Military families can accumulate a lot of miles traveled during military life. Where it be for PCS moves, visiting home for the holidays, or just vacations, flying is a great way to get from point A to point B quickly. Space A (space available) flights are great if your dates and locations are flexible. More often than not, your travel terms need to be set in stone so you have to take regular flights. However, frequent flying can do some damage to the bank accounts. Luckily, some airlines are generous enough to offer discounts to the military.
(Note: Flights prices can change in an instant, and the military rate not always be the cheapest. Always comparison shop)
Most airlines do not generally advertise their military rates, but provide discounted prices to military members who book over the phone. These discounted rates typically apply to dependents as well, and sometimes for retirees.
Here are 10 airlines that offer military discounts.
1) Alaska Airlines
Free Checked Bags for Active Duty. The discount applies to military dependents when they are on travel orders.
http://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/optional-services-fees.aspx
2) Allegiant Airlines
Active Duty personnel get up to 3 checked bags free.
https://www.allegiantair.com/baggage-info
3) Delta Airlines
There are special rates for military. You must contact the reservations department. http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/support/talk-to-us/reservations-and-refunds.html
RELATED: THE BIG LIST OF MILITARY DISCOUNTS FOR THEME PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS
4) Frontier Airlines
Baggage fees are waived for Active Duty military personnel
http://www.facebook.com/flyfrontier/posts/10151476814466700
http://www.ifly.com/frontier-airlines
5) Hawaiian Airlines
Active duty US military passengers and military personnel who are retired or retiring, who have proof of official government travel orders, and their qualified dependents will be allowed four (4) checked complimentary bags per person for coach/first/business classes of service when traveling on orders. For personal travel, Active duty US military personnel will only be allowed two (2) complimentary checked bags per person for coach/ first/business classes of service (keeping in mind weight and size limit of baggage). Military bag fee waiver will not apply to US military dependents on personal travel.
http://help.hawaiianairlines.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1922/kw/military
6) JetBlue
MIL fare product allows active duty service personnel and their immediate family (spouses or children) to fly on JetBlue. Immediate family members may travel on a MIL fare independently as long as they are able to present proper identification. The MIL fare may be utilized for non-duty travel using personal expenses.
http://www.jetblue.com/travel-agents/government-fares/
7) SouthWest Airlines
Active Duty and Dependents are eligible for military discounts. Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA for more information. special rates cannot be booked online. Southwest waives ALL baggege fees for Active duty (even if overweight or multiple bags)
RELATED: MILITARY DISCOUNTS FOR MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL GAMES
8) United Airlines
To thank U.S. military veterans, active duty military, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families for their service, United is proud to provide Veterans Advantage® members with up to a 5 percent discount on tickets for United- and United Express®-operated flights purchased on united.com.
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/deals/veterans/default.aspx
9) US Airways
US Airways offer special rates to military personnel traveling on an officially excused absence and to discharged personnel within 7 days of discharge. The military passenger must carry valid active duty identification or separation papers. Military Dependents may also be eligible for discount.
http://www.usairways.com/en-US/specials/traveldiscountprograms/militaryleavefares.html
10) Virgin Atlantic
Virgin offer members of the Armed Forces serving and retired, MOD Civil Servants and their dependents discounted fares to worldwide destinations.
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/corporateandtrade/modoffers.jsp
*****American Airlines
American Airlines MAY offer military discounts depending on markets.
http://www.aa.com/i18n/utility/militaryDiscount.jsp
Keep in mind that while you will probably not have to prove your military status when purchasing the ticket (unless doing so in person), it is VERY likely you will have to show your military ID at check-in. Again, discounts can change so when you’re ready to book, contact the airline directly for the latest information.
5 Comments on 10 Airlines that Offer Military Discounts
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United Airlines is NOT military friendly. My son came home from deployment on a family emergency and UA would not get him on an earlier flight out of Chicago for 9 hours. He sat and watched flight after flight go to his destination. They said they could do it for $2000 dollars. I do NOT call that military friendly at all. They should be ashamed of themselves–empty seats on a flight and the amount that was paid for that flight from point of origination? Absolutely shameful UA.
What?! I’ve only had good experience with UA, yikes, sorry to hear that happened to your son. Hope you called customer service or tweeted them so they know that happened.
thank you for this information i have 2 sons in the Navy and will be flying a lot to visit with them as well as them coming home to visit. i will think twice before flying with United Airlines
For sure!
I totally agree with Jill. I will not fly United unless it is the last resort!!!! we have had bad experiences with them. Allegiant and Southwest have been great to us! Allegiant will give active duty 2 free checked bags and they have priority boarding!