10 airlines that offer military discounts

Given that military personnel travel a lot by plane, military discounts are a medium to thank them for their selflessly rendered services. These discounts may be in the form of lower airfares, and/or perks such as free checked bags, or premium lounge access. One must know the eligibility, process, and the type of discount/perks available before booking the flight. Here we list down, 10 airlines that offer military discounts.

Delta

Eligibility: Active U.S personnel

Offer:

• Discounted fares for military or personal travel
• Five free checked bags for passengers traveling on orders
• Two checked bags for passengers traveling for leisure in economy, main cabin or delta comfort+.
• Three checked bags for first class, delta premium select, and delta one leisure travelers
• Special privileges for war-injured immediate family member or domestic partner

What to do: Call the Delta Military and Government desk at 800-325-1771. 

 American Airlines

Eligibility: Active military personnel and their dependents

Offer:

• Government or military fares in some markets
• Five free checked bags  when traveling on military duty
• Three free checked bags when traveling for leisure

What to do: Contact AA reservations for bookings. Present military ID and travel orders.

JetBlue

Eligibility: Active military personnel and veterans

Offer:

• 5% discount for Veterans Advantage members. Also, two free checked baggage
• 5% discount for active duty military personnel traveling for leisure
• Five free checked bags each for active personnel and dependents traveling on orders
• Two free checked bags each for active personnel and dependents traveling for leisure

What to do: Show travel orders and a valid DoD Common Access Card (CAC)

Alaska

Eligibility: Active duty personnel, veterans, and military dependents

Offer:

• Special military fares to active duty military and their dependents in some markets
• Five free checked bags for active duty personnel, and military dependents with travel orders
• 5% discount for Veterans Advantage members
• Priority boarding for active personnel
• 15% discount on food for military and their families
• Discounted rate for pet transport – $150 plus tax

What to do: Call Reservations at 1-800-252-7522. Present a valid active duty ID at check-in.

United

Eligibility:Veterans, active duty military, and their families 

Offer:

• 5% discount for Veterans Advantage members
• Five free checked bags for military order travel
• Three free checked bags for leisure travel
• Free access to the United Club airport lounge

What to do: Enroll for Veterans Advantage. Present military ID at check-in.

Allegiant Air

Eligibility: Active duty military, veterans, National Guard members, military reserve, and their dependents 

Offers:

• Three free checked bags
• No fee for oversized baggage
• One free carry-on bag
• Priority boarding for active members

What to do: Show valid ID

Hawaiian

Eligibility: Active military personnel, veterans, and qualified dependents

Offers:

• Two complimentary bags for personnel traveling on Military/Government fares
• Four free checked bags when traveling on military orders
• Two free checked bags when traveling for leisure.

What to do: Present valid military ID.

Frontier

Eligibility: Active military personnel

Offer:

• One free personal item
• One free carry-on bag
• Two free checked bags

What to do: Show Common Access Card (CAC) with a uniformed services affiliation at check-in.

US Airways

Eligibility: Active personnel and discharged personnel within 7 days of discharge

Offer: Special flight rates

What to do: Present valid ID or separation papers

Southwest

Eligibility: Active duty personnel and Veterans

Offer: Everyday discounted fares

What to do: Present valid ID.

While discounts depend on airline to airline, it is best to conduct a thorough analysis before booking.