You may not be serving the nation but your dedication while serving in the military is acknowledged by the U.S. airlines. Most airlines offer great travel perks such as veteran discounted flights, free baggage, premium lounge access, etc. If you’re planning your next holiday or need to fly for work/health, then you must read LatinOFare’s take on the 6 great travel perks available to veterans. Before making the booking, check with the airline for the best offers and analyze which suits your needs the best.
Discounted Fares
Most U.S. airlines including JetBlue, Alaska, United, and Hawaiian offer a generous 5% discount to veterans on their flights. The discounts are subject to very minimal terms and conditions such as the enrolment of veterans in the Veterans Advantage Group. Some airlines also allow you to add companions on the discounted booking. The members need to call the airline and present their member ID to avail the discounts.
Additional Baggage
Some airlines offer both discounted fares and add on baggage while some only allow veterans to carry additional bag and do not provide any discounted fares. Airlines such as JetBlue provide discounted fares and two additional check-in baggage for veterans flying with them. On the other hand, Allegiant Air offers veterans and their spouses or dependents three free checked baggage and does not charge a veteran for oversized baggage or boarding pass printing at the airport. It also allows the veterans to carry one carry-on bag and one pet in the cabin, free of cost.
Complimentary Meals
Some airlines also acknowledge the veterans by providing them complimentary meals along with discounted fares. For example, Hawaiian Airlines provides complimentary Pau Hana Cafe meal and Koloa Rum drink along with 5% discount for the veterans. You need to subscribe to Veterans Advantage and get the VetRewards Card, to access these offers.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Cares and Expedited TSA PreCheck
Veterans, injured army personnel, and wounded service members, are provided special TSA Care during airport security screening upon request. You can call TSA at 1-877-376-7199, before your flight to ask for assistance. Additionally, wounded warriors are eligible for expedited TSA PreCheck screening at the U.S. airports. The wounded warriors are also allowed to surpass checks without removing their shoes, light outerwear jackets or hats.
Fly Space-A
Veterans can take advantage of this perk called the Space-Available flights to travel at little or no cost. These military flights will suit you best if you are flexible with your schedule and sometimes even destination. You should check the official page travel page of AMC (Air Mobility Command) to know about travel eligibility, restrictions, baggage requirements, etc.
Use Beneficiary Travel (BT)
If you happen to be traveling for health reasons, you can take advantage of the BT program that provides veterans and other beneficiaries mileage reimbursement, transport assistance (plane, train, taxi, light rail, etc.) and also if need be ambulance and wheelchair van transport. This is valid for travel to and from VA health care or VA authorized non-VA health care for which the Veteran is eligible.
