Find answers about eligibility, the application process, volunteer requirements, travel details, and more. We’re here to make it simple.
Give back where you serve.
Complete at least 25 hours of volunteer service with an on-base, community, nonprofit, or faith based organization of your choice.
Apply at least one month before travel.
We verify eligibility, volunteer hours, and travel details. Once you’re approved, we’ll book your flight and share the confirmation details.
We’ll help get you there.
Approved service members receive a free round-trip flight, up to $1,000 from any duty station to any U.S. state or U.S. territory.
Active-duty component service members, ranks E1–E4, who have completed 25+ verified volunteer hours with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, on-base organization, or another approved community organization like a church or city recreation center.
No. At this time, the program is available only to active-duty service members.
No. Flights are currently available only to active duty service members.
No. The program is open to all E1–E4 active-duty service members who complete the required 25 hours of volunteer service; financial need is not required.
Miles for Military requires a copy of your most recent Leave and Earnings Statement to verify that you are an E1-E4 active-duty service member.
The application includes a section for uploading a clear, readable copy of your LES. Please confirm that it was issued within the past 30 days and displays your name and pay grade. Block out your Social Security number, bank account information, and other sensitive details before uploading.
We ask that you do not apply until your leave dates are approved. We understand that some military leave systems may not allow you to formally request leave more than 30 days in advance. In those cases, we recommend having at least verbal approval from your leadership before applying.
Once Miles for Military books and confirms your flight, we do not manage voluntary changes or rebookings. If your leave dates change after your flight is booked, you are responsible for coordinating any changes directly with the airline, including any applicable fees or fare differences.
Yes. Applicants must complete 25+ verified volunteer hours in the same calendar year as the requested flight before submitting their application, and the application must be submitted at least one month before travel.
Service members can volunteer with any 501(c)(3) nonprofit, on-base, or at a community center, including organizations like the USO, Red Cross, United Way, animal shelters, churches, youth sports leagues, and more. Contact Miles for Military for help.
No. Miles for Military accepts volunteer hours from any eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charity, community entity, or on-base organization.
Applicants must provide their volunteer coordinator’s point of contact, including the name, phone number, and email address. The Miles for Military team verifies the hours before booking travel.
Yes, if at least 25 hours were completed with an eligible organization in the last 12 months and can be verified by a point of contact.
Yes, if the hours fall within the 12-month window and have not already been used for a previous flight.
Applicants should apply at least 30 days before their travel date to allow sufficient time for eligibility review, flight coordination, and booking. We recommend applying as soon as possible.
However, we understand that military service often involves short-notice travel. Applications submitted less than 30 days before travel may be considered on a case-by-case basis for service members traveling due to TDY, PCS, deployment, or other official military orders. Approval will depend on staff capacity, flight availability, and our ability to process the request before the travel date.
Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance, and shorter timelines may limit our ability to support your travel needs.
You can request preferred flights, times, airlines, airports, and connections, but Miles for Military makes the final booking decision based on availability and cost.
No. There are no blackout dates, but the ticket must be under $1,000.
No. Checked bags, seat upgrades, Wi-Fi, food, drinks, and other add-ons are the service member’s responsibility. We encourage our flyers to check with the airline directly about potential discounts on checked baggage for active-duty military personnel.
Miles for Military covers up to $1,000 per approved application. If the flight exceeds $1,000, the organization cannot cover the remaining cost but will work with the flyer to find alternative solutions. This may include adjusting dates, changing airports, or using a one-way ticket to reduce the cost of the service member’s trip.
At this time, we are unable to cost-share; a service member can not cover the remaining balance for flights over $1,000.
Yes, travel dates can be adjusted when possible, but flexibility is important due to flight costs and availability may change.
No. Miles for Military does not reimburse tickets that have already been purchased.
Yes, but once Miles for Military books and confirms your flight, you are responsible for managing any changes directly with the airline. Miles for Military does not rebook flights or cover change fees, fare differences or other costs associated with voluntary changes after booking.
If your travel plans change, contact the airline using the confirmation information provided with your ticket. Airline policies vary, and some may offer additional flexibility for active-duty service members, particularly when changes are related to military orders.
Yes. Eligible service members may receive one round-trip flight per calendar year, but they must complete a new set of 25 volunteer hours within 12 months of the flight and still meet the E1-E4 rank requirement.
Eligible service members may fly from any duty station in the world to any U.S. state or U.S. territory. All round-trip tickets are limited to 1,000 or less.
Yes. Service members stationed outside the contiguous U.S., including places like Hawaii, Alaska, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Japan, can apply, but the $1,000 limit still applies.
Yes, but applicants may need to have flexible travel dates and locations to keep the flight within the $1,000 limit.
