How to Get Military Discounts on Travel, Hotels, and Flights offers service members various ways to save on travel expenses. From airline deals to hotel perks, these discounts can significantly stretch your military travel budget.
Airline Benefits
- Delta offers exclusive “military flex fares” and Sky Club access on economy tickets.
- American Airlines provides military vacation packages that bundle flights, hotels, and rentals.
- United Airlines has special PCS moving rates and can combine multiple discounts through their military desk.
Hotel Discounts
- Marriott automatically upgrades military members to Gold Elite status, offering late checkout and room upgrades.
- Hilton provides military discounts and additional perks like premium internet and breakfast.
- IHG Hotels offers 15% off rates and automatic Platinum Elite status for military travelers.
Vacation Packages
- Disney’s Armed Forces Salute program offers significant savings on tickets and resort rooms.
- Universal Studios provides discounts on multi-day tickets and exclusive resort packages.
Transportation Discounts
- Enterprise offers military-specific insurance rates and waives young driver fees.
- Hertz provides discounts on base rates and free additional drivers for military renters.
Travel Insurance Benefits
- USAA waives pre-existing condition limitations and provides deployment cancellation coverage.
- Allianz Travel covers military deployment as a reason for cancellation at no extra charge.
Space-A Travel
Space-available (Space-A) travel allows military families to fly at minimal costs, covering only meals and lodging. Active duty members typically fall into Category III for these flights.
Exclusive Booking Platforms
- Armed Forces Vacation Club offers week-long resort stays starting at $349.
- Veterans Advantage provides access to exclusive flight discounts that often beat published rates.
- American Forces Travel offers verified military-only rates across various travel categories.
Cruise Line Discounts
- Royal Caribbean provides military rates and onboard credits, especially during military appreciation months.
- Norwegian Cruise Line allows military discounts to be combined with free at-sea promotions.
- Carnival extends military rates to retired and veteran guests with added benefits.
Destination Experiences
- Many museums offer free admission to military families through the Blue Star Museums program.
- National parks provide free annual passes to active duty members.
- Professional sports teams reserve premium seats for military members at standard prices.
Maximizing Benefits
Combine multiple military benefits with credit card rewards and loyalty program points. Join military rewards programs to accelerate point accumulation and compare military and government rates.
Documentation and Verification
Keep your military ID and any relevant orders available for verification. Register with services like ID.me or SheerID for easier access when booking.
Veterans should carry their Veterans ID card or DD-214, as many companies extend military rates to retired service members.
How to Verify Your Military Status & Redeem the How to Get Military Discount
Most retailers verify your military status through one of three trusted services. The exact method depends on the brand:
- ID.me – Used by most major US brands. Create a free account at id.me, upload your military ID or service documents once, and get a discount code.
- SheerID – Common for outdoor, fitness, and lifestyle brands. Verification is instant against DoD records in most cases.
- In-store ID check – Show your CAC, VA card, retiree ID, or DD-214 at checkout. Available for active duty, Guard/Reserve, retirees, veterans, and qualifying dependents (varies by retailer).
Who qualifies for the How to Get military discount?
Eligibility typically extends to: active duty (all branches), National Guard, Reserves, retirees, military veterans, and immediate family members (spouses and children) where the retailer permits. Always check the brand's current policy at checkout — terms can change.
Pro tips before you check out
- Verification accounts (ID.me, SheerID) work across hundreds of brands — set one up once and reuse it.
- Some brands stack military discount with seasonal sales; others do not. Test before you commit.
- Keep your service documents handy: a photo of your ID on your phone speeds in-store verification.
Looking for more savings? Browse all military discounts on Military Markdown →