Veterans Day provides an occasion to honor those who have served in the armed forces, but veterans are also recognized in small ways throughout the year. Although veterans discounts may not seem like much, given the work the military does, the savings do add up. To receive a discount, you generally have to ask for it and be prepared to show proof of military service. That could take the form of a veteran identification card, discharge papers, or a veteran status designation on your driver's license. Here are 10 discounts worth taking advantage of this Veterans Day and throughout the year.
1. Disney.
Through Oct. 3, 2015, active and retired members of the military can get a three-day Park Hopper pass good for admission to the Disneyland and California Adventure parks for $132 instead of $265. Disney World is running a similar half-price promotion that includes a four-day Park Hopper pass for $177; admission to all four parks normally costs $354. Note that there are blackout dates during the winter holidays and a popular spring break period, so check the dates before you try to claim the discount.
2. Texas Roadhouse.
The steakhouse chain offers active, former, or retired military a free lunch on Veterans Day (Nov. 11). The menu consists of 10 entrees along with sides. Participating Texas Roadhouse restaurants also offer a 10-percent-off veterans discount every day, so be sure to ask at the nearest location.
3. Apple.
Apple products rarely sell at a discount, but Apple offers current, former, and retired military personnel and their family members special pricing on some Apple products for personal use. The new iPad Air 2, for instance, is available for $479 instead of $499. There is a limit to the number of discounted computers, displays, and software that eligible consumers can buy each year.
4. Krispy Kreme.
The chain will be handing out free doughnuts and small coffees on Veterans Day -- no coupon, no purchase, and no ID necessary. Just identify yourself as a veteran or active-duty military personnel and you'll get the deal.
5. Movie Theaters.
Cinemark and AMC are among the theaters featuring discounts for active military. Cinemark offers discounted tickets for select locations, days, and times, while AMC knocks $1.50 off the regular ticket price during peak show times. Check ahead of time for exclusions.
6. Budget Rent A Car.
Active and veteran members of the military can book a Budget rental car online and use the customer discount code U088801 to receive up to 10 percent off.
7. Lowe's and Home Depot.
The home improvement giants offer similar military discounts. Both have a year-round 10 percent discount (up to $500 at Home Depot) for active and retired members of the armed forces and those receiving Veterans Affairs benefits. On Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day (Home Depot only), and Veterans Day (Lowe's only), the discounts extend to all veterans.
8. Hotels.
Active and retired military members and their families get 10 percent off the Bed and Breakfast package at DoubleTree by Hilton through December 2015 and 15 percent off at Hampton Inn through March 8, 2015. Other hotels may offer discounts too; it's worth asking when you make your reservation.
9. Wireless Carriers.
Verizon offers military personnel and veterans 15 percent off on eligible plans. Likewise, retired, active, or honorably discharged service members can get 15 percent off select plans at AT&T.
10. Costco.
Military personnel, veterans, and their families receive more than $50 in savings for joining the warehouse club -- almost enough to offset the $55 membership fee. This offer also applies to veterans upgrading their status to an executive membership.
Many additional deals are available to active-duty military personnel but not to veterans. For instance, U.S. military members and their families qualify for free admittance to national parks and other federal recreational lands. Still, the veterans discounts listed above only scratch the surface, so it's always worth asking. From retail establishments to restaurants to travel sites, myriad companies recognize those who have served. All you have to do to get a discount is flash your ID.
