Traditional seniors fares are harder to find, but older travellers can still save if they know where to look.

There was a time when reaching a certain age opened the door to travel discounts almost as a matter of course, but when it comes to flying, many older Australians may be surprised to discover that seniors fares are no longer easy to find.

Starts at 60 asked Australia’s major airlines what they offer older travellers, and the answer was clear: dedicated seniors airfares are largely a thing of the past, however, that does not mean the savings have disappeared altogether. They have simply shifted into sales, memberships, loyalty programs, lounge offers and cleverer ways of travelling.

Virgin Australia confirmed it does not offer discounted fares for seniors, but pointed travellers towards its regular Happy Hour sales, which often feature lower fares on Thursdays from 4pm. Travellers can also sign up to Virgin Australia’s V-Mail to receive updates on flight specials.

For frequent flyers aged 60 and over, Virgin does offer one notable age-based perk: a Senior Lifetime Lounge membership for $6,750. Virgin’s website says the membership is available to travellers aged 60 and over who can provide proof of age.

Jetstar also confirmed it does not offer a specific seniors discount.

“As a low-cost carrier, our focus is on keeping our fares low for everyone, every day,” the airline said.

Instead, Jetstar pointed travellers towards Club Jetstar, its annual membership program. Membership costs $65 for the first year and $55 on renewal, and includes access to discounted fares, early access to sales, 20 per cent off baggage and seat selection, car hire discounts and the ability to share benefits with up to four others when booking and travelling together.

Qantas hadn’t responded to Starts At 60 by the time this article was published and does not offer concessional domestic airfares for seniors, according to its own customer help information.

However, older travellers may still find value through Qantas Frequent Flyer points, sale fares and included extras on Qantas-operated services, such as checked baggage, refreshments and entertainment.

There are also some supports that are not age-based but may be relevant for older travellers, including assistance for passengers with specific needs and carer concession options for eligible travellers requiring support.

Internationally, the picture is mixed. United Airlines has a seniors travel information section and previously operated Silver Wings Plus, a savings program for travellers aged 55 and over, although that program is no longer accepting new members.

For Australians flying overseas, the better value may often come from stopover deals, seasonal sales, loyalty points, lounge access, premium economy specials or simply building in more breathing room.

That includes the growing idea of a “buffer day” — adding an extra day between arriving home and returning to normal life.

For retirees and semi-retirees with more flexible schedules, flying mid-week, avoiding peak holiday periods and allowing extra recovery time can sometimes matter just as much as the fare itself.

How to get better value after 55

No.1 Sign up for airline sale alerts rather than waiting for advertised deals.

No.2 Compare the total cost, including baggage, seat selection and payment fees.

No.3 Consider whether a membership program is worth it if you travel more than once or twice a year.

No.4 Use loyalty points before they sit forgotten.

No.5 Look for mid-week flights.

No.6 Ask for assistance early if mobility, hearing, vision or medical needs could make travel harder.

No.7 And perhaps most importantly, do not assume the cheapest fare is always the best deal. For many older travellers, a smoother journey, a better-timed flight or a less rushed connection may be worth more than saving a few dollars.