What airlines offer senior discounts and how much you save
Most major U.S. airlines do not publish a single senior discount fare. Instead, they offer reduced prices through specific programs or booking methods that happen to benefit older travelers. The savings range from 5 percent to 10 percent off the base fare, though the actual price you pay depends on the route, how far ahead you book, and the airline's current pricing.
Southwest Airlines, Delta, United, and American Airlines all have senior fares, but you will not find them on the main website. You must call the airline's phone line directly — usually a dedicated senior reservations number — to see what fares are available for your specific dates. Some airlines also offer senior discounts through AARP membership, which you can sometimes book online.
Regional and budget carriers vary widely. Some offer senior discounts; others do not. JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Spirit have offered senior fares in the past, but programs change. The best approach is to call the airline you want to fly and ask whether they have a senior fare for your route before you search online.
Key Takeaways
- Senior airfare discounts are usually 5 to 10 percent off the base fare and are not shown on airline websites — you must call the airline's reservations line to book them.
- Most major airlines require you to be at least 65 years old and to call a dedicated phone number rather than book online.
- AARP membership can unlock senior fares on some airlines and may be cheaper than the airline's direct senior discount, depending on your route.
- The discount applies only to the base fare, not taxes and fees, so your total savings will be smaller than the percentage discount suggests.
- Booking far in advance does not may provide a lower senior fare — call a few days before travel to see current pricing.
How to book a senior airfare by phone
Each airline has its own phone number for senior reservations. You will need your date of birth to prove you meet the age requirement, usually 65 or older. Have your travel dates, preferred airports, and flexibility ready before you call — the agent will search for available fares and read them to you.
Call during business hours, as some senior lines have limited availability early morning or late evening. Wait times can be long, especially during peak travel seasons. Once you find a fare you want, the agent will book it over the phone and take payment by credit card or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.
Ask the agent whether the fare is refundable or non-refundable, and what the change policy is. Senior fares often come with the same restrictions as other discounted tickets — you may not be able to change your flight without a fee, or you may lose the ticket entirely if you cancel.
Senior discounts through AARP membership
AARP members aged 50 and older can sometimes book senior fares directly through the AARP website or by calling AARP's travel partner line. The discount is often the same percentage as the airline's direct senior fare, but occasionally AARP negotiates a slightly better rate for specific routes or travel dates.
AARP membership costs money — currently around $16 per year for the first year — so compare the AARP fare against the airline's direct senior fare before you join. If you are already an AARP member for other reasons, check whether your membership includes travel discounts before paying separately.
AARP also partners with travel agencies and booking sites that may show senior fares online. These are not always cheaper than calling the airline directly, but they save you the phone call if you prefer to book on your own.
When senior fares are cheaper than other discounts
Senior fares are not always the lowest price available. On the same route, a sale fare, a basic economy ticket, or a mistake fare found through a flight search engine might be cheaper than the senior discount. The only way to know is to compare: call the airline's senior line, note the price, then search online for the same dates and see what you find.
Senior fares work best on routes that do not have frequent sales — regional flights, off-season travel, and routes with less competition. On popular routes like New York to Florida in winter, you may find cheaper fares by booking a sale or by being flexible with your dates.
If you are willing to drive to a nearby airport or fly on less popular days, you may save more money than the senior discount offers. The senior fare is most valuable when it is the only discount available for the route and dates you need.
What documents you need to book and board
To book a senior fare by phone, you need to state your date of birth. The agent will not ask for proof at that moment. However, when you arrive at the airport to check in, you must show a government-issued photo ID that displays your date of birth — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The airline will verify your age before you board.
If your ID does not show your date of birth, or if the name on your ID does not match your booking, you may not be allowed to use the senior fare. The airline may rebook you on a regular fare at the full price, or they may refuse to let you board. Check your ID before you call to book.
Keep your confirmation number and any email confirmation the airline sends. Bring these to the airport along with your ID and boarding pass.
Senior fares on connecting flights and round trips
Senior fares explore to the entire ticket, whether you are flying direct or connecting. If you book a round trip, both the outbound and return flights receive the senior discount. If you book one-way flights separately, each one must be booked as a senior fare to receive the discount on both legs.
Some airlines allow you to book a round trip in one phone call; others require you to book each direction separately. Ask the agent whether they can book both legs at once and whether the price is the same if you book them separately on different days.
If you are flying multiple segments — for example, flying to a connecting city and then to your final destination — ask whether the senior discount applies to all segments or only the main flight. Pricing varies by airline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be 65 to get a senior airfare discount?
Most airlines set the age at 65, but some start at 62 or 60. Call the airline you want to fly and ask what their minimum age is. If you are close to the cutoff, it is worth asking even if you are not quite there yet — policies occasionally have exceptions.
Can I book a senior fare online, or do I have to call?
Most airlines require a phone call to the senior reservations line. Some airlines and AARP partnerships allow online booking, but you will not see the senior fare option on the main website. Check the airline's website for a senior fares link, or call to ask whether online booking is available for your route.
What if the senior fare is more expensive than a sale fare I found online?
Book the cheaper fare. Senior discounts are not always the lowest price. Compare the senior fare price to what you find through a general flight search, and choose whichever is less. There is no rule that you must use the senior discount if another option is cheaper.
Can I use a senior fare if I am traveling with a younger companion?
Yes. Your companion books a regular fare, and you book a senior fare. You will be on the same flight but may have different ticket types and restrictions. Ask the agent whether you can sit together and whether your companion's ticket has the same change and refund policies as yours.
Do taxes and fees get discounted along with the base fare?
No. The senior discount applies only to the base airfare. Taxes, airport fees, and fuel surcharges are the same whether you book a senior fare or a regular fare. This means your total savings will be smaller than the percentage discount suggests.