AARP Savings No Matter Your Age

The American Association of Retired People (AARP) is often considered an organization for those who’ve “reached a certain age.”

True, those 50 years of age and older are eligible for membership in the organization and can take advantage of the numerous savings opportunities that come with membership.

However, you actually don’t need to fall into a certain age group to join AARP and benefit from much an AARP membership offers.

Called an “Associate Membership,” for only $12.50 per year, an individual of any age can join the association.

The Associate Membership is not widely publicized, and there is no online option to sign up. But, if you’re interested, a quick call to AARP’s toll-free number, 1-888-687-2277, will get you to a membership associate who will be able to help you join.

Why Join as An Associate Member

An AARP Associate Membership will give access to a number of savings opportunities. A few include:

• 10% to 15% off at restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse, Denny’s, McCormick & Schmicks and Carrabba’s Italian Grill to name a few.
• $3.00 off any popcorn and soft drink combo at Regal Entertainment Group.
• Various shopping discounts at retailers such as Consumer Cellular, 1-800-Flowers.com, Monro Muffler/Brakes, LensCrafters and more.
• And a variety of travel discounts on hotels, car rentals, vacations and more.

In fact, it was a travel deal that brought the AARP Associate Membership to my attention.

Note: Since the original publication date, AARP has reduced its discounts on British Airways tickets. The gist of the savings remains, it’s just not as lucrative as before.

Specifically, the AARP discount on British Airways tickets.

Occasionally – once or twice a year – British Airways will offer tremendous deals on business class airfares on flights from a number of U.S. cities to a variety of European destinations.

And when these sales are combined with an AARP business class discount of $400 $200, the offers become really good. Usually the sale price minus the $400 $200 AARP discount falls in the $1,200 mid-$1,000 range for a roundtrip, business class ticket.

Considering a typical, economy class U.S. – Europe roundtrip ticket can run $800 to $1,500, the British Airways business class sale price/AARP discount is a great way to “hop the pond” in comfort.

And you can get access to that AARP discount for only $12.50 per year as an Associate Member.

There do seem to be some AARP benefits for which Associate Members are not eligible.

The healthcare and insurance benefits appear to require applicants to be 50 or older.

However, I have read instances that contradict that requirement, so if you’re younger than 50 and are interested in AARP’s insurance or healthcare offerings, I would discuss eligibility requirements with a customer service representative.

Wrap Up

AARP offers a number of savings opportunities to its members.

And while 50 years of age is the level at which individuals can “officially” become AARP members, anyone, of any age, can join AARP as an Associate Member.

Will the savings opportunities justify the $12.50 annual membership fee for Associate Members? Likely, yes, but only you can decide for your specific situation.

Have you found savings from your regular or associate AARP membership?