Not to be sarcastic, but leave travel is at the expence of the service member. Discount rates are available, and higher fares are given to everyone for last minute bookings. Still a military discount is given. Members are encouraged to go to SATO (Scheduled Airline Ticket Office) to get thier tickets for leave or PCS... If you call the airlines, you don't get those tickets!
FOLLOWING IS A RECENT EXAMPLE OF WHY OUR MILITARY NEEDS A MILITARY AIRFARE REDUCTION
April 9 I received a phone call that my 23 year old son, who is a Sergeant, was injured while fighting the war in Iraq. His injuries were not life threatening, but did require surgery. He was very lucky as one of the men he was working with was killed.
On April 20th he was finally able to give us firm dates as to when he could come home for convalescence leave. That date was April 25th. I had 5 days to make the airline reservation. I immediately got on the phone to make a reservation and explained that my son had been injured serving his country in Iraq, and had just been given the dates when he could come home to convalesce.
At this point, we definitely did not have any advance notice advantage and it showed in the fare quote I received. For my son to fly from Washington DC (after the funeral of his fallen comrade) to San Francisco and then back to his post in Georgia 3 weeks later cost $1950. I asked if there was any military discount and was told it was $30.00 less. At this point, I started begging for a break for my son who had given so much defending his country and lost so much – 4 fallen comrades. The reservation clerk suggested I call back in the morning and talk with Customer Care where there was a new information desk dealing with military issues. I followed her instructions and called back the next morning. I was told by Customer Care that no such information desk existed and nothing else could be done.
It sounds to me like our help is still needed here.