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Delta Airlines, unlike some competitors, does not have a widely advertised military discount on fares. On their website they mention offering “savings not available to civilian customers,” but you need to connect with their reservation line at 800-221-1212.
To date, I have never heard of any military servicemembers saving more than $50 on a Delta Airlines flight by using the reservation line to book a military discount flight. If you've had a different experience with the Delta military discount, I'd love to hear about it in the comments.
Check out the American Airlines military discount and United Airlines military discount as well.
Military Travel Discounts
Instead of hunting for a small military discount on your Delta Airlines flights, I propose you explore the world of military credit cards.
You can amass enough SkyMiles or points from credit card rewards like Chase Ultimate Rewards to book a free flight by choosing the appropriate travel rewards credit card.
If you are on active duty, a Guard or Reservist on orders for 30 days or longer, or a military spouse named in the Military Lending Act database, you can have your annual fees waived on all personal credit cards from leading companies like American Express, Citi, US Bank, and Chase.
Discover more about your credit card benefits as a “covered borrower” under the Military Lending Act in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course. More than 11,000 graduates have collectively saved over $5 million in premium luxury travel card annual fees.
Your annual fees can be waived on high annual fee cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or The Platinum Card® from American Express.
This fee waiver extends to cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, which can help you gather enough Delta SkyMiles for a free or near-free flight.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Learn how to apply on our partner's secure site
Annual Fee: $650 per year* *see more details on American Express protections for you and spouse
Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/2/2025.
- This is my top recommended Amex Delta card for military
- Enjoy the lounge life with Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you'll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- When you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card you'll get complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge.
- Want status? Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- Need a ride? Enjoy $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Save 15% on travel as a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express member by booking Award Travel using miles on Delta flights through Delta.com and the Fly Delta app! Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion tier and fare class grouping while flying Delta.
- 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
- 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Terms Apply, Enrollment is required for select benefits
Who is Eligible for the Delta Airlines Military Discount?
The Delta Airlines military discount, although rarely actually available, is available to active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
What Does the Delta Military Discount Include?
Active duty military personnel on orders can get up to 5 free checked bags on Delta Airlines flights. Even when you're on leave, just present your CAC and leave orders, and you'll get the free checked bags.
Delta also accepts animals as checked baggage for active US military and active US State Department Foreign Service Officers FSO and their spouses on active PCS or transfer orders.
You must book your pet no later than 48 hours prior to departure and pay the checked pet fee. Accepted animals include cats, dogs, birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters. Other animals are accepted but are shipped as cargo. Check the Delta military pet policy for more details.
For additional details on the Delta Airlines military discount, visit Delta.com.