Senior Flight Discounts in 2026: Which Airlines Still Offer Them and How to Save
Which airlines still offer senior fares in 2026 across the US, UK, Canada and Australia, nine ways seniors can save on flights, and how to avoid fake “senior discount” phone numbers.
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For decades, travellers over 60 or 65 could count on a “senior fare” when booking a flight. In 2026, that tradition has almost disappeared. Most major airlines in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia no longer sell dedicated senior fares, and the few that remain are limited to certain routes and rarely cheaper than a well-timed sale fare.
That does not mean older travellers are stuck paying full price. This guide shows which airlines still offer anything age-based, the strategies that actually save money, and how to avoid the growing number of fake “senior discount” phone scams.
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Quick answer: In the US, American, Delta and United still file senior fares on certain routes only; Southwest does not offer them. In the UK, Canada and Australia, the main airlines do not offer senior airfares. The biggest savings for seniors now come from flexible dates, sale alerts, loyalty programs, travel credit cards and booking directly with the airline.
1. Which airlines still offer senior fares?
United States
| Airline | Senior fares in 2026? | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Limited | A “Senior (65+)” option appears in advanced search, but senior fares exist only in selected markets. See our full American Airlines senior fare guide. |
| Delta Air Lines | Limited | Listed as available in certain markets, sold through Delta Reservations rather than delta.com |
| United Airlines | Limited | Offers a “Senior (65+)” traveller type; discounted fares appear only on routes where United files them |
| Southwest Airlines | No | Southwest stopped selling senior fares in 2019 |
| Alaska Airlines | No | No senior fares, but its co-branded credit card offers a companion fare benefit |
A 2026 review by Fond Travels found that no US airline publishes a fixed senior percentage, and that American, Delta and United file senior fares only on certain routes, usually leisure markets with older demand (Fond Travels).
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AARP members should note that AARP’s flight partnership with British Airways ended in January 2026, although members can still book through the AARP Travel Center (Daily Passport).
United Kingdom
British Airways, easyJet, Jet2 and other major UK airlines do not offer senior airfares. UK seniors usually save more on the journey to the airport: the Senior Railcard gives a third off most rail fares for people aged 60 and over, and older people may qualify for free local bus travel.
Canada
Air Canada and WestJet do not offer senior airfares, according to Cheapflights Canada. A few smaller regional airlines have offered age-based discounts, such as Air North in Yukon for travellers aged 60 and over (Cheapflights Canada). Always check the airline’s official website, as regional policies change.
Australia
In a July 2026 check, Virgin Australia and Jetstar both confirmed they do not offer seniors discounts, and Qantas does not offer concessional domestic airfares for seniors according to its help information. Virgin does sell a Senior Lifetime Lounge membership for travellers aged 60 and over (Starts at 60).
2. Why senior fares disappeared
Airlines now price tickets using algorithms that change fares constantly based on demand, timing and competition. A fixed senior discount does not fit that model. In practice, when senior fares do appear, they are often based on more expensive flexible fares, so a sale fare available to everyone can be cheaper. Always compare the senior price with the lowest regular fare before booking.
3. Nine ways seniors can actually save on flights
1. Use your flexibility
Retirees often have the biggest advantage of all: flexible dates. Midweek flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) and off-peak months usually cost less than weekends and school holidays. Use the flexible-date or calendar view on airline websites and fare comparison tools.
2. Sign up for airline sale alerts
Airlines regularly run short sales. Virgin Australia, for example, promotes weekly Happy Hour sales, and most airlines email special offers to newsletter subscribers. Set fare alerts for routes you want.
3. Join the airline’s loyalty program
Membership is free. Even occasional travellers can collect points from flights, partner hotels, car rentals and shopping, and use them for flights or upgrades later.
4. Consider a travel credit card carefully
Some airline credit cards include free checked bags, priority boarding or companion fares, which can be worth more than an old-style senior discount. They often carry annual fees, so only choose one if you will use the benefits. Our guide to credit cards for seniors and retirees explains how to choose safely on a fixed income.
5. Compare the total price, not the headline fare
Low-cost airlines may charge separately for checked bags, seat selection and carry-on bags. Add up the full cost, including the bag you actually need, before comparing.
6. Book directly with the airline
Booking on the airline’s own website makes changes, refunds and special assistance requests much easier than going through an unknown third-party agent.
7. Look at alternative airports
A nearby secondary airport can be significantly cheaper, especially for leisure routes. Factor in the cost and time of getting there.
8. Check membership discounts
Seniors’ organisations, such as AARP in the US, may offer travel booking discounts on hotels, car rentals and packages, even when airline deals are limited.
9. Ask about senior fares, but compare
On US airlines that still file senior fares, it is worth checking the senior price for your route. Then compare it with the lowest fare available to everyone and choose whichever is genuinely cheaper.
4. Warning: fake airline “senior discount” phone numbers
Search for “senior discount” plus an airline name and you will find pages filled with phone numbers promising secret senior fares. Many of these are not the airline. They are third-party call centres or outright scams that charge large booking fees, sell fares that do not exist or collect your card details.
- Only use phone numbers from the airline’s official website or app.
- Be suspicious of any page that repeats a phone number many times or promises “hidden” senior fares only available by calling.
- Never pay by bank transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency for a flight.
- After booking, check your reservation directly on the airline’s website using your booking reference.
If you are caught by one of these schemes, contact your card provider immediately and report it. Our guide on reporting scams in the US, UK, Canada and Australia lists where to go.
5. Free help that makes flying easier
Even without fare discounts, airlines provide valuable free services for older travellers:
- Wheelchair and mobility assistance from check-in to the gate, usually free when requested in advance.
- Pre-boarding for passengers who need extra time.
- Medical equipment such as approved portable oxygen concentrators, which must be arranged with the airline beforehand.
- Seating help for passengers with limited mobility.
Request assistance when you book, and confirm it a few days before travelling.
6. Senior travel checklist
- Compare senior fares (where offered) against the lowest public fare.
- Search flexible dates and nearby airports.
- Add the cost of bags and seats before comparing airlines.
- Book on the airline’s official website.
- Request any mobility or medical assistance at booking.
- Buy travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions if needed.
- Pay by credit card for extra purchase protection.
- Keep medication and essentials in your carry-on bag.
Frequently asked questions
Do airlines still offer senior discounts in 2026?
Only a few. American, Delta and United file senior fares on certain US routes. Southwest does not, and the main airlines in the UK, Canada and Australia do not offer senior airfares.
At what age do senior airfares start?
Where US airlines still offer them, senior fares generally apply from age 65.
Are senior fares always the cheapest option?
No. Senior fares are often based on more flexible fare types, so a sale fare open to everyone may be cheaper. Always compare.
Does Southwest have a senior discount?
No. Southwest stopped selling senior fares in 2019.
Is it safe to call a number online for senior airfares?
Only if it is listed on the airline’s official website. Many search results show third-party or scam numbers that are not connected to the airline.
