From discounted fares to reimbursements for delayed flights, United Airlines offers several benefits to make your journey smoother, more affordable.
Flying with United Airlines soon? If you're an active-duty military member or a veteran, or you've recently faced a delay with your flight, you might be eligible for exclusive perks and compensation options you didn't even know existed.
Let's dive into how you can make the most of these offers, whether you're in uniform or stuck at the gate!
United Airlines offers a variety of travel benefits to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. These include:
5% fare discount through WeSalute+ (formerly Veterans Advantage) when booking on United.com
Free checked bags – up to 5 for official travel and 3 for personal travel (each up to 70 lbs)
Priority boarding for quicker and easier boarding
United Club lounge access for active-duty members in uniform or with official orders
Flexible ticket changes with waived fees on many military fares
Pet travel allowances for PCS moves under United's PetSafe program
Eligible dependents receive similar baggage and boarding benefits when on the same reservation
Booking a military-discounted flight with United Airlines is simple, but it does require a few steps. United partners with WeSalute+ (formerly Veterans Advantage) to offer exclusive fare discounts and travel benefits to military members and their families. Here's how to book:
1. Enroll in WeSalute+
To access the discount, you'll first need to join WeSalute+, a trusted program that verifies military status.
Once registered, you'll receive a 10-digit travel discount code specifically for use on United Airlines flights.
2. Book Your Flight on the United Website
Visit United.com and search for your flight as usual.
During checkout, enter your WeSalute+ discount code to receive 5% off the base fare.
This offer is available for most domestic and select international routes originating in the U.S. or Canada.
3. Have Your Military ID or Orders
Whether you're flying for personal reasons or on official military orders, always carry a valid military ID or your travel documents.
This allows you to access baggage perks, priority boarding, and possibly lounge access at the airport.
4. Enjoy Military Travel Benefits at the Airport
When traveling with United, eligible military travelers can enjoy:
Up to 5 free checked bags (if traveling on official orders)
3 free checked bags (for personal travel)
Priority boarding access
Complimentary United Club lounge access (if in uniform or with valid orders, subject to availability)
Perks extended to family members on the same reservation
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the military discount on United Airlines with no limits on ticket purchases and blackout dates for stress-free travel.
Yes, United Airlines provides free checked baggage for active-duty military members. Depending on your travel orders, you can check up to five bags at no extra cost. This applies to both official military and personal travel. To enjoy this benefit, simply present your valid military ID or official travel orders when you check in. These documents help verify your eligibility for the free baggage allowance.
United Airlines offers compensation if your flight is delayed for 3+ hours due to issues within their control (like maintenance or staffing), canceled last minute, or you're denied boarding. Compensation may include meal or hotel vouchers, rebooking, or monetary payouts. For flights to or from the EU, EC261 regulations may also apply.
If your flight is delayed, save updates and receipts, talk to a United agent for help, file a claim online, and know that EU flights have extra passenger protections. Here's how:
Keep a Record: Take screenshots or photos of any delay notifications and flight updates.
Save Your Receipts: Hold on to receipts for meals, hotels, or transportation you had to pay for because of the delay.
Talk to the Gate Agent: Approach a United Airlines agent at the airport—they might offer vouchers, meal passes, or other assistance right away.
Submit a Claim: File a compensation request on United's official website or through their customer service channels.
Know Your Passenger Rights: If you're flying to or from Europe, you may be protected under EC261 regulations, which offer additional compensation rights.
You may receive compensation from United Airlines if your flight is delayed over 3 hours, canceled unexpectedly, overbooked, or causes a missed connection due to reasons within the airline's control.
You may be eligible for compensation in the following cases:
Your flight is delayed 3 hours or more due to airline-related issues like maintenance or staffing
Your flight was canceled at the last minute
You are denied boarding access because the flight is overbooked
You miss a connecting flight because of a delay
For more details on how to claim, check out this United Airlines delayed flight compensation guide.
United Airlines offers more than just flights—they provide valuable perks for those who serve and solutions when travel plans go off track. To fully enjoy these benefits, book smart, bring the right documents, and speak with agents when needed. You've earned it—and United is making it easier than ever to thank you in style. Let me know if you want me to expand with exact phone numbers for military travel booking or detail how to apply the fare code during checkout.
