Several airlines have been in the news lately for increasing the prices they charge for checked baggage aboard their flights. However, did you know that many airlines offer military service members free checked bags when they’re flying both on order and for leisure? See below for how some of the major airlines handle baggage fees for military service members.
Delta Air Lines
Delta offers five free bags up to 100 pounds each for service members traveling on official orders, regardless of class of service. Additionally, Delta offers two free bags up to 50 pounds each for personal travel when flying basic economy, economy, or Delta Comfort+. If travelers are flying Delta Premium Select, passengers can check three free bags up to 50 pounds each, while those in Delta One or First Class can check three free bags up to 70 pounds each.
United Airlines
On United, military service members traveling on official orders or relocating may check two bags free of charge, weighing up to 100 pounds per bag. Service members flying United for personal travel are allowed two free bags up to 75 pounds each.
American Airlines
On American, military service members traveling on official orders may check up to five bags weighing no more than 100 pounds each. If traveling on personal leave, service members can check up to three bags for free weighing no more than 50 pounds each. Military dependents are also eligible if they are traveling on their dependent’s orders and present a copy of their orders or military dependent ID.
Southwest
One of Southwest's big selling points is their promise of two free bags for every passenger. Military customers traveling on active duty on Southwest are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and are not subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided that all bags are under 100 pounds.
JetBlue
For official travel, service members flying on JetBlue may check five free bags up to 99 pounds each. Dependents traveling on the same itinerary are also eligible. For personal travel, service members and their dependents may check up to two bags for no charge.
Frontier Airlines
Active-duty military personnel on either official or personal travel flying on Frontier are permitted to bring one free personal item, one free carry-on bag, and two free checked bags. Oversize and overweight bag fees are waived for the first two free checked bags for active service members. These benefits do not extend to dependents.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit allows active-duty military personnel two free checked bags along with a free carry-on plus one free personal item for both personal and official travel. Like Frontier, the free bags are for service members only. Bags must be added in advance online or on the Spirit app and cannot be done processed airport ticket counter.