United Airlines Military Discount
Unlock Exclusive Savings: How to Take Advantage of the Military Discount from United Airlines
Are you a member of the military looking to save on your air travel? One option to consider is United Airlines’ military discount. This article will show you how to use these savings to make the most of your travel budget.
Before Using the United Airlines Military Discount
What you find below is for “unofficial” travel only. If you are going on leave, permissive TDY for house hunting, or taking some vacation time (terminal leave) before or after your final out-processing date, you can take advantage of the United Airlines military discount.
Don’t listen to the advice of any third-party, non-DoD commercial travel agent or travel website offering to book your official travel using a discount for one important reason.
According to the Department of Defense Travel Management Office, “All DoD travel must now be booked through the Defense Travel System (DTS) or through component/agency Travel Management Companies,” and you typically won’t be able to book directly the way you can if you are going on leave.
Bottom line? Official travel must be booked using official sources.
What Is The United Airlines Military Discount?
With United, you can receive 5% off your tickets through Veterans Advantage.
What Non-Discount Benefits Do They Offer?
Active duty military personnel and their accompanying dependents not traveling on official business can have 3 checked bags waived up to 70 lbs each. Active duty military personnel and their dependents who are on official travel orders can have 5 checked bags waived up to 100 lbs each.
Other United Airlines Travel Perks For Military Members and Families
You don’t have to sign up for the Veterans Advantage program to claim certain perks offered by United to military-affiliated travelers. Here’s a list of options you may have when traveling.
Free Excess Baggage
United Airlines offers active duty military personnel to check extra baggage free of charge. This does not extend to military pet shipments. Some military dependents may qualify for free baggage depending on the nature of travel and other variables.
According to United, “Customers who are active US military members at the time of check-in qualify for waiver of service charges for up to three checked bags within specified size and weight limits.”
Dependents of active military members must be traveling with the servicemember to qualify for bag fee waivers. You must check your bags with United to claim the waiver.
Military and State Department Pet Exceptions
Military members traveling on Permanent Change of Station orders, plus their spouses may be permitted to transport pet dogs or cats when traveling on assignment. This option may also be offered to and from international destinations. When booking your flight, ask the agent about the United Airlines PetSafe program for active duty military.
United Club Invitation
If traveling on orders or in uniform, United Airlines invites you to use United Club on a United or United Express departing flight. You will need your current military ID and boarding pass to enter.
Eligibility requirements for the United Airlines Military Discount
United Airlines military discount may be available to qualifying active duty military, Guard and Reserve personnel, and family members. Much depends on the type of perks offered, where, and when. Your experience may vary. To be eligible, you must be able to provide valid military identification or other proof of service or military association. This can include a military ID card, DD Form 214, or a Veterans Affairs ID card. To ensure you are eligible for the discount, it’s best to contact United Airlines directly for more information and visit their website to book the flight.. You can also speak with a travel agent who specializes in military travel to learn more about the eligibility requirements and how to access the discount.
Who’s eligible?
-
- Discount
- Military veterans
- Active duty military
- National Guard
- Reserve members
- Their families
- Bag Benefit
- Active duty
- Discount
How do you get the discount?
Through Veterans Advantage.
For bags, present ID when checking in.
United Airlines Military Discount Rules
Veterans, active duty military, members of the Guard and Reserve, and qualifying family members may sign up for a 5% discount on tickets for United Airlines and United Express®-operated flights. The discount is offered exclusively for tickets purchased via United.com.
- Itineraries must originate in the U.S. or Canada.
- Discount only applies for destinations in CONUS, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Transatlantic.
- The 5% discount is valid only on Adult fares.
- Reservations are limited to 8 travelers maximum.
- Discounts are for the “published base fare.”
- The discount does not apply to government-imposed taxes and fees or carrier-imposed international surcharges.
- Promotional Web fares are not eligible for the discount.
- Eligible flight segments will be marked with a special offer indicator on united.com.
To claim this discount, you must join a program offered by Veterans Advantage, which is a third-party partner website and not an operation of United Airlines. Note that at press time, when you click through to sign up, you are taken to the Veteran Advantage website encouraging you to sign up for a program called VetRewards. You’ll start your signup process there.
How to Access the United Airlines Military Discount
You’ll need to follow a few simple steps to access United Airlines’ military discount.
- First, you must book travel via the United Airlines official site.
- You must verify your eligibility by providing valid military identification or other proof of service.
- Once you’ve been approved for the discount, you’ll be able to book your flights at a discounted rate.
- Itineraries must originate in the U.S. or Canada.
- Discount only applies for destinations in CONUS, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Transatlantic.
- The 5% discount is offered for all adult fares except Basic Economy for Transatlantic travel originating in the U.S., “valid on United marketed and United or Lufthansa Group” operated flights according to United.com.
- Keep in mind that the discount is subject to availability and may not be available on all flights. It’s best to book your flights as early as possible to ensure you can take advantage of the discount.
Understanding the Benefits of United Airlines’ Military Discount
Waived baggage fees can be a significant savings for military personnel and their families, especially when traveling with a lot of gear. United Airlines allows up to five free checked bags for active duty military personnel and up to three free checked bags for dependents.
Tips for Maximizing Savings with United Airlines’ Military Discount
To get the most out of your United Airlines military discount, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.
- Book your flights early to ensure the best availability and pricing.
- United Airlines offers a flexible booking policy that allows you to change or cancel your flights without penalty within 24 hours of booking.
- Sign up for United Airlines’ MileagePlus program, which allows you to earn miles on your flights that can be redeemed for future travel. You can also take advantage of any applicable promotions or reward programs to maximize your savings.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About United Airlines’ Military Discount
_________
Q: Can I use the military discount for international flights?
A: The United 5% discount only applies for destinations in CONUS, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Transatlantic.
_________
Q: Can I check bags for free with the military discount?
A: Active duty military personnel can check extra bags for free depending on travel status.
_________
Q: Can I earn miles on my flights with the military discount?
A: Depending on the destination, the nature of your travel, and other variables, you may be permitted to earn miles on your flights with the military discount by signing up for United Airlines’ MileagePlus program.
_________
How to Book a Flight Using United Airlines’ Military Discount
Booking a flight using United Airlines’ military discount is easy. Follow these steps:
- Book your flight via the United Airlines official site. Your discount won’t apply any other way.
- Verify your eligibility by providing valid military identification or other proof of service.
- Select your flight and enter the discount code provided by your Veterans Advantage membership.
- Complete your booking and enjoy your discounted fare!
Related: Military Discounts and Veteran Deals
About United Airlines
United Airlines is a major American airline, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with a large domestic and international route network. Varney Airlines was started in 1926 in Boise, Idaho, and Varney Speed Lines was started in 1934. The two became United Airlines and Continental Airlines. In 2010, the two airlines merged to become the United Airlines you know today. They now fly to 342 destinations, in 48 countries, across five continents.
For more info, visit United Airlines.
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About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
