This blog post was updated on October 26, 2023.
Anyone with military experience knows that there’s a lot of travel involved in protecting and serving our country. But what you may not know is that your service also entitles you to a ton of travel perks. Whether you’re a retired veteran or still actively serving, there are plenty of military travel perks for you and your family to enjoy.
Need some help figuring out where to get started? Don’t worry — we’ve got everything you need to know about travel benefits for the brave men and women in uniform.
Space-A
If you want free or cheap flights and don’t mind being flexible, Space-A is a dream come true. The Space-A (Space Available) program allows U.S. defense personnel and their dependents to travel on DoD aircraft when seating is available. Active duty members, retirees, and their families (spouses and children under 23) can use this privilege.
While active duty members have certain priority levels, dependents can fly, often with the service member, though there are cases where they can travel unaccompanied with proper paperwork. Retirees and their families can also utilize the program, typically with a lower priority than active duty families.
Although Space-A travel is primarily free, some fees, like meals, may apply. However, travelers should be prepared for unforeseen costs, like lodging, especially if return flights aren’t immediately available. It’s crucial to remember that Space-A is based on availability, with no travel guarantees, so flexibility is essential. Check official resources for current details.
USO Centers
Have an unexpected delay or an excess of downtime in your travels? Then it might be the perfect moment to visit a USO center. USO (United Service Organizations) centers are located at many major U.S. airports and some international ones, serving as a comfortable haven for military members and their families during travels. These centers offer amenities such as seating, refreshments, entertainment, and internet access. They’re designed to give service members a “home away from home” experience, especially at large transport hubs with significant military traffic. The size and offerings of each USO center vary based on the airport and nearby military populations. For specific locations and services, it’s best to consult the official USO website or the respective airport.
Military Rates
If you choose the conventional route of flying commercial airlines, there are still many benefits you and your family can enjoy. Many carriers offer significant ticket discounts for veterans, and some airlines also provide discounted rates to military dependents. Most leading airlines also offer exclusive perks such as priority boarding, extra baggage allowances, or waived baggage fees.
To maximize these benefits, it’s essential to research and compare airlines. Contacting the airline’s customer service or checking their official websites can provide detailed information about military discounts and benefits. Always inquire in advance to ensure you and your family get the best deals and services tailored to your needs.
Hotel Deals
As a service member, you don’t have to pay a pretty penny to spend your vacation relaxing in comfort. Most times, you just need to do a little research beforehand. A whole host of chain hotels offer solid discounts for military members and their families. Call beforehand and see if your ID card can get you any benefits. Oftentimes, you just have to ask. You may be pleasantly surprised by the perks that come your way!
Rental Car Deals
Why waste money on a pricey car rental when you don’t have to? Some of the biggest car rental agencies in the world give impressive discounts and other travel military perks to veterans and those currently serving in the military. If you have a Veterans Advantage Card, you’re entitled to a number of rental car and hotel discounts. Be sure to ask what benefits you can expect. And don’t hesitate to shop around for the best possible deals out there.
Military Resorts
Officials at the Armed Forces Recreation Centers have worked tirelessly to establish a group of military-only resorts. These resorts give military personnel a much-needed, high-quality vacation experience at a great price. The organization operates resorts across the world. These resorts are available throughout Europe and Asia, and even tropical paradises like Florida and Hawaii. These sponsored resorts are open to veteran and active-duty military personnel, their families, and employees of the Department of Defense. The best part is, military resort rates are typically much lower than at regular resorts.
One of the most well-known military resorts is Florida’s Shades of Green, which is located at Walt Disney World. Enjoy the country club atmosphere as you work on your golf swing and dine on artisanal cuisine. Not to mention the easy access to Disney World’s parks! Dragon Hill Lodge is another great option located in the heart of downtown Seoul, South Korea. It’s not only a high-end hotel; it’s also a relaxing wellness center.
Theme Park Ticket Deals
Theme parks throughout the U.S. celebrate military members by offering a variety of discounts. Disney World takes the lead with its Military Salute promotion. Disney offers multi-day packages with Park Hopper options at highly discounted rates. Meanwhile, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND offer complimentary admission to members of the military and discounted admission for their family members and guests. Smaller theme parks, such as Six Flags and Hershey Park, also offer discounts for military members.
As always, it’s important to research the policies of your planned destination before heading out. While some theme parks allow you to buy discounted tickets at the gate, others require you to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Free Checked Baggage
Airlines often provide service members with discounted baggage fees and sometimes waiving them entirely. In fact, some major airlines allow active members who are flying on duty to bring up to five checked bags for free. If you’re flying for leisure, many major airlines will let you bring three checked bags. The baggage fee waiver can also apply to dependents who are flying with you. But it depends on the airline, so it’s good to do some research ahead of time.
Smaller airlines also offer a variety of baggage deals for members of the military. Some allow military personnel to travel with one or two pieces of carry-on luggage for free. Military personnel who are flying with smaller airlines while on active duty or who are traveling for leisure can enjoy these benefits, although depending on the airline they may or may not apply to your family members.
Skipping the Line
Nobody likes waiting in line. Luckily, military service people don’t always have to. As a military member, you’re entitled to use the priority lines at TSA. This will dramatically cut down your wait time before your flight. Phew!
Research the policies of the airports you’ll be visiting during your travels. And, ask staff about the benefits available to you as a member of the military. Some airports will even bump you and your family up to first class boarding. That way, you can be first in line to board your flight.
You Might Also Enjoy: How to Find Military Travel Deals for Your Next Trip!
Free/Cheap Museum Deals
Many museums throughout the U.S. offer reduced admission to members of the military. And each summer, many museums offer free entry for members of the military, veterans, and their families through the Blue Star Museums program. This program is a collaboration between the Department of Defense, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Blue Star Families, and allows free entry into hundreds of museums throughout the United States. Some of the most popular institutions that participate in the program include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Other museums offer year-round deals to members of the military, such as the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. The Intrepid is a decommissioned aircraft carrier docked off the west side of New York City. Along with offering free year-round admission to all active-duty military members and veterans, the Intrepid will also grant a 20% discount to your spouse.
FAQs:
Q: Can retirees also access the priority lines at TSA?
A: Yes, military retirees are often entitled to the same TSA priority lines as active-duty members. It’s always best to check the specific airport policies.
Q: Are there any specific travel insurance plans tailored for military members?
A: Some insurance companies offer tailored travel insurance plans for military members, addressing unique needs like deployment cancellations. Research and consult insurance providers for details.
Q: Is the Veterans Advantage Card the only card that provides rental car and hotel discounts?
A: While the Veterans Advantage Card offers many discounts, other membership programs and cards may also provide military-related discounts. It’s advisable to research multiple options.
Q: How often do military travel perks change?
A: Military travel perks can change based on policies, partnerships, or promotions. It’s best to review perks periodically, especially before planning any travel.
Q: Can National Guard and Reserve members avail of these travel benefits?
A: Yes, many of these benefits are extended to National Guard and Reserve members, but eligibility might vary. It’s essential to check with specific service providers.
Q: Are there any military discounts on cruises?
A: Many cruise lines offer military discounts, but the specifics and eligibility criteria can vary. Contact the cruise line directly or check their website for military promotions.
Q: How do I verify my military status when booking online deals?
A: Verification usually involves uploading a copy of your military ID or using services like ID.me that confirm military status for online transactions.
Know of any other travel perks for military personnel? Share them with us in the comments.
