You can join no matter your age, and it’s worth it for the travel benefits.
When the AARP—the 38-million-strong organization for people over 50—started contacting me about becoming a member, my first reaction was, “I’m not that old!” But after looking over the pitch and seeing the travel savings available (examples included member-specific deals at 90—yes, 90—hotel brands and discounts on Avis Budget Group car rentals), I was in.
While AARP is focused on people over age 50, there is no set minimum age to join. Anyone of any age can take advantage of the travel offers, plus discounts on many other products (“200+ benefits,” per the website). It’s fast and easy to sign up on the AARP website. The cost is pretty nominal: $12/year your first year (with auto-renewal), plus you get to pick a free gift and receive a second membership (for free!) for a member of your household. Don’t want to be on autorenewal? Then it’s $16/year. You’ll get an immediate return on your $16 membership investment with just one car rental or one hotel stay.
Here are specifics on some of the AARP discounts on travel:
Hotels
An AARP membership can score you discounts on hotels such as Hilton and IHG (including Kimpton and InterContinental Hotels); specific deals vary by brand. Ongoing travel discounts are spelled out on the AARP travel benefits website. Members can book through the AARP Expedia booking portal or directly via the websites of specific hotels.
Some examples: IHG offers AARP members 10% or more off the best available rate; Hilton brands offer up to 10% off plus late checkout when available. The savings are 5%-15% off stays at Best Western Hotels & Resorts, 10% off at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and up to 10% off Choice Hotels. AARP members also save 10% on stays with budget brands Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn.
Bookings made with hotel companies (websites or call centers) usually earn loyalty points, too. Best Western gives a bonus of 10% additional points and Radisson, which offers a 10% discount, fast-tracks AARP members to Gold status in its loyalty program after four stays.
Note: You may be asked for your AARP membership number during the booking process; sometimes, you must show your membership card during check-in at the hotel.
Car rentals
AARP members receive discounts up to 35% off the base rate for paid-in-advance car rentals with Avis and Budget. Other perks include a free upgrade on car type (based on availability), and the adding of an additional driver at no cost. Members also receive a 5% discount on Payless rentals. As with hotels, you may need to show your membership card at the car rental counter.
Airline tickets
AARP has a longstanding relationship with British Airways. Members booking round-trip transatlantic fares online receive $65 off World Traveller (standard economy) and World Traveller Plus (premium economy) tickets and $200 off Club World (business class) fares. (The discount does not apply to basic fares.) Executive Club points are earned on all fares booked.
Other AARP deals
1. Twenty-one restaurant chains are listed as offering discounts.
2. Through its dedicated Expedia portal, AARP gives its members access to whatever sale fares are being offered by partner cruise lines plus an onboard spending credit of up to $100 that can be used for drinks, massages, or other purchases on the ship. Cruise companies include Royal Caribbean group brands Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Silversea (with the exception of Galapagos Sailings); Carnival Corporation brands such as Carnival, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line; MSC Cruises; and Disney Cruise Line.
3. AARP members booking vacation packages with flight and hotel or flight and rental car via the Expedia portal receive a bonus of a $50 visa prepaid card
4. Three escorted and guided tour companies—Collette, Grand European Travel, and Vacations by Rail—also offer discounts to AARP members.
5. There’s a discount offer for airport parking: 12% off ParkRideFly at 40+ airports throughout the U.S.
Exclusive AARP offers
In addition to the discounts available always, there are also targeted sales of travel products. For example, if a car rental company is having a sale open to the general public on SUVs, there may be an added offer exclusive to AARP members.
AARP members receive the organization’s magazine and printed bulletin, both with travel content, and can sign up for various newsletters such as “Hot Deals” (limited-time offers in a number of areas, including dining, insurance products, and—sometimes—travel).
Twist’s Take: The travel discounts and low cost of joining make the AARP a good fit for all ages.
