If you’re in the military or part of a military family, you know how important it is to find a good military discount on flights. Flying cheap to be home for important milestones, holidays, and to enjoy your leave can provide unique challenges for those in the military.
There are two major ways for those who serve (and their families) to save. First, you’ll want to find discount and affordable airfares, even if it’s last minute. Secondly, be aware of baggage fees and which airlines offer more free bags for military customers.
If you’re a member of the military and need to use that military discount on flights, look no further. We’re outlining which airlines offer military discounts and the baggage allowances that can save you more.
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To find a military discount on flights, you’ll need to call.
Many airlines do offer a military discount, though you may not be able to take advantage of these fares online. Your best bet to get a military discount on flights is to call the airline when booking to see what’s available.
It’s a bit challenging to comparison shop because unfortunately military discounts on flights are not advertised online. At least not in the same way that prices for civilians are shared. Most domestic airlines will offer a military discount, but you’ll need to call and ask what the airline is offering for your route.
Related: Find out how to qualify for the Target military discount and when to use it.
These airlines offer military discounts on flights.
JetBlue
JetBlue offers a 5% military discount to active duty, retired military, veterans, and their families enrolled in Veterans Advantage, a paid service that can cost around $5 – $15 a month. If you book your flight over the phone, JetBlue will waive the $25 service fee for Veterans Advantage members.
JetBlue also offers up to five free checked bags up to 99 pounds for active military traveling on duty and their families. However, this baggage perk will only apply to dependents if they’re traveling with you on the same itinerary.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest offers military discounts to active-duty military personnel and their families. Contact Southwest directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). While bags already fly free on Southwest Air, they do offer additional free bag allowances for active duty military and don’t charge fees for bags over 50 pounds.
Active-duty military members can fly with up to 20 checked bags (yes, you read that right!) as long as the bags don’t exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size.
American Airlines
American Airlines also offers a discount to active-duty military. To take advantage of your military discount with American Airlines, call 1-800-433-7300 to book your flight.
If you’re traveling with your family, American Airlines offers up to 10% off flights through Veterans Advantage, but this service will cost around $5 – $25 a month.
Additionally, they offer a baggage perk. Any active-duty military members can check up to five bags for free (up to 100 pounds) while traveling on orders and three bags for free when traveling for fun (up to 50 pounds). This perk also applies to their dependents.
Alaskan Airlines
Alaskan Airlines offers a military discount on flights, though it’s not advertised how much and it’s not guaranteed for every flight. This discount applies for active-duty service members flying during leave, those who have been discharged from the armed forces within the last seven days, and reservists who are currently activated and on active duty.
Alaska Airlines offers active-duty military and any dependents on travel orders up to five free checked bags.
To take advantage of a military discount on your next Alaskan Airlines flight, call 800-252-7522 to book.
Delta Airlines
Delta does offer a military discount on flights for both active-duty military and their pets. While you’ll need to call Delta directly at 1-800-221-1212 for the human fare, their rates and requirements for military travel with pets are posted online.
Delta Airlines also offers free bags for traveling military members. Military personnel traveling on orders can check up to five free bags (up to 100 pounds) and three free bags when traveling for fun. Be advised, Delta has some size requirements, not just weight requirements, for baggage. Read more about their baggage policy here.
Military Members Get Free TSA PreCheck
Another perk that can save you time and money is knowing that all members of the U.S. Armed Forces can enjoy expedited screening at select airports through complimentary TSA PreCheck. You don’t need to pay for it!
This benefit also extends to family members aged 12 and under and any cadets and midshipmen enrolled in the U.S. Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and Coast Guard Academy.
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