11 Hidden Senior Discounts on Flights That Save You $100+ in 2025

Frontier Airlines is offering a 55% discount for travelers aged 55 and older through February 2025. This is one of the largest senior discounts available on flights right now.

Most major airlines don't advertise senior fare programs, but the discounts exist. American Airlines, Delta, and United offer special rates for passengers 65 and older, typically 5% to 50% off. British Airways gives AARP members discounts up to 50% on certain routes from the United States.

Airlines handle bookings differently. Some require phone calls, others allow online booking through specific portals or membership programs. Restrictions on routes, travel dates, and fare classes vary by airline.

Senior fare availability shifts with routes, seasons, and seat inventory. These discounts can save hundreds of dollars on international or premium cabin bookings if you know how to find them.

• Air France Senior Pass benefits
• Air France Senior Pass pricing and eligibility
• The Air France Senior Pass offers accessible travel for seniors aged 60 and older. It provides consistent benefits through a membership system rather than one-off deals. More than just a discount card, it's designed to address what matters to older travelers: flexibility, comfort, and value.
• American Airlines serves older passengers, though senior fares aren't easy to find through their main booking page. This guide explains how to access them and what to expect.
• American Airlines offers senior discounts on select routes, though they're not widely advertised. You need to know where to look to find them.
• For seniors planning trips or visiting family, American Airlines is a reliable option. While the airline doesn't have an obvious "senior discount" category, discounted fares do exist for adults 65 and older. This guide covers how to find and book them.
• Finding flight discounts matters for older travelers. British Airways partners with AARP to make travel more affordable. The partnership isn't always straightforward, offers come and go, and availability depends on current promotions. Check the British Airways website and your AARP member benefits page for what's available now.
• British Airways doesn't offer a blanket senior discount on all flights. AARP members may find special deals on certain routes. These aren't guaranteed, so check for partnership programs and current offers. Senior discounts aren't the only way to save, loyalty programs, off-peak travel, and flexible dates help too.
• Booking process for AARP members
• Delta's hidden senior discounts explained
• Delta offers senior fares, but you won't find them on the website. Call Delta's reservation line to ask about discounts. Speaking directly with an agent lets you check multiple dates and routes, ask about eligibility and baggage, and learn what's available for your specific trip.
• Senior discounts vary by route and availability. What matters is whether a discount exists for your specific trip and what the terms are.
• United Airlines senior fare eligibility
• How to book United senior tickets online
• Legacy Silver Wings Plus program overview
• How Frontier's 55% off promo works
• Eligibility and blackout dates for Frontier senior discount
• How to apply the 55FOR55 promo code
• Southwest Airlines may offer senior discounts for older travelers, but details are unclear. Eligibility, booking, and availability vary depending on current promotions. If you're interested, the best approach is to call and ask.
• Southwest doesn't list senior fares on their website. You must call their reservations department to ask about them. Phone agents can verify your eligibility and provide accurate pricing.
• Tips for maximizing savings with Southwest
• Vistara's senior fare structure
• Eligibility and blackout dates for Vistara
• How to book Vistara senior tickets

• IndiGo Airlines Senior Savings
  • IndiGo's 6% senior discount explained
  • Booking process for senior fares on IndiGo
  • Domestic travel restrictions for IndiGo senior fares
• Air India Domestic Senior Fares
  • Air India's senior discount eligibility
  • How to book Air India senior tickets
  • Limitations of Air India's senior fares
• Silver Wings Plus (United Airlines Legacy Program)
  • What is Silver Wings Plus?
  • Silver Wings Plus supported veterans and their families. While it has changed over time, it still aims to provide important benefits. It's worth knowing who qualifies, so veterans can access the help they're entitled to.
  • How to use Silver Wings Plus for senior airfare discounts
• Comparison Table
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Air France Senior Pass

The Air France Senior Pass gives travelers 65 and older up to 30% off flights. Unlike discounts that come and go, this program offers consistent benefits through a formal membership, you pay once, you get the discount all year.

Benefits for older travelers

The Air France Senior Pass includes concrete benefits for older travelers:

• Up to 30% off flights within France and select European destinations
• One free checked bag on every ticket, regardless of fare class
• More flexible tickets, with lower change and cancellation fees
• Reduced service fees for changes (€20 in Economy, free in Business)

The pass covers Air France flights and select partner routes like Air Corsica connections between Paris and Corsica. You get the discount on both Economy and Business class.

Pricing and eligibility

The pass costs €49 (about $53) per year and is available to travelers 65 and older. It's valid for one full year from activation.

Air France says the pass pays for itself on the first trip. A round-trip flight within France costing €200 saves €60 with the 30% discount, already covering the annual cost.

The pass is available only for bookings made from France. It covers many European destinations but specifically excludes flights to the United States.

How to book

Booking with the Air France Senior Pass involves a few straightforward steps:

1. Purchase the pass through Air France's website
2. Receive your confirmation email with your unique pass number
3. Provide this number when booking online or by calling +33 (0) 9 69 39 36 54
4. Bring your pass (digital or printed) and ID to the airport

If you forget your pass at the airport, you'll be charged a €49 fee to verify your status. When booking tickets for someone else, you must call the dedicated phone line, online booking doesn't work for that.

Air France recommends arriving early if you need special accommodations and keeping medications in your carry-on. You can also add Seat Plus for extra legroom in Economy.

American Airlines Senior Discounts

American Airlines offers senior discounts on select international routes for passengers 65 and older. These discounts aren't prominently advertised, so most travelers miss them.

How to find discounts

Senior discounts on American Airlines aren't visible in standard searches. To find them:

Visit AA.com, select "Advanced Search," then choose "Senior Citizen Discount" from the dropdown before entering your details. Or call American Airlines Reservations directly, phone agents can check multiple dates and routes for you.

When you select "lowest fare" online, you'll see the biggest savings. The discount applies only to the base airfare and directly related taxes, not all charges on your ticket.

Who qualifies

To qualify for American Airlines senior discounts, you must:

Be 65 years or older when you travel. You may need to show ID at booking or check-in. Discounts are mostly available on select international routes, primarily to Latin America.

Domestic US flights generally don't qualify. Typical savings are 10% to 15% off the base fare, though exact amounts vary by route, destination, and seat availability.

Booking senior tickets

Senior fare availability changes depending on several factors:

Senior fares disappear during peak travel periods. Major holidays and busy seasons mean fewer discounted seats. Try searching from nearby airports, you might find better options.

The AAdvantage loyalty program doesn't offer specific senior discounts, but you earn miles on senior fare tickets. American Airlines provides priority boarding and mobility assistance for senior travelers.

Unused portions of discounted tickets may be non-refundable and can't transfer to someone else. Cancellation and change policies differ from standard tickets.

British Airways AARP Member Discounts

British Airways partners with AARP to offer substantial discounts. Notably, these savings aren't limited to seniors, anyone 18 or older can join AARP and access them.

The AARP partnership

British Airways and AARP have partnered to deliver one of the best available flight discounts for older travelers. Although AARP focuses on retired adults, anyone 18+ can join. That means travelers of any age can get these reduced fares by becoming an AARP member.

The discount applies to round-trip transatlantic tickets to over 130 destinations worldwide, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The partnership makes it easy to get guaranteed senior discounts without complex eligibility requirements.

AARP membership details

The AARP-British Airways partnership offers specific savings:

• $65 off World Traveler (economy) standard fares
• $65 off World Traveler Plus (premium economy) fares
• $200 off Club World (business class) fares

These discounts apply only to standard fares. Basic economy tickets are excluded. Both outbound and inbound flights must be booked in the same cabin class.

The offer is valid for outbound travel through January 31, 2026. An AARP membership costs about $16 per year, so one discounted flight pays for the membership.

How to book

To access these discounts, start with your AARP account. If you don't have one, you'll create it during the booking process.

After logging in, you'll move to British Airways' AARP discount page. As you search, eligible fares will be marked "Discount."

This offer is only available online. Call centers and travel agents can't apply it. You must be a US resident paying in US dollars, with travel originating from the United States.

The discount can't be combined with other promotions and applies only to new bookings. It offers the most value when used on business class tickets, where the $200 savings per person significantly reduces your total cost.

Delta Airlines Senior Fares

Delta offers senior discounts that aren't publicly advertised. Many travelers over 65 never discover them. Unlike competitors who promote senior programs, Delta keeps these fares hidden.

How Delta's senior discounts work

Delta provides fare reductions for passengers 65 and older, typically 5% to 15% off regular fares on select routes. You'll need valid ID showing your age.

These discounts don't appear on Delta's main website. Delta's own help page states: "certain discounts or companion fares may apply to a selected itinerary but are not available at delta.com."

The discount amount depends on your route, cabin class, and seat availability. If you're a SkyMiles member, combining that with the senior discount can add more savings.

How to book

Phone booking is the only way to get Delta's senior discounts. They're not available online. Here's what to do:

1. Call Delta's reservation line at 1-800-221-1212
2. Tell the agent you're asking about senior citizen discounts
3. Provide your airports, dates, and preferred times
4. Mention if you're a SkyMiles member for extra benefits
5. Compare the senior fare with other available promotions before you book

Check your email for confirmation. Bring ID to the airport to verify your senior status at check-in.

Availability by route

Delta's senior discounts aren't available on all flights. Availability depends on:

• Route, Some destinations have better senior fare options than others
• Season, Off-peak and weekday travel often has more availability
• Advance booking, Earlier reservations access better rates
• Group size, Ten or more seniors traveling together may qualify for additional group rates

Being flexible with dates significantly improves your chances. Domestic routes consistently offer more senior fares than international ones.

Combine your senior discount with Delta's promotional offers to save even more.

United Airlines Senior Discounts

United offers senior discounts, though they're more modest than some competitors. The savings exist, but you need to know how to find them.

Eligibility

United requires passengers to be 65 or older, stricter than Frontier's 55+ program. Discounts are available on select flights, typically 5% to 25% off the base fare.

Discounts appear mostly on certain international routes, especially to Latin America (Ecuador, Honduras, Panama), where seniors can save up to 25%. Availability changes based on:

• Flight route and destination
• Travel dates and season
• Current promotional offers
• Seat availability

Blackout dates apply, especially during peak travel. United doesn't guarantee senior discounts on every route, so check your specific trip.

How to book online

To book United senior tickets online:

1. Go to United.com and enter your travel details
2. Under "Travelers," select "Senior 65+" from the dropdown
3. Search. The system shows applicable discounts automatically.
4. Review carefully, senior fares sometimes cost more than promotional fares

Calling can sometimes reveal more options. United agents can access senior fares not visible online. The airline also offers priority boarding, wheelchair support, and oxygen accommodations for seniors.

Silver Wings Plus (legacy program)

Silver Wings Plus was United's senior discount program, established in 1986 for passengers 55+. By 1996 it had 560,000 members.

United stopped accepting new members in 2007. Lifetime members who joined before September 2005 can still use it:

• Discounted zone-based fares on domestic and international flights
• A companion (any age) can travel at the same discount
• Benefits integrate with MileagePlus for earning miles
• Access on both United and partner airline flights

Between 2007 and 2016, United processed 5,048 Silver Wings bookings, showing these legacy members continue using the program. Tickets typically require 14-day advance purchase and round-trip itineraries.

Frontier Airlines 55FOR55 Promo

Frontier offers 55% off base fares for passengers 55 and older through February 26, 2025. This is one of the largest senior discounts available.

How it works

The 55FOR55 promotion gives travelers 55+ a 55% discount on base fares for select Frontier flights, domestic and international. The discount covers only the base fare, not taxes, fees, or carrier charges.

Travel is limited to Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays. Other requirements:

• Round-trip bookings only (no one-way)
• 7-day advance purchase
• Book directly through FlyFrontier.com

Frontier's VP of Marketing says: "The early bird gets the deals, and we're offering customers 55 and up a new reason to get a head start on their winter travel plans with the extra savings they deserve."

Eligibility and blackout dates

You must be 55 or older when you travel. You may need to show proof of age at booking or check-in.

The discount excludes certain fare classes (J, N, I, C, R, Y, B, H), Frontier's highest fares. Blackout dates include:

• November 26-27, 30, 2024
• December 1-2, 21-31, 2024
• January 1-7, 2025
• February 13-14, 16-17, 2025

Some routes are excluded, including flights to Phoenix from Atlanta, Dallas, and Detroit.

How to book

To apply the discount:

1. Go to FlyFrontier.com directly
2. Enter your travel details
3. Before searching, enter promo code "55FOR55"
4. Complete your booking on Frontier's site

You can also request the discount through Frontier's call center. Third-party use of the code is prohibited.

Southwest Airlines Senior Fares

Southwest's senior discount policy is unclear. Different sources give conflicting information about whether they're available.

What Southwest actually offers

Southwest doesn't currently advertise specific senior discounts. They've offered discounted fares for seniors on certain routes in the past. When available, these fares required phone booking or travel agents, there was no online code. This fits Southwest's dynamic pricing model, where promotions come and go.

According to Southwest's help center, they don't offer senior fares. Other sources claim passengers 65+ can get up to 25% off. This contradiction means you should call and ask before booking.

• How to check
• If investigating Southwest's senior fare options:
• Check Southwest's website for a "Senior Fare" filter under "Other Filters"

Provide your birth date during booking if prompted

Bring valid photo ID to the airport as proof of age

How to book by phone

Calling Southwest directly is often your best option. Even though the airline officially says it doesn't offer senior fares, phone agents might access unadvertised deals or fare types not visible online.

Call 1-800-435-9792 to ask about senior discounts. Speaking directly with a representative is the most reliable way to get current information.

Ways to save without senior discounts

Southwest's flexible booking policies help your budget. Beyond senior discounts, several strategies can lower your costs:

The Low Fare Calendar shows daily prices for your route. It's useful if your travel dates are flexible.

Sign up for Southwest's email newsletter for sale notifications. The airline releases fare sales almost every Tuesday.

The "Wanna Get Away" fares are Southwest's lowest-priced option and often rival senior discounts.

Vistara Senior Discounts in India

Vistara, India's premium airline, shows that senior discounts extend beyond Western markets. The airline offers savings for older travelers exploring the Indian subcontinent.

How much you save

Vistara gives up to 10% off the adult base fare for Economy Standard and Economy Flexi fares. Economy Lite fares get 5% off. The discount applies to the base ticket price only, not taxes or fees.

Early reports varied, some said 8% flat. The actual discount is tiered: 5-10% depending on fare class. Premium Economy and Business class previously weren't eligible, though that policy may have changed.

Who qualifies and when

You must be 60 or older on your travel date. This makes Vistara's program more inclusive than airlines requiring 65+. Discounts are available only for bookings made within India.

Vistara has blackout dates but doesn't publish them publicly. Check directly when booking to see if your dates qualify.

1. How to book
2. To get the discount:
3. Book only through Vistara's official website (airvistara.com)

Bring valid government ID showing your age at check-in

If you don't present ID, you'll be charged the standard fare. Keep your ID throughout your journey.

IndiGo Airlines Senior Savings

IndiGo, India's largest budget airline, offers a straightforward senior discount program. The rules are clear, the eligibility is simple, and the booking process is transparent.

The 6% discount

IndiGo gives 6% off the base fare for passengers 60 and older. This is more inclusive than programs requiring 65+. The discount applies to one-way and round-trip bookings.

You must show valid government ID at check-in to prove your age. This is non-negotiable. Without ID, you'll be charged full price. The discount applies to the base fare only, you still pay all applicable fees and taxes.

How to book

1. To access the senior discount:
2. In the search widget, select your passenger count including senior citizens
3. On results, select "senior citizen fare"

Enter passenger details and complete booking

Senior fares are available only on IndiGo's website (goindigo.in) or mobile app. Third-party booking sites and travel agencies can't access them. Web check-in is still available for these fares.

Domestic flights only

The discount applies exclusively to domestic flights within India. International IndiGo routes are excluded.

You can't combine senior discounts with other offers or promotions. IndiGo reserves the right to change or cancel the program without notice.

Senior tickets are changeable and cancellable, giving you flexibility if plans change. Standard conditions of carriage apply to all bookings.

Air India Domestic Senior Fares

Air India offers senior discounts for domestic travel within India. The program was once more generous, but now offers a minimum 10% discount on economy base fares.

Who qualifies

• To get an Air India senior discount, you must:
• Be 60 or older on your travel start date
• Hold Indian nationality

Be a permanent resident of India

Show valid photo ID with your date of birth, voter ID, passport, driver's license, or an Air India senior citizen card. You'll verify your identity during booking, at ticketing counters, and at the airport. No exceptions.

How to book

To book with a senior discount, use Air India's website booking tool. Select "Senior Citizen" in the "Concession Type" dropdown. The discount is only available on their website, not through third-party sites.

• You'll verify your age at multiple checkpoints:
• City or airport ticketing offices
• Check-in counter

Boarding gate

You can boost your savings by combining the senior discount with Air India's UPI payment offer. Use code "UPIPROMO" for an extra INR 400 off website bookings or INR 500 through the app.

What's not covered

Air India previously offered 50% off for seniors but cut it to 25% as of September 29, 2022. The airline still says this is nearly double what other private carriers offer.

• Several restrictions apply:
• Economy cabin only
• Domestic Indian routes only
• Not valid on Air India Express codeshare flights
• Book at least three days before departure

Tickets are non-endorsable and non-reroutable

If you don't present ID at check-in, you forfeit the base fare and get only taxes and levies refunded. Passengers denied boarding without verification get charged double the booked fare plus applicable taxes.

Silver Wings Plus (United Airlines Legacy Program)

The discontinued Silver Wings Plus program was valuable for senior travelers, though new customers can no longer access it.

What it was

Launched in 1986, Silver Wings Plus served passengers 55 and older. By 1996 it had 560,000 members and offered significant discounts on domestic and international flights. United phased out the program gradually, stopping new memberships in 2007.

Membership cost $75 for two years or $225 for lifetime access. Lifetime members got the best value for frequent travelers. The program used zone-based pricing with fixed fares regardless of season or demand.

Who can still use it

Only lifetime members who joined before September 2005 can still access Silver Wings Plus benefits. These members keep their discounted fares on round-trip flights, both domestic and international.

Between 2007 and 2016, United processed 5,048 Silver Wings bookings, showing that legacy members continue to use the program. Members can take a companion of any age along at the same discount rate.

How to use it

Eligible members can sign into their MileagePlus account to book discounted fares. Tickets typically require 14-day advance purchase and must be for round-trip or multi-city travel.

Members access the lowest available discount fares for themselves and one companion on domestic and international flights. Bookings still earn MileagePlus miles on eligible fares.

Even though United now offers limited senior discounts to passengers 65+ on select routes, Silver Wings Plus members enjoy substantially better benefits through this closed legacy program.

Comparison table

Airline

Age requirement

Discount amount

Booking method

Geographic availability

Key notes

65+

Air France

65+

Up to 30%

Online or phone (+33 0 9 69 39 36 54)

France and select European routes

65+

€49 annual pass; US flights excluded

American Airlines

65+

10-15%

AA.com Advanced Search or phone

Select international routes (primarily Latin America)

Limited domestic availability

British Airways (AARP)

18+ (AARP member)

$65-$200 off

Online through AARP portal

65+

US to international destinations

Must be US resident; AARP membership required

Delta Airlines

65+

5-15%

65+

Phone only (1-800-221-1212)

Select routes

Not available online

United Airlines

65+

55+

55%

5-25%

Online or phone

Select international routes

Limited availability

65+

Frontier Airlines

55+

55%

Online with code "55FOR55"

Domestic and international routes

60+

Valid through Feb 2025; round-trip only

Southwest Airlines

Not specified

Unclear

Phone (1-800-435-9792)

60+

6%

Not specified

Conflicting information on availability

Vistara

60+

60+

5-10%

Official website only

Domestic Indian routes

Bookings within India only

IndiGo Airlines

55+

60+

6%

Official website or mobile app

Domestic Indian routes

Base fare only

Air India

60+

10% minimum

Official website

Domestic Indian routes

Indian nationals and residents only

Silver Wings Plus

Varies by zone

Varies by zone

MileagePlus account