British Airways Extends AARP Discounts for Economy, Business and First Class
Update: British Airways has reduced the economy and premium economy discounts to previous levels ($65 for World Traveler and $130 for World Traveler Plus), but all four discounts (including business and first class) are now available for bookings made through October 21, 2016.
Great news, economy travelers: British Airways has increased the AARP discount for economy and premium economy flights. While you previously could save $65 off economy flights and $130 off premium economy flights, the discount has now been sweetened to $100 per person per round-trip in economy and $200 per person per round-trip in premium economy.
Effective immediately, the AARP discount on new bookings are as follows:
– $100 off for travel in World Traveller (economy)
– $200 off for travel in World Traveller Plus (premium economy)
– $400 off for travel in Club World (business class)
– $400 off for travel in First
If this discount is new to you, we did a deep dive into the AARP discount last week — so start here. Remember that the AARP discount is good only for transatlantic round-trip flights originating in the US and booked through British Airways' AARP portal.
The current terms of the AARP discount require you to book by July 31, 2016 and fly by March 31, 2017. If you have your heart set on a trip, it's a good idea to book before then. However, this AARP discount has been extended multiple times in the past. Considering these positive changes are coming just weeks before the current ending date, we can be optimistic that it'll be extended.
The AARP discount website doesn't reflect these changes yet, though BA's site does, and the changes are certainly already in effect. With a quick Google Flights search, I found Houston-Johannesburg for $768 round-trip over Thanksgiving. This is already a steal to fly across the world to a great destination, but the deal gets even better when you apply the AARP discount — dropping the price $100 to $668 per person.
Note that you won't be racking up many American Airlines miles on British Airways economy flights. You currently only earn 25% of the flight miles as redeemable miles and only 0.5 elite-qualifying miles, so these flights are not mileage run material. But, this AARP discount is a great way of getting a cheaper transatlantic flight with typically good service.
If you haven't experienced British Airways "World Traveller" economy before, note that the onboard hard product varies between aircraft types. Don't worry, we've covered many of the options in detailed flight reviews:
- British Airways A380 World Traveller (economy) — Johannesburg to London
- British Airways 747-400 World Traveller (economy) — London to Johannesburg
- British Airways 787-8 World Traveller (economy) — London to Austin
You might want to opt for the newer A380 or 787 Dreamliner — if you have the choice — rather than the older 747-400.
Have you taken advantage of the AARP discount?
H/T: No Mas Couch
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.