Many airlines offer senior discounts, but the availability, eligibility, and how to access them can vary significantly. Here’s a general guide to help you navigate:
Airlines with Formal Senior Discount Programs (U.S. & Canada)
- Delta Air Lines: Offers a Senior Discount for passengers aged 65+ on select routes, primarily within the U.S., Canada, and some international destinations. You must book by phone (1-800-221-1212) and mention the senior discount. Fares are often flexible with no change fees.
- American Airlines: Provides Senior Fares for travelers 65+ on certain routes. Like Delta, these are usually only available by calling reservations (1-800-433-7300). It’s best to ask specifically about senior discount fares.
- United Airlines: Offers Senior Discounts for passengers 65+ on a variety of routes. These are also typically phone-only fares (1-800-864-8331). Always compare with online prices.
- Southwest Airlines: While Southwest doesn’t have a specific “senior discount,” they offer Senior Fares for passengers 65+. These are fully refundable and can be found by selecting the “Senior” tab when searching for flights on their website. This is a notable exception to the phone-booking rule.
- Air Canada: Has a Senior’s ID Fare for travelers 65+ on most flights within Canada and to the U.S. You can search for and book these fares directly on their website by selecting “Seniors (65+)” as the passenger type.
Important Notes &