Airlines Providing Senior Citizens Discounted One-Way Air Tickets
## Airline Senior Discounts for Travelers 60 and Over
Seniors seeking affordable travel options will be pleased to know that several major airlines offer discounts for passengers aged 60 and over. However, the details, including eligibility, availability, and value, vary significantly by carrier and market. Here's a comprehensive guide to airline senior discounts as of mid-2025.
### American Airlines
American Airlines officially offers senior discounts for travelers aged 65 and over, typically ranging from 10–15% off select fares for both domestic and some international flights. These discounts are not available for travelers aged 60–64. The discounts can be accessed by booking directly through American Airlines’ website (selecting “Senior (65+)” as traveler type) or by calling customer service. However, it's important to note that the discount applies only to the eligible senior, not companions on the same booking.
### Delta Air Lines
Delta does not widely advertise senior discounts and does not offer them online. Discounts may be available in some markets, but you must call Delta reservations to check availability and pricing—an agent can confirm if any senior fares are offered on your desired route. There is no clear evidence that Delta offers significant or consistent one-way senior fares for travelers 60+.
### United Airlines
United Airlines provides select senior fares for passengers aged 65 and over to certain destinations. To check, select “Senior 65+” as the traveler type when booking online, or call reservations. No information suggests these discounts are available for those aged 60–64, nor that they are system-wide or particularly deep. The extent and value of the discount depend on the specific route and fare class.
### Southwest Airlines
Southwest does not currently offer senior discounts on fares. However, the airline is known for its low fares generally, and older reports mentioned reduced Anytime fares for those 65+, but this is no longer the case as of 2025.
### Other U.S. and International Carriers
Frontier Airlines has offered occasional senior promotions but does not have a formal, ongoing senior discount program. British Airways offers discounts to AARP members (U.S. residents 50+), not strictly age-based, which can be applied to some fares, including one-way tickets. No major international carriers (e.g., Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates) are known to offer systematic senior discounts for passengers aged 60+ on one-way flights.
### Strategies for Seniors Seeking Discounts
Asking directly is often the best approach, as many airlines do not advertise senior fares. Calling the reservations line and asking about any available senior or “mature traveler” discounts is recommended. Checking booking websites that allow you to select “Senior” as a traveler type when searching fares can also display any available discounts for your route. Considering memberships, such as AARP, can unlock additional savings, as some organizations sometimes broker deals with airlines. Flexible travel, booking during off-peak times or being flexible with dates, can yield better fares, sometimes even without a formal senior discount. Upgrade bids, allowing economy passengers to bid for upgrades to premium cabins at a discount, can be a cost-effective way for seniors to enjoy better service.
## Summary Table
| Airline | Senior Discount Age | One-Way Eligible | How to Access | Notes | |--------------------|---------------------|------------------|------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | American Airlines | 65+ | Yes (select flights) | Website (select Senior 65+), call | Not for 60-64; 10–15% off, varies by route | | Delta | 65+ (varies) | Maybe (ask) | Call reservations | Not guaranteed; not online | | United Airlines | 65+ | Yes (select routes) | Website (select Senior 65+), call | Not for all routes; not for 60-64 | | Southwest | None | N/A | N/A | No senior fares | | Frontier | Occasional promo | Maybe | Call, check website | No formal program | | British Airways | AARP (50+) | Yes | Online (AARP link) | Membership deal, not age-based |
## Key Takeaways
- Most U.S. airlines with senior discounts require travelers to be 65 or older, not 60. - Discounts are not always significant, may be limited to certain routes, and are often not bookable online. Always call the airline to ask about possible senior or mature traveler fares for your specific itinerary. - For travelers aged 60–64, formal senior discounts are rare, but asking directly, looking for promotions, and leveraging memberships (like AARP) may yield savings. - No major U.S. airline currently offers a blanket, deep senior discount on one-way flights for those aged 60+.
If you’re 65+, you have more options; if you’re 60–64, your best bet is to call airlines directly, monitor for promotions, and consider flexible travel dates or upgrade bidding for premium seats. Seniors can capitalize on exceptional rates by targeting specific times of the year and using flight search engines that filter out the best deals for older travelers. Additionally, seniors can redeem points from Southwest Airlines' Rapid Rewards program for free tickets, saving around $150 per trip on average. United Airlines offers reduced base fares starting from approximately $25 during promotional periods, and United Airlines presents attractive pricing options for senior travelers, with promotional campaigns running throughout the year. American Airlines offers special fare classes that include lower rates for those above 65 years, and Southwest Airlines' early bird check-in, available for $15, offers priority boarding and easier positioning for those who appreciate added convenience.
- For senior travelers aged 65 and over, American Airlines offers discounts of 10–15% off select fares for both domestic and some international flights, providing an opportunity to save on airfare when booking directly through their website or by calling customer service.
- Seniors aged 60-64 who are looking for discounted travel options might find some success by calling airlines directly, monitoring for promotions, and considering flexible travel dates or upgrade bidding for premium seats, as formal senior discounts are often limited or rare in this age group.
