Military families are always on the go. That’s why they’re always on the lookout for cheap airline flights to make travel easier on their bank accounts.
One cheap way to fly is Space Available, or Space A. However, these flights frequently change and seats aren’t always available, so your schedule has to be very flexible. (Visit Air Mobility Command for more information on Space A flights.)
Fortunately, there are several airlines that offer military discounts on airfare. Keep in mind that some of these discounts are unadvertised and may not be available online, so be prepared to call the airlines directly to ask about their military rates.
Whether you’re traveling on orders or for leisure, you can find discounted rates on flights as well as discounts on checked baggage with the following airlines. (And don’t forget that TSA also salutes the military by offering expedited screening. Learn more at the TSA website.)
Airfare
Delta
Delta Air Lines has a long history of offering special rates for military personnel. They also offer special fares to family members traveling to meet an active duty service member. Call their reservations team and ask for the military desk.
JetBlue
JetBlue’s MIL fare allows active duty service personnel and their immediate family (spouses or children) to fly on JetBlue. Call 1-800-JETBLUE.
Southwest
Southwest offers military discounts to active military personnel and their families. Contact Southwest directly to take advantage of the discount.
Norfolk International Airport
The airlines serving Norfolk International Airport offer discounts to military travelers and their dependents. Call the airlines directly for information about schedules and fares and to make reservations.
Baggage
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers active duty military up to five free checked bags. This discount also applies to military dependents on travel orders.
Allegiant Airlines
Allegiant offers active duty military, Reservists and National Guard up to three pieces of checked baggage under 100 pounds for free and no charge for oversized checked baggage. Veterans and dependents of active duty or Reserve military, and National Guard get up to three pieces of checked baggage under 40 pounds for free and no charge for oversized checked baggage.
American Airlines
Active duty military personnel traveling on orders can check up to five complimentary bags (up to 100 pounds). When traveling for pleasure, you can check up to three complimentary bags (up to 50 pounds). Military dependents traveling on orders have the same privileges as military personnel.
Delta
Active duty military personnel traveling on orders may check up to five bags in Delta One/First class and five bags in Basic Economy up to 100 pounds. On military orders, your bags can be 80 inches (total length + width + height). For personal travel, active military may also check up to three bags in Delta One/First class (up to 70 pounds) and two bags in Basic Economy (up to 50 pounds). For personal travel, your bags can be 62 inches (total length + width + height).
JetBlue
Active military personnel and their dependents traveling on military orders are allowed to check five bags each at no additional cost. Active military personnel and their dependents traveling for leisure are allowed to check two bags each at no additional cost.