Can Seniors Get Discounts on United Airlines Flights?

Yes, United Airlines senior discount is provided by the airline to the senior travelers whose age is 65 years and above. 5% to 10% off the base fare is the amount of discount that is offered by the airline to the seniors. Eligible domestic and international flights qualify for this discount. But you need to remember that it is not provided on each and every route. Read on to find out if you are eligible to travel, how you will be able to save money, how you will make your travel arrangements and what other special facilities United provides for the comfort of older travelers.

Who qualifies for the United Airlines Senior Discount?

The only eligibility criteria is: age of 65 or over at the time of travel. This is the same across all senior fares at United Airlines. No age exceptions or workarounds will be made to this.

When booking your reservation on the United Airlines flight the airline may ask you to select Senior above 65 as your passenger type. In order to verify your date of birth the airline's staff may ask you to provide your valid, government issued ID card. Once the discount is applied to your booking the airline may verify your age at the time of check in. So always carry your up to date ID cards with you.

How Much Can Seniors Save?

The amount you save depends largely on where you're flying. United Airlines Senior Citizen Discounts are only available in some routes and may change depending on the destination, travel period and availability of seats. What seniors can expect:

• Domestic Routes: For eligible U.S. domestic flights, domestic routings usually provide anywhere from 5% to 15% discount from the base fare to senior rates. Not all the discounts listed are applicable to all domestic routes - it is always best to confirm availability before booking.
• International Routes: Senior discounts may be more prevalent on some international routes, especially to Latin America, where the amount of the discount may be larger.
• Base Fare Only: It's important to note that the discount applies to the base fare only. These taxes and government imposed fees are not being reduced, nor is fuel surcharge. In total, therefore, this will differ according to the full ticket price.
• Availability Fluctuates: Seniors fairs are available limited quantities and may sell out fast, particularly on holiday, or on peak travel days. The earlier you book, the better the chances of getting a lower fare.

Therefore you can get large amount of discount on your ticket with United Airlines by being flexible with your travel plans and by making the reservation early. 

How to Book a United Airlines Senior Fare?

Through its booking channels United Airlines does offer senior citizen discounts to older passengers. They are only accessible if you go straight to United. The process is broken down into steps below:

• Online Booking: Go to the United Airlines website and log in as usual, providing your travel information as you would normally do. When choosing a number of travelers, select the "Travelers" drop down and pick "Senior (65+). If Senior fares are offered for the route and dates you are searching for, they will automatically be displayed below as a senior option.
• Booking by Phone: Be sure to check with United Airlines' reservations by calling directly if you don't see a senior fare online. Reservation agents are able to access fares that are sometimes not offered in the regular line search. Well worth a phone call, for any travel worldwide.
• MileagePlus Account: Logging in your MileagePlus account can help if you are a member of United's MileagePlus frequent flyer program. Another option for reducing the cost of travel for MileagePlus members is to combine earned miles with senior fares.

One helpful tip: Reserve two weeks ahead. All promotional pricing, such as senior fares, are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and usually are only sold for a short period of time. Being able to travel on alternate dates is helpful too as mid-week travel (Tuesday/Wednesday) is often cheaper than on the weekend.

Additional Benefits for Senior Travelers on United Airlines

In addition to senior discount that is offered by United Airlines, the airline also provide some advantages to seniors to make their travel easy and comfortable.

• Priority Boarding: Though seniors are not always first in line to board, United Airlines does cater to seniors, particularly those who need additional time to get settled, by offering them first access upon arrival at the gate. Just let a gate agent know ahead of the boarding what you require.
• Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance: United - offers free handicap assistance throughout the airport for those who require it. Mobility equipment (walkers, scooters or personal wheelchairs) can also be hired on-site, free of charge. This provides accesses in and out of the terminal, security and navigation service to the terminal.
• Medical Equipment: For seniors that use medical equipment, such as portable oxygen concentrators, they may be brought on board for free, as long as it complies with FAA device safety standards. When carrying medical devices operationally, it is recommended to inform United beforehand to facilitate the process.
• Personalized Airport Assistance: United's members of staff take care to bring the elderly to their seating area at the airport during their trip and assist in any problems that they experience. This is especially helpful for travelers who are travelling by themselves, have limited mobility, or anyone unfamiliar with a big airport.
• Special Meal Options: United has Special Meals Options available. Booking in your profile or the customer services team you can book in a special request for mealtimes.
• MileagePlus Rewards: Seniors are eligible for United's MileagePlus loyalty program and collect miles for all eligible flights (including senior discount flights). This can be used for future travel and for various travel benefits such as hotel stays, seat upgrade, or use for future flights.

From take-off to landing, senior travelers at United will benefit from these considerate accommodations and travel-friendly features, helping them to enjoy a smoother, more comfortable experience while making air travel more accessible, convenient and rewarding.

Tips for Getting the Best Senior Fare on United Airlines

In a few smart steps, senior travellers can maximize their savings and obtain the best possible price available.

• Reserve well in advance of your travel date.
• Make some adjustments to your traveling days; it's often best to travel during the middle of the week.
• Prior to booking always check senior rates with current promo rates.
• If you're unable to access senior fare details online, be sure to give United's reservations line a call, as its call agents might be able to find alternative fares.
• Before searching look at all available fare combinations in your MileagePlus account by logging in.
• Always bring a valid photo ID to check-in to prove eligibility.

Planning ahead and making careful comparisons can help seniors get more value for their money and make their travels more affordable.

Conclusion

Travelers aged 65 and above can save large amount of money on their ticket by booking senior discount with United Airlines. Along with the discount the airline offers huge amount of services designed specially to provide comfort and convenience to it's old passengers. Senior passengers can improve their overall travel journey by making reservation early, choosing flexible dates and by looking at all the available fare options. Need help in locating the senior discount? Then contact today to explore your options now!