When Traveling INCONUS should I wear my uniform? As a rule, Yes. You will find that it will get you respect and if you are expected to arrive and report in uniform it will just be that much easier. Can I upgrade from my military ticket? No in most cases you cannot take a military purchased ticket and upgrade to first class, even at your own expense. Even using frequent flyer miles you are not allowed to upgrade to First class on a government ticket. You are welcome to try, but most government tickets have an intentional restriction preventing upgrades.
What about Frequent Flyer programs? If you can, join. They are available and sometimes you are able to use long distance services, other products, or credit card purchases to help build your points. Many times these free points translate into free tickets over time.
Even though you cannot upgrade most military issued commercial tickets, you can use your frequent flyer miles while traveling military in other ways. Some Hotels and Car rental agencies take certain frequent flyer points, check with your lodging and car agencies before you fly to see which one do.
Traveling and trying to build your frequent flyer mileage is wise, but as always ticket prices need to come first. If the ticket is more than twenty dollars more to get frequent flyer miles, pass it by. If not, buy it, and accumulate those points.
Joint Programs. Some different airlines use what is called Code Sharing. This means that they use one airline while booking or using another for frequent flyer miles. If you can find out when you book a ticket, try to stick to airlines that are code-sharing participants, it will allow you more flexibility. Don’t Hold Miles. If you get the frequent flyer miles to purchase two tickets you want, go ahead and purchase them. If you hold on to your miles and something happens, you can wind up losing the value you have accumulated. Other airlines will often honor miles and points, but sometimes that takes a long time to establish, and who wants to wait?
Compare. As a member of the military you are eligible for a lot of discounted airfare, and other programs. We advise that you compare, and learn all you can. Use the search engines, and travel related web sites to get all the information you can.
Some of the smartest use for frequent flyer point and miles is in other programs and services that allow you to use them. Look for programs that allow you to double your frequent flyer mileage, and you will become a very wise and savvy traveler.
So much incorrect information here, I don’t know where to start. First of all, you need to wear your uniform in accordance with AR 670-1 or equivalent service reg. Military tickets have no magic controls not allowing upgrades. Google military frequent flyer and you’ll get much better advice.