American Airlines has extended through December 31, 2008, several special offers that are available exclusively for active-duty members of the U.S. military. These offers include discounted airfares, relaxed advance purchase requirements, and preferred boarding privileges.

“American Airlines has extended our special fares and offers for members of the military and their families several times over the past few years, and we’re delighted to do so again,” said Dan Garton, American’s Executive Vice President — Marketing. “We sincerely appreciate the courage, dedication and sacrifice that our troops and their families exhibit on a daily basis, and all of us at American look forward to seeing them on one of our flights very soon.”

Active-duty members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, National Guard and Reserves who are on leave or furlough (including those who are traveling within seven days of discharge from active service), and their spouse and dependent children, are eligible for the special military fares. The fares are available for travel to domestic and various international destinations.

These military fares are not available via the Internet. Other restrictions may apply. In addition, the discounted military fares may be purchased up to a week after reservations are made — versus 24 hours for most non-military discount fares — making it easier for military personnel and their families to make travel arrangements. Otherwise, the discounted military fares have no advance purchase requirements, unlike most non-military discount fares.