Age Has Its Privileges and Discounts

Age has its privileges and a goodly variety of discounts. Starting at age 50, the minimum age for AARP membership, seniors may cash in on numerous deals just for being born on or before the date required for the bargain. Simply flash an ID to collect on most discounts. Some discounts apply only to AARP members and some are offered only by select chain franchisees.

AMC – Senior tickets for moviegoers 60 and up cost less than regular admission at AMC movie theaters.

AMTRAK – Hop aboard. Amtrak tickets go for 15 percent less off the lowest fare to travelers who are at least 62 years old.

ANCESTRY WORLD EXPLORER – AARP members eager to dig deep into their roots get a 30 percent price cut on an annual subscription (regularly $299) to Ancestry World Explorer.

BEST WESTERN – Room rates drop at least 10 percent at Best Western for AARP members and guests 55 and up when reserving online or with a company representative.

BONEFISH GRILL – Fans of fresh fish and wood-grilled meats who also belong to AARP get to enjoy their meal, minus alcoholic beverages, at a 15 percent savings at Bonefish Grill.

BUDGET – AARP members can rent a truck from Budget on Sunday through Thursday and save 20 percent, or opt for Friday or Saturday and save 10 percent.

CARRABBA’S – At Carrabba’s Italian Grill, AARP members can save 10% off their entire dining bill everyday (excluding alcohol, applicable taxes, and gratuity).

CHOICE HOTELS – Choice Hotels, which includes Quality Inn, Sleep Inn and Comfort Inn, shaves room fees up to 10 percent for AARP members or travelers age 60 and older. Advance reservations required.

CONSUMER CELLULAR – Consumer Cellular’s deal for AARP members includes rates as low as $10 a month with a 5 percent monthly discount and a 30 percent reduction on accessories.

DENNY’S – Denny’s offers a special menu with lower prices for guests 55 and older.

DRESSBARN – Dressbarn’s senior discount of 10 percent goes to shoppers age 62 and up for in-store purchases on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, depending on the store.

DUNKIN’ DONUTS – AARP members score at Dunkin’ Donuts when purchasing a large or extra-large beverage. The winnings: a free donut.

GOODWILL – Wednesdays are Senior Day at Goodwill, when customers age 55 and up enjoy 20 percent savings.

GRAND CANYON RAILWAY AND HOTEL – AARP members enjoy a 15 percent discount on travel and lodging at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, including the RV park and a two-night “Canyon Explorer” package.

HILTON – Hilton Worldwide offers up to 10 percent off stays at Hilton Hotels Resorts, DoubleTree, Hampton, Hilton Garden Inn, Waldorf Astoria, Embassy Suites, Conrad Hotels Resorts, and other properties owned by the hospitality chain.

HYATT – Hyatt offers senior guests with advance reservations a discount worth up to 50 percent at the brand’s hotels in the Lower 48 and Canada.

IHOP – No need for a coupon at IHOP. A special menu of pancakes, eggs, and French toast is already discounted for senior diners, starting at age 55.

KOHL’S – Starting at age 55, Kohl’s shoppers can show an ID to claim a 15 percent discount on Wednesdays at this department store chain.

LA QUINTA INNS AND SUITES – La Quinta Inns Suites offers AARP members up to 10 percent off room rates, as well as discounts for guests 65 and older.

LENSCRAFTERS – LensCrafters marks down a lenses and frame combo, including prescription sunglasses, by 30 percent for AARP members. Order a pair of Transitions lenses with a frame and save 40 percent.

MARRIOTT – Guests at Marriott hotels save at least 15 percent on room rates worldwide once they’ve reached the age of 62.

MCCORMICK AND SCHMICK’S – Seafood restaurant McCormick Schmick’s gives AARP members 10 percent off food, non-alcoholic beverages, and retail merchandise for up to five guests.

MICHAELS – Hobbyists age 55 and older qualify for a 10 percent price reduction every day at Michaels, the arts and crafts retailer.

MOTEL 6 – Motel 6 gives AARP members a 10 percent price cut in addition to free Wi-Fi and a late checkout at 2 p.m.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE – At Outback Steakhouse, seniors with an AARP membership get a 15 percent discount off the tab for lunch or dinner, minus alcoholic beverages, as long as the order isn’t placed online. Some locations may not participate.

PEARLE VISION – Present an AARP membership card at Pearle Vision and pay 30 percent less for a complete pair of glasses (lenses and frames) and up to 20 percent on contact lenses.

RAMADA – Ramada hotel customers age 60 and older are entitled to 10 percent off the best available rate at participating locations.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES – Travelers age 65 and older are eligible for fare savings and fully refundable tickets on Southwest Airlines.

STARWOOD HOTELS AND RESORTS – The Starwood family of hotels and resorts, including Sheraton and Westin, grant AARP members reductions of 5 to 15 percent off the best available rate.

SUPER 8 – Participating Super 8 hotels discount rooms by 10 percent off the best available rate for guests 60 and older.

UNITED AIRLINES – United Airlines offers reduced fares to select destinations for passengers 65 and older. Ask for details when booking a flight or select the “seniors” category when booking on the company site.

VERIZON WIRELESS – The Nationwide 65 Plus program at Verizon Wireless entitles existing customers 65 and older to 200 minutes for $29.99 a month.