Does United Airlines Offer a Senior Discount? Here's What You Need to Know

United Airlines, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the major airlines in the United States. It offers special discounted fares for senior travelers aged 65 and older, making air travel more accessible and affordable. These senior fares are not available on all routes, but are available on select domestic and international flights, and can be easily searched by selecting the “Senior (65+)” passenger option when booking online.

Does United Airlines Offer Senior Discounts?

Yes, United Airlines offers senior discounts to eligible travelers, but they are only available on select routes and for travelers aged 65 and older. These special fares are not applied universally across all flights, and they may not always be cheaper than regular promotional fares. When booking a flight, travelers can select “Senior (65+)” under the passenger category. If a senior fare is available for the selected flight, it will appear automatically.

Eligibility & How to Access It:

• Age requirement: The age requirement is a minimum of 65 years.
• Booking method: During the flight‑search process, you can select “Senior (65+)” in the passenger type. The available senior fare will be displayed.
• Call if necessary: Because senior fares aren’t available on all routes, if you don’t see a senior option online, you may need to call United to check availability for a particular route.
• Proof of age: When traveling, be ready to show identification (e.g., a government ID) to verify eligibility.

How to Find a Senior Fare

• Visit United’s Official Website.
• Provide your departure and destination cities, travel dates, and any other travel preferences.
• Change the passenger type from 'Adult' to 'Senior (65+)' for each eligible traveler.
• Search for Flights:
• If senior fares are available for your selected flight and route, they will appear in the results.
• If no senior fare is offered, you will only see standard prices.
• Compare fares before booking.
• You can also make a call if necessary.
• Show your government-issued ID as proof of age at the airport.

Call Travelpodium for the United senior discount:

Looking to save on your next trip? If you are 65 or older, call Travelpodium today to check for exclusive United Airlines senior fares. Travelpodium’s expert agents will do the searching for you, compare fares, and ensure you get the best deal available without the hassle. These discounted rates are available on select routes and can offer significant savings compared to regular ticket prices. Call Travelpodium today and book United Airlines senior discount fares easily and smartly.

Also Read: United Airlines Seat Selection

What is the Silver Wings Plus Program?

Once upon a time, United Airlines offered a special membership program called Silver Wings Plus, which gave exclusive perks and discounts to seniors aged 55 and older. However, this program is no longer open to new members, but if you became a lifetime member before September 2005, you can still enjoy the benefits. For both you and your companion, this program includes access to reduced fares on select round-trip flights within the U.S. and internationally. Existing members can make these bookings online by logging into their MileagePlus account or by reaching out to United Airlines directly for assistance.

Are Senior Discounts Always the Cheapest?

Senior discounts can provide valuable savings for eligible travelers, but they are not guaranteed to be the lowest fares available. United often runs promotional sales or limited-time deals that may beat the senior rate. In some cases, the senior discount may not offer significant savings or might even be more expensive than other discounted fares.

Comparing Senior Discounts with Other Fares:

It’s important to compare senior fares with other available options, such as promotional deals, basic versus standard economy, flexible tickets, and round-trip versus one-way pricing, as these alternatives may sometimes offer better value.

Extra Services for Seniors

While senior discounts may be limited, United offers other services that make travel more comfortable for older passengers, including:

Priority Boarding:

While United Airlines doesn't offer automatic priority boarding for seniors, travelers aged 65 and older are generally permitted to board early. This policy may vary by airport and flight, so it's advisable to confirm with the gate agent upon arrival.

Special Assistance and Services:

United Airlines provides a range of services to assist passengers with mobility challenges, including wheelchair services and help navigating the airport.

• Wheelchair Assistance: This service is available for passengers who require help getting to and from the gate, boarding, or deplaning. It is advisable to request this service no less than 48 hours before your flight.
• Accessible Seating: Options include seats with movable aisle armrests, extra legroom, or seating next to a companion. Make a request at least one week in advance.
• Aisle Wheelchairs: For assistance navigating through the cabin, aisle wheelchairs are available upon request.

Baggage Assistance:

United Airlines helps passengers who need extra help with their luggage. This service is available to everyone, not just seniors. If you need help carrying your bags when getting on or off the plane, just tell the gate agent or flight attendants. They will be happy to assist you.

Conclusion

The United senior discount offers travelers aged 65 and older the opportunity to save on select domestic and international flights. While United Airlines senior discount fares are not available on every route, they can provide valuable savings when booking your next trip. So, if you are wondering, does United Airlines give a senior discount? The answer is yes, but it’s important to check availability by selecting “Senior (65+)” during booking or by calling customer service, as the United Airlines senior discount policy applies only to specific flights. 

To make the most of these offers, knowing how to get a senior discount on United Airlines is key, either by booking online through the MileagePlus account or contacting travel experts like Travelpodium to guide you through the process.