Air Discounts Return After One Year’s Absence : Airlines have reinstated fare reductions of 10% on most domestic flights for travelers 62 and over.

Senior air fares seem to change almost as often as the clouds these days. The 10% senior discount on domestic flights, dropped by most major carriers a year ago, is back.

Earlier this month, United Airlines was the first to reintroduce a 10% discount for mature travelers age 62 and over, but the carrier added that the discount applied only to excursion fares, not regular fares. The discount would apply to a traveling companion of any age, as long as the senior and companion travel together.

American, Delta and Northwest airlines quickly matched the 10% discount that United offered (including the travel companion of any age), though the other airlines’ plan differed from United’s in that the discount was made available on all fares, not just excursion fares. Not surprisingly, United then decided to extend its discount to all fares as well.

Several other carriers, including USAir, TWA and Continental, had kept the 10% senior and traveling companion discount even after United, American, Delta and Northwest had discontinued them during last summer’s major air-fare restructuring.

Seniors must adhere to the standard restrictions (advance purchase, minimum-day stay-overs, etc.) placed on the fares, especially excursion fares, offered by each carrier. In some cases, varying with the airlines, the senior discounts may not apply to already low promotional fares.

Frames Rickards, British tour operator of a variety of three- to seven-day motor-coach tours of the British Isles and France, is offering discounts for mature travelers on four of its tours.

Those age 55 and over can get $35 discounts off the following tours that start in London: Introducing Britain (six days, $768); Olde England (four days, $490); West of England & Camelot Country (six days, $731), and Land of Wales (six days, $768). Prices are per person, double occupancy.

The senior discounts are in addition to a 10% price reduction for all 1993 tours, brought about by favorable currency exchange rates on the dollar. This means a number of tours cost less than last year.

While Frames sells to all ages, the majority of its clients are seniors. It is very active in selling to senior groups and organizations in Southern California.

For more information, contact your travel agent or call (800) 992-7700. Seniors seeking information about forming group tours at special rates should call Deirdre O’Neill at (714) 964-8927.

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Giovanni Tours, senior tour specialists based in Agoura Hills and one of the first in the nation to run nostalgia motor-coach tours along Route 66, is again offering a trip down the fabled highway this year.

The 14-day tour starts Sept. 11 with a flight to Chicago, where Route 66 originated. Travel is then via motor coach along as much of the original route as possible back to Los Angeles. It’s priced at $2,066 per person, double occupancy, including all meals, attractions and many Route 66 nostalgia events.

For more information: Giovanni Tours, 5308 Derry Ave., Suite N, Agoura Hills 91301, (818) 889-3156.