Military and Veteran Airline Benefits: Which Airlines Offer Free Bags, Early Boarding & More?

If you’re a current or former member of the U.S. military, several airlines offer exclusive perks to show appreciation for your service — including free checked bags, early boarding, waived fees, and more. However, these benefits vary by airline, and not all extend the same privileges to veterans as they do to active-duty members.

This guide breaks down the top military and veteran airline benefits in 2025, comparing which airlines offer free baggage, priority boarding, and discounted fares.

✈️ Quick Overview: What Benefits Do Airlines Offer?

Common Airline Benefits for Military Travelers:

• ✔️ Free checked bags (varies from 1 to 5 bags)
• ✔️ Early or priority boarding
• ✔️ Access to lounges (in some cases)
• ✔️ Waived pet or change fees
• ✔️ Discounted fares (on select routes or through military travel agencies)

📌 Note: Most airlines require a valid military ID or travel orders. Veterans may need to enroll in programs like ID.me or Veterans Advantage to qualify.

Military and Veteran Airline Benefits For Popular Airlines

1. Delta Air Lines

✔ Free Bags:

• Active-Duty: Up to 5 free checked bags when flying on official orders, or 2 bags for personal travel.
• Veterans: No automatic free bags, but may qualify through Veterans Advantage membership.

✔ Boarding Perks:

• Active-duty military members are invited to pre-board before Group 1.

✔ Other Benefits:

• Discounted fares through Delta Vacations and Military Travel Services.

📌 Tip: Present your military ID at check-in or use the military fare search via Delta’s website or travel portals.

2. American Airlines

✔ Free Bags:

• Active-Duty: Up to 5 free checked bags on official orders, 3 bags for personal travel.
• Veterans: Eligible for 2 free bags through Veterans Advantage (with annual membership).

✔ Boarding Perks:

• Active-duty members board with Group 1, regardless of ticket class.

✔ Other Benefits:

• Military fares available through American Airlines Reservations.
• Pets in cabin fly free on PCS orders.

📌 Tip: Make sure to add your DoD ID or use the military fare request form before booking.

3. United Airlines

✔ Free Bags:

• Active-Duty: Up to 5 free checked bags on orders, 3 for personal travel.
• Veterans: May get 2 free bags through Veterans Advantage.

✔ Boarding Perks:

• Active-duty military members are invited to board before Group 1.

✔ Other Benefits:

• Discounted fares available for authorized military travel agents and through United Vacations.

📌 Tip: Veterans Advantage members must link their accounts or enter their ID for benefits to apply.

4. Southwest Airlines

✔ Free Bags:

• All passengers get 2 free checked bags, including military members.
• Active-duty members can bring oversize/overweight bags without fees (within reason).

✔ Boarding Perks:

• Active-duty military can request early boarding at the gate.

✔ Other Benefits:

• No change or cancellation fees, making it ideal for unpredictable military schedules.

📌 Tip: No need for a military fare — just ask for early boarding and ID verification at the gate.

5. Alaska Airlines

✔ Free Bags:

• Active-Duty: Up to 5 free checked bags with valid orders or ID.
• Veterans: Get 2 free checked bags with a Veterans Advantage membership.

✔ Boarding Perks:

• Active-duty military may board in the early or pre-boarding group.

✔ Other Benefits:

• Offers discounted pet travel and occasional fare promotions for military families.

📌 Tip: Use the “Discount Code for Military” at checkout to access special fares.

6. JetBlue Airways

✔ Free Bags:

• Active-Duty: 5 free checked bags on orders, 2 bags for leisure travel.
• Veterans: May get benefits through Veterans Advantage (including 5% off base fares).

✔ Boarding Perks:

• Military members are invited to pre-board.

✔ Other Benefits:

• 5% off base airfare and special offers for military and family members through JetBlue + Veterans Advantage partnership.

📌 Tip: JetBlue offers dedicated military travel support — call ahead to confirm benefits and documentation required.

7. Spirit Airlines

✔ Free Bags:

• Active-Duty: 2 free checked bags + 1 carry-on, which is more generous than their usual bag policy.
• Veterans: No specific benefits without active-duty status.

✔ Boarding Perks:

• May request early boarding at the gate, though not guaranteed.

✔ Other Benefits:

• Spirit does not charge military members for carry-ons or checked bags, but seat selection and extras are still paid.

📌 Tip: You must show military ID at check-in — benefits can’t be applied retroactively online.

8. Frontier Airlines

✔ Free Bags:

• Active-Duty: 2 free checked bags + 1 carry-on.
• Veterans: No automatic discounts or benefits currently offered.

✔ Boarding Perks:

• Frontier does not advertise early boarding for military, but gate agents may allow it upon request.

✔ Other Benefits:

• Lower base fares mean budget-friendly options, but nearly all extras cost more.

📌 Tip: Add bags at booking time to avoid inflated fees at the airport — even with military discounts.

9. Allegiant Air

✔ Free Bags:

• Active-Duty, Reserve, National Guard, & Veterans: 2 free checked bags, 1 carry-on, and early boarding.
• Allegiant is one of the few airlines to extend full benefits to veterans without requiring a third-party membership.

✔ Boarding Perks:

• Priority boarding for active military and veterans with valid ID.

✔ Other Benefits:

• No charge for bringing a pet on official orders.
• Special military travel section on their website for full benefit breakdown.

📌 Tip: Allegiant does not require you to join a separate program — just show your military ID or DD-214 at check-in.

Summary Table: Military & Veteran Airline Benefits

✅ Final Thoughts: Best Airlines for Military & Veterans (2025)

✔ Best Overall for Active-Duty: Delta, American, JetBlue
✔ Best for Veterans Without Memberships: Allegiant Air
✔ Best Budget Airline for Free Bags: Spirit Airlines
✔ Best for Flexibility and No Change Fees: Southwest Airlines

📌 Tip: Always carry your military ID or DD-214, and ask at the check-in counter or gate — some benefits aren’t advertised but can be granted upon request.

Travel smarter, fly with gratitude, and take full advantage of the benefits you’ve earned.