Nov
9
How do I find out about military airline discounts / specials to bring my son home from Alaska for Christmas?
Filed Under Other - United States
equinewmn2004 asked:
My son is in the Army and is stationed at Fort Richardson in Alaska. He has leave for Christmas, but I cannot find plane tickets for under $1,000.00. How do I go about finding out about military discounts, and / or HOPS? The Air Force bases are tight lipped about HOPS now due to 9/11, and my son is in the middle of the desert in California training for his tour in Afghanistan in February, so he is unable to find out. I want to surprise him by bringing him home, but that’s a lot of money…Help!
NOAH
My son is in the Army and is stationed at Fort Richardson in Alaska. He has leave for Christmas, but I cannot find plane tickets for under $1,000.00. How do I go about finding out about military discounts, and / or HOPS? The Air Force bases are tight lipped about HOPS now due to 9/11, and my son is in the middle of the desert in California training for his tour in Afghanistan in February, so he is unable to find out. I want to surprise him by bringing him home, but that’s a lot of money…Help!
NOAH
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5 Responses to “How do I find out about military airline discounts / specials to bring my son home from Alaska for Christmas?”
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Contact base commander.
You just have to ask the airlines. And at the holiday times, it is always more expensive
they arent HOPS… lol its just called a ‘hop’ because you’re riding Space-Availiable planes. you can find out about them by looking up AMC (Air Mobility Command) but don’t expect to get first dibs. since he’s active duty, he’ll be one of the first classes, but i believe wounded coming home and active officers will go before him. in california, try Travis AFB, they’re a huge AMC facility.
Contact the airlines. My brother was stationed there as well. I know my mom did not get any help, but then again she did not ask either. I hope he can come home, I know how much it will mean to him. If anything, do a fund raiser. I am sure many will help one of our soldiers come home for the holidays. Put cans in the local stores, gas stations and contact your local VFW. Maybe they will be able to help or give you some answers. I hope this holiday wish can come true for you and your son.
To be honest, $1000.00 sounds like the going rate from Fairbanks, AK.
Many of the airlines have dropped discounts due to the high operating costs they face. Additionally, Christmas is a high travel period.
Hops (for hop on board) are a great deal. When I was in I used them to travel around Europe. But, as you mentioned, due to 9/11 it is hard for someone on the outside to get info.
Your son may be able to get a hop to McChord or Fairchild, and catch a civilian flight you book for him – but it’s risky is he can’t catch a hop.
My recommendation – book the $1000.00 ticket. It is guaranteed.