Traveling can be expensive, and for students or military personnel, finding ways to save on flights is always exciting! United Airlines recognizes this and offers special discounts tailored to both groups. Whether you’re a college student planning a spring break trip or an active-duty service member coordinating leave, understanding these discounts can help you save money and simplify booking.
Does United Airlines Offer Military, Student, and Young Adult Discounts?
Yes, but the structure differs for each group:
- Military discounts are available directly through United and via official government systems.
- Student discounts are offered through StudentUniverse (now BYOJet), a verified travel platform partnered with United.
- Young adult discounts (ages 18–23) are available via the United mobile app for Economy and Basic Economy fares.
Each program has its own eligibility rules, benefits, and booking steps, so understanding the differences ensures you don’t miss out on savings.
United Airlines Military Discounts
United Airlines has a dedicated Military Travel Program for active-duty U.S. military members and their families. More than 8,000 veterans work at United today, and military benefits extend to active-duty members, National Guard and Reserve personnel, cadets at service academies, and recently discharged veterans.
Who Qualifies for Military Discounts?
United’s military benefits extend to a broad spectrum of personnel:
- Active-duty U.S. military members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard.
- Cadets from U.S. service academies: Air Force Academy, West Point, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Coast Guard Academy.
- Commissioned officers in the U.S. Public Health Service and NOAA Corps.
- Retired military personnel with valid identification.
- Dependents traveling with the service member or on official orders.
Eligibility is verified through official military IDs or platforms like ID.me for certain bookings.
Key Benefits for Military Travelers
1. Checked Baggage Perks
Depending on your orders, military travelers can check up to five bags for free. Even for leisure travel, active-duty members typically receive up to three free checked bags, a benefit that few U.S. airlines match.
2. Priority Boarding and Airport Services
Active-duty personnel can board early through the pre-boarding group, helping reduce stress and streamline airport navigation. Certain airports also provide priority check-in and expedited security lanes.
3. United Club Access
Military travelers can access United Club lounges if space is available, offering a quiet, comfortable environment before flights. This perk is especially useful for long layovers or connecting flights.
4. Government and PCS Travel
United partners with the U.S. Department of Defense to support Permanent Change of Station (PCS) travel. Eligible travelers can access:
- Government contract fares with flexible terms
- Fully refundable tickets
- No blackout dates or seat restrictions
5. WeSalute+ Discount Program
Through the WeSalute+ program (formerly Veterans Advantage), United offers a 5% discount on tickets purchased through united.com. This applies to:
- U.S. military veterans, active-duty personnel, National Guard, Reserves, and their families
- Flights originating in the U.S. or Canada
- Travel to destinations including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and transatlantic routes operated by United or the Lufthansa Group
Limitations:
- Discounts only apply to the adult base fare
- Maximum of eight tickets per itinerary
- Basic Economy and special promotional fares are excluded
- Government-imposed taxes, fees, and carrier surcharges are not discounted
How to Book Military Fares
United military fares are not automatically listed on the main booking page. To access them:
- Call United Airlines Reservations directly and ask for military discounted fares.
- Provide proof of military status (active-duty ID, dependent ID).
- Book as far in advance as possible, as military fares are limited and can sell out quickly.
United Airlines Student Discounts
United partners with StudentUniverse (now BYOJet), making discounted fares accessible for verified students. While United doesn’t sell student fares directly, this platform offers a smooth booking experience.
Who Qualifies?
- Full-time students at accredited institutions
- Age varies but generally 18–25
- Must verify enrollment via .edu email, student ID, or official documentation
- International students studying in the U.S. or abroad also qualify
Student Benefits
- Discounted base fares for domestic and international travel
- Flexible tickets with low or waived modification fees
- Seasonal promotions during school breaks
- Savings can reach up to 30% on long-haul or international flights
Booking Student Fares
- Visit home.byojet.com/studentuniverse
- Create an account and verify student status
- Search for United flights marked with student fares
- Complete booking with proof of eligibility
- Manage itinerary via United with the confirmation code
United Airlines Young Adult Discounts
United also provides a Young Adult Discount, aimed at travelers aged 18–23. This discount gives 5% off Economy and Basic Economy fares booked through the United mobile app.
Who Qualifies for Young Adult Discounts?
To qualify for the Young Adult Discount:
- Age: Must be between 18 and 23 years old at the time of booking.
- MileagePlus Membership: You must be a member of United’s MileagePlus program.
- Booking Platform: Reservations must be made through the United Airlines mobile app.
- Fare Classes: Discount applies only to United Economy and Basic Economy fares.
- Date of Birth: Ensure your date of birth in your MileagePlus account matches your travel documents.
How to Book Student Fares
- Download the United App: Available on both iOS and Android platforms.
- Log In: Sign in to your MileagePlus account.
- Select “Young Adult Discount”: During the booking process, choose this option to apply the discount.
- Complete Booking: Proceed with your flight selection and payment as usual.
Benefits of the Young Adult Discount
Unlike standard promotional fares, the Young Adult Discount is:
- Simple to use: Integrated into the United app with no special codes required.
- Flexible: Can be combined with MileagePlus points usage for additional savings (but cannot stack with other fare promotions).
- Accessible internationally: Available on domestic and select international United flights.
Tips to Maximize Savings
- Book early: Young Adult Discount seats can be limited on high-demand routes and popular travel dates.
- Plan around school breaks: Summer, winter, and spring break trips often have more discounted availability.
- Combine with MileagePlus: While you can’t stack fare promotions, using points to partially pay for flights can further reduce travel costs.
- Monitor prices: Use fare alerts in the United app to track drops on routes you plan to travel.
Limitations & Important Notes
- Only valid on Economy or Basic Economy fares. Premium cabins, award tickets, and certain promotional fares are excluded.
- Non-refundable: If you cancel, you’ll lose the discount portion of the fare.
- Individual discount: Cannot be transferred to other travelers.
- Availability depends on route and date — not every flight will have seats eligible for the discount.
Comparing United Airline Discounts to Other Airlines
United’s programs are competitive in the U.S. market:
| Airline | Military Free Bags | Student/Young Adult Discounts | Priority Boarding |
| United | Up to 5 | Student via StudentUniverse (BYOJet now); Young Adult 5% | Yes |
| American | Up to 5 | None officially | Yes |
| Delta | Up to 5 | Partnered student fares | Yes |
| Southwest | 2 | None | Yes |
United stands out for offering comprehensive military baggage benefits and for its partnership with StudentUniverse, making student travel easier.
Tips for Booking United Discounts in 2025
- Plan Ahead: Both military and student fares are limited and can sell out quickly. Book early whenever possible.
- Verify Eligibility Early: Have your military ID, dependent ID, or student verification ready to avoid delays.
- Compare Prices: Sometimes standard fares plus promotions may beat discounted fares. Always compare before booking.
- Check Travel Restrictions: For international travel, military or student fares may have blackout dates or eligibility limitations.
- Use Travel Tools: Set fare alerts for your route, and check United’s official policy pages to confirm eligibility and documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can retired military members use United military discounts?
Typically, discounts are for active-duty personnel. Retirees should check specific eligibility or inquire directly with United Reservations.
Can students combine discounts with other promotions?
Usually, student discounts cannot be combined with other United promotional fares, but some third-party platforms may offer limited deals.
Are military and student discounts available on all flights?
No. Availability is limited on certain high-demand routes and blackout periods may apply.
Can military dependents use the same discount?
Yes, in most cases dependents are eligible, but proof of status is required.
Do student discounts apply to international flights?
Yes, but eligibility and savings vary by route, and some international destinations may have restrictions.