Patrick

Maybe that explains it. I used to book online and then call and they issued the discount. The last couple times I tried that they said "that is the senior fare" which was the same as the lowest fare online. So unless they lowered the lowest fare, I think they just seem to be saying that the senior fare is the same as the lowest regular fare -- at least that's been the case with us. Online if you click senior, it shows the same as regular fare, but even calling them couldn't get it any lower for me.

HowardR

Patrick, all I know is that my daughter and her family booked the flight and they are paying more!
I find online booking extremely frustrating, which is why I prefer talking to real person!

Mary_Fran

It would be nice if the airlines and/or some of the booking sites could come up with something like the features offered by the paradors in Spain, where seniors are offered a deal for low-travel periods at selected paradors, which might en they would otherwise be underbooked. Something like the flexible fares option I always use at Travelocity, which shows the cheapest rates over a considerable time period that doesn't depend on departure/arrival on a specific date or at a specific time.

Jed

HowardR -" I just got one a month or so ago for my wife and I for a trip..."

Please give particulars.

Is it based on your lower fare compared to your daughter's? This may be invalid since they may have booked at a different time, and we all know that fares can change by the hour.

In the past few years, I have never found a lower 'senior' fare when searching for both at the same time.

Patrick

When all else fails, call and find out. I just spoke to an AA rep. The bottom line -- "yes, sometimes there are senior discounts available, depending on the market, and they are usually either 5% or 10% off". But then she told me she can't remember the last time she actually found one, as they are "few and far between". When I discussed I hadn't gotten one in ages, she mentioned that Florida is generally NOT in the market area for senior fares (figures, or they'd be giving them to half the population here). I had her check our last three flights and none are in "senior market areas".

Patrick

Oh, I left out the most important thing. She did say to always call. And even if you book online, they can change to the senior fare at no extra cost. Since AA now charges $8 for doing a ticket by phone and it's free online. That $8 can eat up a good portion of a 10% discount on a cheap flight.

Underhill

UA has something called Silver Wings, which you have to join to qualify for senior discounts. Whether it's worth it or not I don't know.

HowardR

Jed, it was definitely a lower senior fare. First of all, When I initially checked on line, I was shown a lower fare when I check the senior option. Secondly, I was told this by the agent on line. Thirdly, my daughter checked at the SAME TIME and got a got a higher fare.
In response to Patrick's comment about the saving being eaten up by the booking-by-phone charge, the senior savings was a lot more than the phone service charge.
When you checked on line with American, there is the option to checkoff for the senior fare.
I booked the trip via phone, because I found doing it on line to be very, very slow and frustrating. It was worth the few dollars for my piece of mind and time saved!

Patrick

Howard, maybe that's part of the difference -- if you're talking about higher cost flights. My three most recent ones which didn't have any senior discounts were $126 round trip Ft. Lauderdale to New York, $ 116.00 round trip Ft. Lauderdale to Chicago, and $325 round trip Ft. Myers/Seattle and Reno/Ft. Myers -- all including all taxes. While 10% on the last one would have been nice ($30) although again there was no senior discount on that one, the others would have only been $9 to $10 based on before tax prices.

But Howard, while you and I agree on the online booking mess for Broadway tickets (phone being better), I'm curious what problems you have on AA. I do it all the time and it is so easy and quick. I also have the option of having choices listed by fare price or by schedule so it's easy to compare ALL the options.

mikemo

M_F,
Amen, the 35% senior (60 yo) discounts in the Pousadas and Paradors were wonderful "gifts".
M

Fairhope

Delta.com says senior discounts are not on the web but you must "contact reservations"

Patrick

Regarding the pousadas and paradors -- our best deal was in Scandinavia with the SAS hotels during the summer. They offer your age off in percentage if you're a senior -- my partner was 65 at the time so we got 65% off on all their hotels. Now that's a savings! If you're still traveling when you're a hundred -- all their hotels are free -- yes, they really do that. That was a few years ago, not sure if they still run the same deal.

rkkwan

Depends on airlines. On Continental, I've never seen a senior discount even though you book as "senior", which is 65+. Same fare for discount classes, full fare economy, first/business, international or domestic.

So, to answer the original question, it is definitely a fiction on Continental.

HowardR

Patrick, when I get a $100-$110 fare (which hasn't happened in quite a while, I might add), I don't bother nitpicking to save a dollar or two!
As for booking on line, I usually don't feel comfortable and/or confident that I am definitely getting the best price. At least on the phone, I can easily ask questions. Also, as I previously said, it seemed to take forever.