British Air Offers Liberal Discounts : ‘Privileged Traveler’ program includes flights, cruises, train trips, car rentals and hotel stays.

A new membership program offered by British Airways for people over 60, “Privileged Traveler,” includes a list of discounts that are not only liberal but refreshingly free of restrictions. For $25 a year, travelers receive a 10% discount on most basic fares to Great Britain, as well as to the majority of the 150 destinations served by the airline in more than 40 other countries.

The discount also applies to holiday vacation programs and to any published or advertised short-term or seasonal fares.. Travel plans may be canceled or changed at any time without penalty, even on the day of departure.

The Privileged Traveler program offers even larger discounts of 20% for British Airways flights to London’s Gatwick Airport from Atlanta, Houston and Dallas from now until Aug. 31. A 20% discount is also available for package vacations to Scotland and the North Country.

Other benefits of Privileged Traveler membership:

* Cunard Cruise Lines permits a companion to travel free on any 1992 QE2 transatlantic crossing, plus cabin upgrades and a $100 on-board credit.

* Platinum Ireland Hotels offers a 10% discount at any of its country house hotels, castles or country clubs.

* Venice-Simplon-Orient Express gives a 10% discount on the continental train and on all Pullman day excursions.

* Avis allows four single-class upgrades on U.S. or international car rentals, with an additional 10% discount if rentals are booked through British Airways. The discount has no time limit.

* Forte Hotels gives a 10% discount on Forte’s “Leisure Break”--two- to seven-night packages at more than 150 of its hotels, including full English breakfast and dinner each night--and a straight 10% discount at its other properties.

The program’s “Take-A-Companion” feature allows a second person age 50 or older to enjoy all of the same discounts.

Members also receive a quarterly newsletter with articles on travel opportunities, destinations and travel tips. The newsletter also gives information on special British Airways air-fare offers and member-only discounts on holiday package programs.

For membership information and an application, contact British Airways, Privileged Traveler Program, P.O. Box 5077, El Toro 92630, (800) 876-1140.

Interest in Costa Rica, both as a tourist destination and as a place to retire, is growing rapidly. Away From It All Press has launched a newsletter, “Costa Rica Outlook,” to spread the word and answer questions about the small Central American nation.

The newsletter contains practical information and travel tips, plus information on history, deep-sea fishing (popular off both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts), water sports and even an occasional recipe. Costa Ricans are involved inpreservation of the flora and fauna of the country, and these matters are addressed in the newsletter as well.

For a sample copy, send $1 to Costa Rica Outlook, P.O. Box 5573, Chula Vista, Calif. 91912-5573. Those interested in exploring Costa Rica as a retirement locale might contact EcoTours, which offers tours for potential retirees: EcoTours, 3540 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 404A, Los Angeles 90010, (800) 882-8843.

A San Francisco Bay Area hotel reservations service, Golden Gate Reservations, advises that they are able to provide discounts of 10%-60% at more than 200 hotels in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Reno, plus the Sonoma/Napa wine country. There is no surcharge for their service.

Confirmations are mailed by the agency, and payment is made directly to the hotel upon checkout. For information and reservations, California residents can call (415) 771-6915. From other states, call (800) 423-7846.