How to Find Senior Discounts for Flights, Hotels & Tours
Traveling as a senior comes with a major advantage—exclusive discounts on flights, hotels, tours, transportation, and attractions. Many airlines, hotel chains, and travel companies offer special rates for travelers aged 50+ or 60+, but they’re not always advertised.
Here’s how to find the best senior discounts on flights, hotels, and tours to make your travels more affordable.
1. Senior Discounts on Flights
Several airlines offer special fares for senior travelers, often for passengers aged 60+ (sometimes 50+). However, these discounts are not always listed online, so calling the airline directly is the best way to check.
Major Airlines Offering Senior Discounts:
✔ American Airlines – Discounts for seniors 65+ on certain routes (call to book).
✔ Delta Airlines – Limited senior fares for 65+ (check directly with the airline).
✔ Southwest Airlines – Senior fares for 65+, flexible and refundable (book online or by phone).
✔ United Airlines – Special senior fares for 65+, but only available on select international routes.
✔ British Airways – AARP members (50+) get discounts on flights to Europe.
✔ Lufthansa – Offers senior discounts for 60+ on long-haul flights.
How to Find the Best Deals:
✔ Check airline websites – Some senior fares are hidden under “special fares.”
✔ Call customer service – Many airlines only offer senior discounts over the phone.
✔ Compare with regular fares – Sometimes, public sales may be cheaper than senior fares.
Pro Tip:
Join AARP or AAA for additional travel discounts on flights with partners like British Airways, Expedia, and American Airlines.
2. Senior Discounts on Hotels & Resorts
Many major hotel chains offer exclusive rates for seniors aged 50+ or 60+, with discounts ranging from 10% to 30%.
Major Hotel Chains Offering Senior Discounts:
✔ Marriott Hotels – Discounts for 62+, up to 15% off.
✔ Hilton Hotels – Discounts for 60+, savings vary by location.
✔ Best Western – Discounts for 55+, up to 15% off.
✔ Hyatt Hotels – Discounts for 62+, available at select locations.
✔ Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion) – 10% off for 60+.
✔ Wyndham Hotels (Days Inn, Ramada, Super 8) – Discounts for 60+ and AARP members.
How to Find the Best Deals:
✔ Check the hotel’s website – Senior rates are usually under “Deals & Discounts.”
✔ Call the hotel directly – Some locations offer better discounts than online rates.
✔ Use a travel membership – AARP and AAA members often get exclusive hotel discounts.
Pro Tip:
Hotels often have “best price guarantee” policies—if you find a lower rate elsewhere, they might match it and still apply the senior discount.
3. Senior Discounts on Tours & Attractions
Many museums, guided tours, and attractions offer reduced admission for seniors, usually starting at age 60+ or 65+.
Popular Tour Companies Offering Senior Discounts:
✔ Collette Tours – Senior-friendly group travel with discounts for AARP members.
✔ Globus Tours – Discounts for 65+, including guided European tours.
✔ Road Scholar – Educational travel programs designed for seniors (50+).
✔ Gate 1 Travel – Affordable tours with occasional senior promotions.
✔ Tauck Tours – Luxury tours with occasional discounts for 60+.
How to Find the Best Deals:
✔ Look for senior pricing on attraction websites – Discounts aren’t always obvious.
✔ Ask at the ticket counter – Some places offer unlisted senior rates.
✔ Check city passes – Many cities offer senior discounts on bundled attraction tickets.
Pro Tip:
If visiting national parks in the U.S., get the Senior Lifetime Pass ($80 for unlimited park entry).
4. Senior Discounts on Cruises
Cruises are a popular way for seniors to travel, and many cruise lines offer special fares for travelers 55+.
Cruise Lines Offering Senior Discounts:
✔ Royal Caribbean – Discounts for 55+, available on select sailings.
✔ Carnival Cruise Line – Special rates for seniors 55+, often lower than regular fares.
✔ Holland America – Discounts for AARP members and senior travelers.
✔ Norwegian Cruise Line – Discounts available for seniors on select itineraries.
✔ Princess Cruises – Senior-friendly perks but limited discounts.
How to Find the Best Deals:
✔ Book through senior travel agencies – Companies like Vacations To Go specialize in senior cruise discounts.
✔ Compare promotions – Some cruise deals may be cheaper than senior fares.
✔ Look for last-minute deals – Cruises often drop prices for seniors as departure dates approach.
Pro Tip:
Choose an off-peak sailing date (spring or fall) for the biggest discounts.
5. Senior Discounts on Train Travel & Public Transport
✔ Amtrak (USA) – 10% off for 65+ on most routes.
✔ Eurail (Europe) – 10% off for 60+ on passes for train travel across Europe.
✔ Via Rail (Canada) – 10% off for 60+ on all fares.
✔ Japan Rail Pass – Discounts for foreign senior travelers on long-distance trains.
✔ London Oyster Card (UK) – Discounted senior passes for public transportation.
Pro Tip:
If traveling within a city, check for senior metro, bus, or tram discounts—many cities offer reduced public transport fares for older adults.
6. Senior Memberships That Unlock Extra Travel Savings
Joining a senior travel club or organization can provide exclusive discounts on flights, hotels, and activities.
✔ AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) – Discounts on flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and tours for members 50+.
✔ AAA (American Automobile Association) – Offers hotel and car rental discounts for members of all ages, including seniors.
✔ Seniors Travel Club – Exclusive travel deals for members 60+.
✔ Car Rental Discounts:
- Hertz – Up to 20% off for 50+.
- Avis & Budget – 10%–25% off for AARP members.
Pro Tip:
AARP memberships cost only $16 per year, but the travel savings often far exceed the membership fee.
Senior travel discounts are widely available—but they’re not always advertised! Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, tours, cruises, or train tickets, always ask for senior pricing to unlock hidden savings.
By taking advantage of AARP memberships, calling airlines directly, and checking hotel discount programs, you can travel more affordably while enjoying top-tier experiences.
