All commercial carriers extend special fares and privileges to members of the defense services. The fare that is known as military discount airfare can be availed by soldiers, sailors, marines, air force personnel, and members of the Coast Guard. It can also be availed by families and dependents of the military personnel.
Some airlines limit the discount fares to active duty personnel but most provide it to even those who have retired from the services. This is the airline industry‘s way of extending a big thank you to the men and women who make the country safe.
The discounts are not fixed and vary from airline to airline. On some they can be as large as 70 per cent, and can be availed after showing proper documentation. Once they have established their identity, military personnel can also buy tickets online.
The airlines are very large-hearted when it comes to extending facilities to both past and serving military personnel. They do not discontinue or limit these facilities during peak season. Even at that time any army man can avail the same discounts. However, there is no special quota for the military personnel. To avail the discount, they have to buy the ticket like any other traveler. That is why it is important to buy the ticket early.
The good thing about this discount is that it is not limited to official duty. Military personnel can avail it even when they are making private trips or are traveling with their families on vacation. The discount is also available on international travel. But in this case it is lower than domestic travel.
Military personnel are also extended special boarding privileges, especially if they are on active duty and traveling on a mission. This is yet another goodwill gesture from the airlines to the men in uniform.