Category Archives: Airline Discounts for Military

Delta Changes Baggage Policies after Bad Military Press

Posted on by vfwlady

Update June 10, 2011: Delta now allows four free checked bags for military flying in coach.  United Airlines, American Airlines, and Continental Airlines quickly followed Delta’s lead and upped their limits for military travelers as well.

If you missed all of the “bad press” read this

From the Delta Air Lines Blog:

“…..After careful consideration, effective immediately, U.S. military personnel traveling on orders in First Class and BusinessElite can check up to five bags at no charge and 4 bags in economy class. This change also adds dependents traveling with active military on orders. Each bag may weigh up to 70 lbs. (32 kg) and measure up to 80 linear inches (203 cm), which offers added flexibility over the standard 50 lbs. and 62 linear inches (157 cm) allotment. Because of weight, balance and space constraints, Delta Connection carriers will accept up to four bags at no charge. You can read the updates to the travel policy on delta.com.

We hope these changes to our policies reflect the true respect we hold for our service men and women and again demonstrate our appreciation as both a company and as individuals who benefit from the freedom our troops defend. We also hope this echoes our commitment to listening, learning, and our continued dedication to constant improvement.

As an Army wife and 12 year Delta employee I also want to take this opportunity to shed some light on the additional ways we work to support U.S. Military personnel and their families throughout the travel process as well as in the community. We are a longstanding supporter military support organizations such as the Fisher House Foundation and United Service Organization.

At the airport, our employees are also committed to providing comfort to our military travelers on the plane, at the gates and in our Sky Clubs. We actively carry thousands of military personnel and equipment every week. I’m also proud to say that Delta is comprised of thousands of military service men and women—actively serving, retired, reserve, National Guard and more—and it’s another reason I’m passionate in Delta’s efforts to support our soldiers.

I want to again personally thank you for your passion and for participating in the discussions on our social media channels and beyond, and look forward to continuing the dialogue.”

Rachael R. 

Manager, Delta Social Media read more

Who’s the VFWlady?

Veteran-Friendly Airlines: The “Not-so-Delta” Good Guys in the US Skies

Posted on by vfwlady

A lot of people are mad, really mad, about Delta Airlines recently excessive overcharging of United States Military personnel.  After returning to the US from Afghanistan, some soldiers flying with Delta were charged over $200 each for their extra baggage.

While Delta can say goodbye to a whole lot of passengers, hopefully these Veteran-Friendly airlines will welcome the business!

  1. American Airlines: Military And Government Fares,
  2. United Airlines: United thanks our troops
  3. US Airways: Military leave fares
  4. Southwest Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Continental Airlines: Veteran’s Advantage Discount

Free Housing for Families of Wounded Warriors: The Fisher House Foundation

Posted on by vfwlady

The Fisher House Foundation has been supplying free housing to veterans and their families since 1990.  To date, they have provided more than 3 million days of free housing to over 120,000 families. Due to the increasing number of combat casualties returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, “Fisher Houses” have become an essential part of the recovery process for America‘s “Wounded Warriors”.

The primary purpose of the Fisher House Foundation began with the goal of providing a ‘home away from home’ for military families to be close to their loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.  Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Fisher House Foundation, several independent airlines, and passengers willing to donate their frequent flier miles: flights for families to and from the many Fisher House Homes are also free.  This is called the “Hero Miles” program.

Beyond housing, The Fisher House Foundation has worked hard to enrich the lives of veterans. By “joining forces” with the U.S. Paralympics and Department of Defense, they helped support the 2011 Warrior Games held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

More than 200 wounded, ill or injured service members from the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Special Operations Command took part in various events.