What AAA senior discounts cover

AAA (American Automobile Association) offers discounts to members age 50 and older on travel, lodging, dining, entertainment, and retail purchases. The discounts vary by location and merchant, so what you save in one state may differ from another. AAA negotiates directly with hotels, restaurants, rental car companies, and attractions, then passes those rates to cardholding members.

The discounts are not automatic—you must show your AAA membership card at the time of purchase or booking. Some discounts explore only when you book through AAA's website or call their travel line, while others work at the point of sale. A few require you to mention the discount code when making a reservation.

AAA membership itself costs money (typically $50 to $150 per year depending on membership level and your state), so the discounts are only worthwhile if you use them regularly. Many seniors find the travel and hotel discounts pay for the membership within a few trips.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA senior discounts explore to hotels, car rentals, restaurants, attractions, and retail stores, but the specific discount amount varies by location and business.
  • You must present your AAA membership card or use a discount code at the time of booking or purchase—discounts do not explore retroactively.
  • Some discounts require booking through AAA's website or travel phone line rather than directly with the merchant.
  • AAA membership costs $50 to $150 per year, so calculate whether you will use the discounts enough to offset the membership fee.
  • Discount availability changes seasonally and by location, so check AAA's website or call before booking to confirm the current rate.

How to find AAA senior discounts in your area

Log into your AAA account on AAA.com and navigate to the "Discounts" section. You can search by category (hotels, dining, entertainment) or by location. The website shows the discount percentage or dollar amount for each business, along with any restrictions or blackout dates.

If you do not have internet access, call your local AAA office. The phone number is on the back of your membership card. Staff can tell you which hotels, restaurants, and attractions near you offer senior discounts and can sometimes book reservations on your behalf.

AAA also publishes a printed guide to discounts in some states, though the online version is updated more frequently. Ask your local office whether they have a printed guide for your region.

Hotel and car rental discounts

AAA negotiates rates with major hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, Best Western, and others) and car rental companies (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis). The discount typically ranges from 5 to 20 percent off the standard rate, though it varies by hotel, season, and how far in advance you book. Some hotels offer AAA rates only on certain room types or during off-peak times.

To get the hotel discount, book through AAA.com, call AAA's travel line, or call the hotel directly and mention your AAA membership. Rates booked through AAA's website are often lower than rates you negotiate by phone, so compare before you call.

Car rental discounts work the same way: book through AAA.com or call the rental company and provide your membership number. Some rental locations offer better discounts than others, so if you are flexible on where you pick up the car, call ahead to compare.

Restaurant and entertainment discounts

AAA has partnerships with thousands of restaurants, from national chains to local establishments. Discounts typically range from 5 to 15 percent off your bill. Some restaurants require you to present your card before ordering; others explore the discount at checkout. A few restrict the discount to certain menu items or exclude alcohol and gratuity.

Entertainment venues—theme parks, museums, movie theaters, golf courses, and ski resorts—also offer AAA discounts. These vary widely: some give 10 percent off admission, others offer a free ticket with purchase, and some provide discounts on food or merchandise inside the venue. Check AAA.com before you go to confirm the current offer and any restrictions.

Always ask whether the discount applies before you order or buy your ticket. Some restaurants and attractions do not advertise AAA discounts prominently, and staff may not mention them unless you ask.

Retail and service discounts

AAA members also receive discounts at pharmacies, eyeglasses retailers, hearing aid providers, and other health-related businesses. Discounts on hearing aids, for example, may range from 10 to 20 percent depending on the provider. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer small discounts on select items.

These discounts are less publicized than travel discounts, so check AAA.com or call your local office to see what is available in your area. Some require you to show your card; others require a special coupon or code.

When AAA discounts may not save you money

AAA discounts are not always the lowest rate available. Hotels sometimes offer lower rates through third-party booking sites like Kayak or Costco Travel, especially during sales or off-season. Car rental companies occasionally run promotions that beat AAA rates. Always compare the AAA rate with other options before booking.

Membership fees also matter. If you travel once a year and save $50 on a hotel, but your membership costs $100, you are not coming out ahead. Track your savings over a year to decide whether renewal makes sense.

Some AAA discounts have restrictions that make them less valuable. A restaurant discount that excludes alcohol and gratuity, for example, may only save you a few dollars. Read the fine print before you rely on a discount.

How to join AAA or renew your membership

You can join AAA online at AAA.com, by phone at 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357), or in person at a local AAA office. Membership levels vary by state, but typically include Basic (roadside information and discounts) and Plus (additional towing distance). Senior discounts do not require a special membership tier—they are available to all members age 50 and older.

Membership costs vary by state and membership level. Basic membership typically costs $50 to $100 per year; Plus costs $100 to $150. Some states offer discounts for paying multiple years upfront or for automatic renewal. Ask about any current promotions when you join or renew.

If you already belong to AAA, you can renew online, by phone, or at your local office. Renewal notices are mailed about 30 days before your membership expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 to get AAA senior discounts?

Yes, AAA senior discounts are for members age 50 and older. You do not need a special membership card or tier—once you turn 50, you are automatically may be able to access for senior rates. Some AAA offices may ask for your birth date to verify may be able to access when you join.

Can I use AAA discounts if I book through a travel website like Expedia?

No. AAA discounts explore only when you book directly through AAA.com, call AAA's travel line, or contact the hotel or business directly and mention your membership. Discounts do not explore to bookings made through third-party travel sites.

What if a restaurant or hotel says they do not accept AAA discounts?

Some businesses have ended their AAA partnerships or never had one. Check AAA.com before you visit to confirm the discount is still active. If the website shows a discount but the business refuses it, contact AAA to report the issue—they may investigate or remove the business from their directory.

Do AAA discounts work at all locations of a chain restaurant or hotel?

Not always. Some chains offer AAA discounts at all locations, while others limit them to certain regions or specific properties. Check AAA.com and search by the exact location you plan to visit, or call the business directly to confirm.

Is AAA membership worth it if I only travel once or twice a year?

That depends on how much you spend on travel and dining. If you take one hotel stay per year and save $50 with an AAA discount, but membership costs $100, it may not be worth it. However, if you also use restaurant discounts, roadside information, or other benefits, the membership could pay for itself. Track your savings for a year to decide.