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    Senior Airfare

    Cheaper flights with patience + tools.

    Best price tools

    • Google Flights — best for searching.
    • Skyscanner — international comparison.
    • Hopper app — predicts price drops.
    • Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) — $50/yr deal alerts.
    • Costco Travel — bundle deals.
    • Compare 3+ before booking.

    Senior airline discounts

    • Most airlines dropped formal senior discounts.
    • Southwest — "senior fares" available 65+.
    • British Airways — sometimes 65+ rates.
    • AARP rates on Avis, Hertz rentals.
    • AAA travel agent finds deals.
    • Don't expect huge senior discounts on airfare.

    Time it right

    • Domestic — book 1-3 months ahead.
    • International — 5-6 months ahead.
    • Tuesday + Wednesday cheapest fly days.
    • Avoid Sundays + Fridays.
    • Off-season HUGE savings.
    • Set fare alerts on Google Flights.

    Senior-friendly travel

    • TSA PreCheck $78/5yr — keep shoes on, faster.
    • Wheelchair assistance FREE — see /tools/airport-wheelchair-help.
    • Aisle seat — bathroom access.
    • Direct flights — fewer transfers.
    • CLEAR — fastest line ($199/yr).

    Travel cards = free flights

    • Sign-up bonuses 75K-100K points.
    • Equivalent free domestic round-trip.
    • Chase Sapphire Preferred best for travel.
    • Capital One Venture Rewards.
    • Smart sign-ups = 1-2 free trips/year.

    Travel insurance

    For 65+ international = ESSENTIAL. Medicare doesn't cover overseas. $200-400/trip. Worth peace of mind. See /tools/travel-insurance-reality. Cover trip cancellation, medical, evacuation. Don't skip.