What AARP flight discounts are and how they work

AARP members receive discounts on flights through partnerships with major airlines, travel websites, and booking platforms. The discounts are typically 5 to 10 percent off base fares, though the exact amount varies by airline, route, and how far in advance you book. You access them by booking through AARP's travel partners rather than directly with the airline.

The discount is not automatic—you must enter an AARP discount code or book through a partner site that recognizes your membership. Some airlines require you to call a dedicated phone line to book at the discounted rate, while others let you enter the code online. The discount applies to the ticket price itself, not taxes and fees, so your total savings will be less than the percentage shown.

AARP's main travel partners include Expedia, Orbitz, and specific airline booking pages. The partnerships change periodically, so the airlines and sites offering discounts in any given month may differ from the previous month. You can see current offers on the AARP website under the Travel section.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP flight discounts typically range from 5 to 10 percent off the base fare, accessed through partner websites or dedicated airline phone lines.
  • You must actively use an AARP code or book through a partner site—the discount does not appear unless you take that step.
  • The discount applies to the ticket price only, not to taxes, fees, or baggage charges, so your actual savings will be smaller than the percentage suggests.
  • Available airlines and partner sites change regularly, so check the AARP Travel section before booking to see which carriers are currently offering discounts.
  • Comparing the AARP discounted price to prices on other booking sites is still worth doing, since sales and competitor offers sometimes beat the AARP rate.

Which airlines offer AARP discounts

Major carriers including American, Delta, Southwest, and United have offered AARP discounts at various times, but not all of them participate in every promotion. Some airlines offer discounts year-round through AARP's booking partners, while others run seasonal promotions. A few carriers limit AARP discounts to specific routes or booking windows.

The list of participating airlines is not fixed. An airline that offered a discount last month may not be offering one this month, or the discount amount may have changed. Before you book, visit the AARP Travel section to see which airlines are currently included and what the discount is for your specific route.

Regional and budget carriers sometimes offer AARP discounts as well, though they are less commonly promoted through AARP's main partners. If you fly a specific airline regularly, contact them directly to ask whether they have an AARP program, since some maintain their own discount codes that are not listed on the AARP website.

How to find and book AARP flight discounts

Start by going to the AARP website and navigating to the Travel section. There you will see current flight offers, the airlines participating, and the discount codes or partner links to use. Read the terms for each offer, since some have blackout dates, minimum stay requirements, or restrictions on which routes may have access to.

If you are booking through a partner site like Expedia or Orbitz, enter your AARP membership number when prompted during checkout. If you are booking directly with an airline, look for a field labeled "discount code" or "promotion code" and enter the code shown on the AARP website. Some airlines require you to call their AARP phone line instead of booking online; the AARP website will specify which method applies.

After you have the discounted price, compare it to what you would pay on other booking sites and directly with the airline. AARP discounts are often good, but they are not always the lowest price available. A sale, a competitor's promotion, or a different booking date might yield a better rate.

What the discounts typically cover and exclude

AARP flight discounts explore to the base airfare—the price of the ticket itself. They do not reduce taxes, airport fees, fuel surcharges, or government-mandated charges, which are added after the discount is calculated. They also do not cover baggage fees, seat selection fees, or other ancillary charges that airlines add separately.

Some AARP discounts come with restrictions. You may be required to book a certain number of days in advance, stay a minimum number of nights, or travel on specific days of the week. Round-trip bookings sometimes receive a larger discount than one-way tickets. Check the terms for each offer before you commit to a travel date.

Frequent flyer miles and elite status benefits are separate from AARP discounts. You can usually earn miles on a discounted AARP ticket the same way you would on a full-price ticket, but confirm this with the airline before booking if you are close to a status threshold or redemption goal.

Comparing AARP discounts to other ways to save on flights

AARP discounts are one tool among several for reducing airfare. Booking on Tuesday or Wednesday, flying on less popular routes, setting up price alerts, and booking further in advance often yield savings equal to or greater than a 5 to 10 percent AARP discount. Airline sales, which happen regularly, can cut fares by 20 percent or more on specific routes.

If you fly the same airline frequently, that airline's own senior discount program or frequent flyer benefits may save you more than AARP's negotiated rate. Some airlines offer senior fares (usually for passengers 65 and older) that are separate from AARP discounts and sometimes lower. Ask the airline directly whether a senior fare or frequent flyer promotion beats the AARP code for your specific trip.

Credit card rewards, if you have a travel card, can also compete with AARP discounts. A card that earns 2 to 5 percent back on airfare may save you more than a 5 percent AARP discount, especially if you are booking a high-priced ticket. The key is to check multiple sources before you book rather than assuming the AARP rate is automatically the best.

Common questions about using AARP flight discounts

AARP membership is required to use the discounts. You will need your membership number at checkout. If you are not yet a member, you can join through the AARP website; membership costs vary by membership type and length.

You do not need to be 50 or older to use AARP flight discounts if someone else in your household holds the membership. However, the person whose name is on the AARP account is the one who must be present for the booking or provide their membership number. Some airlines require the AARP member to be the person traveling, so check the terms for your specific airline.

AARP discounts are usually non-refundable or have strict change policies, just like discounted airline tickets in general. The discount itself does not change the airline's standard refund or change rules. Before you book, review the airline's policy on that specific ticket type to understand what happens if your plans change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 to use AARP flight discounts?

You must be an AARP member to use the discounts, and AARP membership requires being 50 or older. However, you do not need to be traveling yourself—a family member who is 50 or older can hold the membership and book the discount for someone younger. Some airlines require the AARP member to be the passenger, so check the specific airline's terms.

Can I combine an AARP discount with a frequent flyer promotion?

Usually no. Most airlines require you to choose one discount method or the other. You can earn frequent flyer miles on a discounted AARP ticket, but you cannot stack the AARP code with a frequent flyer sale code. If you are close to a status goal or redemption threshold, compare the value of each option before booking.

What if the AARP discount code does not work when I try to book?

The code may have expired, the airline may have ended the promotion, or you may have entered it incorrectly. Check the AARP website to confirm the code is still active and that you are booking with the correct airline. If the code is current but still does not work, contact the airline's customer service line or the AARP travel partner's support team.

Are AARP flight discounts worth it if I only fly once a year?

It depends on the fare. A 5 to 10 percent discount on a $300 ticket saves $15 to $30, which may or may not justify the effort of entering a code and checking the AARP site. If you are already an AARP member for other reasons, the discount takes only a few minutes to use. If you are considering joining AARP solely for flight discounts, compare the membership cost to the savings you expect on your annual trips.