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Active-duty service members fly with perks — and that includes free access to different airport lounges around the world. In the U.S., United Airlines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines all open their doors to eligible military members. USO lounges are also an option worldwide (just check the hours — they're generally staffed by volunteers).
Never been to a lounge? Think comfy seating, free food and drinks, Wi-Fi, chargers, and sometimes even showers — a big upgrade from the usual airport grind.
Lounge access policies differ depending on the lounge to which you’re heading. Here are the lounges that offer free entry to service members:
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- Must be traveling on United or United Express within 24 hours.
- Must have ID and boarding pass.
- Must be in uniform, have leave orders or R & R papers.
- Family members traveling with you are allowed entry.
- Must be on a same-day flight operated by American.
- Must have ID and boarding pass.
- Must be in uniform.
- Immediate family or up to two guests are allowed entry.
- Must be flying on Alaska Airlines.
- Must have a valid military ID.
- Ticket must be booked through SATO.
- Valid for flights departing within three hours.
- All other service members can purchase a day pass for $30.
- Must have a valid military ID.
- All dependents allowed.
- Military retirees, Gold Star families and families of the fallen are allowed entry.
Delta Sky Club
- Access to Delta military lounge in Atlanta airport (ATL).
» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now
Airlines aren’t the only businesses that recognize military members for their service. Because of legislation such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), many card issuers waive the annual fees for their cards.
The best travel credit cards with lounge access typically also command high annual fees. But, you may be able to use your military affiliation to get approved for a premium travel credit card without having to pay that annual fee.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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