A Complete Guide to Military Discount Flights and Travel Perks
Introduction
As a military spouse, I’ve seen how much travel means to my husband, an active-duty service member, and our family Whether it’s a quick trip to visit loved ones or a much-needed vacation after a deployment, travel keeps us connected and sane What I love most is that there are so many military flight benefits designed to help service members and their families save money. From military discount flights to free baggage perks, these
benefits are a thank-you for the sacrifices military families make In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to navigate these benefits and maximize your travel savings for the military, with tips on using platforms like Cheap Deals Fare to stretch your travel budget even further.
Understanding Military Flight Benefits
When I first started helping my husband book flights, I was amazed at the range of military flight benefits available. Knowing who qualifies and what’s offered can save you a ton of money and stress
Eligibility Criteria
Military airfare discounts and perks are typically available to active-duty members, reservists, National Guard, veterans, and their dependents For example, my husband qualifies as active-duty, and I can access benefits as his spouse Veterans and retirees often need to show proof of service, like a military ID or WeSalute+ membership, to claim these perks.
Types of Benefits
The benefits are incredible think military airfare discounts, free checked bags for the military, military priority boarding, and even military lounge access On our last trip, we saved over $100 on baggage fees alone, and priority boarding made boarding with our toddler so much easier
Key Programs
Several programs make these benefits accessible. WeSalute+ military discounts offer exclusive deals through a paid membership airlines like United and JetBlue give 5% off fares for members Space-A travel for the military lets you fly standby on military aircraft for almost nothing, though it requires flexibility Many airlines also offer airline military fares, which you can often access by calling directly or booking through a platform like Cheap Deals Fare Understanding these programs is the first step to maximizing your travel savings for the military
Airline-Specific Military Discounts
I’ve booked flights with several airlines over the years, and each has unique military travel discounts that can save you big Here’s what I’ve learned about the major U S airlines:
● Alaska Airlines: They offer special airline military fares for active-duty members, plus free checked bags for military up to five bags at 100 pounds each when on orders I love their complimentary lounge access for active-duty members traveling in uniform.
● American Airlines: American gives active-duty members up to five free checked bags for military (100 pounds each) when on orders, and three for personal travel
They also offer military priority boarding and a 10% discount on vacation packages though WeSalute+.
● Delta Air Lines: Delta provides military discounted vacation packages through Delta Vacations, plus free checked bags for military five bags at 100 pounds each on orders They also offer early boarding for active-duty members
● JetBlue: JetBlue’s 5% discount on fares through WeSalute+ is great, and they include two free checked bags for military We used this on a family trip to Florida and saved $70 on bags alone
● United Airlines: United offers a 5% discount via WeSalute+ military discounts, plus free checked bags for military up to five at 70 pounds each on orders. Their military lounge access at United Clubs is a nice perk for active-duty members
Booking Tips
To get these best military discounts on flights, I always call the airline directly or use Cheap Deals Fare to compare deals For WeSalute+ discounts, you often need to book by phone, but JetBlue waives the usual $25 phone fee for members Platforms like Cheap Deals Fare can also help you find military airfare discounts across multiple airlines, making it easier to save.
Space-Available (Space-A) Travel
One of the coolest perks I discovered is Space-A travel for the military It’s a standby travel option on military aircraft, and it’s practically free perfect for adventurous military families like ours
What is Space-A Travel?
Space-A travel for the military lets you hop on military flights if there are empty seats I’ve heard stories of friends flying to Hawaii for just a few dollars in taxes. It’s run by the Air Mobility Command and is a fantastic way to save
Eligibility and Access
Active-duty members, retirees, and certain dependents can use Space-A. For example, my husband and I qualify, but we’d need to sign up at a passenger terminal and be ready to travel at a moment’s notice Reservists and National Guard members may also be eligible under specific conditions
Pros and Cons
The biggest pro is the cost it’s nearly free, which is amazing for travel savings for the military But the downside is you need to be flexible Flights aren’t guaranteed, and you might wait days for a seat. We haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on our list for a spontaneous getaway when my husband’s schedule allows.
