As travel becomes increasingly accessible, senior citizens are finding more opportunities to explore the world, and many airlines recognize this demographic by offering flight discounts specifically for seniors.
While not all airlines provide these perks, some major carriers offer special rates and promotions aimed at seniors, which often require proof of age to qualify. In turn, it can save eligible travelers hundreds of dollars in airfare.
However, navigating these discounts can sometimes be challenging due to varying eligibility criteria and restrictions. In this guide, we will delve into the available senior flight discounts, how to access them and tips to ensure you get the best deal for your travels.
Overview of flight discounts for seniors
Senior flight discounts tend to vary widely among airlines. Some carriers offer a percentage off the base fare, while others provide fixed dollar amounts off specific routes.
For instance, American Airlines offers discounts for seniors aged 65 and over on select routes in Latin America, while British Airways provides exclusive deals for AARP members. Discounts typically range from 5% to 50%, depending on the airline and the specific fare rules.
Also, some online travel agencies offer senior discounts on flights. Ahead, we’ll look specifically at airlines — not travel agencies — that offer senior discounts.
US carrier senior flight discounts
American Airlines senior flight discount
Although there’s no explicit mention of senior flight discounts on American’s website, some seniors online forums have discussed leveraging senior flight discounts on select American Airlines-operated international routes.
To check if there’s a senior discount on your route, start by going to aa.com, then select “Advanced/Multi-city search.”
Next, enter your search criteria, and select “Senior (65+)” under the “Passengers” section.
If a senior discount is available on the flight you’ve searched, any discounts will automatically be applied. You can book your flight as you normally would.
Delta Air Lines senior flight discount
According to the Special Fares & Discounts section on Delta’s website, senior discounts, which are available in certain markets, cannot be booked on Delta’s website. To check senior rates on Delta, you can call their reservations line at 1-(800) 221-1212.
United Airlines senior flight discount
United has a dedicated senior webpage. According to its website, “While we don’t offer senior discounts for all flights, we do for some.”
To check if there’s a senior discount for your flight, enter your search criteria, and select “Seniors (65+).”
The prices displayed will include the discount if one is available.
And one more thing: United Airlines’ Silver Wings Plus program, launched in 1986 for customers aged 55 and older, is no longer accepting new members, but lifetime members who joined before September 2005 still receive benefits like discounted fares on domestic and international flights. Members can book these fares via MileagePlus using a promo code. While new memberships ended in 2007, United continues to offer senior discounts for travelers 65 and older on select routes by following these steps.
International carrier senior flight discounts
British Airways senior flight discount
British Airways offers discounts to AARP members on select itineraries originating in the US:
- $65 off economy (Standard World Traveler).
- $65 off premium economy (World Traveler Plus).
- $200 off business class (Club World).
To qualify, flights must be booked through your AARP page by Jan. 31, 2026. You can find more information about British Airways AARP discount here.
Air France senior flight discount
The Air France Senior Pass offers exclusive benefits and discounts for travelers aged 65 and over. For an annual fee of €49, Senior Pass holders enjoy up to 30% off flights within France and to select European and international destinations like Algeria, Armenia, Georgia, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and Ukraine (flights to the US are notably excluded.).
The pass also includes one free checked bag and flexible ticket options like the ability to change or refund your flights at a reduced cost. These benefits apply to both economy and business-class cabins on flights operated by Air France and partner airlines under Air France flight numbers.
To take advantage of the senior discount, you must provide the Senior Pass number when booking and show proof of the pass at the airport.
Air India, Indigo and Vistara senior flight discount
India’s three largest carriers also offer senior discounts to travelers over the age of 60. Unlike the other airlines discussed, these carriers are quite liberal in their senior discounts:
- Air India: Only available on domestic flights in economy. You must be of Indian nationality and maintain permanent residency in India.
- Indigo: A flat 6% off the base on domestic flights.
- Vistara: Up to 10% off adult base fares in economy, premium economy or business class, and 5% off economy lite fares for bookings made in India, with blackout dates applying.
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