military travel (Air Force, soldier, best, aircraft)

[barbjf]

Does anyone know if there's a way for a military soldier to get a good price on a airline ticket? For x mas from Norfolk to Milwaukee.

[ChocolateTae]

There are plenty of websites to look into: cheaptickets.com, orbitz.com, travelocity.com, etc. Also since your in the military I know a lot of airlines offer military discounts so call around and ask.

[Crew Chief]

Barbjf, traditionally "military" fares were only discounted off the full coach air fare. You cold usually beat the military fare by a good bit with other "Super Saver" type fares and other promotions. I'm sure that's especially true nowadays with travel websites. "Space Available" travel on military aircraft is a free but challenging way to travel... Flights from the Norfolk area (NAS Oceana, NOB Norfolk, Langley AFB) are somewhat more plentiful than other parts of the U.S. Best of luck and thanks for your (or your loved one's) service!

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by barbjf

Does anyone know if there's a way for a military soldier to get a good price on a airline ticket? For x mas from Norfolk to Milwaukee.

Expedia.com or travelocity are good sites to use to do your own travel arrangements. Some installations/posts/bases have a travel agency (Army calls theirs SATO) that may be able to get your tickets and find any discount available. Also try to contact the airline directly and let them know if you're in the active military.

It sounds like this is regular vacation travel for you, just remember there are different rules with official travel - you usually need to go through gov't travel agencies who are contracted to arrange transportation, otherwise you may not get reimbursed.

[TheJagMan]

Kayak.com searches all sites except southwest. If the time of day isn't important you could bid on priceline or use hotwire.com. In the five times I was quoted from the Air Force "Air Travel" it was always at least $20 more due to a fee you had to pay them.

Tips: Search multiple dates and nearby airports. Also, consider all traveling costs including bag fees, parking, gas to the airport etc.