Skies Get Friendlier--United Adds Discounts

The friendly skies are glowing as United Airlines became the fourth major carrier in less than a month to set up an air travel discount program for seniors.

And it appears that still other carriers will soon follow suit just to remain competitive in the big senior travel market.

It started late last month when American Airlines announced its Senior SAAversClub, offering a 10% discount on all flights for people 65 and older. (See Jan. 26 column for details.)

Western Airlines quickly announced it would match American’s offer. Then TWA came in with a similar program, but dropped the age limit to 60.

United’s senior program, called “Silver Wings Plus,” is basically the same as those of American, Western and TWA in that a senior pays a $25 lifetime fee to join and can also pay $100 for a companion member. (TWA asks $75 for the companion.)

Age of Companion

The companion can be of any age and gets the same 10% discount, provided air travel is with the senior member.

But United added a little sweetener. Where American and others give the $25 and $75 or $100 back in travel vouchers good for the first flight, United doubles the $25 to $50 and ups the $100 companion voucher to $150. But this offer is only good until July 1.

On all the carrier programs announced so far, the 10% discount is on all flights, from Ultra Super Savers to first-class. The only restrictions are those attached to the basic fare, such as advance purchase, cancellation penalties, etc.

United’s Silver Wings Plus includes discounts on Hertz rental cars and up to 50% off at Westin Hotels, subject to availability, and a 25% discount at more than 470 Ramada Inns.

As in the other discount programs, United’s 10% discount is limited, for the present, to domestic flights. But it includes Hawaii and Caribbean destinations.

“We hope to be extending the 10% senior discount to all the Pacific routes we are adding this month--Japan, China, Australia and all the others,” said John Zeeman, vice president for market planning.

Subject to Approval

“But all these are subject to individual government approval, and that may take some time.”

Silver Wings Plus members also get membership in United’s frequent flyer program, Mileage Plus, with 3,000 miles to start with and a bonus of 2,000 miles if the member’s first trip is within 60 days of joining.

With the four major carriers offering seniors a 10% discount on all fares, some travel agents fret that it costs them too much in time and money to make some reservations. Ultra Super Savers with the 10% off, for instance, amount to almost a 70% discount from economy fares.

“Travel agents are in a service industry,” Zeeman said. “True, they may take a loss ticketing some flights, but they also make a lot more on other, longer flights and those with tours.

“And the senior discount is sure to foster such travel. Seniors already make up 7% of our passenger total. With the new Silver Wings Plus we expect that to grow significantly.”

Short-Term Specials

Among other carriers, both Continental Airlines and World Airways have senior programs in effect now through March 5 only. These are not discounts but special $65 fares for persons 65 and older.

Continental’s $65 rate is good for anywhere on its system, but is limited to Tuesday and Wednesday flights only, and those must be bought 14 days in advance. World, which offers a $65 one-way fare to New York or Washington, D.C., from Los Angeles, is similarly restrictive.

Delta Airlines could be the next carrier to announce a senior program, but a company spokesman said the details are not complete yet.

For complete, up-to-date details on the program, check with the carrier or your travel agent.