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British Airways Extends AARP Discounts for Economy, Business and First Class

July 09, 2016
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3 min read
British Airways world traveler plus premium economy featured
British Airways Extends AARP Discounts for Economy, Business and First Class
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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.

Fly from Houston to Johannesburg (20,900 miles round-trip) for just $668 after the $100 discount.

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.

The British Airways A380 upper-deck window seats might be one of the best economy seats available!

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:

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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

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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.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $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.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $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.
  • Terms Apply.