Yes, active-duty military members are almost universally granted the privilege of priority boarding on major U.S. airlines, often being invited to board immediately after passengers with disabilities and before general boarding groups. This is a common industry practice used by carriers like Delta, United, American, and Southwest to show appreciation for those serving in the armed forces. To take advantage of this, service members typically do not need to be in uniform; however, they must be prepared to present a valid active-duty military identification card at the gate. The announcement usually invites "active-duty military in uniform or with military ID" to board. This perk allows service members to secure overhead bin space and get settled early, which is particularly helpful given the heavy "duffel bag" luggage many carry. While the policy generally applies to the individual service member, most gate agents extend the courtesy to their immediate family traveling on the same reservation. It is always a good idea to listen closely to the initial boarding announcements, as the military group is often called very early in the process, sometimes even before the airline's own top-tier frequent flyers.