How do you get the military discount that many airlines supposedly offer?

2019-10-31T09:55:22-04:00

I’m not usually one to mention or be pushy about a military discount in a majority of cases. Air travel is one of the rare cases where I do. I’m quick to jump on the early boarding to get my carry on in an overhead.

Many times over the years I have tried to get the military discount that many airlines claim to offer only to be quoted a rate that is higher that what I’ve seen on their website. Today for example, the website said one thing, their military rate quote was a couple hundred dollars higher than that. And then the service rep said “Let me see if there’s a lower price without the military rate..” and boom! $300 cheaper. Wtf?

I even looked at services like Expedia and Hopper. They were all in the same ballpark as the final price I paid.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2019 9:58 AM

2019-10-31T09:58:32-04:00

I did not know that

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Oct 31 at 2019 10:06 AM

2019-10-31T10:06:24-04:00

Military fares are normally a percentage off the full price, fully refundable airline ticket and are normally fully refundable, too. Airlines offer many other discounts, most of which come with either restrictions on how early you must purchase the ticket or whether it is refundable, etc. If you can make your travel fit with the fare's restrictions, those prices will often be lower than the military discount. The military discount will serve you best when you are booking close to the travel date when those other fares are no longer available or you want more flexibility in your travel plans than those other fares offer.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Oct 31 at 2019 10:39 AM

2019-10-31T10:39:29-04:00

Following...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2019 12:17 PM

2019-10-31T12:17:36-04:00

Some airlines such as southwest only dedicate a certain amount of seats that can be used for military discounts while other airlines mistakenly quote you for government rates which I've found to be higher than regular fare in some cases. Generally I just call the airline and make my reservations over the phone

Response by PO2 Rob Waldrop made Oct 31 at 2019 2:25 PM

2019-10-31T14:25:03-04:00

This may or may not help but I have seen the same thing with hotels lately. I've been traveling to look at possible liveaboard cabin cruisers, and the hotel prices with my military discount are actually more than if I use USAA or the Am Legion travel to book them. Anyone have any feedback?