Cheap Flights for Seniors: 9 Ways to Save on Airfare Over 65
Travel expenses can be daunting, but seniors looking to save money on airfare have several options to consider.
When searching for cheap flights for seniors, you can reach out to your favorite airline to inquire about their potential senior discounts, sign up for fare alerts from a reliable travel price checker, book connecting flights instead of direct, and travel during off-peak hours and seasons.
In this article, we’ll explain the nine best ways to find affordable flights for seniors and what to look out for when traveling on a budget.
Key takeaways
Many airlines offer senior discounts, but you may have to inquire directly with the airline in order to take advantage of their program.
Strategies that can lead to more affordable flights include signing up for fare alerts, traveling during off-peak times, and purchasing connecting flights rather than direct.
Staying flexible with your travel plans can help you reap bigger savings, whether that means traveling at a less convenient time or waiting to book your flight until fares drop.
Do airlines offer senior discounts?
Yes, some airlines offer senior discounts, but they don’t advertise them widely. To find out if an airline offers a senior discount, try calling them directly.
In some cases, you can select “Senior 65+” as your traveler option when booking a flight online, which may lead to senior discount rates. This is possible when booking certain flights with United and other carriers.
9 proven ways to find cheap flights as a senior
Booking a flight with a senior discount is just one way to save money when traveling. Below, we outline nine additional strategies that can help you book flights for less.
Join airline loyalty programs and use points
Joining an airline loyalty program is a great way to accrue points and save on future flights. This is an especially helpful option for seniors who travel frequently and often with the same airline.
Before selecting an airline loyalty program, consider which airline is best for you. This may include factors like whether or not an airline has a hub at your local airport, whether it offers flights to your top destinations, and what travel perks it offers their members.
Sign up for fare alerts and price tracking
Subscribing to airline newsletters can help you stay in the know of the deals and discounts they offer.
But if you have a destination and general time frame of travel in mind, signing up for fare alerts from trackers like Skyscanner, Expedia or Google flights can help you monitor price changes and know the best time to buy when tickets are at their lowest.
Book connecting flights instead of direct
Booking a connecting flight, or a flight that makes one or multiple stops along the way to your destination, is usually cheaper than flying direct. However, these flights are less convenient, since it takes you longer to get to your destination and involves more time in transit.
Use AARP’s senior discount travel center
If you’re an AARP member, you can use their online Travel Center to find senior-specific discounts on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
Travel during off-peak seasons
Booking flights during off-peak times and seasons can lead to significant savings. In general, “off-peak” refers to times when the demand for flights is lower. Though off-peak times can vary depending on your destination, airline, and other factors, in general, the best time for seniors to fly include:
Early morning or late night
Non-holiday dates (avoid flying around major holidays)
Sunday or mid-week (as opposed to Monday or Friday)
Fall or spring
Take advantage of companion fares
Some airlines, including Southwest, Delta, and Alaska, offer companion fares, passes, or certificates to their members. These special fares or certificates enable you to purchase a second ticket for a very low price (or sometimes for just the cost of taxes and fees) when you buy one full-priced ticket.
Keep in mind that depending on the airline, you’ll either have to be a rewards member or a specific card-holding member in order to qualify for this discount. Most airlines also limit these companion fares to coach tickets.
Use credit card travel rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel-specific rewards, you can use your accrued points to purchase free or discounted flights. Reach out to your credit card to learn more about how to use your points for travel rewards.
Consider one-way tickets separately
Before purchasing your flight, check to see whether buying two separate one-way tickets will be less expensive than one round-trip ticket. Though one-way tickets aren’t always cheaper than round-trip, double-checking which option is more affordable before you purchase your flight can help you get the best deal possible.
Takeaway
Getting the best deal on your flights isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Comparing multiple sources on pricing, staying up to date on the latest deals and discounts, and taking advantage of any airline loyalty programs or credit card travel perks you have can help.
Ultimately, to find the most affordable flights for older travelers, it’s best to stay flexible, plan ahead, and combine multiple strategies in order to yield the maximum savings possible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day to book flights for seniors?
The best day to book flights for seniors can vary depending on which airline you’re taking and your destination, but, generally, the best days to fly are Sunday or midweek.
Do airlines give discounts for seniors over 65?
Yes, some airlines do offer senior discounts for travelers who are 65+. However, these discounts aren’t widely advertised. To find out more, call the airline directly or check to see if they offer a “Senior 65+” option when booking your flight online.
Does AARP offer flight discounts?
If you’re an AARP member, you can visit their online Travel Center to get discounts on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
How far in advance should seniors book flights for best prices?
If you’re flying domestically, aim to book your flight 1-3 months in advance. If you’re flying internationally, consider booking your flight 2-8 months in advance.
Sources
Senior travelers. (n.d.). United. https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/accessibility-and-assistance/seniors.html
Coyle, M. (2025, September 17). The best days to book a flight and when to fly. NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/best-days-book-flight-fly