New Airline Discounts More Restrictive
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: 2006-07-03 10:43:50.513859-04:00
Travelers looking for traditional senior discounts at major airlines this fall will find those discounts have vanished, replaced by new and more restrictive offers.
But airlines insist older Americans can still find bargain ticket prices because generally, airfares remain deeply discounted.
"Today, airfares throughout the industry are the lowest they've been in 15 years," says Kurt Ebenhoch, a spokesman for Northwest Airlines.
US Airways was the first to drop the 10 percent senior discount on standard fares in July, followed by American, Continental, Delta, Northwest and United. The airlines, except for Delta, also dropped their senior coupon ticket books, though the carriers will honor unredeemed coupons.
So what's left for older travelers?
United, Continental, Northwest and American have a new senior offer—a 10 percent discount for people 65 and older if they book tickets 14 days in advance and include a Saturday stay. The tickets are good for 180 days. US Airways also has new fares for people 65 and older.
The airlines have raised the qualifying age for the new senior discounts from 62 to 65. They have eliminated the savings for those who are flying on short notice.
Call the airlines to learn more about the latest offers.
The AARP Savers fares program with US Airways continues, entitling members age 50 and older to special zone fares based on where they travel in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. For more information and to make reservations, call (866) 886-2277 toll free. Please have your membership card ready.
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