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Military discount flights are special fares or a percentage discount offered by airlines to active military personnel and their families as a way of thanking them for their service.
Most military discount flights are discounted only 5 to 10%. On a $1,000 ticket, you can possibly save $50 to $100. That's a nice savings for your wallet, but what about even bigger savings? I frequently book tickets for 95% off or more.
Delta Airlines offers a military discount, but it can be hard to get details on the actual savings. The United Airlines military discount is 5% off the full price and American Airlines has a 10% military discount.
I found a better way to get cheap flights while serving in the military. Keep reading or sign up for my free Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course to learn more.
Military Discount Flights Eligibility
The military discounts you’re can use depends whether you’re active duty, in the reserves, guard, a spouse, or a veteran. Most airlines will offer a discount to active-duty personnel simply by calling.
Veterans may need to sign up for Veteran’s Advantage to receive a discount.
Military Credit Cards
Rather than paying cash for flights, why not use credit card points and miles? Credit card welcome bonuses can be a powerful way to earn free flights, hotel rooms, and vacations.
Servicemembers and military spouses have a unique advantage when it comes to traveling on credit cards:
US military servicemembers and spouses don't pay annual fees on the best travel rewards cards from American Express, Chase, Citi, and US Bank. These credit card companies waive the annual fees for “covered borrowers” under the Military Lending Act.
Who's a covered borrower you might ask? Anyone on active duty US military orders, Guard and Reservists on 30 day or longer active orders, and military dependent spouses of any of the above. You can verify your covered borrower status before you apply for a credit card in the Military Lending Act Database.
My recommendation is not to bother with buying military discount flights when you can save so much more by signing up for the right credit card.
Military discount flights won't save you much and the fares are too restrictive. Plus, who wants to call to book a flight in 2023? Not me! I'd rather use Google Flights and find the best flight for me.
I recommend you maximize your SCRA and MLA military credit card benefits and get the best travel rewards credit cards with NO annual fees.
Which Airlines Offer Military Discounts?
United Airlines and American Airlines both team up with Veterans Advantage to offer their military discount.
Veterans Advantage is a subscription service that negotiates military discounts with corporations. They charge $9.99 per month or $59.95 per year for the VetRewards program, which offers 10% off American Airlines flights and 5% off United Airlines flights.
Delta Airlines is a bit more cryptic when it comes to their Delta military discount. They don't offer any details on how much the Delta military discount is.