Active military members and veterans risk their lives every day to provide freedom for their country. Their selfless and heroic acts are recognized by many companies and businesses, sometimes in the form of discounts. Many airlines are among the companies that offer benefits to military members.
TSA Benefits
One of the main perks veterans are provided with during flights is the TSA PreCheck. This allows them to get through security lines quickly without standing in line for long. They also get to keep their shoes on, laptops in their bags, and not have liquids checked. This TSA line is also a lot shorter since only service members are permitted.
Service members get access to TSA PreCheck for free. Their family members also get a faster pass through the line without having to fill out as much paperwork. Not all airports have TSA PreCheck, but most large ones do and they’re constantly being added.
Which Airlines Offer Military Discount?
Here are some of the US-based airlines with military discounts and the benefits they offer.
Delta Airlines
Delta is one of the big 3 airlines, known for its great discounts. They offer free checked luggage discounts if you are a military member. If transferring duty stations, they are also allowed to bring their pets as checked baggage.
Active-duty military members can check up to 5 bags weighing 100 pounds each. Leisure travels allow for 2 bags of up to 50 pounds each. Delta also offers their discounted military medical emergency flight which provides a flight during an emergency.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is a West-coast-based airline part of the Oneworld alliance. The Oneworld alliance has over 530 million annual customers and over 14 000 daily flights. They are made up of a few different airlines including Alaska Airlines.
They offer special military fares to active duty service members. They will apply if they are flying during leave, have been discharged from the armed forces within the last 7 days, or are currently on active duty.
The 5% flight discount is also applied. Active duty service members can check up to 5 bags each with no charge. If bringing more than 5, a fee of $100 will be charged for each extra bag. All food purchased on the flight is subject to a 15% discount for service members also. The Alaska lounge is also free for active-duty members.
JetBlue
JetBlue is proud to provide benefits for active duty, retired military, and veterans. Veterans and their families are enrolled in the Veteran’s Advantage, which offers a 5% discount on JetBlue travel across any destination.
They are also allowed to check two bags with no additional costs. If traveling for duty, they are offered 5 free checked bags. They also do not have any blackout dates. Veterans identify themselves by providing their VetRewards Card Member ID.
The process involves creating a Veterans Advantage account and answering some questions about service. They can then book their flight.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines has major destinations in Hawaii, Asia, and South Pacific. They also have a VetRewards offering a 5% discount. The 5% discount also works towards earning Hawaiianmiles frequent traveler points. This leads to even further discounted flights.
Veterans are also offered a free Pau Hana Cafe meal and Koloa Rum. Baggage discounts allowing 5 bags to be checked are also provided to active duty veterans. However, they are not offered complimentary checked bags.
United Airlines
United is the last of the big 3 and is also a member of Star Alliance. By signing up for Veterans Advantage, veterans can receive a 5% discount. Some of the rules that must be met are that flights must originate in US or Canada, and must travel to the US, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, or over the Atlantic. The reservations also must be 8 people or fewer and require United-marketed flights.
Veterans can have 5 checked bags for free when active and 3 bags if not on duty. The bags can weigh up to 70 pounds. What separates United Airlines is its lounge and pet discounts. Service members are invited into the United Club lounges even if off duty. Lounges will offer free drinks and food to veterans and their families.
Currently, the PetSafe pet shipping program is suspended due to Covid-19 and will resume after the pandemic. The program allows veterans to transport their dogs and cats on flights as checked baggage under certain conditions.
Best Deals and Promotions for Flights
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who Qualifies for Military Discounts?
Any active duty, off-duty military, or veterans qualify. Often the discounts will be of greater extent for those who are on duty. Veterans have to apply for the Veteran’s Advantage. VetRewards offer discounts on airlines, hotels, and many other things.
Do Online Travel Agencies Provide Discounts?
Yes, websites such as Expedia and Hotwire offer help find the cheapest flights and discounts for you. While it can be difficult to find discounts on Expedia, consider their sister website, Cheaptickets.
How Much is the Military Discount?
Most airlines offer a 5% discount plus bonuses. This article provides each airline’s exact discount amount.
Conclusion
Our military has done its part in protecting our country, so they should be rewarded. With constantly having to make flights, it is a lot easier when they have discounts to do so. They should not be paying full price to save our country. These airlines will provide certain discounts to make flying more efficient for veterans.