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Dear Savvy Senior,

My husband an I have done a lot of traveling since we retired and wanted to know if the friendly skies of the USA’s major airlines will ever get back to offering discounts to seniors. There used to be some great airfare discounts and coupon deals but not anymore. Can you give us the current major airline discount deals for seniors and how the compare with what they used to offer? If they want us to fly, they need to give us some senior incentives.

Thank you

Looking For Discounts

Dear Looking,

Most major airlines still do offer some senior fares but I’m afraid that the friendly skies have become a little grumpy lately. Don’t look for that to change any time soon!!! With the traumatizing affects of Sept. 11, combined with a sluggish economy, the airline industry had to tighten their belts a notch or two which resulted in less discounts and more restrictions for seniors.

Savvy Note: Age has its rewards but not like it use to!!!

Savvy Comparison: Due to declining business, last summer (2002) the airline industry as a whole cut back or eliminated airfare discount programs for senior citizens. In comparison, before the cutbacks, savvy seniors age 62 or older (for most major airlines) qualified for some great airfare discounts. Now, many airlines have raised the qualifying age to 65 and older with smaller discounts and more restrictions. Also, in the good old days, senior discount coupon booklets were available for purchase to seniors 62 and older. Today, they don’t exist!

Savvy Incentive: The airline industry insists that older Americans can still find bargain ticket prices because all airfares are discounted.

Current Senior Airline Discounts: Keep in mind that discount offers change, so be sure to call the airlines to learn more about their specific offers. Also note that senior fares" don’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best rate.

• American: Currently offering limited senior discount fares in some markets for age 62 and 65 and over. (restrictions apply) 1-800-433-7300 or www.aa.com.

• Continental: No available senior discounts. 1-800-525-0280 www.continental.com.

• Delta: Limited senior fares offered for age 65 and over (restrictions apply). 1-800-221-1212 or www. delta. com.

• Frontier: Offers 10 percent off any fare, any time for seniors 62 and over and one companion on the same flight. 1-800-432-1359 www. frontierairlines.com.

• Northwest: Offers a senior fares (with restrictions) for age 62 and older. 1-800-225-2525 www.nwa.com.

• Southwest: Offers a senior fare (with restrictions) for seniors 65 and older. No advance purchase necessary (based on availability). 1-800-435-9792 www. southwest. com

• United: Silver Wings Plus program for age 55 and older. They offer a twoyear membership for $75, and a lifetime membership for $225, which
includes savvy travel discount certificates as well as discounts on car rental hotels and cruises. 18007201765 www.silverwingsplus.com

• US Airways: Special discount fares for AARP members age 50 and older if they book tickets 14 days in advance and include a Saturday stay. For more information and to make reservations, call toll free 18668862277 www. usairways. com/promotions/partners/aarp.

• Air Canada: In some markets select senior fares are available for 62 and older. 18882472262 www.aircanada.ca.

• Aeromexico: Offers senior discounts on any fare, any time for seniors 60 and over. 18002376639 www.aeromexico.com.

• British Airways: Some senior discounts are available (restrictions apply). 18002479297 www. britishairways. com

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or see our Web site at www.savvysenior.org.