Active duty, veterans, and military families have access to special travel benefits. Here's what's available from Boise.
Service members, veterans, and military families have earned special privileges that can make air travel more affordable and convenient. Whether you're stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base, a veteran living in the Treasure Valley, or a military family member traveling to visit loved ones, understanding these benefits helps you maximize your travel savings. This comprehensive guide covers every travel benefit available to the military community flying from Boise.
Space-Available (Space-A) Travel: Free Military Flights
Understanding Space-A Travel
Space-Available travel, commonly known as Space-A or military hops, allows eligible travelers to fly for free on Department of Defense aircraft when seats are available. This benefit provides free transportation to military installations worldwide, though availability is unpredictable and requires flexibility. Flights operate from Air Mobility Command terminals at various military bases, connecting to destinations across the globe.
Eligibility Categories
Space-A eligibility is divided into six categories, with priority given in order. Active duty members on leave (Category 1-3) have highest priority. Retired military members fall into Categories 4-6. Dependents of active duty can travel with their sponsor or alone under specific circumstances. Guard and Reserve members are eligible when in certain duty statuses. Understanding your category helps set realistic expectations about travel opportunities.
Mountain Home AFB Opportunities
Mountain Home Air Force Base, located approximately 50 miles southeast of Boise, offers limited Space-A opportunities. While not a major passenger terminal, occasional flights to other military installations may be available. For broader Space-A options, consider traveling to McChord Field (Seattle area), Travis AFB (California), or other major terminals. The AMC Passenger Travel website provides current flight schedules and terminal information.
Planning Space-A Travel
Successful Space-A travel requires flexibility in dates, destinations, and expectations. Register at multiple terminals to maximize opportunities. Pack light and be prepared for military aircraft conditions. Bring food and entertainment for potentially long waits and flights. While challenging to plan around, successful Space-A travelers save thousands annually on transportation costs.
Airline Military Discounts
Major Airline Programs
Most major airlines offer military discounts ranging from 5-15% off published fares. American Airlines provides dedicated military fares and a veterans advantage program with ongoing benefits. United Airlines offers military members discounted fares through their MilitaryFares program. Delta Air Lines provides military discounts on select routes, particularly for bereavement travel and emergency leave situations.
How to Access Military Fares
Military fares typically aren't displayed on regular booking sites. Contact airlines directly through their military travel desks or use approved military travel portals. Some airlines require booking over the phone to verify military status and access special rates. Always compare military fares with regular promotional fares—sometimes standard sales offer better prices than military discounts.
Budget Airlines and Military Benefits
Southwest Airlines, a major carrier from Boise, doesn't offer specific military discounts but provides military members flexibility with free flight changes and cancellations. Allegiant Air occasionally offers military promotional codes. Always ask—even airlines without published military programs sometimes offer courtesy discounts when asked politely.
Free Checked Bags for Military Travelers
Active Duty Baggage Benefits
Active duty military members traveling on orders receive up to five free checked bags on most US airlines, including American, Delta, and United. This benefit applies to permanent change of station (PCS) travel, deployment, and temporary duty (TDY). Even personal travel often includes at least one or two free checked bags for active duty personnel with valid military ID.
Family Member Eligibility
Dependents traveling on the same itinerary as active duty service members typically receive the same baggage benefits. When traveling separately, dependent baggage benefits vary by airline—some extend free bags to family members with dependent ID, while others require traveling with the service member. Always verify specific policies when booking.
Veteran and Retiree Baggage
Retired military members and veterans receive free checked bags on some airlines, though benefits are less comprehensive than active duty privileges. American Airlines and United Airlines extend limited baggage benefits to retirees. Keep military ID or veteran documentation readily available for verification at check-in.
TSA PreCheck and Security Benefits
Active Duty TSA PreCheck
Active duty service members can use TSA PreCheck lanes for free with valid military ID—no enrollment or application required. Simply show your CAC card or military ID at airport security. This benefit saves significant time, especially at busy airports, and eliminates the hassle of removing shoes, laptops, and liquids during screening.
Veterans and TSA PreCheck
Veterans must apply for TSA PreCheck like civilians, with the standard enrollment fee (currently around $85 for five years). However, many veterans qualify for fee waivers or reimbursement through VA programs or military associations. Some credit cards also reimburse PreCheck enrollment fees as a cardholder benefit. Check your eligibility before paying out of pocket.
CLEAR and Global Entry
Active duty members receive free CLEAR membership, providing expedited identity verification at participating airports. Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs processing for international travel, costs $100 but may be reimbursed through military programs or premium credit cards. These programs stack to provide maximum efficiency through airport security.
Military Travel Booking Resources
Official Military Travel Offices
On-base travel offices provide official travel bookings and can access military contract fares unavailable elsewhere. They also handle complex itineraries involving Space-A legs, military aircraft, and commercial flights. While not always the cheapest option, military travel offices understand the unique requirements of service member travel.
American Forces Travel
American Forces Travel, available at MyAFMobility.us, provides military-exclusive vacation packages and deals. The platform offers discounted hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages exclusively for military members, veterans, and families. Deals often exceed civilian discount programs in value.
Military Travel Clubs and Organizations
Organizations like Armed Forces Vacation Club and Shades of Green (Walt Disney World's military resort) offer exclusive discounts to military travelers. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion members access additional travel discounts through these organizations' partnerships with travel providers.
Tips for Military Travelers from Boise
Maximizing Mountain Home AFB Benefits
Mountain Home AFB offers various MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) programs including discounted travel bookings. The base ITT office can book tickets, tours, and packages at military rates. Check Information, Tickets, and Travel before booking commercial options—savings can be substantial.
Combining Benefits
Stack military benefits when possible—use military discounts on flights, free checked bags, TSA PreCheck for security, and military hotel rates at your destination. Combined savings can easily exceed 20-30% compared to civilian travel costs.
Documentation Tips
Always carry valid military ID, orders (when traveling officially), and dependent documentation. Some benefits require verification at check-in or boarding. Having proper documentation readily available prevents delays and ensures you receive all entitled benefits.
Benefits for Military Families
Dependent Travel Rights
Military dependents have specific travel benefits including Space-A eligibility, airline courtesies, and access to military travel resources. During deployments, some airlines offer additional flexibility for family members traveling to visit service members or attend significant events.
Emergency Leave and Bereavement
When emergencies arise, airlines often provide special assistance to military families including fare reductions, booking flexibility, and priority standby. Communicate your military status when booking emergency travel—many airlines have dedicated support for military emergency situations.
Final Thoughts for Military Travelers
Military service provides travel benefits that civilians don't enjoy—use them. From free Space-A flights to checked bag allowances to TSA PreCheck, these privileges are part of your earned compensation. Stay informed about current programs, as benefits occasionally change. Whether you're traveling for pleasure or duty, proper planning ensures you maximize every benefit available to those who serve.
For Boise-area military members and families, the combination of local base resources and commercial airport options provides excellent flexibility. Take advantage of both military-specific travel options and civilian deals from Boise Airport to create the most affordable travel itinerary for your needs.