Travel Discounts Seniors Can Use to Cut Costs
Many travel providers offer discounts for older travelers, though eligibility varies. Airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and even cruise lines often offer discounts to seniors. The only catch is that these deals rarely appear by default. Many require selecting a specific rate category or calling directly to ask.
For travelers aged 55 and older, that hidden effort can lead to meaningful savings on everything from cross-country train tickets to lifetime national park passes. These offers can make your travel dollars stretch a lot further.
British Airways Offers AARP Member Savings
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AARP members can score $65 off economy or $200 off business class round-trips with British Airways. It applies to transatlantic flights booked through the AARP Travel Center and covers more than 130 destinations. The deal runs through January 31, 2026.
Amtrak Cuts 10% Off For Seniors 65+
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Older passengers riding Amtrak can get 10% off fares starting at age 65, or age 60 if they’re headed into Canada on a VIA Rail route. Sleeper and most Business Class fares aren’t included. You’ll need a valid ID on board, but booking the discount is simple through their website or app.
Carnival Offers Variable Senior Cruise Pricing
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Carnival doesn’t list a flat-rate senior discount. Instead, passengers 55 and up can find lower fares on select sailings if they use the “Cruise Deals for Seniors” filter. If a cruise qualifies, the deal shows up during checkout.
Budget Provides Up to 35% Off for AARP Members
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Budget Rent-A-Car offers AARP members a discount of between 10% and 25% off base rates, and up to 35% off when paying in advance. The offer includes a free additional driver, vehicle upgrades when available, and a 3% credit toward future rentals. Use the AARP discount code provided on the AARP Travel Center site..
Marriott Offers 15% Off For Guests 62 And Up
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Travelers aged 62 or older can book rooms at participating Marriott properties for up to 15% off the standard rate. The discount can cover up to two rooms per booking. Some hotels offer bonuses, such as breakfast or late checkout, but these extras vary by property. Proof of age is required at check-in to lock in the lower rate.
National Parks Sell Lifetime Passes For $80
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U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 and up can purchase a lifetime Senior Pass for $80 or an annual pass for $20. The pass covers more than 2,000 federal recreation sites and often includes discounts on camping and amenities. Buying in person avoids the $10 processing fee that’s added online.
Royal Caribbean Offers Lower Rates For Travelers 55+
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Royal Caribbean offers reduced rates for guests aged 55 and older on specific cruises, but they only appear after you select the correct age category. While there’s no requirement for a code, you must ensure that at least one traveler per stateroom meets the qualification. Also, look for the senior fare option while booking.
United Offers Select Senior Fares For Age 65+
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United Airlines offers discounted fares on select routes to passengers aged 65 and above. To check availability, choose “Senior 65+” during booking. Make sure to compare standard fares before finalizing, since the discounted rate doesn’t apply to all flights.
Choice Hotels Give Seniors Up To 10% Off
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Guests aged 60 and older or AARP members can get up to 10% off stays at Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, and other Choice Hotel brands. To qualify, book through the official Choice Hotels site or reservation line using the senior or AARP rate option.
Wyndham Hotels Extend AARP Rates Nationwide
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Wyndham offers a 10% discount to AARP members at brands like La Quinta, Ramada, and Days Inn. Not every location participates, but many also add perks like complimentary breakfast or extended checkout times. The key is to book directly with Wyndham and bring your AARP card at check-in.
Southwest Offers Senior Fares By Phone
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To find Southwest’s senior fares, travelers aged 65 and older should call and confirm since these deals are not available online. While the rates aren’t guaranteed to be cheaper, seniors still benefit from Southwest’s no-change-fee policy and two free checked bags. ID will be checked at the gate.
Hertz Fifty Plus Program Gives Up To 20% Off
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No AARP membership is needed for Hertz’s Fifty Plus Program. It gives travelers aged 50 and up as much as 20% off rental rates. AARP members can go further with up to 35% off when prepaying. Many rentals also include a second driver for free, so road trips get easier.
AARP Travel Center Offers Cruise And Package Deals
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The AARP Travel Center, powered by Expedia, includes senior-only cruise and vacation bundle deals. Members can get up to 35% off cruises, $100 in onboard credit, or $50 gift cards with some flight-and-hotel bookings. All deals must be booked through the platform to apply.
Best Western Includes Discounts And Bonus Points
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Travelers aged 55 and up get at least 5% off at Best Western. AARP members enrolled in the rewards program also earn 10% bonus points per stay. Discounts vary slightly by property, so it helps to check the individual hotel listing for details before booking.
Vacations By Rail Offers 5% Savings For AARP Members
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There’s a 5% off select trips for AARP members through Vacations By Rail. This combines scenic train routes with hotels and tours. Destinations include the Canadian Rockies, U.S. national parks, and Europe. The discount is only applicable when booking directly through the company.
Grand European Travel Discounts Guided Tours
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You can enjoy $100 off per person as an AARP member when booking tours or river cruises with Grand European Travel. The company features over 300 trips across continents, including guided vacations in Asia, South America, and Europe. The discount applies at checkout for online or phone bookings.
Public Transit Systems Offer Senior Fare Options
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Many U.S. cities, from San Francisco to Boston, offer reduced fares for older riders, typically starting at 60 or 65 years old. Riders may need a transit-specific senior ID or just a government-issued one. Discounts are often available for both buses and subways, but the terms and conditions vary depending on the city.
AMAC Members Get Cruise Perks Through TravelPerks
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The Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) works with TravelPerks to offer cruise deals, including 5% off excursions, waived booking fees, and automatic price drop tracking. Cruises from Carnival and Princess are part of the mix. You’ll need to book through TravelPerks.com to claim the offers.
Major Museums Offer Age-Based Discounts
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Museums don’t always advertise it loudly, but many give seniors a break at the ticket counter. The Art Institute of Chicago, for example, offers a $6 discount on admission for individuals aged 65 and above. At the Met in New York, it’s $8 off. Always check the museum’s website for details before heading out.
Live Events Offer Reduced Pricing For Older Attendees
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Some performance venues and shows, including Cirque du Soleil, offer discounts for older adults. AARP members can save up to 30% on select events. Local theaters may also provide reduced rates for seniors, but often require in-person requests or specific booking codes.