No matter the branch, whether they’re active duty, veterans, or retired personnel, military members — and in many cases, their families — enjoy a huge variety of deals, discounts, and special programs in thanks for their service. And many of the best perks pertain to travel. From deals on airfare and rental cars to quicker checkout at the security line, service members should consider the following sites, services, offers, and organizations before they plan their next trip.
The USO has been entertaining the troops for decades, but the organization is much more than just overseas concerts and comedy shows. The USO maintains a network of lounges at airports across the country. Open only to active-duty personnel and their families, USO airport lounges — like the Bob Hope USO that reopened in the iconic LAX Theme Building in Los Angeles last year — welcome military men and women to come in, use free Wi-Fi, hang out, and socialize with their peers while they wait for their flights.
The military offers service members, disabled veterans, retirees, and their families an exclusive program called Space-Available, or Space-A Flights. These non-commercial, military flights are usually free, or at worst, low-cost. Designed for flyers with flexible travel plans, Space-A can be unpredictable, but those who plan well and have some wiggle room in their itineraries can fly around the world for free or close to it.
If you plan to travel commercial, just use your Department of Defense ID number to take advantage of expedited screening with the TSA PreCheck program. You'll go through a special line and you won't need to remove your belt, laptop, jacket, shoes or liquids from your carryon. More than 90% of TSA PreCheck flyers get through screening in five minutes or less.
Supported by Priceline, American Forces Travel offers travel benefits for service members including cruises, packages, cars, flights, and hotels. Savings of up to 60% are available when booking accommodations, and 24/7 customer service and support are all part of the deal. The service is open to active-duty and retired personnel, as well as to eligible family members.
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The popular auto insurer USAA offers exclusive deals to its members that include 25% off car rentals. You can also book resorts for as little as $399 for seven-night stays based on select preferred inventory. USAA also provides a range of financial services like savings, financial planning, and debt tools.
All veterans are welcome to join Veterans Holidays for free so they can enjoy discounts that include weeklong, international resort vacations starting at $349. Premium members are entitled to 10% off short stays and high-demand vacations, and $50 off resort vacation certificates. The Armed Forces Vacation Club offers the same deals, but to all members of the U.S. military instead of just veterans.
Vacations For Vets is a nonprofit that offers two different travel programs specifically for veterans and retired personnel. The first offers vets free travel accommodations once a year, and the other program allows veterans to book discounted accommodations as many times a year as they like.
Travelation maintains a special page specifically for military personnel that offers discount rates on more than 300 airlines, both domestic and international. A special phone number is available to learn about unpublished travel deals, and service members can save even more on last-minute flights. The code TLMIL15 earns users up to $15 at checkout.
Expedia offers military personnel the exclusive benefits ordinarily available only to Expedia Rewards Gold members. Once users verify their military status, they'll receive perks like complimentary room upgrades at VIP Access hotels, 30% more points for bookings, an additional 10% off select hotels, and access to exclusive travel offers.
MilitaryFares has been operating for 30 years and promises “to provide military families with the best available fares and rates.” The site offers nonspecific discounts to military personnel and their families, and also offers discounts and other deals on car rental and accommodations.
Princess offers onboard spending money to American and Canadian service members and veterans in a tiered format based on voyage length. Cruises of six days or less earn $50 in onboard spending money. Voyages that last seven to 13 days earn $100, and cruises that last 14 days or more earn $250.
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