Travel Discounts That Go Unused

Airlines, hotels, and car-rental companies offer senior discounts that rarely appear in online searches. AARP Travel Center partners with Expedia to give members up to ten percent off major hotel brands and car rentals. Amtrak offers ten percent off most fares for passengers 65 and older, and United Airlines lists select routes with senior fares that can only be booked by phone. Many cruise lines, including Carnival and Norwegian, publish reduced rates for travelers over 55, especially on off-season sailings. Asking directly when booking is often the only way to access these savings.

Retail and Grocery Savings

Major retailers offer ongoing discounts to older shoppers, though few advertise them clearly. Kohl’s gives fifteen percent off in-store purchases every Wednesday for customers 60 and older. Walgreens runs “Senior Day” events once a month with up to twenty percent off select items. Grocery stores such as Harris Teeter and Publix also provide weekly discounts for shoppers 60 and above, varying by location. These savings may seem small but add up quickly on routine purchases like food, prescriptions, and personal care.

Health and Prescription Benefits

Prescription savings programs are another area where many seniors miss out. GoodRx offers free digital coupons that can cut medication costs by up to eighty percent depending on the drug. Walgreens Prescription Savings Club and CVS ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards provide discounted refill pricing and cash rewards for routine prescriptions. Some Medicare Advantage plans also include wellness stipends or fitness memberships such as SilverSneakers, which grants free access to thousands of gyms nationwide. Checking the benefits page of your plan each year can uncover programs you did not realize were included.

Utility and Service Rebates

Many local governments and utility companies offer senior rebates that go unclaimed. EnergyStar.gov highlights state programs that refund a portion of energy-efficient appliance purchases or home upgrades for homeowners 60 and older. Certain electric and water providers reduce monthly bills for qualifying seniors or those on fixed incomes. Even phone and internet carriers like Verizon and AT&T maintain senior plans with lower monthly rates, though you often have to call to activate them. If you have lived in the same home for many years, it is worth checking your city’s website for property tax exemptions or energy credits you may already qualify for.

Dining and Entertainment Deals

Many restaurants offer quiet senior discounts that do not appear on menus. Denny’s and IHOP both have special senior menus with smaller portions and lower prices. Regal Cinemas and AMC Theatres offer discounted tickets for guests 60 and older, often valid any day of the week. Even subscription services have joined in — Amazon Prime and Hulu occasionally run discounted annual rates for seniors through limited-time promotions or bundled partnerships with AARP.

Free or Low-Cost Learning Opportunities

Lifelong learning programs can be both affordable and rewarding. Oasis Everywhere offers virtual classes for adults 50 and older in topics like art, technology, and wellness. Many state universities allow residents over 60 to audit classes for free if space is available. Local libraries frequently host no-cost workshops on digital skills, genealogy, and travel planning. These opportunities provide social connection and mental engagement without large expenses.

How to Keep Track of Perks

Since discounts vary by location, it helps to keep a running list of programs you use most. A simple notebook or phone note labeled “Senior Perks” makes it easier to remember which stores, restaurants, and travel sites offer deals. Signing up for AARP, AMAC, or similar associations can also consolidate multiple offers in one place. Most importantly, always ask. Many discounts are available but only apply if you mention them at checkout.

Taking Advantage Without the Clutter

You do not need to chase every discount to see the benefits. Focusing on recurring expenses — groceries, prescriptions, and utilities — will make the biggest difference. These are predictable, easy to manage, and build long-term savings. The goal is not to collect coupons, but to reclaim money you are already entitled to.

Sources

AARP Travel Center
Amtrak
United Airlines
Kohl’s
Walgreens
Harris Teeter
Publix
GoodRx
Walgreens Prescription Savings Club
CVS ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards
EnergyStar.gov
Verizon
AT&T
Denny’s
IHOP
Regal Cinemas
AMC Theatres
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Oasis Everywhere

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