Retirement opens up time for adventure, but travel expenses can quickly add up. Fortunately, airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and attractions recognize the value of senior travelers and offer discounts that can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per trip.
Many of these deals aren't advertised prominently online, so knowing where to look and what to ask for makes all the difference. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a bucket-list vacation, these senior discounts can help stretch your travel budget further.
1. United Airlines senior fares for travelers 65 and older
United Airlines offers discounted senior fares on select flights for passengers aged 65 and above, though these deals aren't always visible on their website.
You'll need to select “Senior 65+” when booking online to see if your flight qualifies, or call their customer service line directly to inquire about available routes. The discounts vary by destination and aren't offered on every flight, so flexibility with your travel dates helps.
Some travelers report savings of 10 to 15 percent on qualifying fares. Book early and compare prices, as standard promotional fares sometimes beat the senior rate.
2. American Airlines senior discounts on select international routes
American Airlines provides senior discounts for travelers 65 and older, but only on certain Latin American routes and select international flights.
These fares typically offer 10 to 15 percent off the base ticket price, though the exact savings depend on route, fare class, and availability. The discounts don't appear in standard online searches; you'll need to visit AA.com, select “Advanced Search,” and choose “Senior Citizen Discount” from the dropdown menu, or call reservations directly to check multiple dates and routes.
One Reddit user noted the discounts are “about as predictable as any other airfare,” so comparing them against regular promotional fares is smart.
3. Southwest Airlines senior discounts for ages 65 and up
Southwest Airlines offers senior fares for passengers 65 and older, though you'll need to call the airline directly to apply the discount since it's not available through their website.
These discounts aren't offered on every flight, and availability depends on the route and travel dates. Southwest's already competitive pricing combined with their two-free-checked-bags policy makes them a solid choice for seniors even without the discount. You'll need to provide verification of age when booking.
Their Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares also let you earn points for future travel, which can add value over time.
4. British Airways AARP member discounts up to $200
AARP members can save between $65 and $200 on British Airways flights depending on the fare class. $200 off business class round-trip tickets and $65 off economy fares for transatlantic travel to over 130 destinations worldwide.
The discount applies to round-trip tickets purchased online through the AARP Travel Center, and you must book by January 31, 2026, for outbound travel by June 30, 2025. Phone bookings and travel agent reservations don't qualify.
This partnership stands out because it's available to any AARP member regardless of age, unlike most airline senior discounts that require you to be 65 or older.
5. Marriott senior discount of 15 percent for ages 62 and up
Marriott Hotels offers travelers aged 62 and older savings of up to 15 percent off standard rates at participating properties worldwide.
Some locations sweeten the deal with complimentary breakfast and late checkout, though these perks vary by property. You'll need to present age verification at check-in, and the discount covers a maximum of two rooms per stay.
Revenue data shows senior travelers save an average of $45 per night when combining this age-based discount with Marriott's loyalty programs. Always compare the senior rate against other promotions, as seasonal specials sometimes offer better savings.
6. Choice Hotels senior rates up to 10 percent off for ages 60 and up
Choice Hotels, which includes Comfort Inn, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, and other brands, offers seniors aged 60 and above or AARP members up to 10 percent off their stay when booking with advance reservations.
Simply select “Senior/AARP” from the special rate dropdown when booking online, or call 800-4CHOICE and request the senior rate. The discount applies at thousands of locations across the U.S. These hotels often sit near highways and attractions, making them convenient for road trips. Booking directly through Choice Hotels rather than third-party sites ensures you get the discount.
7. Best Western 5 percent discount for guests 55 and older
Best Western offers 5 percent or more off room rates for AARP members or senior guests aged 55 and above at over 4,000 participating properties.
Members of Best Western Rewards for AARP Members earn 10 percent more bonus points per stay, which adds up quickly if you travel regularly. The properties range from budget-friendly options to upscale hotels, and many include complimentary breakfast.
You'll find Best Western locations in nearly every U.S. state and many international destinations. Check the property details before booking, as amenities and exact discounts vary.
8. Hertz car rental discount of 20 percent for ages 50 and up
Hertz offers up to 20 percent off base car rental rates for travelers over 50 through their Fifty Plus Program, no membership required. Use discount code CDP# 2007815 when booking online or at the counter.
The program works on both domestic and international rentals, making it useful for various trip types. Some AARP members report finding even better rates through Hertz's AARP partnership, which can save up to 35 percent with “Pay Now” options and includes perks like free additional drivers.
Always compare both the age-based discount and any membership discounts you have to find the best deal.
9. Budget Rent-A-Car everyday savings of 10 to 25 percent for AARP members
Budget offers AARP members aged 50 and older everyday savings of 10 to 25 percent on all vehicles, both domestic and international rentals. Use Budget Customer Discount (BCD) code Y508537 when booking to access the lowest available rates.
If you pay when you reserve the car, you can save up to 35 percent on base rental rates, compared to 30 percent if you pay at pickup. The deal includes a 3 percent credit toward future rentals, a free additional driver, and free upgrades on compact through full-size vehicles when available.
10. Amtrak 10 percent senior discount on most rail fares for ages 65 and up
Amtrak offers travelers aged 65 and older a 10 percent discount on most rail fares across the country, including scenic routes like the California Zephyr and Southwest Chief.
For cross-border services operated jointly with VIA Rail Canada, the discount kicks in at age 60. When booking online or through the Amtrak app, select “Senior” as your passenger type and the discount applies automatically.
Just have a government-issued ID ready when you travel. The discount doesn't cover sleeping accommodations, Business Class (except Acela Business Class), or certain Thruway connecting services. Select California routes offer 15 percent off for seniors 62 and older.
Some retirees also take on small freelance or seasonal work to help cover travel costs. If you're curious how much time that actually takes, you can calculate how many hours you spend working with gigacalculator.com to see the total hours add up.
11. Royal Caribbean senior pricing for travelers 55 and older
Royal Caribbean offers reduced rates for travelers aged 55 and above on selected sailings, though the cruise line doesn't advertise a fixed percentage and discounts vary by season and availability.
When booking online, click “Apply a promo code and exclusive rates” at the guest selection step, choose “Seniors (Age 55+),” and click apply to see qualifying voyages. Some passengers report substantial savings. One traveler received $259 off a September cruise, while another saved $842 per cabin on a Symphony of the Seas voyage.
At least one guest per stateroom must meet the age requirement, and noncompliance results in re-pricing at the lowest available fare.
12. Carnival cruise senior fares for passengers 55 and older
Carnival Cruise Line provides dedicated senior fares for passengers aged 55 and above, though discounts aren't available on every sailing and rates vary by destination and travel dates.
Visit Carnival's “Cruise Deals for Seniors” calendar on their website to view available discounted trips, then filter results by date, departure port, destination, and other preferences. When you reach the “Tell Us About Yourself” page during booking, check the “55+ years old” box to apply the discount.
Since availability changes regularly, checking the calendar frequently helps you identify the best opportunities for savings on your preferred routes.
13. America the Beautiful senior pass for national parks
U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 and older can purchase a lifetime America the Beautiful senior pass for $80 or an annual version for $20.
The pass grants unlimited entry to over 2,000 federal recreation sites managed by six agencies, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Passholders also receive 50 percent discounts on amenities like camping, boat launches, and guided tours at participating locations.
A $10 processing fee applies for online orders, but in-person purchases at federal sites avoid this charge. Regular visitors to major parks like Yellowstone, which charges $35 per vehicle, recover the lifetime pass cost within three visits.
14. AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia member discounts
AARP members aged 50 and above access exclusive discounts through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia, including savings on vacation packages, hotels, car rentals, and cruises.
Members who book flight packages receive a $50 gift card of their choice about one week before travel, and cruise bookings earn up to $100 in extra onboard credits on more than 15 cruise lines. The platform also offers up to 35 percent off on select cruises and reduced deposits on various bookings.
Filter search results using the “AARP Member-Exclusive Deals” box to find properties with an additional 10 percent off. At just $12 for the first year of membership, AARP discounts often pay for themselves in a single booking.
15. Wyndham Hotels 10 percent discount for AARP members
AARP members receive a 10 percent discount when booking at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts properties, which includes brands like Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Ramada, Super 8, and La Quinta.
The discount applies to participating locations, and availability varies by property and travel dates. Wyndham operates thousands of hotels across the U.S. and internationally, giving you plenty of options for both everyday travel and vacation destinations.
Book directly through Wyndham's website or call to ensure you receive the AARP rate. Some properties also offer additional perks like free breakfast or late checkout, so check the details before finalizing your reservation.
16. Grand European Travel $100 off guided vacations for AARP members
AARP members save $100 per person on guided vacations through Grand European Travel, which offers more than 300 itineraries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. For luxury river cruises, members receive $100 off the total booking.
Popular destinations include Italy, Great Britain, Australia, and South Africa, with tours designed for mature travelers who want hassle-free planning and cultural immersion. The company handles logistics, accommodations, and guided tours, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Book online at the Grand European Travels website or call to speak with a representative about available trips and confirm your AARP discount.
17. Vacations By Rail 5 percent discount on rail travel for AARP members
AARP members save 5 percent on select rail vacations, tours, train tickets, and cruises through Vacations By Rail. The company specializes in well-planned itineraries featuring scenic train routes through destinations like the Canadian Rockies, America's national parks, and various European countries.
These packages combine rail travel with hotels, tours, and sometimes meals, taking the stress out of planning complex multi-stop trips. The discount applies to both domestic and international journeys.
Book online at the Vacations By Rail website or call the company to speak with a rail travel specialist who can help design the perfect itinerary based on your interests and budget.
18. AMAC cruise discounts with no booking fees and 5 percent off excursions
AMAC (Association of Mature American Citizens) partners with major cruise lines including Carnival, Crystal, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean International to offer members discounts, bonuses, and free upgrades.
Member perks include no booking fees, 5 percent off onshore excursions, and price monitoring to ensure you get the best deal. To access these benefits, visit TravelPerks.com/AMAC and enter your membership information during booking. AMAC membership costs less than AARP and provides comparable travel discounts, making it a solid alternative for seniors.
The association caters specifically to conservative-leaning older Americans but welcomes anyone who values their approach to advocacy and benefits.
