | Frequent flyer members | Second ticket at reduced price | Book online through frequent flyer account |
| Promotional Fares | Anyone | Varies; advertised periodically | Book online or call |
Senior fares and military discounts cannot be combined. If you are both 65 or older and may be able to access for a military discount, call Alaska Airlines and ask which discount would save you more money on your specific route and date.
When Senior Fares May Not Save You Money
Senior fares are a percentage discount off the lowest available fare, so they save you the most when you are flying on a route with high regular fares. On a route where the lowest regular fare is already very cheap — such as a promotional sale fare — the senior discount may save you only a few dollars. On those routes, a promotional fare available to anyone might be cheaper than the senior fare.
This is why calling to compare is important. When you call Alaska Airlines, ask the agent to quote both the lowest regular fare and the senior fare for your dates. If the regular fare is part of a current promotion, the agent will tell you. You can then decide which is cheaper.
Senior fares are also not available on all flights on a given route. If a flight is nearly full, Alaska Airlines may not offer a senior fare on that flight. The agent will tell you which flights have senior fares available when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a frequent flyer member to book a senior fare?
No. Senior fares are available to all passengers 65 and older, whether or not you have an Alaska Airlines frequent flyer account. If you do have an account, you will earn miles on the senior fare at the same rate as a regular fare.
Can I book a senior fare online on the Alaska Airlines website?
No. Alaska Airlines does not show senior fares on its website. You must call 1-800-252-7522 to see what senior fares are available and to book. Some travelers book a regular fare online first, then call to ask if a senior fare would have been cheaper, but you cannot see senior fares before you call.
What if I booked a regular fare and later find out a senior fare was cheaper?
You can call Alaska Airlines and ask to change your booking to a senior fare if one is available for that flight. The airline will refund the difference if the senior fare is lower. You may be charged a change fee depending on the fare type you originally booked, so ask about that before you confirm the change.
Are senior fares available on flights to Hawaii and Mexico?
Yes. Senior fares are available on all Alaska Airlines routes, including flights to Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada. Call the main reservations number to book senior fares on any route.
Can I use a senior fare if I am traveling with a companion?
Yes, but your companion does not receive a discount unless they are also 65 or older and book their own senior fare. You cannot combine a senior fare with a companion fare or any other discount.