Review: The Ultimate Traveler Guide to Military & Veteran Flight Discounts

Finding affordable flights can be tough, and military members and veterans deserve recognition for their service, especially when traveling for leisure, work, or family visits. WeSalute honors your service by offering exclusive airfare discounts and travel benefits, and we also provide tips on where to find the best travel deals.

This travel guide, drawing on WeSalute’s 25+ years of experience advising members on military discounts, is designed to help you understand and make the most of these valuable travel benefits. Discover how to maximize your savings with our comprehensive overview of available military flight discounts, including those offered through WeSalute+ helping you save on your next adventure.

What Airlines Offer Military Discounts Through WeSalute+?

United Airlines offers an exclusive 5% discount through WeSalute+ on flights departing from the U.S. and Canada to destinations across North America and Europe, including regional services with United Express. This is the industry’s first military discount on flights, which WeSalute created in 2004 with United’s original merger partner Continental Airlines.

To redeem the WeSalute+ discount on United Airlines, use your unique WeSalute+ Travel Code on United.com or the United app. The savings apply to various fare classes, from Economy to First Class, and are available every day without blackout dates. When you Join WeSalute+, you can purchase an unlimited number of discounted tickets annually and extend your savings to up to eight travelers on your itinerary.

Another great airline that offers an exclusive discount through WeSalute+ is JetBlue which provides discounts on all flights, including MINT fares, every day without blackout dates. In addition to the fare discount, JetBlue waives fees for two checked bags on flights within the U.S., the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, which alone can be like saving $170 on a round trip! The $25 service fee for phone bookings is also waived. Members can earn TrueBlue points on their WeSalute+ discounted flights, and there are no restrictions on the number of discounted tickets purchased annually.

Alaska Airlines offers WeSalute+ members a 5% discount on flights departing from the U.S. to destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica, including flights operated by Horizon Air, SkyWest, and its Alaska’s recent merger partner Hawaiian Airlines. This discount applies to both round-trip and one-way fares, covering all fare types. You can extend the savings to up to six travelers on the same reservation. Don’t forget to enroll in Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan allowing you to earn valuable miles on your discounted flights!

American Airlines Vacations extends a 10% discount to WeSalute+ members on the land portion of vacation packages, including hotels, rental cars, theme park passes, and tours, across a global network of destinations. You can choose from premier hotels and resorts like Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Four Seasons, and more, in destinations across Asia & Pacific, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, South America, and at various Theme Parks. These WeSalute+ savings can be combined with public rates, promotions, and other air carriers.

Lufthansa honors WeSalute+ members with a 5% discount on transatlantic flights. This discount also applies to flights operated by Lufthansa subsidiaries, including Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, and Brussels Airlines. And the best part? You can earn Miles & More points on your discounted travel with any of these airlines!

WeSalute+ members can get a 5% discount on Hawaiian Airlines Coach fares from the U.S. Mainland to Hawaii and from Honolulu to international destinations, including Tahiti and American Samoa. Members can purchase an unlimited number of discounted tickets annually without blackout dates. Additionally, you can earn HawaiianMiles on your discounted travel and enjoy a complimentary Pau Hana Cafe meal and Koloa Rum drink during your flight to get you in the Hawaii vacation spirit!

What Other Savings Are Available for Active Duty and Veterans?

Allegiant Air salutes military service members with various free benefits on domestic flights. These offers are available to active duty, retirees, guard, reserve, veterans, and their immediate family members. Benefits include up to two free checked bags, free oversized baggage, one carry-on, one personal item, free boarding pass printing, one pet in-cabin, early boarding, and waived change or cancellation fees for active and reserve military members due to changes in orders.

Southwest Airlines offers extra perks, including no change or cancellation fees, reusable funds, and two free checked bags. Business Select fares include guaranteed A1-A15 boarding and Fly By priority access. Members can still earn Rapid Rewards points as well! Active duty members without an “A” boarding pass can board between the A and B groups with a valid military ID. Active duty members also receive up to 20 free checked bags with a valid military ID.

How Do I Maximize My Military Savings With Airlines?

To maximize your savings, make sure to enroll in airline loyalty programs such as Mileage Plus from United Airlines, TrueBlue from JetBlue, Mileage Plan from Alaska Airlines, Rapid Rewards from Southwest Airlines, Miles & More from Lufthansa, and HawaiianMiles from Hawaiian Airlines. 

Booking flights in advance and being flexible with travel dates can also help you secure better deals. Active-duty military should always carry a valid military ID. Finally, and don’t forget that joining WeSalute+ unlocks exclusive military discounts and benefits, enhancing travel experiences for active duty, veterans, and their immediate family members.

Make sure that you are saving when you travel by being aware of offers that are available to you. Interested in our WeSalute+ exclusive offers like the 5% off with United or the 5% off and two free bags with JetBlue? Sign up for WeSalute+ today and enjoy instant savings!

Also check out the WeSalute Marketplace for many more military discounts ranging from car rental savings, hotels, Greyhound & Flixbus bus travel, and WeSalute Travel Protection insurance, which covers you anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home.