American Airlines offers several valuable benefits and discounts to active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families as a way to honor their service. While not always advertised prominently, these military benefits can provide significant savings and improved travel experiences.
(Active Duty)- American Military Benefits
American Airlines provides several key benefits for active duty military members:
- Checked Baggage Allowance: Active duty U.S. military personnel traveling on orders can check up to 5 bags free of charge (up to 100 lbs each) in both domestic and international itineraries. Check out American airlines baggage policy for military personnel here.
- Military Leisure Travel: When traveling for personal reasons, active duty military can check up to 3 bags free (up to 50 lbs each).
- Priority Boarding: Military members in uniform or with appropriate ID receive Group 1 priority boarding privileges, allowing them to board early and secure overhead bin space.
- Military Fares: On select routes, American Airlines offers special military fares that may provide flexibility with changes and cancellations. These fares are not always lower than standard fares but often offer more flexibility.
How to Access Military Discounts
To utilize American Airlines military benefits:
- When booking online at aa.com, look for the military fare option during the booking process
- Call American Airlines reservations at 855-497-3456 and mention your military status
- Be prepared to present valid military ID or leave papers when checking in
- For baggage benefits, identify yourself as military personnel at the check-in counter
Veterans Benefits
Veterans who aren't currently serving on active duty may still qualify for certain benefits:
- Veterans Advantage members can access discounts on American Airlines flights through the Veterans Advantage program
- American Airlines AAdvantage loyalty program sometimes offers special promotions for veterans
- Veterans should look for special promotional offers around Military Appreciation Month (May) and Veterans Day
American Airlines Military Group Travel
For military units traveling together:
- American Airlines offers specialized assistance for military groups of 10 or more traveling together
- Contact American Airlines Group Travel at 855-497-3456 for these arrangements
- Advanced booking is recommended for group travel
Additional Tips for Military Travelers
- Join the American Airlines AAdvantage program to earn miles for your military travel
- Consider the AAdvantage military credit card offers that sometimes feature waived annual fees for active duty personnel under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
- Military members stationed overseas can still participate in AAdvantage promotions
- Check for partner benefits with government travel programs
Summary!
American airlines military discount and benefits can change, so it's always recommended to verify current offerings directly with American Airlines before booking. While American Airlines honors military service with these benefits, the actual ticket price discount may not always be significant compared to publicly available fares, but the added flexibility and baggage allowances provide substantial value.
For the most current information and to book military fares, visit aa.com, call their reservation line at +1-- 855-497-3456 or speak with a travel coordinator within your military installation.