When AARP—the 38 million-member organization for people over 50—contacts you about membership, you may panic. My first reaction was, “I’m not that old yet.”
But after I got over my initial consternation, I realized that joining AARP could provide me with a wealth of travel savings, including some that are always available and others that come and go periodically.
And it’s a small investment: pay $12 per year for a multi-year membership with auto-renewal or $16 if you rejoin annually.
“One of the strengths of the AARP program is that it is always active and always available,” said Matthew Phillips, travel director for the membership organization. “Another strong point is the AARP discount and the AARP membership rate, and you also get those reward points with the programs you’re enrolled in.”
Members have access to discounts and member-specific offers at more than 10 hotel chains and their brands. There are also exclusive AARP deals on car rentals with Avis Budget Group and through a cobranded AARP Travel Center, powered by the Expedia portal.
Here are all the ways you can use AARP discounts on travel, including some you may not know about.
AARP Travel Deals
Hotel stays
Hotel savings for AARP members are between 5% and 10% off the best available rate. Some hotels also offer additional benefits such as late check-out at 2:00 PM, if available. The ongoing travel discounts are clearly stated on the AARP travel benefits website.
Members can click through to the AARP Expedia booking portal or link directly to the booking sites of selected providers.
With an AARP membership, you can score discounts for brands in the portfolios of companies like Hilton and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. For example, Wyndham offers up to 10% off, plus late checkout when available. When you click on the AARP rate during the booking process, you should be able to see the terms, conditions and benefits.
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Savings are 5% or more on stays at Best Western Hotels & Resorts and up to 10% off Choice Hotels, whether booked through the AARP Expedia portal or directly with the brands. AARP members also save 10% on stays at budget brands Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn.
At some point during the booking process you may be asked for your AARP membership number. In some cases you may be required to show your membership card upon check-in at the hotel.
Airline tickets
This may come as a surprise, but AARP has a long-standing relationship with British Airways.
The deal is for $65 off World Traveler (standard economy) and World Traveler Plus (premium economy) fares, as well as $200 off Club World (business class) fares. The discount does not apply to basic economy fares.
The savings offer applies to transatlantic return tickets purchased online. Connections to more than 130 destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa are available.
The offer allows you to collect British Airways Executive Club Avios based on the fare booked.
Car rental
AARP’s car rental partnership with Avis and Budget gives members discounts of up to 30% off base rental rates when you pay in advance. Other benefits from the Avis and Budget brands include an upgrade of a booking from a compact to full-size car, subject to availability, and you can add an additional driver free of charge. There is also a 5% discount on Payless rentals.
As with hotels, you may need to show your membership card at the car rental counter.
Other AARP deals
Through the Expedia portal, AARP members who book cruises have access to the sale fares on offer, plus an onboard credit of up to $100 that Phillips says you can use for drinks, massages or other purchases on the ship. Recommended cruise lines include Princess Cruises and Holland America Line.
AARP members who book vacation packages with flights and hotels or rental cars through the Expedia portal will receive the bonus of a $50 prepaid Visa card.
Three guided and escorted travel companies – Collette, Grand European Travel and Vacations By Rail – also offer discounts to AARP members.
Additionally, discounted airport parking — 12% with ParkRideFly — is available at nearly 40 airports across the U.S. Popular locations include New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW).
Exclusive AARP Offers
In addition to the always deals, there are other targeted sales of travel products. For example, if a car rental company is selling out SUVs to the general public, there may be an additional offer that is exclusive to AARP members.
In addition, AARP members receive the organization’s magazine and print bulletin, both of which contain some travel content, and can sign up for various newsletters such as “Hot Deals,” with limited-time offers in a number of areas such as dining and insurance. products – and sometimes travel.
How do you become an AARP member?
Although AARP is aimed at people over 50, there is no minimum age to join. Anyone of any age can take advantage of the travel offers and discounts on many other products.
AARP offers access to more than 200 benefits, according to the company. While most are available to any member, products that are age-restricted by vendors, such as certain insurance products, are only available to members who are at least 50 years old.
A catch for anyone under 50 is that everything AARP does is targeted and heavily marketed to people 50 and older. This will give you places that may not be relevant to your age group.
If you decide to enroll, you can sign up quickly and easily on the AARP website.
In short
Is an AARP Membership Worth It?
The low cost of joining AARP makes it a good bet for all ages, even if you just take advantage of the travel discounts. You’ll get an immediate return on your $16 membership investment with just one car rental or hotel stay.
In addition to multiple travel benefits, including discounts on hotels, car rentals and airlines, you can take advantage of dining discounts from more than six brands. Why not save 10% on your oysters, steak and truffle fries at McCormick & Schmick’s?
Ultimately, your wallet will thank you for a small annual investment.
Ready to take the plunge? Join AARP for free.
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