Cheap Airfare For Seniors: Airlines, Discounts, And Smart Savings

Last Updated on May 18th, 2026 by Kamal Kishor, Leave a Comment

Senior discounts vary by route, season, and fare class. Always compare the discounted price with a regular economy ticket. Sometimes the regular fare is cheaper.

Key Takeaway

• Delta, United, American, and Air India all offer real savings for travelers 60 or 65+. But you have to call or ask to avail those.
• AARP membership unlocks extra flight discounts for seniors on select airlines like United and British Airways.
• Phone booking is often required to get cheap flights for seniors. Don’t rely only on Expedia or Google Flights to find senior fares.
• Request wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, and special meals when you book. It’s free and makes travel smoother.

Introduction

Airlines have a secret menu. No, not for food, but discount airline tickets for seniors. Yes, they exist. Airlines just don’t like to advertise them.

Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Air India all offer cheap airline tickets for seniors. But you won’t see them explicitly listed on platforms like Google Flights. Airline reservation systems hide these fares in plain view. You have to call and ask agents directly to get these special discounts.

But not every airline handles senior fares the same way. Some still offer them. Some have quietly phased them out. So, in this blog, we will break down which airlines still offer senior discounts and how you can access them.

Which Airlines Offer Senior Discounts in 2026?

Not every airline publishes a senior discount. Below is the most current information for major carriers flying from the US to domestic and international destinations, providing air ticket discounts for senior citizens.

1. Delta Air Lines Senior Discount

Delta offers discounts for passengers 65 and older on select routes. Savings typically range from 5 to 20%.

• How to book: Call Delta’s reservation line The discount is rarely visible online.
• Eligible routes: Limited international and some domestic flights. Ask the agent directly.

Tip: Have your flight numbers and dates ready before you call. The agent can quickly check multiple options.

2. United Airlines Senior Discount

United has a long‑standing senior discount for travelers 65 and older. The discount amount varies by route and fare class.

• How to book: You can search online. Look for the “Senior (65+)” passenger type drop‑down. Or call United’s senior desk.
• Eligible routes: Select domestic and international routes, including flights to India. For a complete breakdown, see our United Airlines senior citizen discount guide.

Did you know? United’s senior discount used to be called “Silver Wings Plus.” It’s now baked into their standard senior fare. Always select “Senior” in the passenger menu.

3. American Airlines Senior Discount

American quietly offers senior discounts on some international routes for passengers 60 or 65+ (depending on the destination).

• How to book: Call American Airlines’ reservations. You cannot book senior fares online.
• Estimated savings: Roughly 10 to 15% off the base fare.
• Eligible routes: Best for long‑haul international flights (e.g., US to Europe or Asia). Ask the agent about your specific route.

Important: American does not advertise this discount on its website. You must call. Some agents may not know about it. So, politely ask to speak with a supervisor if needed.

4. Air India Senior Citizen Discount

Air India is one of the most generous airlines that offers cheap airline tickets for seniors, especially for Indian nationals.

• Age requirement: 60+ for domestic flights. 60+ for international flights as well.
• Discount: Up to 25% off base fare on domestic routes, and up to 10% off on international routes (subject to conditions).
• How to book: You can book online by selecting “Concession Type” as “Senior Citizen.” Or book through our Air India senior discount page.
• Eligibility: Indian citizens and residents; not available for all international itineraries.

Pro Tip: If you are booking online, make sure to enter your birth date correctly. The system will automatically apply the senior discount if eligible.

Airlines With No Senior Discount (Southwest, Alaska, Frontier)

Save yourself time. The following airlines do not offer standard senior discounts:

1. Southwest Airlines: No senior discount. They occasionally have AARP member promotions, but not a standard senior fare.
2. Alaska Airlines: No published senior discount. It’s best to compare regular economy or use AARP senior flight deals.
3. Frontier: No senior discounts. Its base fares are already low, but they charge for everything else (bags, seats, carry‑ons). Seniors often prefer full‑service carriers.

Quick note: “No senior discount” doesn’t mean you can’t save. Use off‑peak travel, loyalty points, or AARP deals on hotels and car rentals.

Senior Flight Discounts At A Glance

Airlines change their fees and rules very frequently. So, always confirm with the airline before booking.

For international routes, always ask the agent if the senior fare applies. Some airlines restrict discounts to US domestic travel only.

How To Actually Book A Senior Discount (Step‑by‑Step)

Most senior discounts are not available on Expedia, Kayak, or even the airline’s main search page. Here’s the proven method to get cheap airline tickets for seniors.

1. Step 1: Pick up the phone

Yes, it’s old‑school. But many senior fares are phone-only. Airlines keep them off public websites to avoid cannibalizing regular fares.

Important: Have your flight dates, destinations, and passenger ages ready. The agent will search for senior fares while you wait.

2. Step 2: Ask for the “Senior Fare” by name

Don’t assume the agent will offer it. Be direct: “I’m 67 years old. Do you have a senior discount on this route?” This approach is the core of how to get senior discounts on flights.

3. Step 3: Compare the senior fare to the regular economy fare

Sometimes the senior fare is actually pricier than a standard sale fare. Ask the agent to check both. For example,

• If the regular economy fare is $400 and the senior fare is $410, then book the regular fare.
• If regular economy fare is $500 and senior fare is $425, then book the senior fare.

Pro Tip: Ask the agent for the base fare before taxes. Senior discounts usually apply to the base fare, not taxes and fees.

4. Step 4: Book and request assistance at the same time

If you need wheelchair help, priority boarding, or a special meal, tell the agent during the call. It’s easier than booking online and then calling separately.

Don’t want to make the calls yourself? That’s okay. Our travel experts can check cheap airline tickets for seniors across multiple airlines for you.

How Can Senior Citizens Save More On Flight Tickets?

Even if your airline doesn’t provide air ticket discounts for senior citizens, you can still save. Here’s how:

AARP Travel Discounts

AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) is not a government agency, but it’s the largest nonprofit for senior benefits. An AARP membership, which costs $12 to $16 per year, unlocks AARP travel discounts for flights.

• United Airlines: Exclusive discounts for AARP members on selected flights.
• British Airways: $65 off economy or $200 off business class transatlantic fares.
• Hotels and car rentals through the AARP Travel Center.

Did you know? AARP membership pays for itself with one discounted flight. If you’re planning two or more trips a year, it’s an obvious choice.

Airline Loyalty Programs for Seniors

Even without a dedicated senior fare, loyalty programs reward frequent flyers. Airline loyalty programs for seniors can earn points for free bags, priority boarding, and even free flights.

• Delta SkyMiles. Free to join
• United MileagePlus. Free to join
• American AAdvantage. Free to join
• Air India Flying Returns. Free to join

Pro Tip: Seniors who travel at least twice a year should join every loyalty program. Points don’t expire as long as you activate them every 18 to 24 months.

Best Time for Seniors to Book Flights

Timing is everything. Based on 2026 data, this is the best time for seniors to book flights:

• Book domestic flights: 1 to 3 months in advance
• Book international flights (e.g., US to India): 2 to 4 months ahead
• Cheapest days to fly: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• Avoid weekends (Friday or Sunday) if your schedule is flexible

For a complete guide, read our blog, “Are flights cheaper at night or early morning?“

Once you’ve booked your senior fare, there’s one more thing to think about: making the airport experience itself easier.

Senior Travelers: Accessibility And Assistance

Your comfort and safety matter. You don’t have to struggle at the airport. A little planning can be very helpful.

How to Request Wheelchair Assistance

Every major US airline provides free wheelchair assistance from the curbside to the gate. You must request it when you book, not when you arrive.

• Online: Look for “Special Assistance” or “Passenger with Disability” during checkout.
• By phone: Tell the agent when you book. They will note it in your reservation.
• At the airport: If you forget, go to the airline’s ticket counter. They can still arrange help, but you may wait longer.

Priority Boarding & Extra Time

Seniors who need extra time to board can ask for priority boarding. This is separate from first‑class boarding.

• United: Ask at the gate. They will let you board with passengers who need assistance.
• Delta: Same policy. Just tell the gate agent.
• American: They offer pre‑boarding for passengers with disabilities, which includes mobility challenges.

Did you know? You don’t need a wheelchair to request priority boarding. If walking is difficult or you need extra time, just ask.

Special Meals & Medical Accommodations

Most airlines offer special meals (low‑sodium, diabetic, vegetarian) if you request them at least 24 hours in advance.

• How to order: Call the airline after booking or add it online via “Manage Booking.”
• Medical devices: Oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, and other medical devices are allowed. You must notify the airline in advance.

Disclaimer: Airline policies for medical devices vary. Always call the airline’s disability assistance line at least 48 hours before your flight. Never assume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let MyTicketsToIndia Handle Your Bookings

Since many senior fares aren’t clearly listed online, comparing options can take more effort than expected. You often have to check multiple sources or call airlines to see what’s actually available. 

If you’d rather not go through that process, our air travel booking services can help with:

• We know the senior discount policies of Delta, United, American, and Air India, including unpublished phone numbers.
• We check senior fares against regular economy to make sure you get the lowest price.
• We arrange wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, and special meals so you don’t have to call back later.
• We offer consolidator fares, unpublished rates that can beat any public senior discount.

And, if you already have a route in mind, you can contact MyTicketsToIndia, and we’ll check the available options for you.

Happy flying!

*Disclaimer: All brand names and trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners and are used for educational purposes only. We do not promote, endorse, or criticise any brands. Their use is solely for reference and informational context.

About Kamal Kishor | View Posts

Kamal is a passionate travel writer who brings destinations to life through his words. With years of experience and a knack for delivering impactful content, he blends creativity with insight in his writing. Growing up in Himachal, he developed a deep love for mountains, treks, and peaceful escapes. With a curious mind and an explorer’s spirit, Kamal aims to inspire readers to discover new places and create unforgettable travel experiences.