Does Southwest Offer a Military Discount?
Patriotism runs deep in the aviation industry, and Southwest Airlines is no exception. This great airline doesn’t hesitate to show gratitude to military officials.
So, the airline offers Southwest military discount as a token of appreciation for its real life heroes. With this discount, the military personnel can book their flight tickets at the lowest fares possible. A set price is deducted from the standard rates of flight tickets, giving them a more affordable way to travel.
Southwest Airlines aims at supporting brave men and women who fight for freedom and serve the country. Therefore, the airline simplifies travel for its government and military customers. It is a token of gratitude to military personnel for their work. Moreover, the gratitude also extends to military families. Here is the information about the Southwest military discount. Find out who is eligible to get these discounts and other benefits. Read on to learn more about the military discount.
Southwest Military Discount – A key to an Affordable Trip!
Simply put, the military discount on Southwest Airlines is military fare. So, military officials of the country are at the benefit to grab these fares and cut their flight ticket costs. The discount facilitates them to get at least 5% or more off on their flight fares. Thereby, they can travel in a more pocket-friendly way.
Moreover, there are times when you need to get hands on discounts at the last minute. With Southwest, you are at the advantage to get your flight booking at affordable fares while saving big.
Please note
For more details, get in touch with a customer service representative of the airline.
Who is Eligible for the Military Discount with Southwest?
Now, you must be wondering about the military officials who can avail of this discount. Here are the people who are eligible to grab this discount.
- Active military personnel
- Cadets/midshipmen attending the –
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- U.S. Naval Academy
- U.S. Military Academy [West Point]
- The U.S. Coast Guard Academy
- Authorized dependents
- Traveling with active orders –
- Reservists
- National Guard members
- Coast Guard members
Please note
- Military veterans can’t avail of these discounts. However, they are offered some special offers.
- To know more, contact a customer representative of the airline.
What is Southwest Veterans Advantage?
Veterans Advantage by Southwest is a program that offers everyday low fares for the program’s members. It helps you and your family get the best fares available.
Moreover, you have the following benefits with Southwest Veterans Advantage –
- You need not pay any flight change or cancellation charges.
- You can reuse your unused funds completely while flying with the original passenger. There will be no penalty as well as you always have the first two bags for free.
If you have Business Select fares, you get assured –
- A1-A15 seat boarding (confirmed at check in 24 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure)
- Fly By priority access
And what’s more? Enroll in the loyalty points program of the airline, which is Rapid Rewards. This will help you earn points with your discounted airfare trips.
Please note
- Although the airline doesn’t charge anything for changing your flight date or time, you must use your ticket within a year of booking.
- Your ticket can’t be transferred to anyone else.
How to Grab the Southwest Airlines Military Discount?
Southwest facilitates you to get your discount online and offline, as convenient for you. Let’s look at both the methods one by one.
Online Method
To avail of the military discount that the airline offers, all you have to do is to visit its official website. Alternatively, you can install its mobile app on your smartphone. For booking your tickets online with Southwest, simply follow the prompts on the website or the mobile app.
Offline Method
The offline approach demands you to dial 1-800-435-9792 and get connected to a Southwest customer service representative for assistance.
After connecting with the Southwest agent, you need to verify your details. The agent will ask for some of your documents. Submit your valid military ID, and check your eligibility. The agent will help you get the best fares if you are eligible. However, you may need to follow some extra steps if you are from a military family.
What are Southwest Military Travel Policies?
Want to confirm your booking through the military discount Southwest Airlines? Well, you must know the whole policy to avoid any hassle.
Military boarding
In pursuit to serve the heroes of the nation, Southwest Airlines offers several advantages to the military personnel. One of these benefits is to board the flight first of all. As of 22nd September 2022, all active duty military members can board early, even if they are not in their uniform. Also, they must show their military ID.
To board the flight they are placed between the A and B groups. This is applicable even if they don’t have an A boarding pass.
Military baggage and cargo
Southwest Airlines makes an exception for active-duty military customers by waiving fees for additional baggage. To receive the exemption, military personnel must have their current military IDs. In addition to the Southwest military discount, the airline offers baggage benefits as well.
- There is no two-piece baggage limit for active-duty military customers. They don’t need to pay for oversize, overweight, or excess baggage.
- However, the bags should not exceed 80 inches in size and 100 pounds in weight.
- At the time of check-in, you must show a valid active duty identification card.
- Military officials can’t check more than 20 bags per flight.
Military and government fares
All the military personnel can avail of military fares at Southwest. To grab these, simply dial 1-800-435-9792 or visit a Southwest ticket counter. These fares are not available online. Now, let’s look at military and government fares.
- The active-duty military personnel and their authorized individuals are eligible for military fares. These officials include reservists, Coast Guard members, and National Guard members attending the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Military Academy [West Point].
- With government fares, you can enjoy automatic check-in 36 hours prior to your scheduled departure.
- Moreover, Federal Government (GVT) Fares can’t be booked online.
- These Southwest military benefits will make your trip easier and more comfortable.
Please note
You can’t redeem Rapid Rewards points to buy government and military fares.
Traveling with military working dogs
- Military working dogs can travel with Southwest as a part of the military working dogs’ team.
- This team has a trained canine and trained military handler.
- Moreover, the airline accepts fully trained service dogs and rescue dogs for transportation for free. However, they need to be accompanied by their respective handlers.
Travel with Southwest and enjoy all these advantages.
Wrapping up
Book your flight with Southwest military discount and enjoy saving more. Get this discount online or offline as convenient for a budget trip. So, what are you waiting for? Visit the official website of Southwest or call a customer representative to book your tickets today!
