Introduction

After completing their service, military personnel are often eager to return home. However, missing their flight back to the United States can have serious consequences. This article explores the repercussions of a discharged service member missing their flight home and what steps the military and airlines take to rectify the situation.

Consequences of Missing a Flight During Discharge

When a military member is discharged, they typically are provided with transportation by the military from their final base to their home of record. If they miss this transportation, they are no longer under military financial obligations. Nonetheless, missing the flight can lead to significant delays in returning home and put the individual in the awkward position of finding alternative travel arrangements.

Legal and Administrative Implications

During the discharge process, military personnel relinquish their status as active-duty service members. This means they no longer receive benefits such as travel pay or military support. If an individual misses their flight and is not authorized to be away from their base, they can face administrative consequences.

Being Listed as AWOL (Absent Without Leave)

In the scenario described, a soldier missed his flight but was still within the framework of military time. He eventually showed up at the barracks, seemingly out of the blue, and was discovered to be listed as absent without leave (AWOL). This can lead to disciplinary action and financial penalties due to the military's strict adherence to time and attendance rules.

The soldier in question was later apprehended by military police and forced to go through reprocessing. This included a haircut, a new set of uniforms, and a series of other initial issue items. Even though the individual had committed no criminal offense, the simple act of missing a flight meant he had to undergo a process that would typically only apply to those who had committed serious infractions. This further underscores the importance of adhering to military schedules and procedures.

Steps Involved in Rescheduling and Reimbursement

When a discharged service member misses their flight, the first step is to attempt to reschedule their travel. Airlines will generally be understanding, but they do need to manage time slots for their scheduled flights. This can be a complex and time-consuming process.

Rescheduling with the Airline

Once the service member has communicated their mistake to the airline, they will need to work with the airline to reschedule their flight. This can involve additional fees or delays, but the airline is typically cooperative in ensuring that the passenger can board the next available flight. Military personnel have access to certain privileges, such as expedited access to the front of the line at ticket counters and the ability to change flights free of charge within a certain timeframe.

Impact on Travel Pay and Reimbursement

Military travel pay, which is based on mileage from the home of record to the final discharge location, is not available if the individual misses the prearranged transportation. However, reimbursement through the service member's personal funds or a personal credit card can still be a viable option.

Prevention and Awareness

To avoid missing a critical flight after discharge, it is essential for military personnel to be aware of their scheduled departures and to have a plan in place for transportation to the airport. Proper communication with the military transportation office is crucial, and familiarity with the different discharge processes in place can help avoid unexpected complications.

Avoiding Missed Flights

Military personnel should plan ahead to ensure all necessary documentation and personal items are ready, and they understand the exact time and location of the flight. Setting reminders and confirming details via multiple channels can significantly reduce the likelihood of missing the flight. Additionally, having a designated person to transport them to the airport is a good alternative if they are unable to do so themselves.

Conclusion

While missing a flight after discharge can lead to significant inconveniences, the incident itself does not turn a discharged military member into a criminal. However, it can result in delays, expenses, and a stressful reprocessing experience. By understanding the potential consequences and taking precautions, service members can minimize the impact of such a situation.