US Military Flights - Booking Flights for Active Duty and Veterans
Search and Buy Military Flights
Are you an active service member or a veteran? Buy flights with a military discount at Alternative Airlines. We offer flights from more than 600 airlines across the world and give you access to cheap military fares.
Many airlines offer flights for military personnel. But, it can be difficult to know which airlines offer which discounts. We've come up with a way that you can book them quickly and easily online on our site and compare military fares from several different airlines.
Make sure that you get the best discount, with the benefits that are right for you!
Discounts for Active Military vs Veterans
The discounts and benefits and how easy it is to get them will depend on whether you're active military personnel or a veteran.
Veteran
Veterans have a harder time getting discounts than active military personnel. However, if you're a veteran, you can sign-up for Veteran's Advantage's program VetRewards.
VetRewards is a paid membership that gives veterans access to discounted flight fares and, sometimes, discounted baggage allowances.
VetRewards is currently priced at $9.99 USD/month OR $60 USD/year. So, you'll have to consider whether you'll fly enough to make your money back.
Active Military
If you’re an active service member of the U.S. military (be it Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps or Air Force), it's always important to get the best price for flights - whether it’s related to work, to get back to base, or to visit friends and family.
Active Military can sign-up for VetRewards too. However, many airlines offer active military discount fares and perks on flights without the need to sign-up for any program.
Perks for active military members include:
- Discounted fares
- Baggage discount
- In-flight discounts
- Lounge discounts
- Pet discounts
- Cancellation fees waived
Airlines that offer discounts for active military & veterans
US Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Overview:
- Fare discount — special fares offered for active military and 5% off flights for those signed up to Veteran's Advantage
- Baggage discount — free checked baggage of up to 5 pieces (maximum weight 70lb per piece) for active military
- In-flight discount — 15% off all food purchased in-flight
- Lounge discount — complimentary Alaska Lounge access
- Pet discount — unspecified discount on shipping pets via cargo
Fare Discount
Active military members have access to special fares when booking Alaska Airlines flights. On top of that, if you'rere signed up for Veteran's Advantage will receive 5% off of all Alaska Airlines flights. The 5% discount is great for veterans, however, active military members might find cheaper tickets through the special fares.
Baggage Discount
Active military can check up to 5 bags of baggage for free. Each bag can weigh up to 70lbs.
In-Flight Discount
Active military receives 15% off of all food that is purchased in-flight. To get this discount, you just need to show your military ID. The ID must be in-date and valid.
ACCESO AL SALÓN
Alaska Airlines gives complimentary access to the Alaska Lounge for all active military member that are travelling on orders. The Alaska Lounge can be found at a number of airports across the country, so make sure to check before your flight.
Allegiant Air
Overview:
- Baggage Discount — active military are given free checked and carry-on baggage allowances
- Free changes & cancellations — active military can change or cancel their flight for free if the reason is due to a change in duty
- Pet Discount — free pet in the cabin for active military
- Free boarding pass printing — active military can print their boarding pass at the airport, free of charge.
Baggage Discount
Active military can check up to 2 bags free of charge (100lb maximum weight), as well as bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item with them in the cabin, free of charge.
Pet Discount
Active military can bring 1 pet in the cabin, free of charge. This applies to all flights.
American Airlines
Overview:
- Fare discount — access to special discounted military fares for active military. 10% discount to those signed up to Veteran's Advantage
- Baggage discount — 5 free checked bags while on orders and 3 free checked bags for all other flights for active military
- Lounge discount — active military are given free access to all American Airlines lounges
Fare Discount
American Airlines offers special military fares to active military. It also offers a 10% discount on all flights to people who have signed up to Veteran's Advantage.
Baggage Discount
While on orders, active military can check up to 5 bags (100lb each) for free. If travelling for any other reason, active military can check up to 3 bags (50lb each) for free.
ACCESO AL SALÓN
Active military that are travelling in uniform are given free access to all of American Airlines' lounges.
Breeze Airways
Overview:
- Baggage Discount — free checked baggage and carry-on baggage for active military
Baggage Discount
Active military receive a free checked baggage allowance. You can either opt for 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on bag OR 2 checked bags. To get the discount, you just need to show your valid military ID at the baggage drop.
Delta
Overview:
- Fare Discount — discounted military fares for active military
- Baggage Discount — free checked baggage allowance, differs depending on reason for travel and cabin class
Fare Discount
Active military are given access to discounted military fares, which are exclusive to military personnel.
Baggage Discount
Free baggage is available to active military. On flights that are for duty, you're allowed to check up to 5 bags (100bs each) free of charge. For other flights, you're allowed to check up to 2 bags (50lbs each) free of charge. If you're travelling in First Class, you're allowed to check 3 bags (70lbs each) free of charge.
Frontier
Overview:
Baggage Discount — free baggage for active military while on orders.
Baggage Discount
Active military are given a free allowance for baggage on all flights while on orders. You're entitled to a free allowance of 2 checked bags, 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item.
JetBlue
Overview:
- Fare Discount — 5% discount for active military and members of Veteran's Advantage
- Baggage Discount — free checked bags for active military and members of Veteran's Advantage
Fare Discount
Active military receives a 5% discount for themselves and their immediate family. However, the discount is only available for when not on orders.
Members of Veteran's Advantage also receive a 5% discount.
Baggage Discount
Active military receives a free baggage allowance of up to 5 checked bags while on orders. When travelling for other reasons, you're able to check up to 2 checked bags, free of charge. Members of Veteran's Advantage can check up to 2 checked bags, free of charge.
Hawaiian Airlines
Overview:
- Fare Discount — 5% discount for active military and veterans on Hawaiian Airlines flights (most, not all) with Veteran's Rewards
- Baggage Discount — active military can check up to 5 bags, free of charge
Fare Discount
Hawaiian Airlines offers a 5% discount off most of its flights when you're signed up to Veteran's Advantage.
Baggage Discount
active military can check up to 5 bags free of charge for both themselves and dependents, if on orders. If flying for non-work reasons, you're can check up to 2 bags (for yourself), free of charge.
Spirit Airlines
Overview:
- Baggage Discount — free baggage for active military
Baggage Discount
active military are allowed an allowance of 2 pieces of checked baggage and 1 piece of carry-on baggage, free of charge.
Sur oeste
- Fare Discount — active military receive an undisclosed discount on all flights
Fare Discount
Southwest offer a fare discount on all flights for active military. However, the amount of discount varies from flight to flight and is not a set percentage.
United
- Fare Discount — 5% discount off flight price if signed up to Veteran's Advantage
- Baggage Discount — free baggage allowance for active military and their dependants
- Lounge Access — free United Club lounge access
- Pet Discount — discounted handling and check-in fees
Fare Discount
5% discount for active military and veterans who have signed up to Veteran's Advantage. Flights must depart from the US or Canada and must arrive within the one of either the US, Canada, Central America, Mexico or to a transatlantic destination.
Baggage Discount
Active military and their dependents can check up to 5 bags, free of charge when on orders and 3 bags, free of charge when travelling for any other reason. Each bag can weigh up to 70lbs.
ACCESO AL SALÓN
Active military and family members that are travelling on the same reservation are given complimentary access to all of the United Club lounges. Unlike some other airlines, lounge access is given to active military when on leave AND when travelling for leisure. To gain access, you must show your papers.
Pet Discount
Active military that are travelling on orders are given a discount on handling fees and expedited check-in for all pets.
Non-US Airlines
Air Canada
Overview:
- Baggage discount — 3 free checked bags (maximum 70lbs per bag) for active military and veterans
Baggage Discount
Both active military and veterans are given an extra free checked baggage allowance. They're allowed to check 3 bags of up to 70lbs each, free of charge.
Air France
Overview:
- Baggage Discount — free checked baggage of up to 5 pieces (maximum 70lbs per bag)
Baggage Discount
Active military are allowed to check 5 checked bags (maximum weight 70lbs each) free of charge when travelling for duty. The 5 bags can be split between the military personnel and their family.
When travelling for vacation, active military are allowed to check up to 2 checked bags (maximum weight 50lbs each) free of charge. The 2 free bags are eligible for military personnel only.
lufthansa
Overview:
- Fare Discount — 5% discount for active military and veterans who via Veteran's Rewards
Fare Discount
Veterans are giving a 5% discount on all flights departing from the US if they are signed up to Veteran's Reward. This is valid for you and up to 7 additional members of your party.
Flying with Specialized Equipment for U.S. Armed Forces Members
When flying within the US, the TSA provides airport security screening assistance and benefits to all U.S. Armed Forces members. However, this does not mean that U.S. Armed Forces members can carry specific equipment differently to civilians.
Firearms
Firearms, firearms parts, and ammunition are prohibited in carry-on baggage and are to be transported in checked baggage only. When returning from active duty it is incredibly important that you have checked all bags and belongings to ensure that there are no firearms, ammunition, or parts present.
Swords
Like firearms, swords are prohibited from carry-on but are allowed as checked baggage, as long as they are packaged properly to prevent those inspecting them from injury.
Read more about flying with weapons and guns.
SCUBA Gear
The TSA recommends that expensive and prescription equipment is packed as carry-on luggage as they may not survive the wear and tear of baggage handling. Items such as your diving jacket, fins, and other diving equipment are safe to be transported as checked luggage, as long as it is packed correctly and locked using a TSA approved lock.
Golf Clubs
If you are travelling with golf clubs, make sure that they are protected, using a durable bag, and that the golf bags are considered by most, if not all, airlines as “oversized baggage”.
Flight and fare discounts for Active U.S. Military members and Veterans
If you’re a U.S. Military Veteran or active member, you may be able to get a discount when you travel. You'll be able to find some good rates of flights and fares with the airlines below, if you would like to know more please contact us.
If you need additional help when travelling, it is worth making sure that you have checked our informative pages on special assistance, flying with a wheelchair and flying with support animals.
American Airlines
Active U.S. military personnel can board early on every flight; military in uniform get free access to the airline’s VIP lounges, the Admirals Clubs.
Military members and their dependents get free checked baggage (up to 5 bags for work-related travel; up to 3 bags for all other travel). Note that dependents must be travelling on military orders, and are required to present those orders in check-in.
Aerolíneas Unidas
Active military members, as well as their dependents, can get free checked baggage (up to 5 bags for military-related travel; up to 3 bags for all other travel).
Free access is granted to the United Club Lounge at the airport and may get cheaper pet transportation. Veteran Advantage members can also get up to 5% off fares.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers military fare discounts to active U.S. military members and their dependents (5 bags when on military orders and 2 to 3 for personal flights). However, the size of the discount depends on the flight.
Delta also offers military discounts on Delta Vacations such as package deals.
JetBlue
JetBlue's 'military class fare' includes free checked baggage; up to 5 for an active military member. The airline has a special military fare class for active military members not travelling on orders. This doesn't mean a percentage discount but does remove any advanced-purchase requirements, which may result in a lower fare in the event that the advanced-purchase price has expired.
Veteran Advantage members can save up to 5% off airfare, and get two free checked bags.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers military personnel free checked baggage (up to five bags), including free oversized baggage (up to 30 kg).
Also, the airline offer discounts for transporting the pets of military members.
Southwest Airlines
Active U.S. military personnel get more than the 2 free bag allowance for civilians but unclear how many bags are included.
Hawaiian Airlines
Members travelling on military orders can take 4 bags free which is also the same for dependents; 2 free bags can be taken for other travel.
Veteran Advantage members can get 5% off airfares.
U.S. Airport Services for U.S. Military Service Members
It’s incredibly important to ensure that the airport you are visiting has the facilities that you need for onward travel. Here are some of the facilities we recommend that military personnel check for:
Shoe Shine
Most airports will have a shoe shine service, which you can use to polish your dress shoes or any other shoes you are carrying with you.
Airport Concessions
Some airports offer airport concessions for active military and veterans - it is worth checking the airport website to see what you can get from this.
Ground Transportation
If you’re travelling to and from military bases, there may be specially provided transportation and shuttle services provided. Make sure to check this in advance, and if there isn’t, make sure to see whether you can get a military discount for public transport or car hire.
Airport USO Lounges and Facilities
USO facilities, such as USO lounges allow for a place to relax and connect while off duty.
Important note: USO lounge facilities are for members in active service and their families, rather than veterans or military retirees.
Airports with USO Lounges
There are many airports in the USA that have USO airport centres. Here are the current airports (correct noviembre 2018):
Albert J. Ellis
City: Jackson, North Carolina
Closest bases: Camp Geiger, Camp Lejeune, and MCAS New River
Airlines Serving the Airport: American Eagle, Delta Connection
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
City: Atlanta, Georgia
Closest bases: Fort Gordon, Robins AFB, Fort Stewart, Fort McPherson
Airlines Serving the Airport: American Eagle, Delta Connection, Southwest, Delta, Spirit
Baltimore–Washington International Airport
City: Baltimore, Maryland
Closest bases: Fort Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Dover AFB, NSA Bethesda
Airlines Serving the Airport: American, American Eagle, Delta, Southwest, United, Delta Connection, JetBlue
Logan International Airport
City: Boston, Massachusetts
Closest bases: Fort Devens, Hanscom AFB
Airlines Serving the Airport: Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, American Eagle, Delta Connection, JetBlue, Spirit, Sun Country, United, United Express
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
City: Charlotte, North Carolina
Closest bases: Camp Mackall, Pope AFB, Seymour Johnson AFB, National Strike Force, MCAS Cherry Point, MCAS New River, Camp Lejeune
Airlines Serving the Airport: American Airlines, American Eagle, Delta, United, Southwest, Contour, Frontier
Chicago Midway International Airport
City: Chicago, Illinois
Closest bases: Great Lakes, Rock Island Arsenal
Airlines Serving the Airport: Delta, Southwest, Delta Connection
Chicago O’Hare
City: Chicago, Illinois
Closest bases: Great Lakes, Rock Island Arsenal
Airlines Serving the Airport: Alaska, United Express, American Eagle, Delta, American Airlines, Delta Connection, JetBlue, Spirit, United Airlines
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
City: Cincinnati, Ohio
Closest bases: Blue Grass Army Depot, Fort Knox, Fort Campbell
Airlines Serving the Airport: American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, American Eagle, United Express, Allegiant
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
City: Cincinnati, Ohio
Closest bases: ISC Cleveland, Wright-Patterson AFB
Airlines Serving the Airport: Allegiant, Southwest, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United, American Eagle, JetBlue, United Express
Columbia Regional Airport
City: Columbia, Missouri
Closest bases: Fort Leonard Wood, MC Mobilization Command, Whiteman AFB
Airlines Serving the Airport: American Eagle, United Express
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
City: Dallas, Texas
Closest bases: Fort Worth, Sheppard AFB, Fort Hood, Dyess AFB, Red River Army Depot, Goodfellow AFB
Airlines Serving the Airport: American Eagle, United Airlines, Sun Country, Delta, American Airlines, Alaska, Frontier, Delta Connection, Spirit, United Express
Dayton International Airport
City: Dayton, Ohio
Closest bases: Wright-Patterson AFB
Airlines Serving the Airport: Allegiant, Delta, United Express, American Eagle, Delta Connection
Denver International Airport
City: Denver, Colorado
Closest bases: Buckley AFB, Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs), Cheyenne Mountain, Fort Carson, Peterson AFB, Schriever AFB, Pueblo Chemical Depot
Airlines Serving the Airport: United Express, Alaska, Frontier, Southwest, American, Allegiant, American Eagle, Spirit, United Airlines
El Paso International Airport
City: El Paso, Texas
Closest bases: Fort Bliss
Airlines Serving the Airport: Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, United, Delta Connection, Frontier, Alaska, United Express, American Eagle
Fayetteville Regional Airport
City: Fayetteville, North Carolina
Closest bases: Pope AFB, Fort Bragg
Airlines Serving the Airport: American Eagle, Delta, United Express, Delta Connection
Gulfport–Biloxi International Airport
City: Gulfport, Mississippi
Closest bases: Gulfport, Keesler AFB, NS Pascagoula
Airlines Serving the Airport: Allegiant, United Express, Delta, American Eagle, Sun Country
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
City: Honolulu, Hawaii
Closest bases: Wheeler Field, Fort Derussy, USCG ISC Honolulu, Fort Shafter, Hickham AFB, Bellows Air Force Station, NS Pearl Harbour, Kunia Field Station, Schofield Barracks, MCB Hawaii
Airlines Serving the Airport: American, Delta, Hawaiian, United, Sun Country, Alaska
William P. Hobby Airport
City: Houston, Texas
Closest bases: Fort Sam, Coast Guard Air Station Houston, Coast Guard Station Freeport
Airlines Serving the Airport: American Eagle, JetBlue, Delta, Southwest
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
City: Houston, Texas
Closest bases: Fort Sam, Coast Guard Air Station Houston, Coast Guard Station Freeport
Airlines Serving the Airport: American Eagle, Boutique, American Airlines, Delta, United, Frontier, Delta Connection, United Express
Indianapolis International Airport
City: Indianapolis, Indiana
Closest bases: Grissom, Camp Atterbury, NSWC Crane Division
Airlines Serving the Airport: Alaska, American Airlines, Southwest, Delta, United Express, American Eagle, Delta Connection, Frontier, United
Jacksonville International Airport
City: Jacksonville, Florida
Closest bases: Camp Blanding, NAS Jacksonville, NS Mayport, Blount Island Command
Airlines Serving the Airport: Delta, Allegiant, American, Southwest, JetBlue, American Eagle, United, Frontier, United Express, Spirit
McCarran International Airport
City: Las Vegas, Nevada
Closest bases: Nellis AFB, Creech AFB
Airlines Serving the Airport: Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, California Pacific, American, Alaska, Hawaiian, Southwest, Delta Connection, Sun Country, Spirit
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
City: Los Angeles, California
Closest bases: Los Angeles AFB, NAS Point Mugu, Naval CBC Port Hueneme, NWS Seal Beach, Los Alamitos Joint Forces, Camp Haan
Airlines Serving the Airport: Alaska, American Airlines, United, Delta, Allegiant, American Eagle, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, Hawaiian, United Express
General Mitchell International Airport
City: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Closest bases: Fort McCoy
Airlines Serving the Airport: American, Delta, United, Southwest, American Eagle, Allegiant, United, Delta Connection, United Express, Alaska
Nashville International Airport
City: Nashville, Tennessee
Closest bases: Arnold AFB, Milan
Airlines Serving the Airport: Allegiant, Frontier, Delta, JetBlue, American, Boutique, Sun Country, Alaska, American Eagle, Delta Connection
Aeropuerto Internacional Newark Liberty
City: Newark, New Jersey
Closest bases: Fort Hamilton, West Point
Airlines Serving the Airport: Alaska, American, Unit