Like most domestic airlines, Delta Airlines provides some benefits for American service members. The Delta services are available to active members of the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. Benefits include early boarding, free checked military bags, special policies on pet travel, and discounts with vacation packages through Delta Vacations.
Early Boarding
U.S. military members will be offered the opportunity to board the aircraft before general boarding. This is beneficial because it guarantees overhead space within the cabin for service members travelling with larger carry-on luggage. Additionally, it allows the service members to get settled and comfortable sooner.
Free Checked Bags
Delta offers free baggage for those traveling on orders or for leisure. This is extremely nice in today’s day and age where bags can cost nearly as much as the seat itself. There are some stipulations and limitations to the benefits, but the restrictions are reasonable for most travelers. While travelling on military orders, service members are allotted 5 pieces of luggage, weighing up to 100 pounds apiece. This should be plenty of space for most people’s pro-gear and equipment needs. For personal travel, the amount of free checked bag military personnel will receive depends on the seat they purchase. With a basic economy, main cabin, or Delta Comfort+ ticket, military members will be given two free checked bags, each weighing 50lbs or less. With a Delta Premium Select ticket, there is an additional bag, for a total of three free checked bags at up to 50lbs each. For the high rollers among us, purchasing a First Class & Delta One ticket doesn’t increase the number of bags, but increases the weight limit of each, so these members can check three bags up to 70lbs each.
Pets Perks
Delta additionally offers an option for military service members to transport pets so long as they’re on travel orders. I will cost additional, about $200, but if this is how you are going to PCS or move for an extended TDY, it might be worth the extra cash to get your furry friend along with you. There are some stipulations, so if this is an option for you, it's best to check out the Delta Military Pet Travel page.
Medical Emergencies
Delta Airlines has a program set up to specifically accommodate those with medical emergencies to their immediate family members. This benefit extends out to military members, or those who have an immediate family member in the military who is experiencing a medical emergency. Delta has specific medical emergency fares, but if you are in this situation, it is probably best to call the Delta Reservations directly at 1-800-221-1212 and explain to them this is a medical emergency. You will need to provide your relationship to the individual experiencing the medical emergency as well as the location and phone call of the hospital where the patient is located, along with some additional information.
Military Discount with Delta Vacations
Finally, Delta offers savings for military personnel through their Delta Vacations program. The savings is dependent upon how much the overall cost of the vacation is and is broken out below:
$300 off vacations of $6,000 or more
$200 off vacations of $4,500-$5,999
$100 off vacations of $2,500-$4,499
$50 off vacations of $1,250-$2,499
Overall, the savings are pretty small relative to the overall cost of the vacation. I don’t think it is enough to entice me to choose Delta Vacations over one of their competitors, but it is definitely worth taking advantage of if you are already going down the path of utilizing Delta Vacations to book your getaway.
Delta offers some nice perks and benefits for military members. It is always great to see companies provide some sort of recognition for those who have sacrificed so much for us all. The top perks, in my opinion, offered by Delta must be the free checked bags and the ability to board the aircraft first. You can book your future delta flights at www.Delta.com.
