Looking to score cheap military flights? Whether you’re an active-duty service member, a veteran, or a family member, finding affordable travel options can make a world of difference. Military life often involves frequent relocations and deployments, so saving on airfare is a must.
You might be surprised at how many airlines offer significant discounts and special programs exclusively for military personnel. These deals can help you stretch your travel budget and make those essential trips a bit easier on your wallet. Let’s dive into the best strategies and resources to help you find the cheapest military flights available.
Understanding Cheap Military Flights
What Are Cheap Military Flights?
Cheap military flights refer to discounted airfare options available specifically for military personnel. These discounts often apply to active-duty members, veterans, and sometimes their families. Many airlines, such as Delta and American Airlines, extend special rates and perks to ease travel costs for those serving in the armed forces. By offering deals, airlines acknowledge the sacrifices made by service members and assist with frequent relocations.
Who Can Benefit?
Active-duty military personnel benefit most from these discounts, given their frequent travel requirements due to deployments. Veterans also enjoy access to these discounts as a token of appreciation for their service. Additionally, military families can take advantage of these offers, which include discounted tickets and waived baggage fees. These benefits reduce financial burdens associated with military life, making travel more accessible for the entire family.
Key Providers of Cheap Military Flights
Major Airlines with Military Discounts
Numerous major airlines offer military discounts to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. These discounts help reduce travel costs and make flying more affordable.
- Delta Airlines: Known for its extensive military fare programs, Delta offers discounted airfares, waives baggage fees, and provides priority boarding to military personnel. Delta’s SkyBonus program also allows military members to earn points for future travel.
- American Airlines: Offers discounted fares and additional perks like priority boarding, waived baggage fees, and lounge access for military personnel. American Airlines’ VetRewards program provides exclusive deals and discounts on flights.
- United Airlines: Provides special military fares, baggage allowances, and priority boarding. United’s MileagePlus program lets military travelers accrue miles for future flights.
- Southwest Airlines: Known for its flexibility, Southwest offers military discounts on fares and waives baggage fees. Military personnel also enjoy priority boarding and flexible cancellation policies.
Specialized Military Travel Services
In addition to major airlines, specialized military travel services cater to the unique needs of the military community. These services often provide exclusive deals and dedicated support.
- Military OneSource: A Department of Defense-funded program, Military OneSource offers travel assistance, planning resources, and discounted airfare options through partnerships with various airlines.
- SATO Travel: Specializing in government and military travel, SATO Travel provides discounted fares, flexible booking options, and 24/7 customer support for military personnel and their families.
- Space-A Travel: Short for Space Available Travel, this military benefit allows active-duty members, retirees, and their dependents to fly on military aircraft at little or no cost. While availability isn’t guaranteed, it offers significant savings for those with flexible travel plans.
- AmeriVet Travel: Provides discounted airfare, hotel bookings, and rental car services specifically for veterans and active-duty members. AmeriVet also offers dedicated travel consultants to assist with planning and booking.
How to Find and Book Cheap Military Flights
Tips for Booking Online
Utilize Military-Friendly Websites: Visit dedicated military travel websites like Military OneSource and SATO Travel, which offer exclusive discounts and deals. These platforms often have partnerships with major airlines to provide reduced fares.
Compare Prices: Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak. Enter your military status during account setup or checkout to access special rates.
Check Airline Websites: Major airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, United, and Southwest, have specific pages for military fares. Look for the “Military Travel” section on their websites.
Sign Up for Alerts: Set up fare alerts on travel websites. Keep an eye out for military fare sales and subscribe to newsletters from military travel services.
Use Reward Programs: Register for airlines’ frequent flyer programs to earn points. Many airlines offer additional rewards for military personnel.
The Best Times to Book
Book in Advance: Secure your flights at least three weeks ahead. Airlines usually release discounted fares early, which can be advantageous for military travelers.
Consider Off-Peak Seasons: Travel during less busy times like mid-January to early March or late August to mid-October. Off-peak periods often have cheaper fares.
Monitor Price Drops: Check for price drops around major holidays. While not always guaranteed, booking just after a holiday can result in significant savings.
Utilize Flexible Dates: Choose flexible travel dates. Many travel websites allow you to search with a “flexible dates” option to find the best deals around your preferred travel period.
Leverage Space-A Travel: If eligible, utilize Space-A (Space Available) travel offered by the Department of Defense. Space-A flights are often significantly cheaper but come with limited availability and flexible scheduling requirements.
Additional Benefits and Considerations
Baggage Policies for Military
Cheap military flights often include favorable baggage policies. Major airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and United grant active-duty personnel and their dependents additional baggage allowances. For example, Delta allows military members traveling on orders to check up to five bags, each weighing up to 100 pounds, at no extra cost. American Airlines offers a similar policy, permitting five free checked bags for those on duty-related travel. These generous allowances reduce out-of-pocket expenses, making travel more affordable.
Frequent Flyer Programs for Service Members
Frequent flyer programs provide added value for service members. Many airlines offer enhanced benefits to military personnel through their loyalty programs. United’s MileagePlus program awards bonus miles for active-duty members, which can be redeemed for future flights or upgrades. Delta’s SkyMiles offers accelerated earning rates and perks like priority boarding. American Airlines’ AAdvantage program includes preferential upgrades for military members. Joining these programs maximizes the value of your travel, ensuring you get the most benefits from your miles.
Conclusion
Finding affordable travel options for military personnel doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By leveraging discounts from major airlines and utilizing specialized services like Military OneSource and Space-A Travel, you can significantly reduce travel expenses. Don’t forget to compare prices on military-friendly websites and sign up for alerts to stay updated on the best deals.
Utilize frequent flyer programs to earn bonus miles and enjoy additional perks. Booking in advance and considering off-peak travel seasons can also help you save. With these strategies and resources, securing cheap military flights becomes a seamless and rewarding process. Safe travels!