Life Begins at 60 for Bargain-Conscious Travelers

Better late than never, large segments of the travel industry have awakened to the purchasing power of people 60 and older. Suddenly aware that millions of mature Americans have the time, money and vigor for travel, they’ve scrambled all over themselves to create new programs for them. Herewith, eight affordable examples:

* Senior coupon booklets. Offered by every major airline to people 62 and older, a booklet costs $548 to $596 (depending on the airline) and consists of four coupons, each valid for a one-way flight within the United States.

Instead of buying one round-trip ticket costing $400 and up, the senior traveler should always purchase a four-coupon booklet. Using two coupons for the desired destination and the flight home, the traveler has two coupons left for a future trip at real savings.

For a helpful 10-page analysis of senior air fare coupons, send $3 to Jens Jurgens’ Travel Companion Exchange, P.O. Box 833-S, Amityville, NY 11701-0833. (You buy the coupon books from the airlines.)

* Senior airline clubs. People 62 and older are eligible for membership ($40 a year, on average) in three major airlines’ senior travel programs: American’s AActive Senior Club, telephone (800) 421-5600; Continental’s Senior Freedom Flight Club, tel. (800) 441-1135; and Delta’s Sky Wise Senior Club, tel. (800) 325-3750.

All offer seniors preferential zone-based fares--one-way rates as low as $59 for short flights within one geographical zone, higher fares between zones. These do not improve on senior-citizen coupon booklets for transcontinental flights or to Hawaii or Alaska, nor do they have the flexibility of the coupon booklets, such as unlimited standby privileges, but they greatly favor people making many short flights.

You have to sign up in advance, and new memberships are periodically closed, but they invariably reopen; persevere.

* Hilton Hotel discounts. At $50 per couple per year, the Hilton Senior Honors program is a top travel buy for people over 60. Membership brings discounts of 25% to 50% at Hilton hotels. Call Hilton’s reservations number, tel. (800) 432-3600.

* Other hotel discounts. Virtually every large motel chain offers senior discounts. Choice Hotels, which operates Comfort Inns, Sleep Inns, Quality Inns, Clarion Hotels and others, says its senior discount can go as high as 30%.

* American Express credit cards. If you are 62 or older, you can apply for a Senior Membership American Express card; you’ll pay $32 a year rather than $55. You’ll also receive membership benefits, including a quarterly mini-magazine for seniors. Call (800) THE-CARD or see the company’s Web site, https://www.americanexpress.com.

* Single supplements. Seniors traveling alone can avoid single supplements by booking tours operated by Globus/Cosmos. The two giants of escorted motor coach touring, operating on several continents, guarantee solo travelers a shared room with someone of the same sex. Book through any travel agent.

Seniors also can avoid the single-room supplement or the high cost of car travel by finding a travel companion who will share rooms and driving. To learn about the services of the long-established, highly reliable Travel Companion Exchange, phone (631) 454-0880 weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EST.

* University classes. Audit classes in college towns for free. Virtually every state university has been mandated by its legislature to permit seniors to audit courses (other than lab courses) free of charge. Call the university’s office of continuing education or admission for information.

* Elderhostel. This impressive organization offers hundreds of one-week residential study tours each year; they average $345 for tuition, room and board. You pursue liberal arts courses in the company of other dynamic seniors. Call (877) 426-8056 or see the Web site at https://www.elderhostel.org.