12 Travel Benefits for Veterans and Service Members

Veteran Travel Benefits

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Veteran Travel Benefits
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Flag These Deals

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.  

Related: Military Skills That Can Help Land a Civilian Job

Never Travel Alone With USO Airport Lounges
USO

Never Travel Alone With USO Airport Lounges

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.

Fly For Free With Space-A Travel
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Fly For Free With Space-A Travel

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.

Save Time With TSA PreCheck
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Save Time With TSA PreCheck

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.

Related: 13 Expert Secrets to Stress-Free Flying

American Forces Travel
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American Forces Travel

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.

Related: 24 Tips and Tricks for Smooth Sailing on Your Next Cruise

United Services Automobile Association
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United Services Automobile Association

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.

Veterans Holidays
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Veterans Holidays

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
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Vacations For Vets

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
Travelation/Facebook

Travelation Military Travel

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.

Luggage Delivery
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Expedia Military

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
Militaryfares/Facebook

MilitaryFares

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.

Beaches and Sandals Military Specials
Sandals

Beaches and Sandals Military Specials

Both Beaches and Sandals allow military personnel, veterans, and their spouses from both the United States and Canada to take 10% off on top of promotional offers. Both full-service resort companies extend similar offers to police, firefighters, and FEMA employees.

Princess Cruise Deals
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