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Military Baggage Benefits

Traveling as a service member comes with unique perks and allowances that make flying more convenient and cost-effective. From waived baggage fees to discounted airline tickets, understanding military travel benefits and military baggage policies can save you money and stress.

Here’s a detailed guide for military travelers & their dependents on what to expect with major U.S. airlines.
Friendly Military Travel will collect your military ID information and apply it to your reservation to ensure you get to take advantage of any/all military travel benefits offered by the airline you’re flying with.

Military Baggage Policies

Many airlines offer special baggage allowances for active duty U.S. Military Members & their dependents (note: not all carriers extend benefits to dependents). Below is a summary of the major U.S. carriers’ military baggage policies and benefits.

The airline policies below apply to Active-duty members of the U.S. Army®, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marines, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Coast Guard and National Guard.

American Airlines Logo American Airlines

American Airlines Military Baggage Policy

American Airlines provides generous baggage allowances for active duty military members and their dependents.

  • Military Members traveling on Active Duty Orders: Up to 5 free checked bags (100 lbs each) for active duty U.S. military members & their military dependents traveling on orders.
  • Military Members traveling on leisure or personal travel: Up to 3 bags (50 lbs each) for active US Military on personal / leisure travel.
  • Carry-On: Standard carry-on allowances apply.
View Full Policy →

Delta Military Baggage Policy

Delta offers flexible baggage benefits to make travel smoother for military members.

  • Military Members traveling on Active Duty Orders: Up to 5 free checked bags (100 lbs each) for U.S. Military Members traveling on orders.
  • Military Members traveling on leisure or personal travel: Delta allows 2 free checked bags (50 lbs each) for Service members on personal or leisure travel.
  • Carry-On: Standard carry-on allowances apply.
View Full Policy →
Delta Airlines Logo Delta Airlines
United Airlines Logo United Airlines

United Airlines Military Baggage Policy

  • Military Members traveling on Active Duty Orders: Up to 5 free checked bags (100 lbs each) for U.S. Military Members traveling on orders.
  • Carry-On: Standard carry-on limits.
View Full Policy →

Southwest Airlines Military Baggage Policy

  • Military Members traveling on Active Duty Orders: No fee is charged for additional pieces of baggage. Active-duty military Customers must have their current, valid military I.D. to receive the exemption. Military Customers traveling on active duty will be exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided that none of the pieces of baggage exceeds 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size.
    Note: Dependents traveling without the active-duty military member are subject to normal excess, oversized, and overweight charges.
View Full Policy →
Southwest Airlines Logo Southwest Airlines
Alaska Airlines Logo Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines Military Baggage Policy

  • Military Members traveling on Active Duty Orders: Up to 5 free checked bags (70 lbs each). Must have a valid military ID.
  • Active Duty Military Dependents on Active Duty Orders: Up to 2 free checked bags (50 lbs each). Must be traveling on the same itinerary as an active duty military member with a valid military ID.
View Full Policy →

JetBlue Military Baggage Policy

  • Military Members traveling on Active Duty Orders: Up to 5 free checked bags (99 lbs each). Free checked bags policy on active duty orders extend to military dependents, provided they are traveling with the service member on the same itinerary. Immediate family members may travel on a separate reservation from the military member as long as they are able to present their Military Dependent ID card.
  • Military Members traveling on leisure or personal travel: Up to 2 free checked bags (50 lbs each). Military dependents traveling on the same reservation as the active-duty service member are also eligible to receive the same benefits, but they will be required to show their DOD Common Access Card.
View Full Policy →
JetBlue Airlines Logo JetBlue Airlines
Travel Purpose Delta Airlines Delta Airlines American Airlines American Airlines United Airlines United Airlines Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines JetBlue Airlines JetBlue Airlines
Active Duty Orders X5 free bags
100 lbs		 X5 free bags
100 lbs		 X5 free bags
100 lbs		 X19 free bags
100 lbs		 X5 free bags (70 lbs)
Dependents: X2 free bags (50 lbs) 		X5 free bags (99 lbs)
Dependents: X5 free bags (99 lbs)
Personal Travel X3 free bags
50 lbs		 X3 free bags
50 lbs		 - - - X2 free bags (50 lbs)
Dependents: X2 free bags (50 lbs)

*All military baggage policies and travel benefits are subject to change without notice. Airline rules may vary by route, aircraft, or military status. Always check directly with the airline before booking to ensure you receive the latest information and benefits.