Airlines that offer AARP member discounts

Several major airlines offer discounts to AARP members, though the discount amount and how you claim it varies by carrier. The airlines most commonly offering AARP rates are Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines. However, these discounts are not always advertised on the airline's main website—you often have to book through a specific AARP travel portal or call a dedicated phone line to access the rate.

The discount typically ranges from 5 to 10 percent off the base fare, though some airlines occasionally offer higher discounts during promotional periods. Keep in mind that the discount applies to the ticket price itself, not to taxes and fees, so the actual savings on your total bill will be smaller. The discount is usually available on economy fares and may not combine with other promotions or sales.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP member discounts are offered by Southwest, United, American, Delta, and Alaska Airlines, but you must book through the AARP travel portal or a dedicated phone line rather than the airline's main website.
  • Discounts typically range from 5 to 10 percent off the base fare and do not include taxes and fees, so your actual savings will be less than the percentage suggests.
  • You will need to show your AARP membership card at check-in or have your membership number ready when you book, depending on the airline.
  • Some airlines limit AARP discounts to certain routes, times of year, or fare classes, so compare the AARP rate against current sales before booking.
  • The AARP website lists current partner airlines and their discount rates, which change periodically.

How to book an AARP airline discount

The most straightforward way to access an AARP airline discount is through the AARP Travel Center, which is linked from the main AARP website. When you visit the travel section, you can search for flights the same way you would on any airline booking site, but the rates shown are the AARP member rates. You will need to log in with your AARP membership number or create an account using your membership information.

Alternatively, many airlines maintain a dedicated phone line for AARP bookings. For example, United Airlines has a specific reservations number for AARP members, and American Airlines offers AARP rates through their main reservations line when you mention your membership. If you prefer to book directly with the airline rather than through a third-party portal, call the airline's main reservations number and ask whether they offer AARP discounts and what the current rate is.

When you book, have your AARP membership number ready. Some airlines will ask for it at the time of booking; others will ask you to present your membership card at check-in. If you book online through the AARP Travel Center, the discount is usually applied automatically once you log in.

Which airlines currently offer AARP rates

Southwest Airlines regularly offers AARP member discounts and advertises them on its website. You can book directly on Southwest's site by selecting the AARP discount option, or you can call their reservations line and mention your membership.

United Airlines offers discounts to AARP members on most domestic and some international flights. The discount is available through the AARP Travel Center or by calling United's dedicated AARP reservations number.

American Airlines provides AARP discounts on many routes. You can book through the AARP Travel Center or call American's main reservations line and ask for the AARP rate.

Delta Air Lines offers AARP member discounts, though availability varies by route and date. Book through the AARP Travel Center or call Delta's reservations line to ask about current AARP fares.

Alaska Airlines offers discounts to AARP members on flights within its network. The discount is available through the AARP Travel Center or by calling Alaska Airlines reservations.

Other airlines, including JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, have offered AARP discounts in the past, but availability and terms change. Check the AARP Travel Center or call the airline directly to confirm current offerings.

What to compare before you book

An AARP discount is not always the lowest fare available. Airlines frequently run sales and promotions that may beat the AARP rate, especially if you are flexible about your travel dates. Before you book through the AARP portal, search for the same flight on the airline's main website or on a general flight search engine to compare prices.

Also check whether the AARP discount applies to the specific flight you want. Some airlines restrict AARP rates to certain routes, times of day, or seasons. For example, a discount might not be available on flights departing during peak hours or on routes with high demand. The AARP Travel Center should show you whether the discount applies to your search results, but if you are booking by phone, ask the agent whether the rate you are quoted is the best available for that specific flight.

Keep in mind that AARP discounts typically cannot be combined with other promotions, such as airline credit card bonuses or corporate discounts. If you have access to another discount, calculate which one saves you more money before you commit to booking.

How much you can save

The actual dollar amount you save depends on the base fare, the discount percentage, and the length of your trip. A 5 to 10 percent discount on a $200 round-trip ticket saves you $10 to $20. On a $400 ticket, you save $20 to $40. The discount applies only to the base fare, not to taxes, fees, or fuel surcharges, so if your total ticket price is $450 including taxes and fees, a 10 percent discount applies only to the portion that is the base fare.

Some airlines occasionally run higher AARP discounts—15 to 20 percent—during slower travel periods or as part of a limited-time promotion. These are worth watching for if you have flexible travel dates. The AARP website and email newsletter sometimes announce these promotions in advance.

What you need to bring or provide

If you book online through the AARP Travel Center, you will need your AARP membership number to log in. The discount is applied at the time of booking, and no additional proof is required at the airport.

If you book by phone or at the airport, have your AARP membership card or membership number ready. Some airlines ask for the number when you book; others ask to see the card at check-in. If you do not have your card with you at the airport, the airline may ask for your membership number or the phone number associated with your account to verify your membership before allowing you to use the discounted rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 or older to get an AARP airline discount?

You must be an AARP member to receive the discount. AARP membership is open to people 50 and older, so in practice, yes—you need to be at least 50. However, the airline discount itself is tied to your AARP membership card, not your age, so as long as you have a valid membership, you can use the discount.

Can I use an AARP discount on a flight I already booked?

No. The discount must be applied at the time of booking. If you have already purchased a ticket at the regular price, you would need to cancel and rebook to access the AARP rate. Check your airline's cancellation policy first, as some airlines charge a fee to cancel or rebook, which could eat into your savings.

Do AARP discounts work on international flights?

Some airlines offer AARP discounts on international flights, but availability is more limited than on domestic routes. United, American, and Delta offer discounts on select international destinations. Check the AARP Travel Center or call the airline to confirm whether the discount applies to your specific international route.

Can I use an AARP discount if I am traveling with family members who are not AARP members?

The discount applies only to the AARP member's ticket. Family members traveling with you would pay the regular fare unless they also have AARP membership or access to another discount. Some airlines offer companion fares or family discounts that might be worth comparing.

What if the AARP rate is higher than a sale price I found elsewhere?

Book at the lower price. AARP discounts are not may provide to be the lowest available fare. Always compare the AARP rate against current sales on the airline's website and other booking sites before you commit.