3 Airlines That Are The Most Affordable for Boomers

For people over 50, travel remains a huge priority. According to the AARP 2024 Travel Trends report , 65% of people over 50 surveyed said they plan to go on vacation this year.

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Baby boomers — those age 60 to 78 — fit into that category. Since many vacations require plane travel, it’s financially beneficial for boomers to know which airlines can offer the best discounts and prices.

Here are the most affordable airline options for boomers looking to travel this year .

British Airlines

Based in the United Kingdom, British Airways is a great airline for boomers as it offers special discounts for AARP members.

“With airfare prices up by 25% compared to last year, it’s exciting to see that there are some great options out there for boomers to save on travel,” said Jesse Neugarten, the founder and CEO of Dollar Flight Club .

“Currently, AARP members can save up to $200 on British Airways airfare. However, these offers are exclusive to AARP members and must be booked on their website.”

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines is another great airline option for boomers. They offer senior discounts in certain markets, but these deals cannot be found online.

“To access potential boomer fares, travelers need to contact Delta directly to see if there is a discount for the particular route,” Neugarten said.

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United Airlines

A third airline option that is more affordable for boomers is United Airlines. They offer senior fares for select destinations for travelers 65 years or older. These discounts can be found by selecting the number of seniors that are traveling when you book your flight online, or by calling the airline directly.

Additional Ways To Save

While these airlines offer great discounts for senior citizens, these deals usually only apply to specific routes. Therefore, it’s good to know the additional ways that boomers can save money on airfare.

Boomers often have more flexibility with their schedule than younger generations. This is a great advantage, as they are more able to book a flight during less expensive travel times.

“Seniors hoping to save money on their flights should aim to book their journey during off-peak periods if possible,” said Sarah Donaldson, a senior travel claims analyst at Fast Cover Travel Insurance .

“As mid-week is usually noticeably cheaper than the weekend, those with flexible schedules will find they can save significantly not only on flights, but also on accommodation and activities.”

Seniors can save even more money if they book their flights well in advance. Typically, the closer you book to your travel date, the more money your ticket may cost.

“If you’re keen to save money, you should strive to book as early as possible, as airlines will usually discount some seats months ahead of the flight to encourage more passengers to purchase,” Donaldson said.

Additionally, seniors should check their credit card perks to see what discounts and deals they can access.

“As many cards help cover the costs of baggage, airport lounges, in-flight meals and even the airfare itself, making the most of your credit card’s benefits is one of the easiest ways for boomers to reduce their air travel expenses,” said Donaldson.

Why Low-Cost Flights Might Not Be Worth It

It’s important to be careful with some airlines’ senior discounts or cheap airline tickets. Sometimes, the saying “you get what you pay for” is true when it comes to budget-friendly airlines.

“With ultra-low-cost carriers, you are paying for your seat and one personal item,” said Steve Guilday, the director of travel at AARP Services, Inc.

“These airlines offer what we call the ‘no-frills flights,’ meaning you are choosing to forgo certain amenities such as a free carry-on bag, in-flight service and comfort, as most of the flights include limited legroom, seats with minimal padding and the absence of in-flight entertainment.”

These are great options when it comes to saving money, so long as you remember to avoid any additional fees.

“Sometimes the lowest priced ticket isn’t always the most budget-friendly,” Guilday said. “While the ultra-low-cost airlines can get you from point A to B for cheap, you’re potentially going to have additional costs based on your baggage or in-flight service preferences.

“But taking advantage of [AARP] membership benefits can really help you jet off and enjoy your well-deserved end-of-summer vacation guilt-free.”

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 3 Airlines That Are The Most Affordable for Boomers