Airline Military Baggage Allowance: Free Checked Bags

Many airlines in the United States provide generous baggage policies for active-duty military personnel, often allowing additional or heavier bags free of charge.

These policies can be particularly beneficial for servicemembers frequently on the move, whether deploying, returning, or transferring stations.

You may also be interested in the best airline credit cards for military servicemembers. Many of them waive the annual fees for active duty, military spouses, and Guard and Reservists on 30 day active orders.

Learn more about how American Express Military Lending Act Benefits apply to The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers generous baggage allowances to military members. Active-duty personnel traveling on orders can check five bags free of charge, each weighing up to 100 pounds and measuring 126 inches in total dimensions.

Those traveling for leisure can check three bags under the same specifications. The military baggage policy extends to dependents traveling on the same orders.

Check out the

Citi^® AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®
Learn how to apply on our partner's secure site

• Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after making $7,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
• Admirals Club^® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage^® mile earned from purchases
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines' military baggage policy allows up to four checked bags for free for active military members in First Class and Delta One, up to five checked bags for Work orders, and up to two checked bags for personal travel. The maximum weight for each bag is 70 pounds.

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.

• This is my top recommended Amex Delta card for military
• Enjoy the lounge life with complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
• When you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card you'll get complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge.
• Don't want to roam the terminal while you wait? Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
• Want status? Earn $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year to get closer to Higher Status with MQD Headstart.
• You can earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year giving you a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+(R), or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• 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.
• Increase your chance for a better seat with your Card. Receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
• Get on the upgrade list! Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
• 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Terms Apply.

United Airlines

United offers a generous baggage allowance for active-duty U.S. military personnel. For those traveling on orders, they can check up to five bags for free, and if traveling for personal reasons, they can check up to three bags. Each bag can weigh up to 70 pounds.

United Club^℠ Infinite Card
Learn how to apply at our partner's secure site

• Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases
• Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on qualifying United® purchases
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other eligible travel and dining purchases with your card
• Also earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and Premier Access^® travel services
• 10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada
• You can earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
• Member FDIC

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines stands out with its military baggage policy. Active-duty military personnel can check up to two pieces of luggage free of charge, with each piece not exceeding 50 pounds and 62 inches.

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card
Learn how to apply on our partner's secure site

• Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $149 annual fee waived for military and mil spouses
• Earn 3x points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases
• Earn 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 7,500 Anniversary points each year.
• $75 annual Southwest travel credit
• 4 Upgraded boardings per year
• 25% back on in flight WiFi and drink purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• Member FDIC

JetBlue Airlines

JetBlue offers a baggage waiver for active duty military personnel, allowing two free checked bags at a maximum weight of 50 pounds each and one free carry-on bag. This benefit extends to dependents traveling on the same reservation as the military member.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines’ policy for active-duty military personnel allows up to five bags free of charge. Each bag can weigh up to 70 pounds and measure up to 115 inches in total dimensions.

Spirit Airlines

Despite being a budget airline, Spirit offers two free checked bags and one free carry-on to active-duty military personnel. These members also receive a free personal item and are exempt from oversize baggage charges.

Remember to Bring ID

To take advantage of these generous military baggage policies, be sure to present your active military ID at the check-in counter. It's also a good idea to verify these policies before your trip as they may vary or change without notice.

By offering these benefits, airlines are doing their part to lighten the load for our military personnel, literally and figuratively. These policies can significantly help to ease the stress and inconvenience of travel for military members and their families.

Airline	Military Baggage Policy for Active Duty on Orders
American Airlines	Five bags up to 100 lbs and 126 inches each. Active-duty on leisure: Three bags up to 100 lbs and 126 inches each.
Delta Airlines	Up to five bags up to 70 lbs each. Active-duty on personal travel: Two bags up to 70 lbs each.
United Airlines	Five bags up to 70 lbs each. Active-duty on personal travel: Three bags up to 70 lbs each.
Southwest Airlines	Two bags not exceeding 50 lbs and 62 inches each.
JetBlue Airlines	Two checked bags up to 50 lbs each, one free carry-on bag.
Alaska Airlines	Five bags up to 70 lbs and 115 inches each.
Spirit Airlines	Two free checked bags and one free carry-on, exempt from oversize baggage charges.

Please note that these policies can vary or change without notice, so always verify before your trip.

As you can see, airlines offer generous baggage policies for military personnel. But did you know that there's more to military travel benefits than just baggage allowances?

Sign up for the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course today to learn about military credit card benefits, credit card annual fee waivers, and much more. Make the most out of your Military Lending Act benefits!