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British Airways Extends — But Devalues — 2017 AARP Discount

Jan. 31, 2017
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3 min read
Picture shows A321 aircraft.
British Airways Extends — But Devalues — 2017 AARP Discount
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Update 5/22/17: In a rare move, British Airways and AARP have extended the date ranges well ahead of expiration. The terms and conditions have now been updated to allow the discount on flights through December 31, 2018 — instead of the previous limitation of March 31, 2018. You must still book by December 31, 2017 to get the discount.

One of the greatest travel promos available over the past few years has been the AARP British Airways discount. For just a $16/year membership — open to travelers of all ages — you could save $65 off round-trip economy flights, $130 off round-trip premium economy flights or $400 off round-trip business and first-class flights. This is the discount that led to some of the best premium-cabin deals we've ever posted, such as this $446 + 30,000 Avios business class deal to Spain and this $1,058 business class deal to Italy.

This version of the discount was set to expire on January 31. While this discount has come up for renewal in the past, it has always been extended in advance of the deadline. So, we were worried when this discount still hadn't been extended by yesterday.

The British Airways AARP discount has been slashed in half. Image courtesy of British Airways.

Want the good news or the bad news? Let's start with the good. British Airways has extended this AARP discount through December 31, 2017. The bad news is that the discount has been cut for business and first-class flights. Instead of saving $400 per round-trip, AARP members will only save $200 per booking. However, economy and premium economy travelers retain their discounts ($65 and $130, respectively).

The AARP discount has been extended, but devalued for first/business class. Image courtesy of British Airways.

You can now book flights using this promotion through December 31, 2017 for flights as far out at March 31, 2018. Besides that, all of the terms and conditions remain the same from the previous version.

Bottom Line

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The $400 AARP discount was a bit too good to be true. So, we are saddened but not surprised that it's been slashed in half. Still, if you're going to fly transatlantic, an AARP membership is a no-brainer. British Airways has been offering really cheap economy fares, as it continues to battle with low-cost carrier Norwegian for transatlantic market share, while discounted premium-cabin fares continue to pop up from time to time as well.

Featured image by British Airways Plc

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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 $6,000 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.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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