What airline discounts are actually available to seniors

Most major U.S. airlines do not offer a blanket senior discount on ticket prices the way they once did. Instead, airlines compete on fares through sales, advance booking, and loyalty programs — and seniors can access these the same way anyone else can. However, some airlines have kept modest perks for passengers 65 and older, and a few regional carriers still offer price reductions. The real savings for seniors usually come from booking strategies, membership programs, and knowing which airlines have kept senior-friendly policies.

The landscape changed over the past 15 years as airlines moved to dynamic pricing, where fares shift based on demand rather than passenger age. This means a 68-year-old and a 28-year-old sitting next to each other often paid the same price. What remains are specific perks — free checked bags, priority boarding, or seat selection — rather than across-the-board discounts on fares themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major airlines no longer offer senior discounts on base fares, but some still provide perks like free checked bags or priority boarding for passengers 65 and older.
  • Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and some regional carriers still offer modest senior fares on select routes, though availability varies by flight and booking date.
  • AARP membership can unlock discounts on flights booked through certain travel partners, typically saving 5 to 10 percent on published fares.
  • Booking in advance, flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and using airline loyalty programs often produce bigger savings than any age-based discount.
  • Amtrak and Greyhound offer senior discounts that may be cheaper than flying for some regional trips.

Which airlines still offer senior perks and fares

Southwest Airlines is the most senior-friendly major carrier. Passengers 65 and older can book a "Senior Fare" on most routes, which typically costs 10 to 20 percent less than the lowest published fare on that day. You must call Southwest directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to book a senior fare — you cannot book online. You will need to verify your age at check-in with a photo ID. Senior fares are not refundable, but you can change them to another Southwest flight without a fee.

Alaska Airlines offers a "Senior Fare" for passengers 65 and older on select routes, though the discount is smaller than Southwest's and availability is limited. You book through Alaska's website or by phone. Frontier Airlines occasionally advertises senior fares, but these are not consistent and depend on the route and season.

Many regional and international carriers — including Air Canada, British Airways, and Lufthansa — still offer senior discounts for passengers 60, 62, or 65 and older, especially on transatlantic or long-haul flights. If you are flying to Canada, Europe, or beyond, ask the airline directly whether a senior fare exists for your route.

United, American, Delta, and JetBlue do not offer senior discounts on fares, but they do offer perks: priority boarding, free checked bags, or seat selection for passengers in their loyalty programs. These perks are not age-specific — they come with elite status or paid memberships like United's Premier Access or American's AAdvantage Elite.

How AARP membership can lower your airfare

AARP membership (which costs $16 per year for those 50 and older) includes access to discounted airfares through travel partners. The most useful is AARP's partnership with Expedia, where members typically receive 5 to 10 percent off published fares on most airlines. You book through the AARP Travel Center on AARP's website, not directly with the airline.

The discount applies to the base fare, not taxes and fees, so the actual dollar savings depend on the ticket price. On a $300 flight, a 10 percent discount saves $30. On a $150 flight, it saves $15. AARP also negotiates discounts on hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages, which can add up if you are booking a full trip.

AARP discounts are not always the lowest available fare — you should still compare prices on Google Flights, Kayak, or directly with the airline before booking. However, if you find a fare you like and you are an AARP member, checking the AARP Travel Center first takes 30 seconds and may save money with no extra effort.

Booking strategies that often beat age-based discounts

The biggest savings on airfare come from when and how you book, not from your age. Booking 3 to 6 weeks in advance typically yields lower fares than booking last-minute, regardless of age. Flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday is usually cheaper than flying on Friday or Sunday. Early morning or late evening flights cost less than midday flights.

Signing up for an airline's loyalty program is free and can save more than any senior discount. You earn miles on every flight, and those miles can be redeemed for free tickets. If you fly even twice a year, a loyalty account pays for itself. Many airlines also send email alerts to members when fares drop on routes you have searched.

Using a flight search engine like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner lets you see fares across multiple airlines at once and set price alerts. These tools show you the cheapest days to fly and the cheapest times to book. Combining these strategies — booking in advance, flying on a cheaper day, and using a loyalty program — often saves 30 to 50 percent compared to booking a last-minute flight at full price, which is more than most senior discounts offer.

Senior discounts on train and bus travel as alternatives

For trips under 500 miles, train or bus travel may be cheaper and less stressful than flying. Amtrak offers a 15 percent discount on most routes for passengers 62 and older. You book through Amtrak's website or by phone and show a photo ID at the station. The discount applies to the base fare and can be combined with other promotions, so it stacks with sales.

Greyhound offers a 5 percent discount for passengers 62 and older on most routes. The discount is small, but Greyhound fares are already low — a cross-country bus ticket might cost $100 to $150 even without a discount. Regional bus lines like Megabus and regional Amtrak routes sometimes offer better prices than flying when you factor in airport parking, transportation to the airport, and baggage fees.

Train travel takes longer than flying but avoids security lines, baggage restrictions, and the physical strain of airport terminals. For seniors with time flexibility, a train or bus ticket with a senior discount can be the most comfortable and affordable option.

Baggage fees and other hidden costs that add up

When comparing airfares, do not forget baggage fees. Southwest includes two free checked bags for all passengers, which saves $60 to $70 compared to airlines that charge $30 to $35 per bag. If you are flying with a companion and both have a checked bag, Southwest's policy alone can make it the cheapest option even without a senior discount.

Most airlines charge $15 to $25 for a carry-on bag if you are not a loyalty member or do not have elite status. Seat selection fees range from $10 to $25 per flight. Priority boarding costs $15 to $50 depending on the airline and route. A round-trip flight that looks cheap at $150 can cost $250 or more once you add these fees.

When you see a senior fare advertised, check whether it includes baggage and seat selection or whether those are extra. Southwest's senior fares include bags and standard seat selection. Some regional carriers' senior fares do not. Reading the fine print takes a few minutes and can reveal whether a discount is real or just marketing.

How to book a senior fare step by step

If you have found a senior fare on Southwest or Alaska Airlines, here is how to book it. First, go to the airline's website and search for your route and dates as usual. Do not book yet. Instead, call the airline's phone number — Southwest is 1-800-I-FLY-SWA, Alaska is 1-800-252-7522. Tell the agent you are 65 or older and want to book a senior fare.

The agent will search for available senior fares on your dates and read you the price. If you want to proceed, the agent will take your payment information and issue your confirmation number. You will receive an email confirmation. At the airport, bring a photo ID showing your date of birth — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The gate agent will verify your age before boarding.

For AARP discounts, log into your AARP account, go to the Travel Center, search for your flight, and book through the partner site (usually Expedia). The discount is applied automatically at checkout. You do not need to show AARP membership at the airport — the discount is already in your ticket price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 65 to get a senior airline discount?

It depends on the airline. Southwest and Alaska Airlines require 65. Some regional and international carriers offer discounts starting at 60 or 62. AARP membership starts at 50. Always ask the airline or check their website for the exact age threshold.

Can I use a senior fare if I am traveling with someone who is not a senior?

Yes. Your companion books a regular fare, and you book a senior fare. You can sit together if you select seats at booking or at check-in. The senior discount applies only to your ticket, not theirs.

Are senior fares refundable?

Southwest's senior fares are not refundable, but you can change them to another Southwest flight without a fee. Alaska's senior fares vary — some are refundable, some are not. Always ask the agent before you book whether the fare is refundable or changeable.

What if I book a senior fare and then find a cheaper regular fare?

On Southwest, you can cancel the senior fare and rebook a cheaper regular fare, and Southwest will refund the difference. On other airlines, senior fares are usually final. This is why it is worth comparing senior fares to regular fares and sales before you book.

Is it worth joining AARP just for airline discounts?

AARP costs $16 per year. If you book even one flight and save $20 or more through the AARP Travel Center, it pays for itself. AARP also offers discounts on hotels, car rentals, insurance, and restaurants, so the airline discount is just one benefit. Many seniors find the membership worthwhile for the combination of perks.