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This post is here for historical reference on how the AARP promotion has changed over time. Here is our archive of major updates from card issuers and loyalty programs. For current information, please see our post on the current AARP British Airways Discount.
British Airways has long had a joint promotion for AARP members. Members of AARP can receive various discounts when booking different classes of flights with BA. Considering that AARP membership costs $16 per year, this discount is a great value since you can save $65 off round-trip economy fares, $130 off premium economy round-trip tickets, and $400 off round-trip premium cabin fares. All three options make an investment in AARP well worth it.
Offer Extended, But Modified
There is some good news and some bad news. The original AARP offer was due to expire on January 31, 2017. The great news is that the promo has now been extended all the way through to December 31, 2017. The not so great news is that the offer is not as generous as the previous one. The new discount bands are as follows:
- $65 off return economy fares
- $130 off return premium economy fares
- $200 off return premium cabin fares
While the discount on Economy and Premium Economy fares have remained the same, the discount on premium cabins is now half at $200. Although this is disappointing, it still constitutes a decent discount on premium cabin tickets. The new offer is valid for bookings made up to the end of December 2017, for flights all the way out to March 18, 2018.
As disappointing as it is to see the discount for premium cabins cut in half, this shouldn’t put you off. Joining AARP should almost be mandatory for anyone flying transatlantic with BA in the next year since you'll more than make their membership fee back on their first flight. As a reminder, you don't need to be 50+ to sign up for AARP. Some benefits do have age requirements but the BA discount does not.
Source: The Points Guy/JT Genter
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Not a surprise, but disappointing. Still value to be had though as you noted. And for the majority of those who don’t fly premium cabins, this is no different.
Darn, still not old enough to join AARP.
You don’t need to be 50 to join. I’ve been a member for years and I’m 37. I happily receive benefits where AARP membership is required. Where 50+ is required I don’t receive those benefits, but AARP has saved me plenty for the $16/year paid.
yep, we’ve found the deals, sweepstakes and discounts more than pay for our membership
Last year I spend $16 to sign up for AARP, and saved 4 x $400 on business class tickets. Even at $200, it’s still a great savings!
Being a recent retiree on a fixed income now, I’ve noticed a shift in my spending and relationship to money. Largely, this entails a more finely tuned awareness of where every dollar goes or is allocated. So, whether offers are the same as before or if they are reduced or eliminated, etc., for the retiree each program “out there” which contributes to less spending is an important thing to participate in. Thx for this post on AARP.
I need to sign up for AARP seems like they offer great discounts
Good times to be a Senior!!
Everyone should sign up for AARP for the travel bennies.
That is very interesting. I had always assumed you needed to be 50+ to join AARP.
Wait a minute! You don’t have to be a Senior to join AARP?! Really why is this not put more out there? I’ve got to look into this! Wow. Plus, only $16 a year! I wonder what I’ve been missing out on all these years. Thanks for the heads up on this!
You got it; you’re welcome 🙂
In order to get the discounts for AARP members, do you have to book your ticket on the BA website?
Yes, you’ll need to book it through the AARP link (https://www.britishairways.com/en-us/offers/partners/aarp-member-benefits)
Might be time to sign up – I’ve been missing out on these benefits!
so many benefits with AARP, this is just one of them
That’s too bad. $400 was a great discount.
If you wait until Summer each year, Walgreens has a promotion where they will pay for your AARP membership by sending in the form for purchases.
Membership is definitely worthwhile, with or without the BA discounts…
My wife and I have both turned 50 this year but have been putting off joining AARP. You just gave me the motivation to join. Thanks for the info.