Navigating the world of travel can be tricky, especially when searching for the best deals. But for active military personnel and veterans, a secret weapon exists: military airfare discounts. These special fares and perks are a small way of showing appreciation for service members, offering a chance to fly for less and make the most of their hard-earned leave or travel opportunities.
Table of Contents:
- Finding Your Perfect Flight: A Guide to Military Airfare Discounts
- Unearthing Those Discounts: Where to Find Them
- Making the Most of Every Penny: Tips for Securing Your Discount
- Beyond the Big Names: Smaller Airlines Worth Considering
- Alaska Airlines: Soaring Above With Discounts and Perks
- Spirit Airlines: Navigate the Fees with Military Benefits
- Beyond Airfare: Unlock Additional Discounts for Veterans
- American Forces Travel: Your One-Stop Shop for Military Travel
- Maximizing Your Savings: Insider Tips for Booking Your Trip
- Military Airfare Discounts: A Deeper Look
- FAQs about Military Airfare Discounts
- Conclusion
Finding Your Perfect Flight: A Guide to Military Airfare Discounts
These discounts are more than just a price cut. They often include generous baggage allowances, priority boarding, and even complimentary lounge access. With military airfare discounts, you can fly with peace of mind, knowing you’re getting the best value for your money.
Unearthing Those Discounts: Where to Find Them
Several airlines have dedicated sections on their websites specifically for military travelers, outlining the benefits they provide. Don’t stop there – often, calling the airline directly is your ticket to unlocking hidden discounts and special fares not publicly advertised.
Another valuable resource for finding military airfare discounts is Veteran’s Advantage. This program partners with numerous airlines to give members exclusive discounts on travel. Membership is not free but can be well worth the investment for frequent travelers seeking significant savings.
Making the Most of Every Penny: Tips for Securing Your Discount
Be ready to present your military ID or other proof of service when booking and at the airport. Not all discounts are automatically applied; you might need to request the military fare specifically.
It’s essential to book directly through the airline or via American Forces Travel for the widest range of options and better customer service if any issues arise. Before finalizing your purchase, carefully review the fare rules.
Beyond the Big Names: Smaller Airlines Worth Considering
Don’t discount the smaller airlines. Many smaller or budget airlines also offer competitive military fares. These discounts are often unadvertised, so calling for information or checking their websites directly for specific policies is recommended.
Some good examples are Allegiant Air, which offers free checked bags and carry-on baggage, pet accommodations, and free boarding pass printing. Breeze Airways, the newest U.S. airline, grants military personnel either two free checked bags or a free checked bag and carry-on. These budget-friendly airlines can offer substantial savings for those traveling within their route network.
Alaska Airlines: Soaring Above With Discounts and Perks
This Pacific Northwest-based airline stands out for its generous baggage policy for active-duty service members and their dependents. They offer special military fares, allow free check-in of up to five bags (each weighing up to 70 pounds.), and give a 15% discount on all in-flight food purchases with a valid military ID.
They even offer a 5% discount for veterans through Veteran’s Advantage. Traveling on orders? Enjoy complimentary access to the Alaska Lounge, making airport waits more pleasant.
Spirit Airlines: Navigate the Fees with Military Benefits
While Spirit Airlines doesn’t provide flight discounts specifically for active military members or veterans, they offer something potentially more valuable: free checked baggage.
Navigating the fees associated with budget airlines is no easy feat, and Spirit’s military bag policy can offer relief for travel expenses. This policy allows two free checked bags and one free carry-on, a significant perk that helps keep more money in your pocket for enjoying your trip.
Beyond Airfare: Unlock Additional Discounts for Veterans
Veteran’s Advantage, a paid membership program for veterans and their families, unlocks exclusive deals on travel, shopping, and more. When it comes to airlines, VetRewards offers a 5% discount on many airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Lufthansa, and Hawaiian Airlines.
Consider if a VetRewards membership aligns with your travel needs and if the veteran hotel discounts are something that is valuable to you. They also offer a wide variety of veteran discounts for 2022 and provide one of the best veteran discount lists you will find.
American Forces Travel: Your One-Stop Shop for Military Travel
As of July 2021, all Veterans with a discharge status of honorable or general under honorable conditions are eligible to shop on American Forces Travel for a wide selection of discounted rates. This includes hotels, airfare, rental cars, vacation packages, cruises and much more.
Maximizing Your Savings: Insider Tips for Booking Your Trip
Sometimes, flexibility is key when booking your trip. If your travel dates are flexible, experiment with different dates and times. Consider traveling during off-peak seasons or weekdays when fares tend to be lower.
Sign up for email alerts from your preferred airlines, ensuring you are informed about any military-specific deals or fare sales as soon as they are released. Lastly, remember that using miles accrued through airline rewards programs can significantly offset the cost of your airfare, further increasing your savings potential.
Military Airfare Discounts: A Deeper Look
Let’s examine a common scenario for those seeking military airfare discounts: flying with Southwest Airlines. The discount military flights that they offer are a great way to save on your next trip.
Southwest Airlines: A Comprehensive Look at Their Offerings for Military Personnel
With an impressive track record, Southwest Airlines is recognized as a leading carrier in the GSA City Pair Program. This program is significant because it highlights airlines known for providing a considerable volume of discounted government and military travel. This recognition further strengthens Southwest Airlines’ position as a go-to for discounted military airfare.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight Discounts | Contact Southwest directly at 800-435-9792 to receive a unique discount tailored to your trip, as they do not advertise a fixed percentage or publicly listed price for military fares. |
| Baggage Advantages | Active-duty military and those with permanent change of station orders can check more than two bags for free. The standard limit for civilians is two bags, offering a substantial advantage for those traveling with more luggage. |
As illustrated, their dedication to military-friendly policies and unadvertised fares highlights Southwest Airline’s commitment to going beyond just words. It’s about taking action to make travel smoother and more affordable for service members and their families. For veterans, this can be a great option for using veteran travel discounts.
FAQs about Military Airfare Discounts
What Airlines Offer Military Discount on Tickets?
Many major airlines like United, Delta, and American, as well as smaller ones such as Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air, extend military airfare discounts. Some may require contacting them directly.
Does Flights Have Military Discount?
Yes, the term “flights” generally encompasses various airlines, and many do offer discounts for military personnel.
How to Get Free Flights as Military?
While consistently scoring “free flights” solely based on military status is rare, maximizing air miles earned through travel rewards programs can substantially reduce flight costs and come close. Certain airlines might also offer free baggage, pet travel, or lounge access as perks.
There are certain instances, although rare, where 100 disabled veteran airline discounts may be available.
Do Veterans Get Travel Discounts?
Absolutely, veterans frequently enjoy travel discounts. Resources like Veteran’s Advantage, along with certain airlines, provide special fares and perks explicitly for veterans. These programs offer continued appreciation for their service even after their time on active duty.
Conclusion
Navigating the ins and outs of military airfare discounts can feel like a mission in itself. However, the rewards are worth the effort. This comprehensive overview gives you the knowledge to maximize savings, unearth hidden perks, and unlock the true potential of traveling as a member of the military. You will be able to fly with both ease and a little extra cash in your pocket.
So next time you’re planning a trip, remember that leveraging military airfare discounts empowers you to focus on what truly matters. Use this time to experience new destinations, create lasting memories, and enjoy a well-deserved break without breaking the bank.
