Southwest Airlines Military Discount

Updated: October 26, 2023
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    Southwest Airlines Military Discount

    Southwest Airlines specializes in air travel, but they also partner with other agencies to help accommodate travelers’ needs as far as vehicle rentals and hotel stays.

    It is the nation’s largest domestic carrier operating 700+ aircraft and more than 4,000 weekday departures to more than 100 destinations all around the U.S. as well as 10 additional countries, and it is still expanding.

    Southwest Airlines shows appreciation to current and former military members by offering a military discount for all active duty military members and their dependents.

    To purchase a discounted military fare, you will need to speak directly with a Southwest service representative. Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to request a military fare for a designated flight You can look up specific flight information by searching online using departure destination, arrival destination, and desired dates.

    Southwest Airlines is a carrier that has come to be known for its dedication to customer service and maintaining the lowest airfare prices. Some of the things that set Southwest apart from other carriers include:

    • 1st and 2nd checked pieces of luggage are free for everyone (size and weight limits apply). In addition to two free bags for all, military customers traveling on active duty will be exempt from the two-piece baggage limit.
    • No change fees in case of flight changes. Customers are only required to pay fare differences
    • Rewards points with unlimited reward seats, no blackout dates, and no point expiration (as long as there is flight activity at least every 24 months)
    • Seasonal and weekly special offers and sales on flights, hotels, cars, and vacations

    Southwest invites active-duty members of the U.S. Military with valid military I.D. who did not receive an “A” boarding pass to board between the A and B groups.

    Southwest also has more than 8,200 Employees who have served or are currently serving and over 1,600 military spouses.

    Gratitude for the military also extends to the communities with several partnerships with military-focused nonprofit organizations, providing tangible support through the airline’s Community Outreach efforts.

    Who Qualifies For the Southwest Military Discount?

    United States military personnel on active duty (including reservists, National Guard members, and Coast Guard members with active orders, cadets/midshipmen attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy [West Point], and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy) and their authorized dependents are eligible for Military fares.

    What Other Discounts Does Southwest Airlines Offer?

    Southwest Airlines typically promotes flight sales numerous times throughout the year. They have a Special Offers page on their website listing their current sales on flights and bundles.

    Southwest Airlines Military Discount FAQs

    How does Southwest Airlines verify military or veteran status?

    Upon booking and boarding, only a valid ID is accepted. By valid ID, Southwest Airlines requires the United States Services Active Duty Identification card and Dependent ID cards for those traveling without eligible Active Duty members.

    How often can I use the Southwest Airlines military discount?

    There is no stated restriction on how often you can use the discounted fare option.

    Is this discount a limited-time offer?

    The special fare discount is ongoing.

    What isn’t covered by the discount?

    The military discount fare is not available for all Southwest Airline flights. There is no online booking for the flights, the discounted fare can only be accessed by a Southwest service representative via phone call or a travel agent. The military discounted fares are not visible on Southwest.com.

    The military discount fare is refundable and may not be cheaper than the Wanna Get Away fares also offered by Southwest Airlines. Unfortunately, Rapid Reward points cannot be used to pay for the military discounted fare.

    Can you combine this discount with other offers?

    Call Southwest to see if you can stack other offers with discounted military fares.

    Does Southwest Airlines have a Veterans Day discount?

    There is currently no military discount directly associated with Veterans Day.

    Find more Travel military discounts here!

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    Written by Veteran.com Team