Travel discounts for military personnel are a way of showing appreciation for their service to the country. These discounts are offered by various businesses, including airlines, hotels, and travel agencies, and can make traveling more affordable for military members and their families. Let’s explore what kind of discounts are available and how to access them.
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Understanding Military Travel Discounts
Delving into the world of military travel discounts reveals a myriad of opportunities for service members and their families to explore the globe while benefiting from cost-saving measures designed to honor their commitment and service.
Airlines & Bus Tickets
Many airlines offer special fares or baggage allowances for military personnel. These discounts can range from reduced ticket prices to waived fees for checked baggage. Some airlines also provide priority boarding and flexibility in changing flights. The following airlines and buses offer military discounts:
- Greyhound (bus tickets) – 10% off fares; click here to get discount through Veterans Advantage
- JetBlue (airlines) – 5% off plus free baggage check; click here for details as must be enrolled in Veterans Advantage – to save even more join JetBlue TrueBlue (it’s free)!
- Lufthansa (European airline) – 5% off plane tickets; click here to book through Veterans Advantage – Lufthansa also accepts Uplift for payment so you can finance your dream vacation!
- United (airlines) – 5% off tickets; click here for details – save even more by joining MileagePlus (it’s free)!
Hotels and Accommodations
Hotels often have special rates for military members. These discounts can vary from a percentage off the regular room rate to special packages designed exclusively for military families. Some of the following also hotel chains also offer additional amenities or upgrades as a token of appreciation.
- Caesars Rewards – Up to 30% off hotel stays; click here to verify via ID.me (please note that you may be able to get a better deal with a Founderscard)
- Hilton (hotels) – Exclusive savings; click here to book – to save even more join Hilton Honors (it’s free)!
- Marriott (hotels & resorts) – 15% off flexible rates; click here for details – to save even more join Marriott Bonvoy (it’s free)!
Special Offer: Beaches
Beaches Resorts, part of Sandals Resorts International, offers luxurious, all-inclusive family vacations in the Caribbean. With properties in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos, they provide a blend of activities for all ages, from water sports and gourmet dining to kids’ clubs and entertainment. Set in stunning locations, Beaches Resorts are ideal for families seeking both adventure and relaxation in a picturesque setting. Beaches offers an additional 10% off on top of all of their special promotions for military. Use the search bar at the top of the page to search “military” to fill out special form for discount. Visit beaches.com now!
Car Rentals
Car rental companies frequently extend discounts to military personnel. This can include reduced rates, waived fees, or free upgrades. These discounts can be particularly beneficial for service members traveling for leisure or during a temporary duty assignment. All of the car rental companies listed below offer military discounts.
- Budget – 25% off base rental rates; click here to select your car
- Enterprise – 5% off base rates; click here to book
- Hertz – discounted rates and upgrades; click here to book
- Sixt – 25% off car rentals; click here for details
- Thrifty – 5% off through VeteransAdvantage; click here for details
Cruises
Cruise lines are known to offer military discounts on select sailings. These discounts can apply to various cabin types and can sometimes be combined with other promotional offers. The following cruise lines all offer travel discounts.
- Celebrity Cruises – $25 off inside and ocean view, $100 off Veranda, Concierge Class, AquaClass or The Retreat; click here for details; need valid military ID or proof of service. Celebrity Cruises also accepts Affirm to book now and pay later.
- MSC Cruises – 5-10% discount; click here for details
- Princess Cruises – $250 free onboard spending money; click here for details
Travel Agencies and Tour Operators
Some travel agencies and tour operators specialize in military travel and offer discounted packages for service members. These packages might include flights, hotels, and/or excursions, often at a lower cost than booking individually.
- Cheap Caribbean (All-Inclusive Caribben & Mexico vacation packages) – $150 off your next vacay; click here to verify via SheerID
- Clipper Vacations (Seattle to Victoria Ferry & PNW vacations) – 10% off applicable fare; click here for details
- Legoland Florida (attraction) – Exclusive Specials; click here to verify eligibility
- SeaWorld (entertainment) – discount tickets for military; click here for details
Are we missing any stores that offer travel discounts for veterans and active military? If so, please contact us so we can update our listings.
How to Access Military Travel Discounts
- Verify Eligibility: Most military discounts require proof of military service. This can be a military ID, discharge papers, or other forms of identification.
- Book Directly: For airline and hotel discounts, it’s often best to book directly through the company’s website or customer service line. Ensure to mention your military status.
- Check Third-Party Websites: Some websites specialize in military travel deals. These can be a good source for discounted rates not advertised elsewhere.
- Stay Informed: Military discounts can change, and new offers might become available. Keeping informed through military support networks and organizations can be beneficial.
- Read the Terms and Conditions: Understand the terms and conditions of the discount. Some discounts might have blackout dates or other restrictions.
Conclusion
Military travel discounts are a small token of appreciation for the immense sacrifices made by service members and their families. These discounts not only provide financial relief but also make it easier for military families to travel together and enjoy leisure time. As always, it’s important to do thorough research and verify the details of any discount to ensure it meets your travel needs.
