Most travelers enjoy having options to make airfare cheaper, but in return, they provide a more relaxing and comfortable travel experience. A question we often receive is about senior-citizen discounts on Delta Air Lines. This particular option is usually not a standard discount you can easily find the fare to, but Delta does have areas where senior discounts apply. It does state “senior discounts are one type of fare that may be available from time to time in some markets, we suggest contacting Reservations to inquire about availability.”
Therefore, this doesn’t mean that a typical flight will carry a Delta airlines senior discount automatically, it must be at a certain point with applicable fare rules. Here are the basic ways you can find out and use a senior discount with Delta, along with a general guide about how you can find and utilize these on your flight.
Does Delta Airlines Offer Senior Citizen Discounts?
Indeed. Delta Airlines has senior fare in selected markets. However, not all destinations can be reached with a Senior fare, only some destinations. Delta’s official webpage clearly states that a senior fare is an available rate in a select market (market-exclusive and exclusive to delta.com).
Also, there can be fare conditions and eligibility applies, so please contact Delta Reservations and find out if there is any senior fare for your itinerary.
How Do I Get a Delta Senior Discount?
Typically, to obtain a senior fare, you are supposed to call Delta directly rather than solely use their regular online booking.
1. Check Your Travel Details
Before calling Delta Airlines, ensure you have the information you need about your flight. The information you should have includes the departure location, the departure date and return date, your preferred departure time, and the number of people traveling in your class of travel. When your reservation is available to the representative, he will be able to determine whether a senior discount applies to your flight.
2. Contact Delta Reservations
If you want to verify a senior discount, Delta suggests calling Reservations. Its customer service information is for all Reservation inquiries from within the U.S. Customer service for Reservation Sales operates on a 24-7 basis. If you are speaking with a representative, be sure to ask directly for either a senior-citizen fare or a senior discount for your chosen itinerary.
3. Provide the Required Information
Information about the passenger and the trip needed to qualify for the fare may be required by the agent. Senior fare restrictions may apply; when booking, be sure to confirm eligibility, fare limitations, payment obligations, and required documentation with the agent.
4. Compare the Senior Fare
If a senior fare is offered, question it and compare it to the standard fare. There is not always a senior fare to be the lowest price for any routing. Delta’s fare types and prices will vary based on routing, travel date, availability, and fare rules. For this reason, have the representative compare what applies as a senior fare to other applicable Delta fares.
Is the Delta Senior Discount Available Online?
As a general rule Delta Airlines senior discounts are not available on Delta.com in a similar fashion as standard published fares. Delta’s Fares page specifically states, “Discounts available by calling Reservations, Not available on delta.com,” and then lists senior fares under discounts NOT available on delta.com. It advises calling Reservations to inquire if available. So while there may not appear to be an online available senior fare when you look up Delta online, there could be one still available through Delta Reservations in your area.
Is There a Specific Age Requirement?
The age a ticket is considered to be a “senior fare ticket” may vary with both market and fare rules. The information released by Delta says senior fares are “available in some markets,” rather than offering a global age limit for seniors on their “Fares” page.
Therefore, travelers flying the airlines who seek to purchase a senior fare should ask the Delta representative taking their fare for the age requirements.
While many informal web sites say age X fare, check what fare Delta applies from your desired markets before ordering from those sites, for this rule does vary by market.
Are Senior Discounts Available on Every Delta Flight?
No, it says specifically on its web page that senior fares are valid in select markets. This makes sense, because there may be a senior discount to one destination, or from one location to the other, but not to a other location and vice versa. Travel dates and other variables could affect whether a senior fare applies.
It would be to your advantage to have some flexibility and ask the Delta agents to check various dates and nearby flights.
Even if there isn’t a senior discount, alternative travel dates may yield cheaper regular fares.
Can Senior Travelers Use Other Delta Discounts?
Yes-it can be based on a specific situation. There are a variety of special fares, promotions, certificates, and loyalty programs of Delta. However the criteria vary.
Eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members, for example, are eligible for Companion Certificates that may be used for eligible travel, as terms apply.
If a Senior traveler holds an eligible certificate or eCredit, they may use it in accordance with its terms. These should not be confused with any senior fare; they are separate from a senior discount.
Final Thoughts
How can senior citizens avail discounts to fly on Delta Airlines? Delta Airlines does have discounted airfares available in many markets but they are not normally made accessible through the online reservation system. Delta advises customers to inquire with their Reservations desk to determine whether an eligible senior fare applies to their plans.
In addition, ensure all travel information is set up, call Delta Reservations, and specifically inquire if a senior airfare is available. Compare your senior-quoted price to other general fares and make a determination on which option is most economical for you. If a senior-only fare is not an available discount, you can make overall saving by comparing several other options, such as researching different dates to travel, purchasing well in advance, searching nearby alternative airports, checking on Delta deals for current specials, and using your accrued Delta SkyMiles, eCredits, and any other available vouchers or certificates.
Because senior fares can be available, vary by market, and change without notice, it is best to discuss your options for discounted travel fares and ticket purchases directly with Delta.
Read Also: How to Get Delta Senior Discount?
