Honoring Our Veterans: Airline Discounts on Tickets
As a nation, one of our most privileged duties is to honor and respect our veterans. These heroes have served us with valor, sacrificed their safety and family life while dedicating themselves to protecting our freedom. It is rightly established that their contribution to the country deserves the highest of respect. Hence, on behalf of the grateful country, the airlines offer special discounts to honor them.
Understanding Airline Discounts for Veterans
Several US airlines offer discounts to eligible veterans, active-duty members, and their families. American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are some of the prominent names providing discounts on their airfares to military personnel. However, most of these airlines come with different requirements and policies, making it challenging to navigate and require a careful review of the rules to ensure eligibility.
Military Veterans
Most airlines offer discounts to military veterans that are no longer serving, but who have served honorably and have a DD 214. The DD 214 is a document given to military members after retirement or discharge. American Airlines and United Airlines offer veteran discounts for travel. Tickets must be booked through each airline’s military discount webpage or ticketing offices.
Active-Duty Personnel
Active-duty military personnel and their family members are eligible for discounted airfares as well. The policy is not only for the serving military member but also for their spouse, dependent children, and sometimes even for parents traveling to their military member’s commencement. These discounts vary by airline, and often the military member must be traveling with the family members for eligibility. For example, Delta Airlines allows active-duty personnel to bring up to nine people with them on military air travel.
Other Eligible Groups
Beyond veterans and active-duty military personnel, several airline policies cater to other eligible groups, such as National Guard members and reserve personnel. Military dependents, including spouses, unremarried widows and widowers, as well as foreign military personnel assigned to US military and civilian installation stateside, could also enjoy similar discounts.
How to Book Airline Discounts for Veterans
The most effective way to book an airline discount is by checking each airline’s military discount website accessed via the Military.com or Veterans Advantage websites. Eligible users could then verify their qualifications through ID.me, which encourages sign-ups and checkouts with single new accounts. Some of the carriers, such as Southwest Airlines, require verification at the airport ticket counters.
Conclusion
Honoring our veterans is one of the most patriotic and vital duties of every US citizen. It’s gratifying to know that the transportation industry, mainly airlines, are specific in honoring these brave servicemen and women through military discounts and deals that could save active-duty, reserve members, military families, and veterans hundreds of dollars. Next time you are planning a trip, opt for a qualifying airline for a cheaper fare and to honor one of America’s bravest.
