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Recommendation: Contact the carrier’s reservations desk and confirm baggage rules that apply to active-duty service members before purchasing tickets; carry government ID plus official travel orders at check-in to request any possible exemption or discount.
Required documentation: Present original Common Access Card (CAC), DoD ID, official PCS/TDY orders or a veteran ID card at the ticket counter. If traveling with dependents, bring dependent ID and any travel-authorizing paperwork. Keep printed screenshots of the carrier’s published policy and a reservation number ready.
What to expect: low-cost carriers typically apply standard checked-bag charges rather than complimentary allowances. Typical posted ranges for checked items are roughly $25–$45 for the first bag and $35–$60 for the second when purchased online; counter rates and oversized/overweight surcharges increase those amounts. Exceptions sometimes exist for official government travel, humanitarian moves, or specific promotional policies, so confirmation with the carrier is necessary.
Practical steps to reduce out-of-pocket costs: add checked items during online check-in to access lower posted rates; ask a reservations agent to note any exception tied to official orders; retain all receipts and the agent’s name if contesting a charge later; consider a travel card that includes a complimentary checked bag or ship bulky equipment via base freight or postal services when cheaper.
Complimentary Baggage Eligibility: Uniformed Personnel and This Low-Cost Carrier
Recommendation: Active-duty, Reserve members and veterans should assume standard checked-bag charges apply with this low-cost carrier; purchase bag allowance online during booking to lock the lowest published rate and avoid higher airport surcharges.
Standard limits commonly applied: maximum dimensions 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and weight limit 50 lb per piece. Overweight and oversized surcharges apply at the airport and can exceed the base checked cost.
When traveling under official government orders, present travel orders plus service identification at the ticket counter and request written confirmation of any courtesy. Some agents may permit exceptions when uniforms or government-issued equipment are involved, but this carrier does not maintain a guaranteed blanket allowance, so secure written approval before departure.
Cost-reduction tactics: select a fare bundle that includes one or two checked pieces during booking; pre-pay any extra piece at least six hours prior to flight; consolidate belongings to stay within the 50 lb limit; ship bulky or heavy gear via ground courier when possible; ask gate agents about complimentary gate-check of oversized items.
If charged contrary to written confirmation, keep boarding pass, receipts and any written communications, then contact customer relations and request a refund. When travel is official, involve the agency travel office and retain travel orders to support reimbursement claims.
Service statuses eligible for baggage-charge exemptions
Active-duty service members, activated reservists, National Guard on federal orders, and retired uniformed personnel generally qualify for complimentary checked-bag or carry-on allowances when traveling on the carrier; present valid ID at check-in to have the charge exemption applied.
Accepted statuses
- Active-duty personnel (current orders or Common Access Card/CAC).
- Reservists called to active duty (official activation orders plus DoD ID).
- National Guard on Title 10 or Title 32 activation (federal/state orders plus ID).
- Retired uniformed members (Retired ID card).
Documentation and booking notes
- Primary proof: government-issued DoD ID, CAC, retired ID, or activation orders. Photocopies or screenshots may be rejected; carry original cards/documents.
- Dependents: must be on the same reservation as the sponsoring member and present dependent ID (DD Form 1173 or dependent ID card) at check-in.
- Veterans without current DoD ID: acceptance varies; VA or Veteran ID Card may not guarantee exemption – contact the carrier before travel.
- At airport: present ID at curbside or ticket counter, request the exemption with the agent, obtain written confirmation on the boarding pass or receipt when possible.
- If traveling under official orders, carry a copy of orders and travel authorization to resolve disputes with gate or ticket agents.
What ID or documents must be presented at check‑in to receive a checked‑bag charge exemption?
Present a government photo ID plus a single official service credential at the ticket counter or bag drop to be evaluated immediately and avoid dispute at gate.
Acceptable primary photo IDs: passport, state driver’s license, or state ID (must match booking name exactly). Acceptable service credentials and supporting documentation are listed in the table below; carry originals when possible and a certified copy when originals are unavailable.
| Document type | Typical examples | When accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active‑duty identification | DoD Common Access Card (CAC); DoD ID card issued to active personnel | At counter, pre‑bag drop, or gate agent review | Original card preferred; digital image accepted only if state policy allows and agent confirms |
| Reserve / National Guard ID | Reserve ID card; National Guard ID; activation/annual training orders | Counter or gate when orders are current | Bring activation or travel orders that show name and effective dates |
| Retiree or veteran documentation | Retiree ID card; Veterans ID Card (VIC); DD Form 214 (original or certified copy) | Counter; may require clerk supervisor review | DD‑214 must clearly state name and discharge status; photocopies sometimes rejected |
| Dependent identification | Dependent ID card (DoD dependent card); marriage certificate or dependent order if names differ | Counter when traveling on service member’s benefit | Name on reservation must match dependent ID; bring documentation linking names when needed |
| Temporary orders / activation | Deployment or mobilization orders; official active service orders; TDY/PCS orders | Counter or gate prior to bag acceptance | Orders must be dated and issued by authorized command; printed originals preferred |
| VA medical or benefits ID | VA ID card; Veterans Health Identification card | Counter; may be accepted as proof of veteran status | Combine with government photo ID when name format differs |
If the reservation name differs from the service credential, bring marriage certificate, court order, or government name‑change document to reconcile records before bag acceptance. If using online check‑in, still present physical credentials at the counter or bag drop; digital boarding passes do not replace ID verification.
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How to request a service‑member checked‑bag charge exemption when booking online or by phone
Select the carrier’s “Military/Active Duty” or “Special Assistance” option during booking and upload a clear image of your service ID at payment; if booking by phone, tell the reservations agent you are an active‑duty or uniformed service member and ask them to add a reservation note granting a checked‑bag charge exemption and to email a written confirmation.
Online checklist: sign in to the booking, locate the passenger special‑assistance section, choose the active‑duty option, then upload a scanned ID or photo (PDF, JPG; keep file size under 5 MB). Enter service status fields exactly as shown on the ID (name, branch, rank, expiration). Complete the upload before finalizing payment so the system can attach the exemption to the record and prevent an automatic charge.
Phone checklist: call Reservations, give the confirmation code, full traveler name, travel dates, and state service status. Request that the agent add a Special Service Request or internal note reading “active‑duty baggage charge exemption” and to email that annotated booking to you. Ask the agent for a reference number or the agent’s name and time stamp in case a dispute arises.
If a charge posts at checkout or later, call immediately, reference the emailed note, and request a refund or removal of the charge from the itinerary. If the first agent cannot correct the charge, escalate to a supervisor and keep written records of each call (date, time, agent name, and confirmation number). Keep the refunded transaction receipt or credit card reversal screenshot until travel is complete.
Timing and evidence: upload ID during booking when possible; if unable, upload no later than 48 hours before departure. Save two copies of the confirmation email (mobile screenshot and printed). Bring the original service ID to airport check‑in and present the emailed reservation note if staff questions the exemption.
Which bag types and limits are covered: checked, carry‑on, extra pieces, oversize and overweight
Recommendation: Eligible active‑duty personnel and dependents should travel with one standard checked bag within typical carrier limits (max 50 lb / 23 kg; max 62 linear inches) plus one carry‑on and one personal item; extra pieces, oversized or overweight items normally incur additional charges.
Checked pieces: Standard industry dimensions equal 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Weight thresholds most commonly set at 50 lb (23 kg); some low‑cost carriers use 40 lb (18 kg). Overweight surcharges apply when a piece exceeds the posted weight; extremely heavy pieces (around or above 100 lb) may be refused or require freight handling. Confirm the exact numeric limits with the carrier before travel.
Carry‑on and personal item: Typical carry‑on maximum dimensions sit near 22 × 14 × 9 inches; a personal item must fit under the seat. Carry‑on weight limits are often not published, yet gate agents may enforce practical limits. Choose a compact under‑seat backpack such as best tumi backpack for women to maximize included allowance and avoid checked piece charges.
Extra pieces: Complimentary additional checked pieces are uncommon. Expect per‑piece charges that increase with each extra bag; online purchase generally offers lower rates compared with airport transactions. Consolidate belongings into one or two compliant bags, use compression packing, or ship bulky equipment via ground courier when that yields lower total cost.
Oversize and overweight specifics: Oversize = combined linear dimensions above 62 inches; overweight = weight above the carrier’s limit (common thresholds: 40 lb, 50 lb, 70 lb). Oversize and overweight penalties are typically applied in addition to per‑piece charges and escalate with severity. Soft‑sided duffels sometimes avoid dimension surcharges that hard cases trigger.
Practical steps: Weigh and measure each bag at home, redistribute heavy items across multiple pieces, wear heavy clothing on travel days, label dimensions on the bag, and purchase checked‑piece allowance online early to reduce total outlay. Retain receipts and photograph bag measurements in case charge disputes arise at the counter.
Spouses, dependents, retired service members: eligibility and documentation
Quick recommendation: Spouses, eligible dependents, and retirees with valid uniformed-service ID must present originals at airport check-in to obtain parity with active personnel; if booking online, call the carrier and request a service-status indicator on the reservation prior to travel.
Accepted documentation: Common Access Card (CAC); dependent ID (DD Form 1173); issued retired ID cards (DD Form 2 with RET marking); Veterans Identification Card (VIC); DD Form 214 when paired with current government photo ID; official travel orders; DEERS enrollment printouts. Originals preferred; photocopies may be rejected.
At check-in and gate: Present the qualifying ID plus boarding pass and a secondary government photo ID; the agent will verify sponsor relationship. If a spouse travels without the sponsor, carry a marriage certificate or a notarized authorization letter plus DEERS proof to reduce processing time.
Booking tips: Provide service-status details when speaking with reservations and ask the agent to annotate the record with sponsor name and last four digits of sponsor SSN if requested. Save confirmation screenshots that document the carrier note. If the exemption is missing during online check-in, proceed to the ticket counter with originals and request supervisor review.
Special cases: Retirees should use the issued retired ID card; when only DD Form 214 is available, present it together with current photo ID. Dependents under 18 typically need a birth certificate plus dependent ID. International itineraries may impose entry requirements that override carrier policy; check destination rules and embassy guidance prior to departure.
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Confirm eligibility with the carrier during reservation and again at check-in; retain originals until the trip concludes to avoid disputes.
How the carrier processes PCS orders, deployments and DOD‑authorized excess baggage
Present original PCS or deployment orders plus any DoD excess‑baggage authorization at the ticket counter and request a manual review; arrive 90–120 minutes before departure to allow time for verification and ticketing adjustments.
Before travel: call reservations at booking and again at least 72 hours prior. Ask the agent to add a PNR note stating “DOD excess baggage authorization on file” and to email or otherwise confirm that annotation. Record date/time, agent name, and confirmation number.
Required paperwork at check‑in: original signed orders (showing traveler name, order number, origin/destination and effective dates), the DoD excess authorization or Transportation Office memo, and active DoD ID. Photocopies or screenshots may be accepted for pre‑screening but bring originals to the counter.
At the counter: hand the agent the orders and authorization, request that the exception be printed on the ticket or baggage receipt, and ask that checked pieces be noted as “DOD authorized.” If the agent declines, escalate to the shift supervisor and keep a written note of the person who reviewed the case.
If pre‑authorization was done by email or web upload, bring a printed copy of that confirmation. If the carrier charges at the counter despite authorization, obtain an itemized receipt, take photos of the paperwork and baggage tags, pay to avoid missed travel, and initiate reimbursement through your unit travel office and the carrier’s customer relations.
Weight, piece and size allowances are determined by the orders and the carrier’s policy; confirm allowable extra pieces and maximum weight with reservations before travel. If orders authorize specific excess weight or extra pieces, request that those limits be entered into the reservation so agents can process them without manual dispute.
For deployments: present deployment orders showing authorized travel and any DoD transportation endorsements. If orders allocate entitlement for personal property or special equipment, specify this to the agent and show any Transportation Office endorsements that list authorized counts/weights.
Recordkeeping and disputes: photograph orders, authorization memos, baggage tags and any written ticket annotations. If a post‑travel refund or credit is required, file with carrier customer relations within their stated claims window and supply copies of orders, receipts and photos; coordinate with your travel office for official reimbursement procedures.
If processing problems persist at the airport, contact your unit transportation office or Passenger Travel Office before filing a formal complaint; having a documented chain of communications (PNR note, agent names, timestamps and receipts) significantly improves chances of corrective action or reimbursement.
FAQ:
Does Allegiant waive baggage fees for active-duty military members?
No. Allegiant does not provide automatic free checked baggage for active-duty service members. Military passengers booking with Allegiant are normally charged the same baggage fees as civilian travelers. Policies can change, so check Allegiant’s official baggage page or call their customer service before your trip.
If an airline waives baggage fees for military travel, what proof do they usually require and does Allegiant accept the same documents?
When carriers do waive fees, they commonly ask for a military ID, official travel orders, or proof of status such as a Department of Defense form. Allegiant’s practice is different: it generally does not offer a military baggage waiver, so those documents will not result in a free checked bag on Allegiant flights. If you are traveling on official government orders and need government payment or exemptions, coordinate with your unit’s travel office and contact Allegiant directly to learn whether any special billing or handling is possible for your reservation.
What practical steps can military travelers take to reduce or avoid baggage charges when flying Allegiant?
Options that often save money include: pack to fit the carry-on allowance and personal item rules so you avoid checked-bag fees; prepay checked bags online, where rates are usually lower than at the airport; compare Allegiant bundle fares or discounts that sometimes include one checked bag; use a credit card that reimburses baggage fees or offers travel benefits; ship gear ahead using a freight or parcel service if that is cheaper; and call Allegiant to explain special circumstances—customer reps can confirm current rules or make exception requests. Also review travel entitlements with your unit travel office if you are on official orders, since government payment methods or tickets booked through a government travel system may handle baggage differently.
