Long before you qualify for retirement benefits, you can qualify for other benefits of getting older. What are we talking about? Senior discounts, of course! Today, we’re looking at the best discounts for people over 50. Let’s get started.
The Best Discounts for People Over 50
Lodging
One of the best parts of retirement is that you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. In the U.S., you would be hard-pressed to find a major hotel chain that didn’t offer senior discounts. Here are some questions to ask before booking your next hotel:
- What’s your best rate available?
- What age verification do you require upon check-in?
- Do blackout dates apply?
- What’s your cancellation policy for this particular rate?
- Is your rate subject to availability or change?
- What rate does the senior discount apply to?
- Do you offer any other discounts, such as a AAA discount?
These questions ensure you get the best possible rate and there are no surprises when you go to check in. Some hotel chains, like Residence Inn, offer discounts of over 15%. Others, like Main Stay Suites, cap the potential savings at 10%. The two hotel chains with the most consistency in their senior discount policy are Best Western and Hilton Hotels & Resorts.
Best Western
Best Western is a hotel chain that allows seniors who are age 50 or older to enjoy a discount of up to 15% on their hotel rooms. All you have to do is select the senior or AARP rate when you book online or over the phone. Then, show age verification when you check in.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Hilton Hotels & Resorts is another hotel chain that offers senior discounts. You can book online through the AARP page or call and ask for the AARP rate. All you have to do is present your AARP card when you check in. The discount is 5% off.
Flights
Do you have family living around the country? If you do, you may benefit from Delta’s discounted senior fares. To book at a discounted rate, simply call Delta and see if the flight you want to take qualifies. You can reach their general sales and service department at (800) 221-1212. Customer service representatives are available 24/7.
Other airlines offering discounts for people over 50 include:
- British Airways – up to $200 off trans-Atlantic flights
- American Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
Cruises
Several cruise lines also offer discounts for seniors. Royal Caribbean offers discounted senior prices on select cruises. So does Carnival Cruises. Keep in mind that only certain cruises are offered at discounted rates. Be sure to call and inquire about the cost of a cruise you want to go on.
Clothes
Clothing is a major line item on any senior’s budget. Luckily, dozens of retail stores offer senior discounts in 2019. Some stores, like Banana Republic, offer 10% off to people over 50 every day of the year. Other stores, like Stein Mart, offer 20% off clearance items on the first Monday of the month. Chances are, if there’s a local store that’s your go-to for clothes shopping, there is a senior discount with your name on it. You just have to call and ask what days the discounts are available.
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