Giving the troops their due: United’s armed forces fares

United Airlines is supporting American armed services personnel and their families by extending special military fares through January 19, 2007 – putting troops and their loved ones in a position to save significantly on travel.

These special discount airfares are available for purchase by active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, National Guard and Reserves. Also eligible for the discount airfares are spouses and dependent children. They make it far easier for the family to get together, especially when they’re trying to cram a year’s worth of living into a two-week leave.

To United’s credit, there aren’t a lot of restrictions that apply to this ongoing deal. First, you’ve got to book via United Airlines’ reservations number, not online. Call 1-800-241-6522 and identify yourself as either military, or a military dependent. You’ve got to have proper ID to qualify. You’ll be able to travel through January 19, 2007. There is an advance purchase requirement, but it’s only a day out. A one night’s minimum stay is required. What makes these rates especially good is that they’re flexible, available any day of the week.

Here are some sample one-way discount airfares. They’re pegged to a round-trip purchase. Neither taxes nor fees are included. They’re extra.

Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – Boston (BOS) $149

Chicago O’Hare – Denver (DEN) $99

Chicago O’Hare – Los Angeles (LAX) $149

Chicago O’Hare – San Francisco (SFO) $249

Chicago O’Hare – Washington, D.C. $149

Denver – Atlanta (ATL) $199

Denver – Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) $149

Denver – Los Angeles (LAX) $149

Denver – San Francisco (SFO) $149

Los Angeles – Boston $199

Los Angeles – New York City $199

Los Angeles – San Francisco $99

New York City – Chicago $149

New York City – Denver $149

San Francisco – Philadelphia (PHL) $249

San Francisco – New York City $199

Washington, D.C. – Las Vegas (LAS) $149

Washington, D.C. – Los Angeles $199

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler

Comments

[Tanya Ray]

My son is deployed at present with the US Army. I would like to know if United Airlines plans to offer any special rates for air travel. My daughter-in-law and two young grandsons are stationed at Ft. Bragg. I would love for them to fly home for Easter/Spring break. I noticed United offered discount rates in 2007. I also notice there were no offers for southern states. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.