The discussion below pertains to discounts discovered as of 2000. Since that time this information has been included as well as a more complete, national review has been compiled and is provided at: www.seniordiscounts.com.
Certainly, privileges to seniors in the form of discounts represent an appropriate practice that some US businesses use to honor those citizens who bore the burden of directing, defending, supporting, and preserving this century's American standard of living. To us it appears to be a matter of respect as well as a matter of good business sense. It can be considered a measure of our society's worth as well as its quality of living..
The number of US seniors is rising dramatically - today there are one in every 6 Americans or 45 million people who are 60 years of age or older.In the next 30 years the number will rise to one in four.The market place will begin to realize the growing buying power of senior Americans.
To obtain some indication of this rising senior effect on businesses we decided to survey how US businesses, especially in the local area, treat its seniors with respect to granting specific discounts for goods and services. This is not a discussion of how charity is extended to us older folks but rather a discussion of how businesses are serving society and themselves by cooperating in a joint action to increase sales while at the same time giving seniors a small benefit for their cooperation. Whether that discount may be, for example, for early bird dining or for Metro rail use, they are intended to help seniors economically while allowing businesses to increase sales during those otherwise quiet times in the day. This approach appears to make business sense. "Seniors have money, appetites, and leisure time", as William Houseman said in his recent book which we will discuss later.
In my opinion seniors bring 5 principal advantages to businesses in the marketplace:
The definition of senior varies. The American Association of Retired People (34 million members) which offers numerous senior discounts does not require you to be retired at all and lets you join at 50 years old. On the other hand the Washington Metro System will not give you a identification card for a discount until you are at least 65. So it is necessary to check the definition used by the specific business you are approaching when trying to use a published discount or inquiring as to whether or not any senior discount exists.
This, of course, raises another question: what if there is no published discount? Well, basically this gives you the opportunity to become a senior advocate or missionary for advancing senior discounts and basically you should ask for one. The worst answer could be "no" but after mentioning the desirability of the products or services offered, and the vast number of your senior friends who may well have similar desires or needs (especially after you spread the word), you may well have a convert on your hands and achieve a senior discount for all the rest of us. If so let us know and we can add them to our master list below.
Some advice that is offered by Mathew Lesko in his book on Senior Discounts: Ask for a senior discount
Study the marketplace- be wary and savvy since local sales prices for everyone might be even better than senior discounts for some. Join senior organizations - as we shall see AARP and NARFE have national discounts.
In order to organize this review of discounts, which is focused on those of most interest to Northern Virginians, we decided to group discounted services by areas where the discounts are found, rather than by just making a general list. For example under travel services we list local trains/subway service as well as national airlines and railroads. In the list, we provide a short digest of the service areas, age eligibility for the discount, and the reference phone number or web site for more information. If a discount appeals to you, we urge you to use the phone number to explore its actual use. These lists are current as of July 2000. There are more out there I am sure but hopefully this list will reveal areas where you did not know they existed. If more come up let us know. We grouped the senior discounts as:
With the senior identification card, fare is 50 cents on all buses. For METRO rail, special senior citizens fare cards for $3 or $10 are obtainable at any GIANT or SAFEWAY store. Use of these special are cards results in a fare that is 50% off the peak rush hour ate on METRO rail at all times. The fare cards are used like in the fare boxes like a regular fare card.
The age eligibility for airline senior discounts and senior travel clubs varies from 55 to 62 so it is important to check the requirement with each specific airline. Clubs and programs are offered by four major US airlines: American Airlines, Continental Airlines ,Delta Airlines, and United Airlines. All offer lower priced airfares plus discounts on hotels,car rentals,cruises, and vacation plans. Airlines in general offer discounts two ways: 1) a percentage senior discount for the senior and a travel companion usually about 10% off regular fares, and 2) a seniors' multiple-coupon pack (4 or 8 trips) for those 62 and over at a flat rate.Coupons are traded in for a discounted tickets.American West and US Airways allow the senior to use coupons for one or two children under 12. Some discounts require reserving 14 days in advance
Senior fares are also offered by Southwest Airlines which will sell seniors 65 and over coach seats at 40 to 70 % off the regular adult rate for all flights.
Senior Clubs
United Airlines has a Silver Wings Plus program for seniors 55 and older who join this program for a fee. The membership fee is $225 for a lifetime membership and $75 for a two year membership. Members also receive a complementary set of the USA Collection which consists of four certificates which permit a selection of low cost fares based on roundtrip mileage and the day of week that the travel occurs for domestic flights. Lifetime members receive three discount certificates for future flights, a savings certificate good for 15% off for two round trip flights, bonus Mileage Plus miles and various hotel/cruises discounts. For seniors 62 and older,up to three additional USA Collection sets can be purchased per year at $ 25 per set leading to reduced fares for as much as 16 roundtrips per year or for use of a companion traveling with you on any trip. The United number is 1-800-720-1765.
American Airlines has a Travel Club for seniors 62 and over which requires membership fee of $45 for the first person and $30 per year for a traveling companion. The club membership provides low cost non-peak fares based on mileage between US and international cities where American flies for travel between Monday and Thursday with a surcharge of $20 each way for Saturday travel.In all cases,a Saturday night stay is required. No Sunday or Friday flights allowed.The American Airlines telephone number for the travel club is 1-800-421-5600.
In the Continental Freedom Flight Club, those 62 and over join for a fee of $75 for US states flights ($125 for 87 foreign destinations) and receive 15 to 20% off all published fares. Continental number is 800-441-1135
Delta's Skywise Program charges those 62 and over $40 per year for special first-class and coach fares for flights within the US. On overseas flights, members get 15% off on all published fares except between June 1 and August 31. Three travel companions can fly with the senior member for a club fee of $25 each per year.Delta telephone is 800-325-3750.
When calling regarding any airline offer, be sure to ask: 1)at what age does eligibility start(ages vary from 55 to 65),2)do you offer the same discount for the traveler's companion, 3)does it apply to all flights or are there blocked times,4) how far in advance must reservations be made, 5) by when must flights be used, 6) what is the cancellation policy, 7) does the discount extend to area hotels or rental cars, and 8) do the senior discounts apply in the event deep sales discounts are also offered?
Regarding senior travel coupons, additional questions might include :1)are unused coupons refundable, 2)what special limits apply to the use of the coupons?
Regarding use of these discounts, airlines advise that Seniors should be sure to arrive early (about 1 hour before the flight) if they want to avoid the airlines giving away their seats (possible within 20 minutes of flight time if they are not present).
Airlines of interest to local DC travelers that offer senior discount plans are:
United Airlines 1-800-720-1765 American Airlines 1-800-421-5600 Delta Airlines 1-800-325-3750 Northwest Airlines 1-800-225-2525 Continental Airlines 1-800-441-1135 Air West 1-800-235-9292 US Airways 1-800-428-4322 TWA 1-800-221-2000 Alaska Airlines 1-800-252-7522 British Airways 1-800-247-9297 Lufthansa 1-800-645-3880 SwissAir 1-800-221-4750 Virgin Atlantic Airways 1-888-862-8621 (for AARP members)
OTHER AIRLINE VACATION PACKAGES SPECIFICALLY FOR AARP MEMBERS
Continental Airlines Vacations Save $25-100 1-800-634-5555
Delta Vacations Save $25-100 1-800-892-5215
Virgin Atlantic Vacations Save $50-100 1-800-YES-VIRGIN
The 1997 source book by Mathew Lesko on Senior Discounts which is discussed later lists 37 different airlines' senior discount packages.
RENTAL CARS
Most major rental car companies offer discounts for seniors which are
obtainable either through the AARP or NARFE membership cards. The
usual discount is 5 to 10% for seniors over 50 with additional upgrades
available with separate coupons which are available to all members. Both
large national chains as well as some local rental business participate in
these discounts. Be sure to check on the status of the discount if you desire
to rent from a local company as opposed to a national company . When
dealing with the national companies listed, be sure to tell them that you are
a member of AARP or NARFE.
AUTO DEALERSHIPS
MATURE ADVANTAGE 1-800-916-2887
AARP members may take advantage of deep discounts from Mature
Advantage which is an organization of specific local dealerships of 23
different auto manufacturing who also include discounts on some
maintenance items. The automobile manufacturers represented include
models from Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler-Plymouth, Dodge, Ford, GMC
Trucks, Honda, Jeep, KIA, Lincoln-Mercury, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan
Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saab, Suburu, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagon, and RV
vehicles. Other dealers are available in other parts of the country. Managers
make appointments with the dealer's program manager. Show their AARP
card and receive a discounted price. Some of these dealers also offer 10%
off for service work
NATIONAL PARKS 202- 619-7222
Lifetime GOLDEN AGE Passports for $10 for those 62 and over with age
identification and who are US citizens can be purchased for free admission
to National Parks and certain other areas such as monuments, historical
sites, recreation areas and national wild life refuges that charge an entrance
fee. The pass covers all passengers entering in a private auto. Where entry
is not in a private vehicle, the passport admits the pass holder, spouse, and
children.
Regarding use fees, the card also provides a 50% discount on camping and
other use fees such as for swimming, parking,boat launching, and cave
tours. The Passport must be obtained in person with drivers license or
proof of age at any federal area where an entrance fee is charged or at the
Washington DC headquarters office as well as at regional offices of the
National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of
Land Management, Corps of Engineers, and Bureau of Reclamation.
STATE PARK
VIRGINIA STATE PARKS offers a lifetime entrance pass to seniors 62
and over which waives entrance fee and parking charges at all 28 state
parks for a cost of $65. The lifetime pass waives entrance and parking fee
for all occupants in the auto. With the lifetime pass is a 10% reduction use
charges for camping, picnic shelter rentals, and merchandise. The usual
annual fee for admission to one park (of the 28) is $15 for one year
duration. Another senior discount is 10% for cabin rental, passes may be
purchased over the phone by calling 1-800-033-7275 or in person at any
state park.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS IN WASHINGTON AREA
Several attractions operated privately offer discounts to properly age
identified seniors. The following list shows age eligibility, discount, and
reference phone number:
AMUSEMENT PARKS OUTSIDE WASHINGTON AREA
PARAMONT'S KING'S DOMINION offers
seniors 55 and older a ticket
for $30.99 which is $5 off the regular price. 1-804-876-5000
HERSEY PARK offers seniors (55 and over)
a price of $28.75 for
admission instead of the regular price of $31.95. 1-800-437-7439
BUSCH GARDENS IN WILLIAMSBURG
offers seniors 55 and older a
ticket for $34 instead of the regular price of $37. 1-800-343-7946
SIX FLAGS (Largo,MD) offers seniors over 62
a ticket for $23.99 instead of the regular price of $32.99. 301-249-1500
SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE, WILD SAFARI AND
HURRICANE HARBOR(Jackson NJ) offers a senior 55 and older a ticket for
$39.99 instead of regular admission of $59.99 for comprehensive admission to
all three parks. 732-928-1821
TOURS
Gray Line Tours - Offers 10% AARP member discount 1-800-243-8380
CRUISES
Check Specific Restrictions for the following discounts for AARP members:
TRAVEL SERVICES FOR NARFE MEMBERS
As listed in Retirement Life PERKS, travel services are provided for
NARFE members: DELTA QUEEN sailings, HOLLAND AMERICA
Cruises, GLOBUS escorted tours and CRYSTAL CRUISE line tours.
1-800-508-1616
MOTELS,HOTELS AND RESORTS
AARP members are offered the following discounts at 37 motel chains:
ASSOCIATIONS OFFERING SENIOR DISCOUNTS
AARP 1-800-424-3410
Membership card available for $10 per year for all seniors 50 and over.
Card entitles user to numerous discounts in the areas of :auto
rentals,cruises, airlines, flowers, motels and Internet service.
Members receive monthly newsletter and copies of RETIREMENT
TODAY as well as discounts on travel,health care services, discount
prescriptions drugs, and vision care products. First year membership is free
and $8 per year thereafter.
National Association of Retired
Federal Employees
703-838-7760 (Headquarters)
Members receive discounts on moving services, auto rentals, insurance,
credit cards, Federal Times (newspaper), hotel chains, and travel services.
Discounts or perks which are available on a nation wide basis are published
each month in the monthly magazine of Retirement Life.
INTERNET SERVICES FOR AARP MEMBERS
BANKS
Most banks offer a senior discount plan of some type. It is a good idea for
you to contact your individual bank to learn what is offered to you.
A typical package offered locally is usually free checking for seniors under
specific conditions.
The following list shows local banks and contacts at a local office who can
describe senior discount packages. Yours might be listed here. If not,
contact them yourself to see what they offer.
For example, FIRST UNION has 2 plans - one called PRIME BANKING
for those 50 and over, in which the account holder must maintain an
average balance of $1000 in any combination of savings, checking, and
money market or CDs or maintain an average loan, home equity or
personal line of credit or credit card balance of $2500 to avoid the monthly
$10 service fee.
The other type called SENIOR CHECKING for those 60 or over permits
no monthly service fees and no charge for checks if an account with a
minimum of $50 is opened.
Each bank where you keep your money or have a loan should be
questioned as to whether they can offer you a break on service fees. Some
banks have special discount program for its customers including 50%
discount at nationally recognized hotels for a reduced charge for those 62
and older senior citizens. (This service is called First Value Membership at
FIRST VIRGINIA).
FLOWERS
FTD.COM 15% discount for AARP members 1-800-SEND-FTD Dept 4688
SHOPPING
Malls
Most shopping malls have stores that offer senior discounts.
However,surprisingly, not many mall management offices are aware of
which stores in their mall offer these discounts. The ones that are
aware are as follows:
Tysons Corner Stores Giving Senior Discounts
Stores offering senior discounts
Stores
The following is a sampling of those stores which stated to W. Engel
that they offered senior discounts:
EDUCATION/RECREATION
Discounts
Activities
SPORTS
GOLF
Baseball
HEALTH SERVICES
Regarding Health Providers, each individual should check with their own
personal physician, dentist, or therapist to determine whether he or she is
willing to provide a personal senior discount.
PRESCRIPTIONS FOR AARP MEMBERS
RESTAURANTS
Comment: Chain resturants in the area offer reduced prices to seniors.
Most restaurants offer an early bird special - call ahead to check the hours
for the early bird specials.
MOVIES
Nearly all Washington area movie theaters offer some form of discounted
tickets for seniors. For example, the General Cinema at Springfield Mall
admits seniors 55 and older for $5 at all times in lieu of the regular price of
$8.50 (weekends) and $7.50 (weekdays).
Free movies for seniors are available at the following specific sites:
MAJOR THEATERS
COMMUNITY THEATERS
In general call the box office to check on senior discounts which are usually
available. The following specific theaters have indicated they offer senior
discounts:
DINNER THEATERS
MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS
MOVING SERVICES
NARFE members may receive discounts for moving services as discussed
in the RETIREMENT LIFE PERKS:
Many insurance companies offer discounts to policy holders who are over
50 years for auto or homeowners policies. Some require the policyholder
to be retired. Check your agent. Here are some examples:
This book covers wide categories of available discounts in principal US
cities including Washington DC - categories cover national concerns such
as airlines, banks, bookstore chains, car rentals, hotels, regional malls,
restaurants - Also covered are services such as accountants, attorneys,
dentists, eye care practitioners, financial advisors, hearing aids businesses ,
insurance agencies, physicians, podiatrists, and veterinarians.
COMMENT: the book is dated but it gives good guidance on where and
when to ask for discounts whenever you are in need in any of these major
US cities. Book no longer in print but available through public libraries by
request.
COMMENT: more up to date lists are provided than in Houseman's
book but again this book stresses that if you are a senior, don't be shy in
asking for a price break wherever you go. This book is no longer in print
but is available from public libraries by request.
COMMENT : This book is useful even though it is dated in 1998 and
principally focuses on DC residents. DC area discounts are typically 10%.
Any senior should show be able to prove ID and if possible mention the
Goldmine Book when shopping. Book is published by the SENIOR
BEACON ,the seniors' newspaper issued in Silver Spring MD. Newspaper
is distributed to most Rite Aids and CVS drug stores, senior centers, and
libraries in Northern Virginia.
COMMENT: Reasonably up to date guidance keyed more to free
government resources than to business or service discounts. Book is still in
print.
COMMENT: Book recommended by P. Oliva of Long Island
Conclusions
If you are a senior don't be bashful. Those discounts are out there and
businesses are beginning to recognize what we seniors bring to the
marketplace:
Finally, if you uncover or create a discount be sure to pass it along to me
care of this station so we can keep our web site current for all NARFE
members. My address is:
Hertz 1-800-654-2200 or 6511 (AARP/NARFE)
Avis 1-800-331-1800 or 1441 (AARP/NARFE)
Alamo 1-800-354-2322 (NARFE)
Budget 1-800-527-0700 (10% off for all seniors over 50)
National 1-800-227-7368 (AARP)
Thrifty 1-800-367-2277 (10% off for all seniors over 60)
Enterprise 1-800-736-8222 (AARP)
AUTO EUROPE 1-800-650-6222 (NARFE)
Dollar Rent A Car 1-800-800-4000 (NARFE)
Mt. Vernon Mansion age 62 $0.50 off $9 admission 703-780-2000
Gunston Hall age 60 $1 off $5 admission 703-550-9220
Woodlawn Plantation age 65 $2 off $6 admission 703-780-4000
For tours in the DC area use 202-289-1995
B&V Waterways (Europe only) 10% off 1-800-999-3636
Carnival Cruise Lines $25-200 off 1-800-88-RELAX
Holland American Line $25-100 off 1-800-88-RELAX
CRUISE.COM Check reduced fares 1-800-800-9552x226
River Barge Excursions $100-250 off 1-888-640-4806
World Explorer Cruises 15-20% off 1-800-854-3835
AmeriSuites Save 15% 1-800-833-1516
Best Western Save 10% 1-800-528-1234
Citadines d;hotels Save up to 30% 1-800-441-1414
Clarion Hotels, Resorts Save 10-30% 1-800-252-7466
Colony Hotels, Resorts Save 25% 1-800-777-1700
Comfort Inns & Suites Save 10-30% 1-800-228-5150
Courtyard by Marriott Save 10% 1-800-346-4000
Crown Plaza Hotels, Resorts Save 10% 1-800-2-CROWNE
Days Inns, Hotels, Suites. Lodges Save 10% 1-800=DAYS INN
Daystops
Doubletree Hotels & Guest Suites Save 10% 1-800-222-8733
Econolodge Save 15-30% 1-800-553=2666
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Save 10% 1-800-322-4000
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Save 10-30% 1-800-866-5577
Hospitality International, Inc Save 10% 1-800-251-1962
Howards Johnson Inns & Hotels Save 20% 1-800-I-GO-HOJO
LaQuinta Inns Save 10% 1-800-NU-ROOMS
Marriott Hotels & Resorts Save 10=50% 1-800-228-9290
Motel 6 Save 10% 1-800-4-MOTEL-6
Omni Hotels Save 10-15% 1-800-THE-OMNI
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Save 25% 1-800-OUTRIGGER
Quality Inns,Hotels,Resorts Save 10-30% 1-800-228-5151
Ramada Save 15% 1-800-228-2828
Red Lion Hotels & Resorts Save 10% 1-800-547-8010
Renaissance Hotels Save 10-50% 1-800-468-3671
Roadway Inn Save 15-30% 1-800-228-2000
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Save 15-25% 1-800-325-3535
Sheraton Luxury Collection & St. Regis Save 15-25% 1-800-325-3589
Four Points Hotels by Sheraton Save 15-25% 1-800-325-3535
Shoney's Inn Save 15% 1-800-222-2222
Sleep Inn Save 10-30% 1-800-753-3746
Springhill Suites by Marriott Save 10% 1-888-287-9400
Sumner Suites Save 10-15% 1-800-747-8483
Super 8 Save 10% 1-800-800-8000
Travelodge Save 15% 1-800-578-7878
Wellesley Inn & Suites Save 15% 1-800-444-8888
Wyndham Hotel & Resorts Save 20% 1-800-WYNDHAM
HAMPTON INNS - offer Lifestyle 50 program for all seniors over 50; this
program permits for a single room rate up to 4 persons to stay in the room;
also a small discount is offered on the regular rate, e.g. $7 off a regular
rate of $115 in the Manassas VA location.
AMERICA ONLINE SAVE 10% 1-888-466-2255
COMPUSERVE Save 10-20% 1-888-265-9327
THE MICROSOFT NETWORK 6 months unlimited
access for $89 1-800-513-1500
PRODIGY Save 10% 1-800-776-3449
First Virginia Lisa Nadolski at 703-241-4463
First Union Sarah Jones at 703-934-1975
Chevy Chase Bank Dexter Coleman at 1-800-987-2265 option 2
Bank of America Jonathan Myers at 703- 658- 8261
Riggs Jeff Buktaw at 301-887-8965
Burke & Herbert Connie Behan at 703-549-6600
United Bank Kathy Tabash at 703- 502-1800
Sun Trust formerly Crestar John Ackley at 703-838-3900
Wachovia Centreville VA Bank Manager at 703-222-4930
America
Artwith Flowers
AT&T Simply Wireless
AVEDA
Bally Total Fitness
Beadazzled
The Body Shop
Bubbles
Build a Bear Workship
California Pizza Kitchen
Candy Heaven
Chesapeake Knife and Tool
Chevy Chase Bank
Chiasso
Christian Bernard
The Coffee Beanery
Cinnabon
CPI Photo Finish
Crystal Galleria
Dr.Richard Davidson O.D.
Dr.Christopher Sun
Eastern Mountain Sports
Easy Spirit
Enzo Angiolini
Esprit
Expressly Portraits
Foliograph Galley
Frank & Stein
The Game Keeper
General Nutrition Center
Imposters Copy Jewels
Jordan Marie
La Madeleine
Lady Foot Locker
Landau Costume Jewelry
LCT Fine Jewelers
Le Salon
LensCrafters
Metabolife
Mondia Jewelry
Mrs.Fields
Mugs with a View
Occhiali da Sole
Oriental D,cor
Papyrus
Parfums de France
Rand McNally
Ritz Camera
Rosendorf Evans Furs
Slade's American Grill
Spice is Life
Sterling Optical
Sushi Corner
Taxco Sterling
Things Remembered
Tokyo Pearl
Towns Silver & Goldsmith
Travel 2000
Tysons Tailoring
Vie de France
Watch World International
Wicks 'n' Sticks
A & W Hot Dogs & More
After Hours by Mitchell's Formal Wear
Albuquerque East
The American Caf,
Artfolio
Aunt Annies' Pretzels
Automall Online
Bally' Holiday Spa
Burger King
Candy Express
Cinnabon
Claire's Boutique
CPI/Wolf Photo
Dairy Queen
Flamers
Great Earth Vitamins
Hanover Shoes
Jerry's Subs
Jordan Kitt's Music
Kay Jewelers
Kim's Karate
Kool Klips
Lady Footlocker
Luci's Gifts
Manchu Wok
Modell's Sporting Goods
Mr. Watchband & Dr. Battery
Nach-o Fast
Natural Wonders
Northern Getaway/Northern Reflections
Occasions Hallmark
Papillon
Paradise Flowers
The Picture People
Piercing Pagoda
Pita Wraps
Pizza Hut
Planet Play
Reed's Jewelers
San Francisco Music Box
Sentiments Hallmark
Silver Dolphin
Smoothie World
South Philly Steaks & Fries
Sun Coast Pictures
Subway
Trade Secret
The Virginia Peddlar
Wicks 'n' Sticks
In addition,while nor really discounts, some local governments offer
separate senior programs and activities. They are:
EDUCATION
Clubs
Swimming
INSURANCE
WHAT ARE SOME USEFUL SOURCE BOOKS FOR DISCOUNTS
Discussion with Ms Juliett Harding (NARFE Headquarters Staff) and Mr
Hal Novelle (AARP Headquarters Management Staff) concerning NARFE
and AARP policies on senior discounts or PERKS were held and were very
helpful
Walter P. Engel
NARFE Presents
c/o Fairfax Public Access Channel Studios
2929 Eskridge Rd.
Fairfax VA 22130
or email me at WPEME@aol.com.