This is two weeks in a row that I must apologize for posting Travel Tip Tuesday late. Once again, I was hampered by almost non-existent internet down in Arba Minch, Ethiopia.

This week, in honor of Veteran’s Day, this week’s travel tip will be for my fellow Military service members.

***

Free Club Access with Military ID and Orders

Did you know that several US-Based airlines will provide free Club/Lounge access to active duty military personnel?

American Airlines:

American Airlines’ policy states that if you are on “working orders” and present these with your military ID, you and up to 2 guests can access Admirals Club Lounges. It does have a caveat that if a USO lounge is nearby, they may direct you there.

Delta Airlines:

Through experience, I have determined that Delta has an unofficial policy that allows service members to access their Sky Club Lounges by showing your ID and sometimes orders. I have tested this policy twice–once at JFK and once at Newark, and both times I was welcomed into the lounge with no problems. When I asked what the official policy was for access, the agent told me that it is based on space available in the lounge. Bottom line is that even though this appears to be an unofficial policy, you will have a pretty good chance of getting access to the Sky Club with just a military ID.

United Airlines:

Per the United Club policy page, they will allow active duty military with ID and orders into the United Club, but no guests are allowed (see below). I have not had a chance to personally check this one out. Has anyone else had luck with this United policy?

Additional Benefits and recommendations:

Check out this link via The Points Guy for more Veteran’s Day tips and recommendations: http://thepointsguy.com/2015/11/perks-for-active-duty-military/

***