American Airlines provides some benefits and perks to American service men and women, however, their biggest rewards come through the Veterans Advantage program. Unfortunately, the Veterans Advantage VetRewards Program costs about $10 a month or $60 a year. Outside of perks requiring other subscriptions, American Airlines offers military fares in select markets, free checked baggage, and early boarding for military personnel.
American Airlines Military Discount
To take advantage of the military fares on American Airlines, service members would need to contact the Reservation line. That said, these fares are often few and far between and typically at the government city pare pricing. You can find those city pairs pricing on the General Services Administration website.
American Airlines Military Benefit - Early Boarding
As has become common amongst airlines, military personnel, with a valid Common Access Card (CAC), are offered the opportunity to board prior to general boarding. With American, military personnel can board in Group 1 with the First-Class passengers. This perk ensures ample overhead space and the ability to get settled and comfortable before everyone else boards the plane. Even though you’ll be sitting in the back, alone, while everyone else you board with sits in those nice comfy seats up front!
American Airlines Military Benefit -Free Bags
The best American Airlines military benefit or perk offered, in my perspective, is the free checked baggage for military personnel. The airline offers free bags, up to 5 bags at 100lbs each for military and/or dependents traveling on orders. When traveling for personal business or pleasures, the airline offers 3 complimentary bags each up to 50lbs and 62 inches. This perk is only offered to active U.S. military personnel and cadets. It does not extend to dependents, civilian government personnel, US Public Health Service members, or Military Reserves and Nation Guard, not in active status. To receive the complimentary bags, active military personnel will have to present your military ID and orders, if applicable, at the check-in counter.
