How to Find and Use Senior Travel Discounts

Travelers age 55 and older can save significantly on flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises — if you know where to look and when to book.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Join AARP if you are 50 or older
2.Use the AARP Travel Center for hotel and car bookings
3.Call airlines to ask about senior fares
4.Purchase the America the Beautiful Senior Pass
5.Ask about discounts at the time of booking and at check-in

Join AARP if you are 50 or older

~15s

AARP membership costs about $16 per year and gives access to travel discounts at hundreds of airlines, hotels, rental cars, and tour companies. Go to AARP.org to sign up.

Use the AARP Travel Center for hotel and car bookings

~17s

Go to aarp.org/travel and book hotels and rental cars through the AARP portal. Rates are often 10–20% lower than general booking sites.

Quick Tip

Always compare the AARP rate against what you find on Expedia or Hotels.com — sometimes the general sale price beats the AARP rate.

Call airlines to ask about senior fares

~15s

When booking flights, call the airline's customer service line and ask specifically: "Do you have senior fares available for this route?" They may not be advertised online.

Purchase the America the Beautiful Senior Pass

~21s

Visit store.usgs.gov to order the Senior Pass online ($80 lifetime), or buy it in person at any national park entrance for $80. The $20 annual version is available at the same locations.

Quick Tip

The lifetime pass pays for itself after just two national park visits. Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Zion all have entrance fees of $35 or more per vehicle.

Ask about discounts at the time of booking and at check-in

~15s

Whenever booking travel, say "I'm a senior — is there a discount available?" or "I'm an AARP member — do you have a member rate?" Staff can often apply discounts that are not visible online.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Find and Use Senior Travel Discounts

Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

Senior travel discounts can save you hundreds of dollars on trips, but they are not always advertised prominently. You often need to ask for them or know where to look.

Airlines

: Many airlines offer senior fares, though they have become less common. Airlines like American, Delta, and United sometimes offer senior discounts on select domestic routes. It is worth calling the airline directly and asking about senior fares, since these are not always shown on booking websites. AARP Travel also partners with airlines and car rental companies for member discounts.

Hotels

: Most major chains offer senior discounts of 10% to 20% for AARP members. Marriott, Hilton, Best Western, and IHG all participate. Always ask at check-in or during booking whether a senior or AARP rate is available — it may be lower than the rate you found online.

Rental cars

: AARP members receive discounts at Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise. Book through the AARP Travel Center for guaranteed rates. If you are 65 or older, Enterprise and National also sometimes offer specific senior pricing.

Cruises

: Cruise lines frequently offer seniors age 55+ discounts of $100 to $500 off, especially during shoulder seasons (spring and fall). Booking through a travel agent who specializes in cruises can uncover better deals than booking directly.

National Parks

: Anyone 62 or older can purchase an America the Beautiful Senior Pass for $80 (lifetime) or $20 (annual), which gives free access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas including all national parks.

Rate this guide

How helpful was this guide?

senior discounts

travel

aarp

national parks

savings