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Many airlines and hotels offer U.S. military members discounts and perks when traveling. Even when you aren't traveling on orders, members of the military can get free checked bags and priority boarding on airlines, military travel discounts and even elite status at some hotel brands. Keep in mind that some of these discounts are unadvertised and may not be available online, so be prepared to call the airlines directly to ask about their military rates.
Whether you are traveling on orders or for leisure, you can find discounted rates on flights as well as discounts on checked baggage with the following airlines. (And don't forget that TSA also salutes the military by offering expedited screening. Learn more at the TSA website.) Members of the military also have access to airport lounges if in uniform.
Who Qualifies for Military Discounts?
The military discounts you’re entitled to differ whether you’re active duty, in the reserves, or a veteran. Most airlines will offer a discount to active-duty personnel simply by calling, but veterans may have a harder time. It will help to sign up for Veteran’s Advantage to receive flight discounts.
What Is Veteran’s Advantage?
Veteran’s Advantage is a reward program for veterans. It is not free, though the cost varies according to which plan you pick:
Plan | 30-Day Trial | Month-to-Month | Annual (12 Months) |
Cost | $4.95 with an automatic upgrade to an annual plan after the trial ends | $9.99 per month | $59.99 per year + $4.95 processing fee |
Along with other shopping discounts, VetRewards offers discounts on airlines and hotels. VetRewards is available to active duty, a veteran, a retiree, or an immediate family member of a service member (active duty or veteran).
AIRFARE
For active-duty service members, Delta offers savings on flights not available to civilian customers. They also offer early boarding and special military policies on pet travel along with vacation packages through Delta Vacations. To make a reservation call Delta directly.
JetBlue offers special discounts and fares, airport assistance and other unique services for active-duty military and their immediate family (spouses or children). Call 1-800-JETBLUE.
Southwest offers military discounts to active-duty military personnel and their families. Contact Southwest directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or visit a Southwest ticket counter to take advantage of the discount
Alaska Airlines offers active-duty military up to five free checked bags. This discount also applies to military dependents on travel orders.
Allegiant offers active-duty military, Reservists, National Guard and veterans up to two pieces of checked baggage under 100 pounds for free and no charge for oversized checked baggage. Spouses and dependents qualify for the same benefits if they're traveling on the same itinerary with the eligible military traveler.
Discounted fares in some markets, 10% off with Veterans Advantage Active-duty military personnel traveling on orders can check up to five complimentary bags (up to 100 pounds). When traveling for pleasure, you can check up to three complimentary bags (up to 50 pounds). Military dependents traveling on orders have the same privileges as military personnel.
Discounted airfare for Active-duty military personnel traveling on orders can check five free bags that are up to 100 pounds. On military orders, your bags can be 80 inches (total length plus width plus height). For personal travel, active military are able to check three free bags in first class, Delta Premium Select and Delta One (up to 70 pounds) and two bags in Basic Economy, Main Cabin and Delta Comfort (up to 50 pounds). For personal travel, your bags can be 62 inches.
Active-duty military personnel and their dependents traveling on military orders are allowed to check five bags each at no additional cost. Active-duty military personnel and their dependents traveling for leisure are allowed to check two bags each at no additional cost.
Active-duty military personnel traveling on official orders or for pleasure can check extra baggage free of charge, excluding military pet shipments. Military dependents are included In some cases.
CAR RENTAL
Avis
Up to 25% off with Veterans Advantage membership for Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard, family
Budget
Up to 25% off with Veterans Advantage membership for Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard, family
Dollar Car Rental
5% off with Veterans Advantage membership for Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard, family
Enterprise Rent Car
Discounted rates, with additional benefits for USAA members. Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard, family
National Car Rental
Discounted rates with Advantage membership for Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard, family.
HOTELS
Best Western
Discounted rates for Active duty, veterans
Wyndham Hotel
12% off hotel rates and free Gold Level membership: up to 20% with Advantage membership for Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard, family
Choice Hotel
Discounted hotel rates, lifetime Gold Status in Choice Privileges reward program for Active duty, veterans, retirees.
Extended Stay America
Discounted hotel rates for active duty and veterans.
Great Wolf Lodge
Up to 25% off for active duty, veterans and retirees.
Hilton Hotels
Discounted rates for Active duty, veterans, retirees.
Hyatt Hotels
10-15% off rates for Active duty, veterans, retirees, and family.
IHG Hotels
Discounted rates for Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, family
Motel 6
10% off hotel rates for Active duty, veterans.
OTHERS
Amtrak
10% off select fares for active duty, spouses and dependents
Greyhound
10% off for active duty, veterans, retirees and family.
Walt Disney World
Discounts on tickets and hotel rates for Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard, family
Universal Studios
Discounts on select ticket packages and hotel rates for Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard, family
Legoland
Discounts on tickets and hotel rates for Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard, family
National Park Service
Free Lifetime pass for veterans and Gold Star families.
Six Flags
20% off admission
Princess Cruise
Up to $250 free onboard credit for Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard, family
Carnival Cruise
Discounted fares for active duty and retirees