Every time I’ve flown overseas multiple times? It’s really easy and I assume they had no idea what they were looking at. They just verify the name on the ID matches the name on the paper.
Every time I'm at the self kiosk thing and click "Are you traveling on orders" Yes, an employee comes over and asks to see them. This is either actual PCS orders or the travel authorization from DTS.
I once asked and the American Airline attendant at the bag checkin told me if my bags exceeded 50lb then I would need orders.
I have, once on personal travel, had a bag weight over 50 and the employee pretended to not notice.
but you are allowed like 5 bags so it s not a big deal.
actually i googled it
# Bags
Depending on your destination, bags are free of charge with active U.S. military ID\*:
* Up to 5 bags 100 lbs each for active U.S. military and / or dependents traveling on orders
* Up to 3 bags 50 lbs each for active U.S. military on personal / leisure travel
I’ve traveled on numerous airlines with free overweight bags. No orders needed, just my CAC. Haven’t tried with American though. Spirit, Delta, and United never had a problem
Some of the lounges only let you in if you are on leave and not TDY as well. That was my experience at one of the lounges in the Charlotte airport, can’t remember which airline. I thought
it was a weird stipulation.
Nasty Girl here, and I fly probably 2-3 times a month for my day job. Would be safe to say over 150 flights in the past 5 years. Would have to check my apps for exact numbers.
Never, even when flying with family and my wife checked all our bags with her dependa ID while I was parking in the lot - they didn’t care.
Large airports: JFK, LAX, MIA, BOS, SEA, ORD, DFW, ATL don’t care.
Small airports: TPA, PDX, SJU, SMF, BNA, LIT, ELP they don’t care either.
Delta, United, American, Southwest (although I’m usually under their free checked bag policy), Frontier & JetBlue (only a handful of flights on the low cost carriers).
Now as for Club access the best airline is American. They have only ever turned me away for being at capacity. Delta has started insisting that you use the AMEX to get in. United is the worst, each club has a different reason for denying you access - you have to be in uniform, traveling on orders, you have to be on leave on orders (I don’t even remember having orders when on mid deployment leave, is that a thing?). Alaska also has a pretty strict rule about orders or something they want you to have but I haven’t been turned down from an Alaskan lounge yet, the agent always says “wellll I’m not supposed to but go on in”. Im always very thankful to the lounge employees no matter the outcome.
Not sure what others on here are doing to get carded for their orders but I can’t have the streak I’ve had and just call it luck.
Bro, I was directed by my CoC to fly with more bags than allotted and my NCO wanted me to come out of pocket for it.
Short answer, they will check orders, and second they will hold you to the limits.
Fair move on your part, if they want more bags then they should have authorized it in your GTCC. Lord knows you would never have been reimbursed for it.
I was told the secret passcode was something along the lines of either “don’t be a hero” or “I am a hero” when they ask you that, and they’ll let you through
…/s
Every time i have flown with any US based airline, I have gotten my bags checked for free. Even times when i did pay for my bags, when i checked them the agent would usually say that I shouldn't have payed before hand because they would have just checked it for free when i use my CAC as a form of ID.
I did, flying out of Denver. The lady clearly had no idea what she was looking at and whispered to me "I don't actually care. It's just for the cameras."
I fly armed and one time the ticketing person said I'd have to pay for bags as it was either "get free bags or fly armed". I'm sure I had a "huh?" look on my face but I just paid the fee and moved on.
Just pull rank. Like at subway. Heard a guy got to cut the whole line cause it was an officer or something.
Those civilian peasants don’t know you out rank them! Hell, fly the plane and all your luggage is free.
I have had to prove I'm on orders to get the 5x100lb 'Stanley Box Special'.
Without orders (vacation flying) it's normally just 2x regular bags free per ticket+ free precheck.
Yes, probably 20% of the time.
Usually happens more often at airports not located in explicitly military communities (e.g. Ronald Reagan, Tucson International).
Nope. I now work for an airline and have never seen anyone asked at the check in desk or club for orders. I’m at the club much more often than check in though so ymmv.
Yes. Typically when I check in with my cac, they ask if I’m on orders or leave, then they’ll ask for orders or leave form, then my bags are free.
I’ve only really had it start happening consistently in the last few years though.
Yes and as a Reservist it sucks because we are not “on orders” while flying to drill and the travel cost reimbursement is cost of travel, up to (I think max was $500 but I forget). If I planned ahead my round trip flight came in right under that amount but getting hit with $150 for the ruck and duffel bag of stuff on the packing list for an overnight “field op” where we are sleeping in cabins/bunks.
I started bringing my annual drill schedule, which lists the dates and says “you are ordered to attend” signed Commander and the mileage memo we submit in DTS for the request for reimbursement. It worked everytime for me but remember to be polite, respectful and grateful if they take care of you, since waiving that fee isn’t an entitlement. They can still charge you for excess baggage fees even if it’s authorized in your orders, especially if you’re an asshole.
CBP asked for my leave form once coming back from overseas. I didn't have it. Ive checked my snowboard on leave and they didn't charge me or ask for any paperwork. I dont think most airport workers even know there was any paperwork.
to be honest the airport always throws the red carpet whenever I say I am military. If you ask they can mark you for TSA precheck. Most airlines will let you fly like 5 bags if you are military.
Ive had one time Flying Domestic but the only difference between flying on orders and not is that on orders you get 5 free bags and not on orders you get two. May vary by airline
In small satellite airports- yes! In big metro airports - no… naw hell naw! If it’s close proximity to anything related to the military- a depot, a garrison, national guard garrison(?) they know the deal and will even do the TSA pre check for me!
Happened to me for the first time in 19 and a half years this past Friday. Flying American out of Louisville the agent asked to see my 1610 before she would override the bag fee.
It happens about 10% of the time for me. I also carry my 1610 on me when I’m on official travel because it isn’t just useful for airlines. Sometimes hotels will want to see them for various rate or tax reasons. I’ve even been asked to see them by immigration when traveling on an official passport.
Has anyone ever lied about being on orders to get the discounted travel rate when booking flights?
When I first joined someone told me Delta have a military discount on flights if you book with an agent. So I called and asked. The agent asked if I was traveling on orders and I said no, so she said the discount doesn't apply. But if I had said yes would just have needed to show my "orders" with my id when checking in?
Every time I’ve flown overseas multiple times? It’s really easy and I assume they had no idea what they were looking at. They just verify the name on the ID matches the name on the paper.
Not once, ever. But that hasnt stopped me from having my DTS authorization email ready
You can print of a version of a 1610 in dts there are some organizations that do recognize a 1610
It depends. Usually my tiny CAC works when they see it.
So to speak….
I'm going to steal that and start refering to it as my tiny CAC now, thanks.
Please. It will be the only source of happiness I have.
Nope. Not once. They always check my bags free, even when I'm flying with the my whole family.
Never. That said, I always keep a copy of my 1610 and my DTS itinerary on my phone.
Every time I'm at the self kiosk thing and click "Are you traveling on orders" Yes, an employee comes over and asks to see them. This is either actual PCS orders or the travel authorization from DTS.
You don’t have to be on orders to qualify for free checked bags, at least not with United or American.
I once asked and the American Airline attendant at the bag checkin told me if my bags exceeded 50lb then I would need orders. I have, once on personal travel, had a bag weight over 50 and the employee pretended to not notice.
but you are allowed like 5 bags so it s not a big deal. actually i googled it # Bags Depending on your destination, bags are free of charge with active U.S. military ID\*: * Up to 5 bags 100 lbs each for active U.S. military and / or dependents traveling on orders * Up to 3 bags 50 lbs each for active U.S. military on personal / leisure travel
Yeah, you’re allowed up to 70 lbs only when traveling on orders, otherwise it’s 50 lbs
When I came back from basic my bag weighed over 90lbs and they didn't care.
I’ve traveled on numerous airlines with free overweight bags. No orders needed, just my CAC. Haven’t tried with American though. Spirit, Delta, and United never had a problem
And Frontier in addition to those two.
Yes, every time. It's to verify and make sure you get your free baggage check.
I fly 10-15x a year and never once have I been asked to show orders. Just my CAC (giggity) and I always get a free baggage check
Maybe you look like a disgruntled SGM that nobody wants to bother too much?
I am a disgruntled SGM and they have never bothered to ask me for orders.
Depends how many bags I’m taking 2 or less no. More than 2 yeah fairly often.
Yes. I live near an AFB and some of the people won't give me free baggage unless I'm on orders :(
Some of the lounges only let you in if you are on leave and not TDY as well. That was my experience at one of the lounges in the Charlotte airport, can’t remember which airline. I thought it was a weird stipulation.
Nasty Girl here, and I fly probably 2-3 times a month for my day job. Would be safe to say over 150 flights in the past 5 years. Would have to check my apps for exact numbers. Never, even when flying with family and my wife checked all our bags with her dependa ID while I was parking in the lot - they didn’t care. Large airports: JFK, LAX, MIA, BOS, SEA, ORD, DFW, ATL don’t care. Small airports: TPA, PDX, SJU, SMF, BNA, LIT, ELP they don’t care either. Delta, United, American, Southwest (although I’m usually under their free checked bag policy), Frontier & JetBlue (only a handful of flights on the low cost carriers). Now as for Club access the best airline is American. They have only ever turned me away for being at capacity. Delta has started insisting that you use the AMEX to get in. United is the worst, each club has a different reason for denying you access - you have to be in uniform, traveling on orders, you have to be on leave on orders (I don’t even remember having orders when on mid deployment leave, is that a thing?). Alaska also has a pretty strict rule about orders or something they want you to have but I haven’t been turned down from an Alaskan lounge yet, the agent always says “wellll I’m not supposed to but go on in”. Im always very thankful to the lounge employees no matter the outcome. Not sure what others on here are doing to get carded for their orders but I can’t have the streak I’ve had and just call it luck.
Bro, I was directed by my CoC to fly with more bags than allotted and my NCO wanted me to come out of pocket for it. Short answer, they will check orders, and second they will hold you to the limits.
And for the record I said no, and one of my NCOs flying with me eventually broke out his card…
Fair move on your part, if they want more bags then they should have authorized it in your GTCC. Lord knows you would never have been reimbursed for it.
Just put the baggage on your GTCC and in your voucher. Or just file a voucher anyway.
Yes, as a reservist I show my ID and say everything is packed up tight in my bag. They often don’t care and move on.
Yes
Depends on the airport and airline. Some have policies that just a CAC/ID will get you some free bags. But I have been asked to show my orders before
I was told the secret passcode was something along the lines of either “don’t be a hero” or “I am a hero” when they ask you that, and they’ll let you through …/s
Every time i have flown with any US based airline, I have gotten my bags checked for free. Even times when i did pay for my bags, when i checked them the agent would usually say that I shouldn't have payed before hand because they would have just checked it for free when i use my CAC as a form of ID.
Nope
Yes and they still charge me for an oversized bag. Bastards.
Often, actually.
At least for American, you get up to 5 checked bags for free, orders or no orders
**FIVE?!** I can’t imagine having 5 bags worth of shit
Only 5?!
Yes, 25% of the time
I think they’ve actually asked to see orders/1610 once. They ask to see a CAC fairly often and then approve the free bag.
Yep. Flying back from SLC last year... and I mean salt lake
NEVER
Depends on the airline and the level of give a fuck. American never checks me. Delta checks every single time everywhere. United, 50/50.
Delete this post immediately, Sir. This is top secret E-4 mafia intelligence.
I did, flying out of Denver. The lady clearly had no idea what she was looking at and whispered to me "I don't actually care. It's just for the cameras."
They can see that you booked your flight through DTS/SATO
I fly armed and one time the ticketing person said I'd have to pay for bags as it was either "get free bags or fly armed". I'm sure I had a "huh?" look on my face but I just paid the fee and moved on.
Yes with Southwest, after my spouse and I got married and were traveling together.
Yes at least twice, maybe 3 times even.
Just pull rank. Like at subway. Heard a guy got to cut the whole line cause it was an officer or something. Those civilian peasants don’t know you out rank them! Hell, fly the plane and all your luggage is free.
Dude I don't even get checked getting my 10% discount at dairy queen.
I have had to prove I'm on orders to get the 5x100lb 'Stanley Box Special'. Without orders (vacation flying) it's normally just 2x regular bags free per ticket+ free precheck.
Yes, probably 20% of the time. Usually happens more often at airports not located in explicitly military communities (e.g. Ronald Reagan, Tucson International).
[удалено]
Weird, not once on my end..
Nope. I now work for an airline and have never seen anyone asked at the check in desk or club for orders. I’m at the club much more often than check in though so ymmv.
Yes. Typically when I check in with my cac, they ask if I’m on orders or leave, then they’ll ask for orders or leave form, then my bags are free. I’ve only really had it start happening consistently in the last few years though.
Yes and as a Reservist it sucks because we are not “on orders” while flying to drill and the travel cost reimbursement is cost of travel, up to (I think max was $500 but I forget). If I planned ahead my round trip flight came in right under that amount but getting hit with $150 for the ruck and duffel bag of stuff on the packing list for an overnight “field op” where we are sleeping in cabins/bunks. I started bringing my annual drill schedule, which lists the dates and says “you are ordered to attend” signed Commander and the mileage memo we submit in DTS for the request for reimbursement. It worked everytime for me but remember to be polite, respectful and grateful if they take care of you, since waiving that fee isn’t an entitlement. They can still charge you for excess baggage fees even if it’s authorized in your orders, especially if you’re an asshole.
Never had my orders checked.
They only ask if you aren’t active duty.
Once in awhile.
Nope, and I travel *very* often.
CBP asked for my leave form once coming back from overseas. I didn't have it. Ive checked my snowboard on leave and they didn't charge me or ask for any paperwork. I dont think most airport workers even know there was any paperwork.
Zero times in 14 years and I've flown all over the country. They'll check ID tho.
to be honest the airport always throws the red carpet whenever I say I am military. If you ask they can mark you for TSA precheck. Most airlines will let you fly like 5 bags if you are military.
Only when I flew into different countries
OP just make copies of your damn orders and keep them handy.
Yes, but that was only when I brought more than 2 bags that were over weight
When my bags exceed size/weight/quantity of what's free for personal travel, yes, every time.
Once but I think it was just the attendant.
At Fayetteville airport they do
Ive had one time Flying Domestic but the only difference between flying on orders and not is that on orders you get 5 free bags and not on orders you get two. May vary by airline
Yes, and I think it's happened every time.
In small satellite airports- yes! In big metro airports - no… naw hell naw! If it’s close proximity to anything related to the military- a depot, a garrison, national guard garrison(?) they know the deal and will even do the TSA pre check for me!
I just whip out the cac and say I’m tdy
Happened to me for the first time in 19 and a half years this past Friday. Flying American out of Louisville the agent asked to see my 1610 before she would override the bag fee.
It happens about 10% of the time for me. I also carry my 1610 on me when I’m on official travel because it isn’t just useful for airlines. Sometimes hotels will want to see them for various rate or tax reasons. I’ve even been asked to see them by immigration when traveling on an official passport.
Every time
Has anyone ever lied about being on orders to get the discounted travel rate when booking flights? When I first joined someone told me Delta have a military discount on flights if you book with an agent. So I called and asked. The agent asked if I was traveling on orders and I said no, so she said the discount doesn't apply. But if I had said yes would just have needed to show my "orders" with my id when checking in?
Every single time
Traveling from korea to the US i had to provide my leave form when flying with united that was this year
One time yeah. Usually they'll just look at my cac though.
Yes, one time. And it was for BA so I didn't even have published orders. Super weird.
Often
No way, really? This is fascinating