Disabled Veterans Benefits & Military Hops

A veteran has travel options that other travelers do not have. Specifically, they can book commercial airline tickets with military discounts or enroll for a military hop commonly known as Space A (Space Available) flight.

Military hops are military aircraft that allow veterans and dependants on board. These flights are not a reliable means of travel. At any time, a flight's operational status can change, causing cancellations and diverted flights.

Space A seats are identified two to three hours prior to flight departure. The veteran should check with the passenger service center for a flight's show time and the available seating. The veteran should be ready for immediate flight processing and boarding should a space be available.

The only person permitted to accompany a veteran is a dependant or other person eligible for Space A flights. Military personnel make every effort to provide transportation for disabled passengers. The passenger service personnel and crew members will assist the disabled veteran when boarding, seating and deplaning the flight.

A Retired Reservist with a red identification card may fly to Alaska, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and throughout the continental United States. As a Retiree with a blue identification card, the veteran may fly anywhere Department of Defense has flights for that operate within the United States and overseas.

A retired veteran must carry a DD Form 2 (blue) Armed Forces Identification (ID) card. A retired reserve vet, who is entitled to retired pay at age 60, must carry a DD Form 2 (red) ID card and a notice of retirement eligibility. A retired reservist qualified for retired pay must carry a DD Form 2 (blue) ID card.