The Golden Age of Senior Discounts
Once upon a time, airlines marketed themselves heavily to older travelers. Senior fares—special discounted tickets for passengers typically 60, 62, or 65 and up—were a way to fill empty seats while rewarding loyalty. Airlines like Delta, United, and American once promoted senior fares prominently, and AARP even had tie-ins.
For many retirees, it was an affordable way to visit family, see grandchildren, or travel in the off-season when demand was lower. Senior fares were easy to understand: show proof of age, and you got a discount.
Why Senior Fares Disappeared
The gradual death of senior fares came in the 2000s and 2010s, for three reasons:
- Revenue Management: Airlines switched to dynamic pricing models. Instead of fixed discounts, algorithms began setting fares based on demand, timing, and competition.
- Frequent Flyer Loyalty Programs: Carriers shifted from simple discounts to loyalty-based perks. Seniors could still save money, but only if they played the points game—signing up for airline credit cards, earning miles, and climbing elite tiers.
- “Everyone Wants a Discount” Pressure: Once airlines started unbundling fares, offering Basic Economy, and running flash sales, they saw little need to keep a permanent senior discount when everyone was bargain hunting.
Do Any Airlines Still Offer Senior Fares in 2025?
While most U.S. carriers have eliminated them, a few exceptions and quirks remain:
- Southwest Airlines: For decades, Southwest was famous for offering senior fares. But the airline ended that program in December 2019, citing changing fare structures. And in 2025, it also retired its most famous perk—two free checked bags for everyone. Today, most Southwest passengers must now pay for checked luggage ($35 for the first bag, $45 for the second), unless they’re flying on a Business Select fare or hold A-List Preferred status. Seniors still benefit from Southwest’s relatively flexible change and cancellation policies, but the airline no longer stands out with senior fares or universal free bags.
- Delta, United, American: All have retired their official senior fare programs. However, some limited discounts may still appear in international markets where regulations require senior pricing. These usually must be booked by phone.
- International Carriers: A few non-U.S. airlines—like India’s Air India or certain Latin American carriers—still offer discounted fares for passengers over a certain age. These are region-specific and not standardized.
- Third-Party Programs: AARP has deals with certain airlines (like British Airways) or through booking portals such as Expedia. While not true “senior fares,” these provide members with small percentage discounts.
Senior Travel Perks That Still Exist
Even without official senior fares, older travelers aren’t left completely behind. Many airlines offer perks that appeal to seniors:
- Flexible ticketing policies (e.g., Southwest, JetBlue “no change fees”).
- Priority boarding or assistance at the airport (usually upon request).
- Discounted companion fares through credit card programs (Alaska Airlines is a prime example).
- AARP travel benefits through partnerships with hotels, airlines, and rental car companies.
Should Senior Fares Come Back?
There’s a real argument for reinstating some form of senior discount. With U.S. retirees now traveling more than ever—thanks to both longer lifespans and the “experience economy”—dedicated senior pricing could win goodwill and market share.
But airlines live and die by yield management. Every seat sold at a discount is revenue they don’t recover. Unless regulators push for it, or a competitor makes it part of a loyalty push, senior fares seem unlikely to return to U.S. skies anytime soon.
Final Boarding Call: Senior Fares Are History
While infant and youth fares still exist in some rare forms, senior fares are largely a relic of the past. Airlines now expect older travelers to play the same game as everyone else: watch for sales, use credit card rewards, and be flexible with travel dates.
The skies may no longer be discounted for seniors, but with savvy planning, retirees can still fly smart—just without that once-simple senior ticket.
