Military retirees have a variety of different military travel discounts available to them. One way that the military provides these discounts is by offering retired military personnel discounted rates on flights, hotels, and rental cars when they are using their ID card as identification for verification.
In addition, there are other ways in which military retirees can take advantage of these benefits as well as some limitations associated with them.
The following article will discuss what you need to know about this topic before deciding if it’s right for you or not.
Travel Discounts & Eligibility Requirements for Veterans
There are two different types of eligibility requirements that must be met for retired military personnel to receive any of these military travel discounts. The first and most important is eligibility. To find out if you’re eligible, there are three basic questions that must be answered:
- Are you a retired member of the active duty or Selected Reserve?
- Did you complete at least twenty years of service creditable for retirement?
- Are you a retired reserve member entitled to retired pay under 10 U.S.C. chapter 1223?
If the answer is yes, then you are eligible only for those benefits according to their policy and not necessarily each individual’s qualifications. If the answer to all three questions above is no, then your travel will be based on the policies set forth in your branch of service.
Best Travel Discounts for Veterans & Military Retirees
Airline Discounts & Allowances for Military Service Members and Veterans
Military service members and veterans can often take advantage of airline discounts, which can include reduced flights, free checked luggage, and other incentives. When booking airline tickets, be sure to check directly with the airline’s website to see if they offer military discounts.
Many airlines do provide military discounts, but they are not always publicly advertised online. You may need to contact the airline to ask about their military rates.
Be sure to take advantage of airline discounts when traveling for leisure or for business. Military service members and veterans have earned these discounts and should take advantage of them whenever possible.
Accessing airport lounges while flying as a military service member or veteran
Accessing airport lounges while flying as a military service member or veteran can provide a relaxing way to rest, use bathrooms or grab a snack before your flight. Many airports also offer military-specific lounges such as Liberty center in Detroit and Military Hospitality lounges in Miami (MIA).
Active service members can be exempt from paying annual charges for The Platinum Card from American Expres and potentially other travel rewards credit cards.
Travel with military buddies in the same vehicle to save on accommodations
The military offers a benefit in which members can “Share in Savings” when traveling together such as guys’ trip destinations or a girls’ trip vacation. This benefit applies to active duty, retired, and reservist personnel who are entitled to Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) or Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA).
This benefit can be used for lodging expenses, such as hotel costs.
Save with military travel discounts on car rentals
We all know that car rentals can be pricey if you don’t choose the right plan or company. You also need to make sure your driver’s license is up-to-date. However, when it comes to military travel discounts, there are specific car rental discounts for veterans and active service members.
Access low-cost pet care options
Military personnel can take advantage of discounted veterinary services by using either Tricare’s Vetfusion or Vet Tix. These services give pet owners who qualify access to affordable veterinary care, especially with large bills like dental cleanings and surgeries.
Access discounted travel opportunities
Military service members can save money on travel by taking advantage of discounts offered by military tour operators such as Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC), which offers discounts of over 20% on resort accommodations.
Another option is to sign-up for travel newsletters or mailing lists so you can get updates about military discounts on travel and hotel stays, which you may not know about otherwise.
Find discounts for hotels, rental cars, flights, packages, event tickets, and cruises through American Forces Travel
Servicemembers, families, and DOD civilians can book vacations and holidays completely online and at reduced prices through Priceline. Military travelers who have used the US Forces Travel can expect considerable savings.
Those who use American Forces Travel can generally enjoy lower prices and better prices and get discounts on prepaid car rental.
Military travelers can find discounts for hotels, rental cars, flights, packages, event tickets, and cruises through American Forces Travel.
American Forces Travel is a website that offers military personnel and their families discounted rates on travel-related services. To take advantage of these discounts, you will need to be able to provide your military ID card as proof of military affiliation.
The discounts offered through American Forces Travel vary depending on the service or product you are purchasing. For example, you may be able to get a discount of up to 25% on hotel stays or a discount of up to $350 on car rentals. Additionally, American Forces Travel often offers package deals that include discounts on airfare, hotels, and car rentals.
It is important to note that American Forces Travel does not guarantee these discounts, and the availability of discounts will vary by location and service provider. Furthermore, you will need to be able to show your military ID card as proof of military affiliation in order to take advantage of these offers.
Before retiring from the military, it is a good idea for you to find out what benefits you will be eligible to receive as a military retiree. When traveling, it is important that you understand the different military travel discounts available to those who have retired from service.
Military retirees can book their vacation and holiday plans completely online and at reduced prices through Priceline. They offer considerable savings for military travelers who have used the American Forces Travel.
Mobile Apps for Military Service Member or Veteran Discounts
Military service members and veterans can find a variety of discounts for goods and services through special mobile apps designed just for them.
The Department of Defense has its own app, called the “Official DoD App”, which offers military and veteran discounts from a variety of businesses. The app is available for Android and iOS devices.
Another app that offers military and veteran discounts is the “Military & Veterans Discounts” app, which is available for Android and iOS devices. This app includes discounts from businesses all over the United States. The “Troop ID” app is also available for Android and iOS devices, and offers discounts on food, travel, entertainment, and more.
Finally, the “Good Sam Club RV Travel & Savings Guide” is a great app for military service members and veterans who use RVs. This is a directory of businesses throughout the United States that offer discounts to those with an RV. The “Good Sam Club” is also available as an online directory.
Military Millionaire Hotel Discounts (up to 65% off)
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Final Thoughts about Military Travel Discounts
Military travel discounts for retirees can be a great way to save money and enjoy life after serving in the military. If you’re considering taking advantage of these deals, it’s important that you take time to understand how they work before jumping on board.
The article below has listed some tips for understanding military travel discounts for retirees- including who is eligible, limitations on what qualifies as an “eligible” destination or activity, where else to find information about retirement benefits, and more.
We hope this will help veterans explore their opportunities with confidence knowing everything they need to know about these valuable resources.
Author Bio: Kyle Kroeger is the owner of ViaTraveler.com. ViaTravelers is a destination travel blog providing the best tips, hacks, and itineraries to help you explore the world. Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.
Here is a more comprehensive list of military discounts!
