Where Seniors Find Discounts on Flights, Hotels, and Train Travel

How senior discounts actually work across travel companies

Senior discounts on airlines, hotels, and rail are real, but they work differently than you might expect. Most companies don't advertise them the same way they advertise other sales, and some require you to ask or join a membership program to see the price. Airlines typically offer discounts to passengers 65 and older, hotels often start discounts at 55 or 60, and Amtrak has a dedicated senior fare that's usually 15 percent off. The catch: you have to know where to look, because the discount won't appear automatically when you search online.

The reason discounts stay hidden is partly how booking websites work. When you search on Google Flights or Kayak, you're seeing prices from the airline's standard inventory. Senior fares often live in a separate booking channel that you reach by calling the airline directly or visiting their website and selecting an age-based fare class. Hotels work similarly — their website might have a senior rate, but third-party sites like Expedia or Hotels.com often don't show it. Rail is the exception: Amtrak's senior discount shows up in their online booking system if you select it, though you still need to know it exists.

Key Takeaways

• Airlines including American, United, Delta, and Southwest offer 10 to 15 percent discounts to passengers 65 and older, but you usually have to call or book directly on the airline's website to see the price.
• Hotel chains like Best Western, Choice Hotels, and Marriott have senior rates starting at age 55 or 60, found on their own websites or by calling the hotel directly — not on third-party booking sites.
• Amtrak's senior discount of 15 percent off most routes is available to passengers 62 and older and appears in their online booking system when you select it.
• AARP membership often unlocks additional discounts beyond the base senior rate, particularly with hotels and car rentals, and costs $16 per year.
• Booking directly with the company — by phone or their website — is usually the only way to confirm a senior discount before you pay.

Airlines: where to find the senior fare

The major U.S. carriers all offer senior discounts, but the discount amount and how you access it varies. American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines all have programs for passengers 65 and older. The discount is typically 10 to 15 percent off the base fare, though it doesn't apply to basic economy fares on some carriers. The discount also doesn't stack with other promotions — you get one or the other, not both.

To see the senior fare, call the airline's reservations line directly. Have your confirmation number ready if you've already searched online, because the agent can often quote you a senior price on the same flight. Alternatively, visit the airline's website, start a new booking, and look for an option to select your age or a senior fare class before you search. Some airlines have this as a dropdown menu; others require you to call. Southwest is an exception — their website has a field where you can enter your birth date during booking, and the senior fare appears automatically if you may have access to.

The senior discount usually applies to round-trip economy fares on published routes. It typically doesn't apply to basic economy, to flights booked through third-party sites, or to flights purchased as part of a package deal. If you're flying during a major sale, compare the sale price to the senior price — sometimes the sale is better, and you can't combine them.

Hotels: checking both the chain website and by phone

Hotel chains offer senior discounts, but the age threshold and discount size differ. Best Western, Choice Hotels (which includes Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Clarion), Marriott, Hilton, and IHG all have senior programs. Most start at age 55 or 60, and discounts range from 10 to 20 percent depending on the chain and the specific property. The discount is usually off the published rate, not the lowest available rate, so it may not beat a sale price or a membership discount.

To find the senior rate, start on the hotel chain's own website. Look for a link labeled "Senior Discounts," "Special Rates," or "AAA & Discounts" — the location varies by chain. You'll usually enter your age or birth date to see the rate. If you don't see a senior option on the website, call the hotel directly. The front desk or reservations line can often quote you a senior rate over the phone, even if it doesn't show online. Always ask: "Do you have a senior rate for someone 60 and older?" rather than assuming the online price is the lowest.

Third-party booking sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Booking.com rarely display senior rates, so comparing prices across sites won't show you the discount. Book directly with the chain or call the property to confirm the senior rate before you complete your reservation.

Amtrak: the most straightforward senior discount

Amtrak offers a 15 percent discount on most routes for passengers 62 and older. Unlike airlines and hotels, this discount appears in Amtrak's online booking system and is straightforward to access. When you search for a trip on Amtrak.com, select your age or indicate that you're a senior before you search, and the senior fare will show in the results. You can also call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL to book over the phone.

The senior discount applies to most Northeast Regional, Midwest, and long-distance routes. It doesn't apply to the Northeast Corridor (the high-speed Acela service between Boston and Washington, D.C.), and some peak travel dates may have restrictions. The discount is off the published fare, so during a sale it may not be the lowest price available. Amtrak also offers a Rail Pass for seniors, which provides 15 percent off a multi-ride pass if you're 62 or older.

AARP membership and other programs that stack with senior discounts

AARP membership costs $16 per year and often unlocks discounts beyond the base senior rate. AARP members receive additional discounts with Hertz, Budget, and Avis car rentals; discounts at some hotel chains including Best Western and Choice Hotels; and discounts on travel packages through AARP Travel. The AARP discount is separate from the senior discount, so you may be able to combine them — though this varies by company and offer.

Other programs worth checking: AAA membership (if you have it) sometimes offers hotel and car rental discounts that compete with or exceed senior rates. Some hotels offer loyalty program discounts that beat the senior rate. Always compare the senior rate, any membership discount you have, and any current sale price before you book.

Military discounts, government employee discounts, and student discounts don't typically combine with senior discounts, so you'll choose one. If you're may be able to access for multiple discounts, ask the company which one saves you the most on your specific booking.

What to do if the discount doesn't show online

If you've searched online and the senior discount isn't visible, call the company directly. Have the flight number, hotel name, or train route ready so the agent can quote you the exact same option with the senior rate applied. Write down the price, the fare class or rate name, and the agent's name in case you need to reference it later.

Some companies require you to book by phone to receive the senior discount, while others allow you to book online after confirming the price by phone. Ask the agent: "Can I book this online at the senior rate, or do I need to complete the reservation with you?" This prevents you from booking at the full price by accident.

If a company tells you they don't offer senior discounts, that's accurate for that company — not all do. Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier don't have senior programs. Some boutique hotels don't either. In those cases, your options are to book with a competitor that does offer a senior discount, or to look for other discounts like AAA or AARP if you're a member.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show ID to prove I'm a senior?

Yes. When you check in at the airport, hotel, or train station, bring a government-issued ID with your birth date. The agent will verify your age before honoring the senior rate. A driver's license, passport, or state ID all work.

Can I book a senior fare and then have someone else use the ticket?

No. Senior fares are non-transferable — the ticket is issued to the person whose age qualifies for the discount. Airlines, hotels, and Amtrak verify the passenger's age at check-in, so using someone else's ticket will result in the ticket being denied and no refund.

What if I'm traveling with a younger spouse or grandchild — do they get a discount too?

Not automatically. Each person books under their own age category and pays the appropriate rate. Some hotels offer a "companion rate" where a non-senior traveling with a senior pays a reduced rate, but you have to ask about it when you book. Airlines and Amtrak don't typically offer companion discounts.

Is the senior discount better than booking in advance?

It depends on the specific flight, hotel, or route. Sometimes an advance purchase sale beats the senior discount, and sometimes the senior discount is better. Always compare the senior rate to any current sales before you book. You can't combine them, so choose whichever is lower.

Do senior discounts apply to group bookings or package tours?

Usually not. Senior discounts typically apply to individual bookings only. Group rates and package deals are priced separately and don't include the senior discount. If you're booking a group trip, ask whether the package price is lower than booking individual senior fares — sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.