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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.
In this post:
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.
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- Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $7,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
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- 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
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.
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- United Club℠ membership – up to $650 value per year
- Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and Premier Access® travel services
- You can earn up to 15,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (1 PQP for every $15 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.
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- Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 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!
It depends on the airline, but usually active duty military on orders (including leave orders) get between 2-5 bags checked for free on most US air carriers including American, Delta, United, Southwest, jetblue, Alaska and Spirit.