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.
