Southwest Airlines Senior Discount
Quick answer: Southwest Airlines doesn’t have a senior discount anymore. It stopped selling senior fares for travelers 65 and older on December 11, 2019, after 36 years. Today seniors pay the same fares as everyone else, so the savings come from timing and fare sales.
What happened to Southwest senior fares?
Senior fares gave travelers 65 and up a fully refundable ticket at a reduced price. Southwest dropped them in December 2019 (the last trips on those tickets had to be flown by May 2020) and didn’t replace them with any age-based deal. If an article promises a Southwest senior fare, it’s out of date.
How seniors can still save on Southwest
- Use the Low Fare Calendar. It shows the cheapest days to fly for a whole month.
- Watch for fare sales and book early for busy travel dates.
- Join Rapid Rewards. It’s free, and you earn points toward future flights.
- Price in the new rules. Since May 28, 2025, most fares pay for checked bags, and since January 27, 2026 Southwest assigns seats. A cheap fare plus bag fees can end up costing more than you’d think.
Need a wheelchair or extra time to board? You can ask for that help at no cost. It’s based on need, not age.
Comparing airlines? See our American Airlines senior discount and United senior discount pages, or Amtrak’s senior discount if the train works for your trip.
Southwest Airlines senior discount FAQ
Does Southwest have a senior discount?
No. Southwest ended its senior fares in December 2019 and has no age-based discount now.
What age were Southwest senior fares?
They were for travelers 65 and older. They’re no longer sold.
Do seniors get a free checked bag on Southwest?
No, bag rules are the same at every age. Most fares pay for checked bags now, though higher fare types, A-List members and Southwest credit card holders get free bags.
Last checked: September 2026. Southwest changes fares and bag rules often, so check southwest.com before you book.
