In the United States, anyone 55 or older is generally eligible for discounts at a variety of stores, hotels, cell phone plans, cruises, and restaurants. But did you know that some airlines also offer senior traveler rewards and discounts? While Southwest currently dominates the list of cheapest flight deals, Delta is quietly offering select deals to travelers 65 and older. The problem is that these discounts are not heavily advertised, not clearly explained, and are even easily processed online. Still, there are ways to get discounted travel if you know where and how to ask.
Delta’s senior citizen discounts are typically only available by contacting the airline’s reservations team over the phone. Even so, availability varies by route and market, and discounts aren’t available on every flight. While Delta doesn’t completely rule out the possibility of finding premium fares online, the airline recommends contacting its reservations team for the best chance of getting a premium fare. You’ll need to confirm your flight details (route, travel dates and preferred airport) and verify your age using government-issued identification (such as a driver’s license or passport).
Flexibility can also pay off, as agents may be able to mark better fares on less popular travel dates. Senior discounts typically range from 5% to 15% and are more common on domestic routes within the continental United States than international flights. However, even if you’re flying on one of Delta’s international routes, it’s always worth checking with an agent – you never know what flights are available.
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Tips for getting a Delta Air Lines senior discount
A Delta Air Lines jet lands in Orlando with trees and water below – Boarding1now/Getty Images
How much you save with Delta Air Lines discounted senior travel depends on a variety of factors. As mentioned before, your flight route is important, but the time of year and how far in advance you book can also affect your likelihood of getting a discount. If you want to take advantage of the best senior citizen discounts, book in advance. According to Seniors Discount Club, booking 14 weeks or more before scheduled travel can help you get the biggest discounts on domestic flights. However, this may vary depending on route, season and demand. For international travel, the best time to buy air tickets at the cheapest prices is as early as possible.
In terms of timing, you’re more likely to get a significant discount if you book a flight to your destination during the off-season. Weekday fares are also a good option and it always pays to be flexible with your dates. You can also try calling Delta on Tuesdays, as this is still considered the best day to book flights for cheaper travel.
There are also ways to increase your savings when booking discount senior travel. If you are a SkyMiles member, be sure to mention it because you can save even more. Sometimes you can also get senior discounts outside of Delta’s seasonal or destination sales, but it’s best to do this with an actual agent rather than trying to do it online yourself. Delta isn’t the only U.S. airline offering these discounted tickets. American Airlines and United Airlines also offer cheaper flights for older travelers. Other airlines, such as Frontier Airlines, sometimes offer temporary promotions. So if you’re not happy with Delta’s rates, you can look elsewhere and compare. Be sure to call as prices are not always easy to find.
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