until now, little did we chat about senior programs (airlines, hotels, general) on this board.

I (Swiss based, 56 years old) am a member with the following US-based-programs:

* AARP, American Association for retired people, costs: $25/3-years (my best profit is the AARP-21-days-advanced-paid Marriott rate)

* UA silver-wings: entry starts at age 55, 10%-rebate starts only at age 60, costs were last year $200 (my best profit so far were the the $-rebate-vouchers for future tickets (which matched in total just the life-membership-fee) and the 20'000 mileage-entrance-bonus I got (that was a time-limited-UA promotion last spring, now the entrance bonus is either 5'000? or 10'000? miles)

Rudi, I think the bonus is now 5,000, plus an additional 2,500 miles for flying within 90 days of enrolling. May I request a thorough examination of the little piece on senior programs we're doing "Online Only" July 1? I would be interested in your comments.

I didn't want to be a bother, but in light of Rudi's bringing up the subject I'll take advantage of it to ask about FTers about their satisfaction with senior programs. From my reading of them, they are very money-smart for those who fly a lot and who can find flights on which to use their travel vouchers. And United permits membership at the tender age (wink wink) of 55, which puts it at the top in my book.

Here are the FFPs and FTPs that have senior programs that I know of: Hilton Senior HHonors, US Airways (Senior Savers and Golden Opportunities), Delta SkyWise, United Silver Wings, Continental Freedom Flight Club. AAdvantage doesn't have a name for its senior programs, but 62+ flyers get a 10% discount and can get travel coupon booklets.

I'm sure there's more--anyone?



[This message has been edited by bryan at webflyer (edited 06-25-1999).]

[This message has been edited by bryan at webflyer (edited 06-25-1999).]

I am just approaching 55. At 50, I joined AARP. I do not agree with most of their politics, but the discounts on hotels is often better that AAA. AAA is the perferred overall discount card, for one that mainly serves another purpose (emergency road help, maps, travel services, etc). The Entertainment card is also quite useful for hotel discounts, although I buy mine mainly for dining out.

I will be happy to see somemore "stuff" on these programs. Few have been available, but more will become so next year.

Check my post under CO on how to get a senior fare (since they don't give them).

My parents have taken advantage of Southwest's senior fares, which are almost as cheap as their Promotional Fare Specials:

Southwest Airlines Fares (QCD)

Senior Citizens Fare:
One-way fare
At least 65 years of age
Passengers must present valid I.D. showing proof of age.
This fare is not available for purchase through Ticketless Travel Online.
Senior fares are not eligible for Rapid RewardsSM Double Credit.

It doesn't mention it's nonrefundable, which would be nice in case illness would postpone taking a trip...

We have just recently joined Silver Wings. In the first week or so I more than compensated for my lifetime membership fee. 50% off the Hilton Hawaiian Village for PIP, and a number of very low cost domestic tickets for me and young companions using USA Collections coupons.

I do find it a little annoying that while the current USA Collection expires July 31, 1999, the extension won't be announced until August 1, 1999. SInce a two week advance booking is required, the discounts are useless for trips taken during the 1st two weeks in August. Bummer!!!

The very best part of Senior Programs is when you try to use them and they make you show your ID to prove you are really old enough.

These programs sound pretty good. Don't want to wish my life away, but it sounds like the right combination of deals could save some serious money for "Seniors"!

Punki-Hope that continues! Is it just your younger looks, or the younger attitude or perhaps both! Have a great weekend!

When I checked my UAL account this morning I found that 5,000 bonus miles had posted for my "Lifetime" membership to Silver Wings. Slowly my account begins to build.

Doc, at least for me, they are inseparable. When I work out, go place and do things I feel good, when I feel good I look good, etc., etc, etc.

At my 30th high school reunion I noticed that we were dividing into 2 groups of folk--us and another group who were starting to look and act like our parents. I further noticed that the young looking ones were always ready to do anything, bike, dance, roller-blade, or do totally crazy things just for the fun of it (like run off to Hawaii with a bunch of people they have never seen before in their lives).

The old ones watched. I chose to be a doer. While we all harbor hope for a magic pill, the truth is that we almost always get results that correspond to our choices.

Keep setting such a fine example!

OMNI: As I said before... I won't grow up! I intend to stay a kid at heart as long as physically possible.

I think another unique thing about all of us is that we are all ageless... We have fun and relax and work and know our limits.

SO basically: There is no such thing as old and young, it's what you want to feel and be.

THIS PHILOSOPHICAL MINUTE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE PEACEFUL EASY FEELING CAT.



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MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!

New AARP Member Benefits

RiverBarge Excursion Lines: http://www.aarp.org/benefits/msppcd.html

Sumner Suites: http://www.aarp.org/benefits/mspphm.html

RiverBarge Excursion Lines offers special AARP savings for cruises on the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri rivers. Sumner Suites offers 15% off weekday rates and 10% off weekend rates at locations nationwide.

Just waiting patiently to age- hopefully graciously like Catman!

I'm 67 and have been taking advantage of AARP and Delta Senior discounts for several years. They're worth it!