Senior Discounts

[W2R]

I am not sure, but I think senior discounts at retail establishments and museums around here are generally accepted to be 62 years of age or older. I will have no problems accepting them when I am eligible. Provided they still exist.
I met my cousin for a movie in Pittsburgh this past Saturday and the theater posted a senior discount of $6.00 versus the regular of $8.00. My cousin is 68, 12 years older than I, and she went first requesting the senior discount. When it was my turn, the cashier just looked at me inquiringly , so I told him "I'm close, just not quite there yet...give me a regular ticket".

They probably vary. Supercuts offers a "senior haircut" ($1 off) and I think it is for age 60 and over. I think the theaters here specify age 55. I will get property tax breaks at age 65. The Art Museum is free on Wednesdays for those over 62 (I think?). So anyway, I think the ages for these senior discounts and breaks are very much up in the air, at least here. You can always ask at individual establishments once you hit 55 or so.

 

[WhoDaresWins]

Thanks Omni550 and W2R for the suggestions. I see the discounts can vary widely, and it pays to inquire. When I was in FL over the Christmas holiday, I went to the movies to see The King's Speech, and I overheard that the senior admission was at age 60. I believe the department stores around here offer a senior discount (don't know the percentage) on Tuesdays to 62 and over. I don't think any grocery stores have age-related discounts. Taxi cabs in PA have senior discounts funded by the lottery. I think you can also ride the buses free of charge during certain non-peak hours. My health club also has a substantial discount for non-peak hours M-F and all day on Sat. and Sunday. I think this is true at the Y's, too.

 

[omni550]

Senior Discount Directory has a list of many places that offer senior discounts.

Kohl's recently dropped their age requirement (for the 15% discount on Wednesdays, in-store only) from 62 to 60 Kohl's to lower age for senior discounts - JSOnline

Many fast food places around here (McD's, Arby's etc), if you ask for a senior beverage, will give you a courtesy cup (probably 8 oz.) of any soft drink, free.

Rather than trying to memorize every discount and location where it's offered, it's probably easier to get a sense of 'who offers what' in the 'world' in which you typically travel. In new places (and old ones too), it never hurts to ask.

omni

 

[Packman]

Senior Discount Directory has a list of many places that offer senior discounts.
omni

This was exactly what I was looking for. Only 6 months before I'm 55 so I will start to ask for SD. I may have to redo my financial plan now

 

[Arnie]

Thanks for all the tips. I've never asked, but at 55 it is time to start thinking about it.

 

[Independent]

Here's the best deal I know of:

Senior Pass Eligibility
As part of the American the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass program, U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are at least 62 years old can purchase a Senior Pass for a one-time processing fee of $10. This Senior Pass to national parks and lands offers benefits to you and your traveling companions.

Senior Pass to National Parks Benefits

In National Parks that charge an entrance or standard amenity fee, the Senior Pass admits you and the passengers in your car or other private vehicle.
In National Parks where a "per person" entrance fee is charged, the Senior Pass admits you plus three other adults (who need not be seniors).

As a taxpayer, I think this is too good of a deal, but I'll take it anyway.

 

[mickeyd]

Since I qualify for both military and senior, I usually just ask which discount is better and go with their suggestion.

 

[PaddyMac]

I'm traveling thru the national parks in Utah right now, and can't wait to qualify for the $10 lifetime senior pass...

When my Dad had just turned 60, he qualified for the senior bus pass in the UK. They were trying to give the discount to my stepmom who is a few years younger, and she shouted out that she was NOT a senior!

 

[martyb]

At least one of the local casinos (Shreveport/Bossier City, LA) gives a 50% off discount on their buffet to anybody over age 50.

My mom, 82, has been getting those senior discounts at fast food joints around her town for a LONG time...I'd like to know what the dollar value is for all those free drinks, reduced menu prices and other freebies she's racked up over the years. She's an original LBYM'er, I can promise that! She'd fit right in around here!

 

[martyb]

Since I qualify for both military and senior, I usually just ask which discount is better and go with their suggestion.

mickeyd, are you still getting military discounts as a retiree? Since I retired, I sort of figured that didn't apply to me anymore. I figured it was just for active duty or current guard/reserve members. Maybe I'll start asking again...

 

[braumeister]

mickeyd, are you still getting military discounts as a retiree? Since I retired, I sort of figured that didn't apply to me anymore. I figured it was just for active duty or current guard/reserve members. Maybe I'll start asking again...

Most places don't make any distinction; just show a valid military ID card (active, reserve, retired -- makes no difference).

My favorite is Home Depot, since I'm in there a lot (the joys of home ownership). Automatic 10% off everything, every day. Last year I needed to rent a small truck for a few hours, and used their service since it was close by. I didn't think the discount would apply for that, but the guy at the rental counter saw the card in my wallet and asked "Is that a military ID card?" I said yes, but retired. He actually got a little upset, and chewed me out for not mentioning it. "You need to ask for your discount every single time you're in here -- you earned it." Turns out his son had just joined the Navy, and he was feeling patriotic, but their discount policy is all inclusive. Every cashier is happy to apply it.

 

[rescueme]

I'm certainly glad that DW qualifies for most of these "senior" discounts ...

 

[mickeyd]

mickeyd, are you still getting military discounts as a retiree? Since I retired, I sort of figured that didn't apply to me anymore. I figured it was just for active duty or current guard/reserve members. Maybe I'll start asking again...

Unless they indicate that the discount is only for AD folks, a military ID card , is a military ID card, no matter the color.

 

[mickeyd]

My favorite is Home Depot, since I'm in there a lot (the joys of home ownership). Automatic 10% off everything, every day.

I have claimed my 10% HD discount often. You have to go thru a cashier (not self service) in order to get it tho. I recently got a $5 item, but still claimed a 50 cent discount. I understand that Lowe's also has the same deal.

 

[Brat]

Humm, I wonder if my husband's discharge paper would achieve the same result. He spends a lot of money at HD & Lowe's. I think he would give it a go to save 50 cents.

 

[Rustic23]

For those military that cruise, Princess gives you a shipboard credit of $150 of a 7 day cruise and I think $250 on longer cruises.

*Offer is valid for eligible military personnel in the U.S. and Canada only. Maximum of two onboard credit offers per stateroom. This offer cannot be used for casino credits/charges and gratuities, discretionary hotel and dining charges. Offer excludes Travel Agent and Interline fares. Offer is combinable with other Onboard Credit offers. Other restrictions may apply.
Eligibility includes active military, retired military and disable military veterans with proper verification as outlined below.
Please ensure that documentation provided has any Social Security Number crossed out.
a. Active personnel currently serving in the following service divisions:
i - United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserves with a copy of a military verification certificate confirming active duty status available for free online at http”//www.defense.gov/faq.
ii - Canadian National Defense — NDI 20 – Canadian Forces Identification Card
b. Retired Personnel defined as A) enlisted personnel or officers with a minimum of 20 years of service, B) medically retired, or C) 100% disabled. Proper identification for United States is a BLUE or TAN
Uniformed Identification Card. For Canadians, NDI 75 – Record of Service Identification Card or CF 75 or certificate of discharge; is used.
c. Veterans with an Honorable Discharge serving a minimum of 2 years or 6 months in an active war zone in any of the United States service divisions listed above or in the Canadian National Defense.
Proper identification in the form of a DD 214, plus a current photo ID is required. For Canadians, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Health Identification Card is used.
Promotion code: ZMB

 

[mickeyd]

Maximum of two onboard credit offers per stateroom. This offer cannot be used for casino credits/charges and gratuities, discretionary hotel and dining charges.

Does not seem to exclude the bar!!! Sweet $150. Wish I had gotten that on my last HAL cruise. You can run up quite a bar tab on a 14 day float.