Once you retire, you’ll probably have some extra time on your hands, which is why you should consider taking a trip. And, now that you’re a senior, go ahead and take advantage of the discounts and deals for people who are 65 and over.

How To Find Cheap Flights for Seniors

Traveling by air is costly. However, since you’re a senior citizen, take some time to look for special discounts.

Airlines Offering Senior Discounts

Airlines are always changing the price of their tickets, flight schedules, and fees. For example, Southwest doesn’t offer senior discounts anymore. Nonetheless, don't worry; other airlines do.

Delta Air Lines Offers a Discount for Seniors

Delta’s Special Fares and Discounts section on their website states that there are senior discounts available in certain markets. However, to find out if there is a discount for seniors in your area, you'll need to call the reservation line at 1-800-221-1212.

Senior Discounts at United Airlines

According to their website, United offers senior fares to individuals who are at least 65 years of age.

Booking With an Agent Costs More

You can call 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) to make your flight reservation with an agent. However, if you purchase your ticket this way, you will incur additional fees: If you book with an agent by phone, it’s $25; at the airport, $50; and at a City Ticket Office, $10.

Save Money: Make Your United Airlines Reservation Online

If you decide to purchase your ticket online, you'll need to click on "Traveler." A drop-down menu should open up; select the “Senior 65+” option.

If you're traveling with other people who are at least 65 years old, they can also receive a senior discount. As you book your flight, just choose the number of seniors in your party.

Although United has a Silver Wings Plus program, it’s no longer accepting new members.

American Airlines

American’s senior discount usually ranges from 10% to 15%. This discount typically applies to the base fare amount.

Factors that can affect your senior discount amount:

• Class of service
• Route
• Availability

To find out more about American’s senior discounts, you can call 1-802-455-7300 (OTA) or 1-800-433-7300.

International Airline Discounts for Seniors

Air Canada

Air Canada offers substantial senior citizen discounts ranging from 10% to 40%, even on its lowest fares.

British Airways

If you’re an AARP member, you can receive a $65 discount on economy and premium economy seats. If you’re flying round trip in business class, as long as your flight begins in the U.S., you can save $200.

Additional Travel Tips for Seniors

Book Early

Airfare costs can be substantially lower if you make your reservation well in advance. Therefore, book early.

In addition, keep in mind that when you purchase your airfare, you’ll need to prove your age. You can do this with an ID card, driver’s license, or passport.

Save Money: Fly Midweek

Ticket prices are usually less expensive on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to Hopper, people who travel these days usually save about $85 per ticket.

Leave Early in the Morning or Late at Night

Choose an early morning or late-night flight. These flights are cheaper because there is much less competition.

Optimal times to depart are from 4 am to 6 am and 10 pm to midnight. Although these times may not be ideal for you, there are perks. Consider that there will probably be fewer people on the flight. In addition, traffic should be light, which means it won’t take as long to get to the airport.

Use your senior discount and these tips to save money and reduce stress. Enjoy your trip!