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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 these cards reduce the annual fees for active duty, military spouses, and Guard and Reservists on 30 day active orders down to $0.
Learn more about how American Express military protections apply.
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
- 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.
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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- 2x miles on dining including eligible delivery services.*
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- United Club℠ card membership – at least a $750 value per year
- Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $440 per roundtrip (terms apply)
- Premier Access® travel services
- Earn up to 20,000-miles in award flight discounts annually
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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 4 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines(R) purchases, including flights, inflight, and Southwest gift cards.
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- 7,500 Anniversary points each year.
- First checked bag free for Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation.
- Select a Preferred seat at booking, at no additional charge, when available.*
- Cardmembers and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation will board with Group 5 giving them earlier access to overhead bins.*
- 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.
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- Receive 8 Alaska Lounge passes and 8 Wi-Fi passes each year (2 of each per calendar quarter).
- Free checked bag for you and up to 6 guests traveling on the same reservation when you purchase Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines airfare with the card.
- Earn unlimited 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, dining and foreign purchases and unlimited 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, earn a 10% rewards bonus on all points earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
- Get 10,000 status points every year on your account anniversary and earn 1 status point for every $2 spent on purchases.
- Up to $120 Airport Security Credit every four years in connection with the TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry trusted traveler programs.
- Receive a $50 voucher for Alaska Airlines flight cancellations or departure delays of 2 hours+.
- Pay no change fee when you need to make a same-day change to your Alaska Airlines flight plans – a savings of up to $50 per change.
- Flexibility with no blackout dates or redemption fees on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines or partner airline flights when booking with points or a Global Companion Award.
- Plus, no foreign transaction fees.†
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?
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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.