Sorry, seniors: Southwest is doing away with its senior fare options.
The airline quietly announced the news on its website: "Notice: As of Dec. 11, 2019, senior fares are no longer available for purchase. Our customers mean everything to us. We’re committed to providing friendly, reliable service and low fares with heart. You’ll still get all that with our other fare features." Southwest added that refundable fares are still available with its "Anytime" and "Business Select" fares.
The news may come as a surprise to loyal Southwest customers who are 65 and older, however many travelers may not have been aware of the promotion in the first place, as it's not nearly as popular as Southwest's hyped semi-annual sales that have been known to slash prices to $49 for one-way fares.
However for those who take advantage of it, the senior discount can dramatically cut ticket prices. For a single adult using Southwest's "Anytime" fare, for example, round-trip flights from Washington Dulles International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport cost $1,189.38 (the cheapest options). For a single senior, it cost $685.36.
The senior discounts on these flights, however, were still more expensive than the airline's cheapest "Wanna Get Away" option.
USA TODAY has reached out to Southwest for more information.