How Flights with Military Discounts Work - NerdWallet (2024)

Many businesses show their appreciation for U.S. military service members, whether that’s via special parking privileges or exclusive discounts on goods and services. The same is true for many airlines, particularly when it comes to those who are active duty military.

Let’s take a closer look at flights with military discounts, including which airlines offer them and who’s eligible.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers military fares to eligible service members. This includes those who are:

Alaska also offers military discounts to spouses and dependents of active duty service members. Those who are older than 10 years old need to show a dependent ID.

Alaska doesn’t publish a specific discount amount. Instead, you’ll have to call 800-252-7522 to get a quote and purchase the ticket.

Those who are enrolled in VetRewards can get a 5% discount. This discount is valid for up to six people booked together.

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air doesn’t offer discounts on airfare to military members, but it does provide a host of other benefits to both active duty members and veterans. This includes two free checked bags up to 99 pounds each, early boarding and the ability to print your boarding pass at the airport for free. Service members also receive waived fees for in-cabin pets, oversized bags, ticket changes and flight cancellations.

Family members of the service member or veteran can also take advantage of these benefits if they’re flying together and hold a dependent ID card.

American Airlines

American Airlines’ military discount is for both active duty military and those who are members of the government. You’ll need to call to get this deal. The phone number is 800-433-7300.

Active duty military members also receive free checked bags (up to three for leisure travel and five for those traveling on orders) and can board in the first boarding group.

Additionally, American Airlines offers 10% off vacation packages to those with a VetRewards membership.

Delta Air Lines

You’ll get discount military flights with Delta Air Lines if you’re an active duty service member. This benefit extends to Delta Vacations packages as well. To score these deals, you’ll need to call 800-221-1212.

Active duty military members also receive between three and five checked bags, with varying weight limits, depending on your class of service and if you’re flying on military orders or for leisure.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways provides a 5% discount on airfare to those who are active duty in the military, and only applies when you’re not traveling on orders.

The discount applies to all fare classes and destinations, even when traveling abroad, and includes two free checked bags.

You’ll need a VetRewards member ID to take advantage of the discount. To book your tickets, call 800-538-2583. The typical $25 service fee for booking over the phone is also waived.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines partners exclusively with Veteran’s Advantage to offer discounts to the armed forces. Members of VetRewards can get 5% off economy fares for all flight destinations. Business class flights are not eligible for the promotion.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines offers military pricing to those who are active duty as well as eligible government employees. The exact discount is unpublished, and you’ll need to call 800-435-9792 to book with the discount.

Military members on active duty may also bring more than two checked bags for free when flying the airline, weighing up to 100 pounds each. The baggage limit for all passengers — military members included — is 20 bags per flight.

United Airlines

Like Hawaiian Airlines, you’ll need to be enrolled with VetRewards from Veteran’s Advantage if you’re a military member seeking discounts on United flights. The total discount amount is 5% and is valid on all fare classes except basic economy. This special pricing has several limitations:

United provides some benefits to active duty service members and those who have been discharged in the last seven days, including free extra checked bags. For those traveling in uniform or are on leave, complimentary United Club lounge access is also provided.

Many airlines have teamed up with Veteran’s Advantage and its associated VetRewards program to offer cheap flights for military veterans — in some cases, it’s the only way to receive a discount. So what is Veteran’s Advantage?

Veteran’s Advantage is a third-party membership website available to both active duty and veteran service members. A month-to-month plan will cost you $9.99. Otherwise, it’s possible to purchase several years of access for less.

For example, a five-year membership costs around $200, which constitutes a large savings versus a monthly plan. If you’re a frequent traveler, signing up for a VetRewards account can save you money overall.

Nearly all airlines offer special perks for those traveling with luggage —even low-cost carriers such as Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines are willing to give you free checked bags if you’re in the military.

These waived bag fee benefits vary depending on whether you’re changing your duty station or simply traveling for leisure. Make sure you verify how it works with your airline of choice before showing up at the airport.

Another way to receive travel discounts is through American Forces Travel, a specialty website available only to those who are serving or who have served. It’s an official Morale, Welfare and Recreation site and uses your personal information to verify eligibility.

American Forces Travel isn’t just limited to military flight discounts. The website also has hotels, rental cars, cruises, event tickets and travel packages available at a discount.

Joining the military and serving your country is no small feat. Many companies, including airlines, recognize your service, which is why they’ve made special accommodations for those in the armed forces.

Many major U.S. airlines offer some form of discount for those in the military, while others have partnered with Veteran’s Advantage to provide savings to active duty and veterans alike.