Dec. 19, 2007 — American Airlines is cutting a break for active-duty members of the military, their spouses and their families when it comes to getting home for the holidays and beyond.
The deal extends through July 31, and includes discounted airfares, relaxed advance-purchase requirements and preferred-boarding privileges.
"All of us at American Airlines appreciate the efforts of U.S. military personnel to keep our country safe and secure, and we acknowledge the difficult sacrifices they and their family members make on our behalf," said Dan Garton, American's executive vice president for marketing, according to a news release. "We're delighted to extend these special offers to our troops and their families, and look forward to having them fly with us soon."
The military special includes flights to the territory, said Elena Fletes at American's media office in Florida. She did not have any examples of military airfares from various destinations to the Virgin Islands.
The offer is made to members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, National Guard and Reserves. It includes active-duty members who are on leave or furlough, including those who are traveling within seven days of discharge from active service. They must show their military identification at check-in.
The airline will also allow military members to put their tickets on hold for a week before they must purchase them. The normal time frame runs 24 hours.
Additionally, those serving in Iraq or Afghanistan are welcome to use the airline's Admiral's Club facilities at airports that do not have USO facilities. They must be in uniform and present their emergency or rest-and-recreation leave papers. Family members accompanying members of the military are also welcome.
American Eagle has added extra seats in the Killeen, Texas, market to allow soldiers from Fort Hood to leave the post for the three-day Christmas holiday, the release said. Airports include Killeen, Austin and Waco. Members of the military must travel outbound and inbound between Thursday and Dec. 27. There is no advance-purchase requirement.
Families who want to travel to Fort Hood should call AA Meeting Services at 800-433-1790 between 6 a.m. and midnight. Refer to Starfile 23D7AW.
To book the special military fare from other locations, call 800-433-7300.
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