Service members and their families can use Space-Available flights – formally known as Military Airlift Command or MAC flights – to travel around the country and world at little or no cost.
Service members and their families can use Space-A flights to travel around the country and world at little to no cost. Though sometimes unpredictable, military flights are perfect for families with flexible plans and limited travel budgets.
Airmen get 30 days vacation with pay each year and can enjoy complimentary flights that make it easy and affordable to meet family or friends at any home or vacation destination.
U.S. military veterans and their families can save up to 10% on domestic and international flights by enrolling in VetRewards and booking through Veterans Advantage.
Fly Space A
Known as “Space Available” or “military hops,” these flights allow active duty members, retirees, and their dependents to fly for free on DoD-owned or -controlled aircraft once all the space-required (duty) passengers and cargo have been accommodated.
Disney's Armed Forces Salute: All active and retired military personnel are entitled to one multi-day free admission park ticket from Walt Disney World.
We offer 30 vacation days, comprehensive health care, housing, cash allowances to cover the cost of living, money for education, family services, and even career support after you serve.
Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Air Force Academy are also eligible to receive TSA PreCheck® screening benefits. Use your Department of Defense identification number when making flight reservations.
According to the Transportation Security Administration website, a "U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents" is considered a REAL ID and can be used to fly.
Can Military Members get Upgraded to First Class? Generally, there is no official policy about upgrading to first class. Most airlines don't have official policies on upgrading service members because they can't guarantee seats always will be available.
Am I being scammed? Soldiers and their loved ones are not charged money so that the Soldier can go on leave. Soldiers are not charged money for secure communications or leave. Soldiers do not need permission to get married.
Space-available flights, a.k.a “MAC flights” or “military hops,” are military operational flights that have extra seats. The military mission is the priority, and the Space-A passengers are essentially cargo. Eligible travelers may “hop” the flight (free of charge), but the system is based on priority.
To make things a little easier on your pocketbook for stateside visits, the Defense Department does pay for flights home -- but they are through Space-A. Yes, that's unpredictable, but it is a paid-for flight.
Verification of Military Service
Please use the Defense Manpower Data Center's (DMDC) Military Verification service to verify if someone is in the military. The website will tell you if the person is currently serving in the military. The site is available 24-hours a day.
Photo ID: A driver's license, government-issued ID, military ID, Certificate of Naturalization, or previously issued passport (if you are applying for a new one) are all acceptable forms of ID.
What benefits do military ID cards for spouses, dependents, veterans and retirees cover? Your card will display the benefits you're entitled to and may include health benefits through TRICARE, access to commissary and exchange, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, and other privileges.
Who can qualify as a military dependent? Certain family members, such as a spouse or child under 21, are automatically entitled to dependency status; a Servicemember need only complete 1172 and provide the necessary proof.
Is TSA PreCheck free for military? Yes! TSA PreCheck is free for US military with a CAC and DOD ID. Enter the DOD ID number from the back of your CAC into the “Known Traveler Number” when you purchase your ticket and you can go through TSA PreCheck.
The best way to get TSA PreCheck for free is by carrying an eligible credit card. Dozens of credit cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee if you use that card to pay upfront.
Military members need not enroll
As a service member, you don't actually need to enroll in TSA PreCheck. Instead, you'll simply need the 10-digit DoD ID number located on the back of your common access card.
Active duty military members can retire after 20 years of active duty service. In exchange, they receive retirement pay for life. How much retirement pay a member receives is based on years of service and rank.