The AARP Discount: Spend $12 to Save Up to $400 on Flights

After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.

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I’ve been on the receiving end of more AARP promotional mailings than I can count, having passed the 50-year milestone some years ago. Periodically I’ll read the latest brochure, on the chance that there’s something on offer that would justify my paying the modest $16 annual membership fee. So far, disappointingly, nothing.

While the association boasts a “wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members,” I have found none worth paying for. And AARP’s advocacy on behalf of older Americans has been mostly toothless.

But at least for the next few months, there is an AARP benefit in play that could prompt me, and other cost-conscious travelers, to enroll.

Offer Details

U.S. AARP members can receive a discount of up to $400 on roundtrip British Airways flights from the U.S., booked by January 31, 2017, and begun by March 31, 2017, as follows:

$65 discount on World Traveller economy
$130 discount on World Traveller Plus premium economy
$400 discount on business or first class

Discounts are only available for new bookings, made via the dedicated link.

Making a good deal even better for those who are not currently AARP members, the normal $16 annual membership fee is also discounted for a limited time, to $12.

Deal or No Deal

If you’re at least 50 years old and already planning a trip to Europe or points beyond, between now and March 31, this discount should certainly put British Airways on your list of prospective carriers.

And if you’re not planning an overseas trip, maybe you should be. The dollar is strong, against both the euro and the British pound, and airlines and hotels have responded to softening travel demand with more aggressive pricing.

It’s a great time to cross the pond.

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After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.

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