Southwest Military Discount: Everything You Need To Know 2025

If you've ever wondered, "Does Southwest offer a military discount?" – the answer is a resounding yes! Southwest Airlines proudly supports our military heroes with special fares and benefits that can make your travels more affordable and convenient. But here's the catch: you won't find these deals on their website. Let's dive into everything you need to know about the Southwest military discount and how to unlock these exclusive savings.

What is the Southwest Airlines Military Discount?

Southwest Airlines military discount isn't your typical percentage-off deal that you'll see advertised online. Instead, Southwest offers special military fares that are available exclusively through phone booking or at airport ticket counters. These aren't just discounts – they're specially priced fares designed specifically for military personnel and their families.​

The savings can be substantial. While Southwest doesn't advertise a fixed discount percentage, travelers report saving anywhere from $20 to $60 per ticket compared to regular fares. On last-minute bookings when standard fares are high, the savings can be even more impressive. But remember, the biggest value often isn't just the price – it's the flexibility these fares provide.​

Who Qualifies for the Military Discount at Southwest Airlines?

The military discount Southwest Airlines extends to a comprehensive list of eligible service members:

• Active-duty U.S. military personnel​
• Reservists with active orders​
• National Guard members with active orders​
• Coast Guard members with active orders​
• Cadets and midshipmen from the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy​
• Authorized dependents of all eligible military members​

For dependents, there are some age-specific requirements: military dependents between ages 2-11 must be accompanied by a military customer or a military-dependent customer who is at least 12 years old.​

How to Book Your Southwest Military Discount

Here's where Southwest differs from other airlines – you can't book these fares online. To access the Southwest military discount, you have two options:

• Call Southwest directly and speak with a reservations agent. Make sure to mention that you're interested in military fares right away.​
• Visit a Southwest ticket counter: Head to any Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport where agents can help you book military fares in person.​ In case if you don't want to do the hassle of booking, then call ExperianAirfare now, and our team will help you book the best deal.

Pro tip: Have your flight details ready before calling, including departure and arrival cities, preferred dates, and passenger information. Also, ensure you have your military ID handy as you'll need to present it during check-in.​

Beyond Savings: Extra Military Benefits

Does Southwest give military discount benefits beyond just fare savings? Absolutely! Active-duty military members enjoy several additional perks:

• Generous Baggage Policy: Active-duty military customers traveling on orders are exempt from Southwest's two-piece baggage limit and won't pay excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges. Your bags can weigh up to 100 pounds and measure up to 80 linear inches, and you can check up to 20 pieces of baggage per flight.​
• Priority Boarding: For flights through January 26, 2026, active-duty military members with valid military ID who didn't receive an "A" boarding pass can board between the A and B groups. Starting January 27, 2026, when Southwest changes its boarding process, military members will get Priority Boarding before Group 1.​

One more perk — military travelers can also review Southwest Carry-On Size Guide to make sure luggage fits policy before flying.

Why Military Fares Offer More Than Just Savings?

While the primary question focuses on whether Southwest gives military discounts or not, the real value often lies in flexibility. Military fares are typically refundable and don't come with change fees. This flexibility is crucial for military personnel whose schedules can change unexpectedly due to deployments or duty assignments.​

Regular Southwest "Wanna Get Away" fares might sometimes be cheaper, but they lack this flexibility. If your military duties require sudden plan changes, the peace of mind that comes with military fares can be invaluable.​

Planning Tips for Maximum Savings

To get the best value from your Southwest Airlines military discount:

• Book in advance when possible: Like all airline fares, military rates can be better when booked early, though they maintain consistent pricing regardless of how close to departure you book.​
• Compare with regular fares: Sometimes Southwest's sales and "Wanna Get Away" fares might be lower than military rates, so it's worth checking both options.​
• Consider the total value: Factor in the baggage benefits and flexibility when comparing costs. The ability to check multiple heavy bags for free can represent hundreds of dollars in value.​

For service members flying to multiple bases or cities, Southwest Multi-City Flights Booking Guide is a smart way to plan flexible itineraries under one fare.

What About Family Members?

The military discount offered by Southwest Airlines also applies to authorized dependents, making it easier for military families to travel together affordably. Spouses and children can benefit from the same discounted fares and, when traveling with the active-duty member, some baggage benefits as well.​ However, dependents traveling without the active-duty military member are subject to normal baggage policies, so plan accordingly if family members are traveling separately.​

To save even more, check our Best Time to Book Southwest Flights — knowing when fares drop helps maximize your discount.

Final Thoughts

Does Southwest offer a military discount? Yes. From specially priced fares to generous baggage allowances and priority boarding, Southwest Airlines demonstrates genuine appreciation for military service. While you can't book these fares online, a simple phone call can unlock significant savings and valuable benefits that make your military travel more affordable and convenient. Remember to have your military ID ready for check-in, and don't forget to ask about any current promotions when you call. Your service has earned you these benefits – make sure you use them!

Don’t miss the Cyber Monday Flight Deals — Southwest often pairs these with special fare discounts, including for military members.