Military Travel Discounts – How to Apply

This article covers detailed information about Military Travel Discounts, how to get it, and more.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started –

What does Military Travel Discounts Means?

Military travel discounts refer to special discounts offered to military members, like reservists, active-duty service members, veterans, and military family members. Various organizations, including airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and theme parks, offer these discounts to show appreciation for the service and sacrifice of military personnel. The discounts can vary in terms of amount and availability. Still, they typically provide military personnel with reduced rates of travel and leisure activities, making it easier and more affordable for them to take time off and relax with their families.

Some popular airlines and hotel chains have dedicated military discount programs, and many other companies offer military discounts on a seasonal or promotional basis. It’s always a good idea for military personnel to check with companies directly or look for information on the company’s website to see if they offer military discounts and to inquire about the specifics of the discount, such as eligibility requirements and the exact amount of the discount.

How to get Military Travel Discounts?

To claim the military travel discount, one must be an active military member. As a small token of gratitude for the time these people have served, many travel and leisure companies (as well as credit card companies) give discounts to active-duty military personnel and veterans. However, it might be challenging on ordinary travel websites to find military and veteran discounts immediately or be aware of where to find these great travel deals.

Here are some steps to help you get military travel discounts –

Research

Research the different companies that offer participate or offer such discounts. This can include airlines, hotels, car rental companies, theme parks, and more. Many companies have dedicated military discount programs, so start by checking the websites that interest you.

Check for eligibility

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the military travel discount you’re interested in. This typically involves providing proof of military service, such as a military ID or a DD Form 214.

Book directly with the company

Book your travel directly with the company offering the discount rather than through a third-party website. This will ensure you receive the military discount and avoid confusion or issues.

Show proof of military service

When you check in for your flight or check into your hotel, make sure to bring proof of military service, such as a military ID or DD Form 214.

Ask about other discounts

Don’t be afraid to ask the company if they offer any other discounts, such as a military family discount or a discount for veterans. Many companies offer additional discounts beyond just the military discount, so it’s worth asking.

By following these steps, you can take advantage of the many military travel discounts available to members of the military, making your travels more affordable and enjoyable.

Where to get Military Travel Discounts?

There are many places to find military travel discounts, including –

• Airlines – Many airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, offer military travel discounts. These discounts can vary in terms of availability and amount, but they typically provide reduced airfare for military personnel and their families.
• Hotels – Many hotels, such as Hilton, Marriott, and IHG, offer military travel discounts. These discounts can include reduced room prices, breakfast, and other amenities.
• Car rental companies – Car rental companies, such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, often offer military travel discounts. These discounts can include reduced rates on car rentals, free upgrades, and other benefits.
• Theme parks – Popular theme parks, such as Disneyland and Walt Disney World, offer military travel discounts on tickets and packages.
• Other travel providers – In addition to airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and theme parks, other travel providers, such as cruise lines, tour operators, and adventure travel companies, may offer military travel discounts.

It’s always a good idea to check with the company directly to see if they offer military travel discounts and to inquire about the specifics of the discount, such as eligibility requirements and the exact amount of the discount. Additionally, military personnel can check websites, such as Military.com and Veterans Advantage, which offer comprehensive lists of military discounts on travel and other products and services.

Rental Cars Military Travel Discounts

Many car rental companies offer military travel discounts to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and military family members. The discounts can vary in terms of amount and availability, but they typically provide reduced rates on car rentals, free upgrades, and other benefits.

Some popular car rental companies that offer military travel discounts include –

• Alamo – Alamo offers military discounts to active duty military personnel and veterans, with discounts varying by location.
• Avis – Avis offers military discounts to military personnel, veterans, and their dependents. The discounts are different in different locations.
• Budget – Budget offers military discounts, and the discounts vary by location.
• Enterprise – This company also offers military discounts to serve military service members. However, the discounts vary by location.
• Dollar – They offer a 5% discount to veterans’ advantage.
• Thrifty – They offer a 5% discount to military service members.
• National – They only offer a discount when a veteran selects their branch of service.

Hotels Military Travel Discounts

Many hotels offer military travel discounts to active military service members and their dependents. The discounts can vary in terms of amount and availability, but they typically provide reduced room rents, breakfast, and other amenities.

Some popular hotel chains that offer military travel discounts include –

• Hilton
• Marriott
• IHG
• Choice Hotels
• Caesars Entertainment – Military personnel can save up to 35% on rooms.
• Hyatt Hotels – Veterans can receive a discount by booking through their military rate.
• MGM – They offer special MGM reward cards and an extra 10% discount on veteran’s selected hotels.
• Aqua Hotel and Resorts – There are military discounts for both short-term and extended stays at Aqua Hotels and Resorts in Hawaii.
• Beaches and Sandals – In addition to current specials, military personnel receive an additional 10% off at two family-friendly all-inclusive Caribbean resorts.
• Best Western Services – Veterans, members of the armed forces, and government military service members are entitled to discounts at or below per diem and qualify to enroll in the Best Western Service Rewards Program.

Flights Military Travel Discounts

Some popular airlines that offer military travel discounts include –

• Air Canada – Up to three bags may be checked by eligible active-duty and retired Canadian and American armed forces members.
• Alaska Airlines – Use the Veterans Advantage program to save 5%. Those with reservations are entitled to five free checked bags as well as free use of the Alaska Board Room. Additionally, passengers in uniform receive priority boarding and a 15% discount on in-flight meals when they present a valid ID.
• Allegiant Airlines – Boarding passes, advanced seat selection, and up to 5 free checked bags are all free with Allegiant Airlines.
• American Airlines – It offers military discounts to military personnel and their families. The discounts vary by location and time of year.
• Delta Air Lines – Delta Air Lines offers military discounts, with discounts varying by location and time of year.
• Southwest Airlines – Southwest Airlines offers military discounts. The discounts depend on the location and time of year.
• United Airlines – United Airlines offers military discounts, but the discounts vary by location and time of year.
• Frontier Airlines – Active duty personnel are exempt from bag fees.
• Hawaiian Airlines – Veterans Advantage members can receive up to 5 free checked bags when traveling on active duty or two free checked bags when traveling for pleasure, plus 5% off their ticket.
• JetBlue – For service personnel on active orders, the Veterans Advantage program or direct booking with JetBlue can result in savings of up to 5%. When flying on orders, the first five checked baggage are free.

To receive the military travel discount, you’ll typically need to show proof of military service, such as a military ID or DD Form 214, when you check in for your flight. It’s always a good idea to check with the airline directly to see if they offer a military discount and to inquire about the specifics of the discount, such as eligibility requirements and the exact amount of the discount.

Vacation Packages Military Travel Discounts

Many vacation package providers offer military travel discounts to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and military family members. The discounts can vary in terms of amount and availability, but they typically provide reduced rates on vacation packages that include flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses.

Some popular vacation package providers that offer military travel discounts and other vacation planning include –

• Expedia
• Orbitz
• Travelocity
• Priceline

Here are a few other vacation-planning destination tour cruises with special offers and military discounts.

• Celebrity Cruises – Military active or retired military members may receive discounts, with bigger discounts available for accommodations with ocean views.
• Disney Cruise Line – Discounts for current and former military service members on up to 1 stateroom per reservation.
• Military Cruise Specials – Veterans can get affordable cruise prices with exclusive discounts thanks to their service in the armed forces. The website keeps track of every reservation and presents lower rates if they become available.
• Carnival Cruise – Depending on the departure, both active and retired members can receive discounts on cruises.
• MSC Cruises – Save up to 10% on cruise departures and experience redeployment without incurring any fees.
• Norwegian Cruise Line – The Veterans Advantage program allows you to receive discounts on Norwegian cruises.
• Princess Cruises – When booking a cruise, veterans can find out what advantages they could be entitled to, such as complimentary onboard spending money that can be used for spa services, gourmet dining, boutique shopping, and shore excursions.
• Royal Caribbean – If you book the military rate and present identification at check-in, you can save money on cruise costs for every person traveling in your stateroom.
  Travel organizations for military veterans.

Several organizations provide travel services specifically for military veterans, many of which offer their members discounts and other special benefits.

Some popular organizations include –

• Veterans Holidays – It is a non-profit organization that provides affordable vacations to military veterans and their families, with discounts and special benefits available to members.
• Veterans Advantage – A membership program that provides discounts and special benefits on a variety of travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and more, for military veterans and their families.
• USO – The United Service Organizations (USO) provide various travel-related services and resources for military veterans and their families, including discounted travel and leisure activities and support and resources for families of deployed service members.
• Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC) – A membership program that provides military veterans and their families with access to discounted vacation packages, rental properties, and cruises.
• Military Wallet – If we didn’t mention The Military Wallet, we’d be seriously negligent. Veterans and active-duty personnel can greatly benefit from this website’s personal finance information. One of their services is a free newsletter distributed periodically per month. It provides information on vacation offers, new laws, benefits for the military, and personal finance topics.
• United Services Automobile Association (USAA) – The insurance and banking services that USAA offers, along with other financial services for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and in some situations, their immediate families, are possibly its most well-known offerings. The travel discounts that USAA provides to its military members are less well-known. Visitors to the USAA website can go through various travel offers for airfare, accommodations, cruises, vehicle rentals, and travel insurance. Only members may get the deals, but signing up online is simple.
• The IHOOT (In Honor of Our Troops) Foundation – When this group first got going, it gave veterans one free trip per year. The IHOOT Acquisition Program, which they have also added, provides members with year-round low lodging rates. You can apply for no-cost getaways designed to give relaxation, recovery, and healing so that military families can rekindle their bonds with one another. There are 100 spots, with lodging in states like Hawaii, California, and Mexico among them. A free stay is provided, but air travel is not. Furthermore, it is advised that you apply at least six weeks before the date of your anticipated vacation.
• Vacation for Warriors – It is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 to offer free vacations to soldiers injured in battle. Commercial groups like American Airlines, which gave 1 million advantage miles with other hotel points and timeshare opportunities, help make these holidays possible.

These organizations are a great resource for military veterans and their families looking for affordable travel options and special benefits. However, it’s always a good idea to check with each organization directly to see if they offer discounts and benefits relevant to your travel needs and to inquire about membership requirements and the specifics of the benefits offered.

FAQs

Do airlines offer military discounts to veterans?

Yes, airlines like Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Air Canada, and many more offer military discounts to veterans.

How do you get military discounts for flights?

Per the procedure, one needs to verify their identity and eligibility to receive military flight discounts. In addition, third-party sellers are also available to provide you with discounted flights and vacation packages.

Do military spouses get priority boarding?

It is not clear whether military spouses get priority boarding, but in a few places, priority boarding is provided to spouses of active military members with uniforms; otherwise, you need to board with other people just like a common person waiting for their turn.