Getting a military discount on Southwest Airlines can be a fantastic way to save on your travel, but it's important to understand that it works a bit differently than a simple online promo code. Southwest has a specific process for their military and government fares, and it's geared towards providing flexible and often more cost-effective options for service members and their families.
Ready to unlock those savings? Let's dive in!
Understanding Southwest's Approach to Military Discounts
Before we get into the "how-to," it's crucial to grasp that Southwest doesn't offer a traditional "percentage off" military discount that you can apply online. Instead, they offer special military and government fares. These fares are not publicly listed on their website, which is why many people get confused. They are generally offered to:
Active-duty U.S. military personnel
Reservists with active orders
National Guard members with active orders
Coast Guard members with active orders
Cadets/midshipmen attending U.S. military academies
Authorized dependents of the above
Veterans not on active duty or orders typically do not qualify for these specific military fares, though they may find other discounts through programs like Veteran's Advantage.
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| How To Get Military Discount On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You Eligible? Let's Find Out Together!
The very first thing you need to do is confirm your eligibility. Southwest's military fares are primarily for those currently serving in the U.S. military or their authorized dependents traveling with them or on their behalf.
Take a moment to consider:
Are you active duty military, a reservist, or National Guard member with active orders?
Are you a cadet or midshipman at one of the U.S. military academies?
Are you an authorized dependent traveling with or for an eligible service member?
If you answered yes to any of these, you're on the right track! If you're a veteran not on active orders, while Southwest deeply appreciates your service, these specific military fares are usually not available to you. However, you should still call to inquire, as policies can sometimes have exceptions or other unadvertised options.
Step 2: The Crucial Connection - Calling Southwest Airlines
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
This is the most important step because, as mentioned, these military fares are not available for booking online through Southwest.com. You must speak directly with a Southwest Airlines representative.
Here's how to do it:
Dial the Dedicated Line: Call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). This is their general customer service line, and they will be able to assist you with military fares.
Be Prepared with Your Travel Details: Before you call, have the following information ready:
Your desired travel dates (departure and return).
Your departure and arrival airports.
The number of passengers traveling (and their relationship to the service member, if applicable).
Your valid military ID information.
Clearly State Your Intent: When you connect with a representative, clearly state that you are inquiring about a military fare or government fare. Don't just ask for a "discount," as that might lead them to look for standard promotions.
Be Patient: The representative will likely need to search for available military fares, which may take a few moments. These fares are often based on availability and specific routes, and they might not be available on every single flight.
Step 3: Verification and Documentation - Proving Your Status
Once the representative finds a potential military fare, they will need to verify your eligibility. This is a critical step, so be ready to provide the necessary identification.
What to Expect:
Valid Military ID: You will almost certainly be asked for your current, valid military ID. This is the primary form of verification. For dependents, a valid Dependent ID card is usually required.
Possible Questions: The representative might ask follow-up questions to confirm your active duty status or your relationship to the service member.
At the Airport: Remember, even after booking, you will need to present your valid military ID at the airport ticket counter or gate upon check-in and potentially again at boarding. Do not forget your ID! If you fail to produce valid identification, you may be required to pay the difference to a standard fare or be denied boarding.
Step 4: Understanding the Benefits Beyond Just the Fare
Southwest's military benefits extend beyond just the special fares. They also offer significant advantages related to baggage, which can save you a substantial amount of money.
Key Benefits:
Exemption from Baggage Limits: For military customers traveling on active duty with a current, valid military ID, Southwest generally waives their standard two-piece baggage limit. This means you won't be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges for additional bags.
Important Note: While the two-piece limit is waived, individual bags still have weight and size restrictions. Typically, each piece should not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (length + width + height). Bags larger than this may need to be shipped as cargo.
Early Boarding (Sometimes): Southwest sometimes allows active-duty military members with valid IDs (who did not receive an "A" boarding pass) to board between the A and B groups. This isn't a guaranteed benefit but can be a nice perk when available.
Flexibility (Often): Military fares may come with more flexible change and cancellation policies compared to some of the deeply discounted "Wanna Get Away" fares. This can be a huge advantage if your orders or plans change unexpectedly. Always confirm the specific change/cancellation policy for the military fare you are booking.
Step 5: Comparing Fares - Is the Military Fare Always the Best Option?
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
While the military fare is a fantastic benefit, it's not always the absolute cheapest option available. Southwest frequently runs sales and promotions, and sometimes a "Wanna Get Away" fare might be lower than the military fare for a specific flight.
Here's what to do:
Do Your Research First: Before calling Southwest, it's a good idea to check Southwest.com for standard fares for your desired travel dates. This will give you a baseline.
Ask the Representative: When you call to inquire about the military fare, politely ask the representative if they can also check the lowest available public fare for your itinerary. This allows you to compare and make the most informed decision.
Consider Baggage Needs: Even if a "Wanna Get Away" fare is slightly cheaper, remember that the military baggage benefits can quickly offset that difference if you're traveling with multiple bags or heavier items. Factor in the total cost, including potential baggage fees on standard fares.
Step 6: Confirmation and Record Keeping
Once you've booked your military fare, ensure you have all the details confirmed and readily accessible.
What to do:
Receive Email Confirmation: Southwest will send you an email confirmation with all your flight details. Double-check this email to ensure the dates, times, and passenger names are correct.
Note the Fare Type: Although it won't explicitly say "military discount," the fare type on your confirmation might reflect a government or specific military category.
Keep Your ID Handy: As reiterated, always carry your valid military ID with you when traveling, from check-in to boarding.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to verify military status for Southwest Airlines?
You verify your military status by presenting a current, valid military ID (Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, or Dependent ID) to a Southwest Airlines representative when booking over the phone or at the airport ticket counter.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
How to book Southwest military fare online?
You cannot book Southwest military fares online. They must be booked by calling Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or by visiting a Southwest ticket counter.
How to get military baggage allowance on Southwest?
Military customers traveling on active duty are automatically exempt from the standard two-piece baggage limit and associated fees. Simply present your valid military ID at check-in.
How to know if a Southwest flight has military fares available?
Military fares are not publicly displayed. The only way to know if a specific flight has military fares available is to call Southwest Airlines directly and speak with a representative.
How to get a military discount for veterans on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines' specific military fares are primarily for active-duty personnel and their dependents. Veterans not on active orders generally do not qualify for these specific fares, but it's always worth calling to inquire about any other potential unadvertised options.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
How to use a dependent ID for Southwest military discount?
Authorized dependents of active-duty military personnel can use their valid Dependent ID card to access military fares when traveling with or on behalf of the service member, by calling Southwest Airlines.
How to change a Southwest military flight reservation?
To change a military flight reservation, you should call Southwest Airlines' customer service line. Military fares often come with more flexible change policies, but it's best to confirm with a representative.
How to find the best Southwest fare (military vs. standard)?
First, check Southwest.com for standard "Wanna Get Away" fares for your desired dates. Then, call Southwest to inquire about the military fare for the same itinerary. Compare both options, considering baggage needs, to determine the overall best value.
How to get early boarding as military on Southwest?
Active-duty military members with a valid ID who did not receive an "A" boarding pass may sometimes be allowed to board between the A and B groups. Inquire at the gate.
How to combine military discount with Rapid Rewards on Southwest?
Southwest military fares typically cannot be combined with Rapid Rewards points for payment. However, some military fares may earn Rapid Rewards points, though you should confirm this with the representative when booking.
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