Coupons Can Help Offset Loss of Air Discounts : Fewer deals are available after fare charges, but domestic flight programs offer savings.

Although most airlines--but not all--have dropped their regular senior discounts on flights as part of the industry’s fare restructuring last summer, there are still savings to be found on domestic destinations through the use of coupon books.

The books generally contain four or eight coupons, with two required for any round-trip flight. One coupon is good for a one-way coach flight, even though it may require a stop or change of planes. Coupons are good for a period of one year after purchase, even though fares may increase during that time.

For most airlines, the coupon purchaser must be 62 years or older, though a companion of any age may accompany the purchaser as long as they travel together. All carriers have brief holiday blackout periods.

In addition, each airline requires 14-day advance reservations for coupon travel. At one time there was a penalty for changing reservations, but most carriers have relaxed this policy. Most also have dropped restrictions on days of the week that seniors can use the coupons.

Travelers planning to use coupons for flights to domestic destinations of greater distance from Los Angeles, such as Hawaii or New York, should check with the airline or a travel agent before purchase. Depending on the season, some carriers may require two coupons instead of one for a one-way flight (four coupons instead of two for round-trip flights) from LAX to Honolulu. In such cases, travelers should be aware that some advance-purchase or tour-based fares might represent greater savings than the coupon books. A travel agent should be able to check on the best available deals.

Here’s an update on what some of the major airlines are currently offering in coupon books, plus other senior airline discounts:

Alaska: Four senior coupons cost $568; eight coupons are $984. Travel can be any day of the week, with 14-day advance reservations required. No regular domestic discounts for seniors, but there are 10% discounts on flights to Mexico.

American: Offers Senior Saver coupon books--four coupons for $568, eight for $984. Travel any day of the week, with 14-day advance.

America West: Has brought its across-the-board senior discount back up to 10% (it had been 5%), and has added the discount for flights to Mexico as well. Also has Senior Saver Packs, with four coupons for $430, eight for $720. Good for travel from noon Monday to noon Thursday, plus all day Saturday. Reservations must be made 14 days before departure, with a $75 service charge for changes made prior to departure.

Continental: Has retained its 10% senior discount off any published fare. Offers Freedom Trip coupon books--four coupons for $549, eight for $949. Travel any day of the week, with 14-day advance. Continental still has its Freedom Passport for travelers 62 and over--four months’ domestic coach air travel at $999, or one year for $1,599; one year of first-class domestic travel is $3,499. The Golden Globe Passport is good for one year of domestic travel, plus a choice of several foreign destinations, at $4,499 for coach or $6,999 for first class.

Delta: Offers “Young-At-Heart” coupon books--four coupons for $568, eight for $984. Travel any day, with 14-day advance.

Northwest: Senior coupons--four for $568, eight for $984. Travel any day, with 14-day advance.

Southwest: No across-the-board discounts, but travelers 65 and over get substantial savings on flights. Los Angeles to Las Vegas, for example, costs $35 one way for seniors, down from the standard $59, while Los Angeles to Houston is $109 one way for seniors instead of $256. Southwest does not offer senior coupon books.

TWA: Still has a regular 10% senior discount on domestic fares. Also offers a Senior Travel Pak of four domestic coupons for $496, plus a free bonus coupon good for 20% off any of its international flights.

United: Offers Silver Pack coupon books--four coupons for $568, eight for $984. Good for travel any day, with 14-day advance. United still maintains its popular Silver Wings Club, with some slight changes. Travelers 62 and over pay $75 for three years, or $150 for life membership. The cost is refunded in gift certificates to be applied to flights. Members get 10% off all United fares, plus other savings with selected hotel chains, car rental companies and some tours. There are further tie-in savings with foreign airlines, including KLM, Alitalia, Iberia, Australia Airlines, British Airways, Sabena and other smaller airlines.

USAir: Offers “Golden Opportunities” coupon books--four coupons for $568, eight for $984. Travel any day, with 14-day advance.

Travelers should not necessarily give up if a 14-day advance reservation is not available. All carriers admit that much of their senior coupon travel is on a standby basis.

Seniors should check with airlines a day or so before possible departure and ask about the status of their flights. Reservation agents can check on the amount of space available and advise you on your chances of getting on via standby.