ARLINGTON, Va. — American Airlines is extending special travel offers for military personnel, including reduced fares, pre-boarding courtesies, and the use of the executive lounge.
The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline is extending several of its special fares to domestic and some international destinations until June 5, Tara Phillips, a spokeswoman for the airline, said in a Thursday e-mail outlining the extended benefits.
For servicemembers and their families who are heading to Europe, Latin America and Japan, discounted tickets will be available for travel through May 31.
The airline also is eliminating the minimum stay requirement on its discounted fares for servicemembers. Instead of requiring a Saturday night stay, American is simply requiring that servicemembers spend a single night at their destination in order to get the lower ticket prices.
The reduced fares are available to active-duty servicemembers, as well as activated National Guard or reservists, who are on leave or furlough (including those who are traveling within seven days of discharge from active service), and their spouse and dependent children.
American Airlines executives also have decided to continue a practice, instituted almost a year ago, of inviting uniformed military personnel to pre-board the aircraft, or board at any time — a courtesy usually extended only to first-class passengers and those with special needs.
Finally, American is extending through June 5 its invitation to any uniformed servicemember who is on emergency or R&R leave from Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom to use American’s “Admirals Club” facilities at any airport worldwide that does not offer USO facilities, Phillips said.
To gain access to an Admirals Club, eligible military personnel in appropriate uniform should present their emergency or R&R leave forms at the facility’s entrance.
Discounted tickets are available at American Airlines ticketing locations or by calling American’s reservations number at 1-800-433-7300 or 1-800-633-3711 for Spanish. Military ID must be presented at the time of airport check-in. The military fares are not available via the Internet.
