For current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, several airlines offer a suite of exclusive travel perks as a gesture of thanks for your service. From complimentary checked bags and priority boarding to waived pet fees and dedicated military fares, knowing what’s available in 2025 can save you hundreds of dollars and a great deal of stress. This guide walks you through exactly what each major U.S. carrier provides to active-duty personnel and veterans, what documentation you’ll need, and how to decide which airline best fits your upcoming trip.

Military family checking in at airport with luggage

What Military and Veteran Travel Benefits Do Airlines Offer?

Airlines generally structure their military-friendly policies around a few core categories. The most common are:

  • Complimentary checked baggage: Active-duty travelers typically receive 2 to 5 free checked bags, depending on whether they’re traveling on official orders or for leisure. Some airlines extend a reduced allowance to veterans through external verification programs.
  • Early or priority boarding: Many carriers invite uniformed service members or anyone with a valid military ID to board before general boarding groups, guaranteeing overhead bin space and a smoother start to the flight.
  • Overweight and oversize waivers: During Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, most airlines relax size and weight rules, allowing footlockers, duffel bags and other military gear that would otherwise incur steep fees.
  • Discounted base fares: Select airlines offer verified military fares through reservation centers or authorized travel agents. Some partner with platforms like Veterans Advantage to give veterans a percentage off the ticket price.
  • Pet travel concessions: On official orders, several airlines will carry your pet in the cabin or as checked baggage at no extra charge, a significant help for relocating families.

While many of these perks are straightforward for active-duty members carrying a Common Access Card (CAC) or orders, veterans often need to enroll in a verification service like Veterans Advantage or ID.me to access equivalent benefits. Throughout this article, we highlight the exact process for each airline so you can plan with confidence. Note that active-duty members also automatically qualify for TSA PreCheck by using their DoD ID number in the Known Traveler Number field when booking — no separate enrollment fee required.

Comparing Major U.S. Airlines: Military Baggage, Boarding, and Fare Policies

1. Delta Air Lines – 5 Free Bags on Orders, Dedicated Military Desk

Delta is among the most accommodating for active-duty travelers. If you’re flying on official government orders, you receive 5 free checked bags (standard weight: 50 lbs, linear dimensions: 62 inches each). For personal or leisure trips, the allowance drops to 2 free checked bags. All active-duty members can board ahead of Group 1 by showing a valid CAC at the gate. While on PCS orders, pets traveling with you in the cabin or as checked baggage are often free — a game-changer for families on the move.

Veterans do not automatically receive these bag perks. However, enrolling in Veterans Advantage (annual membership, currently $59.95) grants you two complimentary checked bags on Delta, matching the personal-travel benefit. Delta also offers a dedicated military fare program through its Reservations team and Delta Vacations; these fares may have lower prices and greater flexibility, especially during deployment travel. For more details, visit Delta’s official military luggage page.

2. American Airlines – 5 Bags on Orders, 3 for Leisure, and Free Pet Travel

American Airlines provides active-duty passengers with up to 5 free checked bags on official orders and 3 free checked bags for personal trips. All active-duty travelers board in Group 1 regardless of fare class. Another valuable perk: if you’re traveling on PCS orders, your in-cabin pet flies free; outside of orders, standard pet fees apply even for military.

Veterans can unlock 2 free checked bags through Veterans Advantage. To book military fares, you must call American’s reservations line and supply your DoD ID number — these fares are rarely bookable online. American also provides a military fare request form for groups on its website. Check the most recent policies on American’s military travel page.

3. United Airlines – Pre-Boarding and Offline Military Fare Options

United mirrors the big carriers with 5 free checked bags on orders and 3 for personal travel. The airline invites uniformed members or those with a military ID to board early, typically just before Group 1. Veterans verified through Veterans Advantage receive 2 free checked bags after linking their membership to their MileagePlus account.

United’s military fares are sold through authorized travel agents and United Vacations rather than on the public website. Calling the dedicated military desk or using the GovVacations platform can surface valuable savings. For PCS moves, pets are also exempt from in-cabin fees when you present official orders. The most current size and weight limits can be found on United’s military travel page.

4. Southwest Airlines – Flexible Policies with No Change Fees

Because Southwest already offers every passenger 2 free checked bags, active-duty members don’t get additional bag count, but they do benefit from a waiver for oversize and overweight bags (up to 100 lbs and 80 linear inches) when traveling on active-duty orders. For leisure travel, the standard size and weight limits apply. The carrier’s no change and cancellation fees policy is particularly valuable for military personnel, whose schedules can shift with little notice. Active-duty members can request early boarding at the gate by showing their military ID.

Veterans do not receive any separate veteran-specific benefits, but the airline’s built-in flexibility makes it a reliable choice for anyone with unpredictable itineraries. Visit Southwest’s military bookings page for current baggage exceptions.

5. Alaska Airlines – 5 Bags for Active Duty, Discount Codes for Veterans

Alaska Airlines grants active-duty members 5 free checked bags on official orders and 2 free checked bags for personal travel. Early boarding is available for those in uniform and is arranged at the gate. Veterans can receive two free checked bags by enrolling in Veterans Advantage and entering the discount code at checkout or presenting their verified membership at the airport.

Alaska also offers a military discount code that can be applied during online booking for select itineraries; entering your DoD ID may reveal lower fares. The airline’s Mileage Plan program occasionally runs military promotions. Details are on Alaska’s military travel page.

6. JetBlue Airways – 5 Free Bags on Orders, 5% Off for Veterans

JetBlue provides active-duty travelers on official orders with 5 free checked bags and offers 2 free checked bags for personal trips. All military travelers are invited to pre-board, and the airline’s staff is typically proactive in extending the invitation. JetBlue’s partnership with Veterans Advantage gives qualified veterans 5% off base airfares in addition to the 2 free checked bag allowance — a direct fare discount that few other carriers match.

Active-duty members can also call JetBlue’s dedicated military travel support line to book discounted fares and obtain assistance with complex PCS itineraries. Oversize bags are handled on a case-by-case basis, so advance contact is advisable. Visit JetBlue’s site for the latest military fare details.

7. Spirit Airlines – Free Bags for Active Duty, No Veterans Benefits

As an ultra-low-cost carrier, Spirit typically charges for everything, but active-duty members receive 2 free checked bags plus 1 free carry-on. Overweight and oversize fees are usually waived too. This effectively eliminates the airline’s most notorious extra costs. While early boarding isn’t guaranteed, gate agents often accommodate uniformed service members upon request.

Veterans do not qualify for any automatic benefits; only active-duty personnel with a military ID can use the bag waiver. Important: you must present your DoD ID at the airport check-in counter to have the fees removed; paying for bags online cannot be refunded later. Check Spirit’s military baggage policy before booking.

8. Frontier Airlines – Limited Active-Duty Perks

Frontier mirrors Spirit’s approach: active-duty service members can check 2 bags for free and bring 1 carry-on at no cost. The airline does not advertise early boarding for military, though gate agents sometimes grant it on request. Veterans receive no dedicated benefits.

Because Frontier’s normal fare includes zero bags, this waiver can make the airline surprisingly affordable for short domestic trips. Just remember to bring your military ID to the airport — paying for bags at booking won’t be refunded. See Frontier’s baggage information for the latest updates.

9. Allegiant Air – The Most Veteran-Friendly Airline Without a Membership

Allegiant stands alone in offering seamless benefits to both active-duty members and veterans (including retirees, National Guard, and Reserve). All eligible travelers get 2 free checked bags, 1 free carry-on, and priority boarding. There’s no need to join Veterans Advantage; simply present a valid military ID, retiree ID, or DD-214 at the airport. Allegiant also frequently waives pet fees for those on official orders.

This straightforward policy makes Allegiant the top pick for veterans who fly infrequently and don’t want to pay an annual membership fee. However, like all low-cost airlines, seats are basic and a la carte, so pack your own entertainment. For the official policy, see Allegiant’s military travel page.

How Veterans Can Unlock Airline Benefits: Veterans Advantage, ID.me, and More

Most airlines reserve their most generous perks for active-duty service members, but veterans can bridge the gap through verification platforms. The most comprehensive option is Veterans Advantage, a paid membership ($59.95/year) that unlocks travel benefits across Delta, American, United, Alaska, JetBlue, and many hotel and car rental partners. After verifying your service on the Veterans Advantage website, you receive a membership number that you link to your frequent flyer accounts or enter during checkout. The two free checked bags on those carriers can easily pay for the membership after a single round-trip flight.

ID.me is a free digital identity platform used by some airlines and retailers to confirm military/veteran status for online discounts. While ID.me itself doesn’t grant free bags, carriers like American and United may use ID.me verification to display military fare options or other online discounts. Creating an ID.me account is quick and can be useful for non-airline deals as well.

For the best results, check each airline’s instructions before booking. Calling the customer service line can clarify whether a particular verification method is accepted and what documentation you’ll need to present at the airport.

PCS Moves: Extra Baggage, Footlockers, and Pet Travel

A Permanent Change of Station move is when airline policies become most lenient. When you tell the airline you’re on official orders, you can typically check up to 5 bags over 50 lbs on carriers like Delta, American, and United without paying overweight fees. Some will even accept footlockers and military-specific duffels that exceed standard linear dimensions — a massive savings when moving household goods.

Pets are another critical consideration. American, Delta, and United waive in-cabin pet fees for PCS travel when you present your orders at check-in, though you still need an approved carrier and health certificate. Southwest and Allegiant also facilitate pet travel under certain conditions, but each airline limits the number of animals per flight, so book your pet’s spot early. Alaska and JetBlue similarly accommodate PCS pet travel, though policies can change seasonally. If you’re a veteran relocating for a civilian job, you won’t receive these PCS-specific waivers, but Veteran Advantage baggage allowances on the major carriers still reduce moving costs significantly.

Tips to Maximize Savings on Military Travel

  • Carry your military ID or DD-214 physically. Benefits are almost never applied retroactively, so present the document at check-in and at the gate. A digital backup is helpful but not a substitute for the real card.
  • Mention PCS orders when booking. Even if booking online, call the airline’s military desk afterward to note the orders and confirm eligibility for extra baggage and pet waivers.
  • Don’t assume benefits are automatic online. Many airlines require you to call to access military fares. Book through a dedicated travel agency like American Forces Travel to find fares not advertised on consumer sites.
  • Link frequent flyer accounts. Add your Veterans Advantage membership number or military verification to your loyalty profile. This ensures the benefits are recognized when you check in.
  • Enter your DoD ID for TSA PreCheck. Use your 10-digit DoD ID number as your Known Traveler Number in flight reservations to receive PreCheck on all domestic flights — no separate application required.
  • Compare base fares, then layer perks. Use a search engine like Aviasales to find the lowest baseline ticket price. Then call the airline to see if a military discount or fare class upgrade is available, so you don’t overpay even with a free bag waiver.
  • Ask at the gate for early boarding. A polite request with your ID in hand often gets you on the plane early, even on carriers that don’t formally list the perk.

Military Airline Benefits Comparison Table

Airline Free Bags (Active-Duty) Free Bags (Veterans) Early Boarding Notable Extras
Delta 5 (orders), 2 (leisure) 2 via Veterans Advantage Yes PCS pet fee waived
American 5 (orders), 3 (leisure) 2 via Veterans Advantage Yes (Group 1) Free pet in cabin on orders
United 5 (orders), 3 (leisure) 2 via Veterans Advantage Yes GovVacations fares
Southwest 2 (all), oversize OK on orders – On request No change fees
Alaska 5 (orders), 2 (leisure) 2 via Veterans Advantage Yes Online discount codes
JetBlue 5 (orders), 2 (leisure) 2 via Veterans Advantage + 5% off Yes Direct fare discount for vets
Spirit 2 checked + 1 carry-on – Possibly Fees waived only for active duty
Frontier 2 checked + 1 carry-on – On request Low base fares
Allegiant 2 checked + 1 carry-on 2 checked + 1 carry-on (no membership) Yes Veterans and retirees incl.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Airline for Your 2025 Itinerary

For active-duty members traveling on official orders, Delta, American, and United are the heavyweights with their 5-free-bag allowance, early boarding, and reliable military desks. For personal trips, all three deliver solid value, but Southwest’s no-change-fee structure can be a lifesaver when plans shift unexpectedly. Veterans who want the broadest access without an annual fee should look at Allegiant Air; its no-strings-attached policy for all service-verified flyers is unmatched. Those who fly a few times a year on the major legacy carriers will find that a Veterans Advantage membership quickly pays for itself through baggage fee savings alone.

Budget-focused active-duty travelers can unlock serious value from Spirit and Frontier, where the free bag policies essentially strip away the sting of ultra-low-cost airfares. Just remember that these carriers do not extend those benefits to veterans. Always double-check the fine print, verify your status with the correct program, and don’t be afraid to ask the gate agent for an extra bag waiver or earlier boarding — the airline industry’s appreciation for military service often runs deeper than what’s listed online.

For the latest policy updates and detailed airline rules, a reliable resource is AirlinePolicies.com. Safe travels and thank you for your service.