Does Southwest offer a Military Discount?

Southwest provides you with a small convenience that lets you to go to the entire major sites around the world while serving your country and keeping your fellow people proud and safe. You may be eligible for military flight savings on all of your airfare, which may range from 5 to 10%.

The fact that airlines still offer airfare discounts to active duty and retired military personnel is therefore not surprising. We are grateful to Southwest Airlines for recognizing the sacrifices made by members of the US military on behalf of their country. Now, you can reach out to us at any hour of the day to get Military flight discounts. This page by HolidayGlobes helps you to get acquainted with the airline’s policies and amenities regarding Southwest Airlines Military Discount.

What are the Requirements for Getting Military Discount Flights?

There are requirements to meet, and various airlines provide different kinds of military discounts. There are discounts available for both travel and cargo. Others even provide worldwide travel, while some simply offer higher mileage accumulation through their frequent flyer programs. You will occasionally only be eligible for free checked luggage as a discount.

However, there are some rules to follow while reserving your inexpensive military flights, as you might expect, which are as follows.

  • In order to travel within seven days of being released from active duty, freshly enlisted personnel will require an ID card or separation documents because they won't yet have a military ID. Therefore, your status must be Active Duty.
  • Reservists and active National Guard troops may receive discounts from some airlines.
  • The price of non-refundable tickets; certain airlines give military members free refundable tickets.

How to Get Southwest Airlines Military Discount?

Southwest Airlines has a strong sense of patriotism and is proud of every service member. Their military boarding policy allows active-duty service members who did not receive an "A" boarding permit to board between the A and B groups as long as they have a valid military ID. And apart from this, Southwest Airlines provide you with the following amenities:

  • Southwest Airlines military discounts are available to active service personnel and their dependents. Make a call to 1-800-I-FLY-SWA for further details.
  • Bookings for special pricing cannot be made online.
  • For active military personnel traveling on orders for permanent station changes or who are overweight or carrying numerous bags, Southwest waives ALL baggage costs.
  • Military personnel receive a third checked bag free of charge; otherwise, they must pay a $75 cost. The $75 cost for southwest military deals that are on active duty or have permanent change of station orders is also waived by Southwest.

Does Southwest waive Baggage Fees for the Military?

Customers who are active-duty military personnel are exempt. For additional pieces of luggage, there is no price as Southwest baggage fees for military personnel. Customers who are currently serving in the military must have a valid military ID in order to be excluded.

Military customers traveling on active duty are free from the two-piece baggage restriction and are not charged extra for excess, oversize, or overweight baggage as long as no one piece of luggage weighs more than 100 pounds and doesn't measure more than 80 inches (L+W+H). If the customer is a TSA-Known Shipper, bags wider than 80 inches may be transported as cargo instead of checked baggage.

  • For military personnel checking in, a current United States Uniformed Services Active Duty Identification Card must be shown.
  • A ticketed passenger (including military passengers) is only permitted to check a maximum of 20 pieces of luggage per flight.
  • Relatives flying separately from the active-duty service member are subject to the standard excess, oversized, and overweight fees.

How to Add Military Discount to Southwest Airlines?

Confirm you're active-duty or eligible dependent. Veterans need to check with Southwest directly.

  • Gather valid military ID or DD214 for verification.
  • Call them to request the Southwest military veteran discount.
  • Mention your route and dates—ask if military fares are available.
  • Provide your military credentials when requested over the phone.
  • If booking in person, visit a Southwest ticket counter with your ID.
  • Compare with regular fares. Military discounts are unpublished and vary.
  • Complete the booking through the rep once the discount is confirmed.
  • Ask if your fare is refundable or flexible—most military fares are.
  • Save your booking details; discount isn’t visible online post-booking.

How much of a Military Discount does Southwest give?

Southwest Airlines does NOT post a fixed discount. You won’t see “20% off” written anywhere. But when you call in, the Southwest military veteran discount usually comes close to their cheapest fares. Sometimes, it saves you $20–$60 per ticket. On last-minute bookings, it might cut even more—especially when standard fares are high.

The biggest value isn’t always the price—it’s the flexibility. These fares are refundable and don’t come with change fees. So if your plans shift, you’re covered. That’s something you won’t get on their lowest web fares. Veterans don’t always qualify, but it’s worth asking.

Government and military discounts are proudly provided by Southwest Airlines. Military flights cannot be purchased online; instead, you must phone 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or go to a Southwest ticket counter. Government and military airfare cannot be purchased using Rapid Rewards points. Now if you have any queries or doubts then you can reach out to us for getting more information on Southwest Military flight deals.

FAQs of Southwest Military Discount:

How much is the Southwest military discount?
Southwest offers military discounts on airfare, but the exact amount varies.
How to get Southwest Military flight discounts?
Southwest Military Discounts aren’t available online, so active-duty service members and their families must call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or +1-888-595-2181 or visit a Southwest ticket counter for details.
Can military personnel check extra baggage for free on Southwest?
Yes! Active-duty military members don’t pay baggage fees, even for oversized or overweight bags—up to 100 lbs. and 80 inches (L+W+H). Family members flying separately, though, must follow standard baggage rules.
Does Southwest offer priority boarding for military members?
Active-duty service members who don’t get an "A" boarding pass can board between groups A and B—just show a valid military ID at the gate for early access.
Can military members book Southwest flights online with a discount?
No, discounted military fares must be booked by calling Southwest or visiting a ticket counter. These special fares aren’t available through the airline’s website.
Does Southwest waive fees for military personnel traveling on orders?
Yes! Those traveling on official orders get all baggage fees waived, including for overweight and extra bags. Just present military ID and travel documents at check-in.
Can military members use Rapid Rewards points for discounted flights?
Military fares can’t be booked using Rapid Rewards points. If you’re looking to redeem points, you’ll need to book a standard fare instead.
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