One of the biggest complaints that I hear from Military Families is that they do not travel because it’s too expensive. It’s true, Travel is sometimes expensive. However, that shouldn’t deter your family from getting out and exploring the world. Now days, there are so many travel discounts specifically for Military families to cut costs. Here are 5 Military Travel Discounts and Freebies You’ve Never Heard About.
Free Military Travel Perks
Military Freebie: Airline Lounge Access with Military ID
Whether you traveled for leisure or for a Military Move, you’ve had a long layover or a rescheduled flight before. The thought of sitting in a stuffy airport terminal is enough to stress the entire family out. However, one of the airline’s best kept secrets is access to the executive lounge with a military ID. For example, American Airlines offers an Admirals Club that is typically meant for card holders or those who have paid the membership fee.
However, service members and their families can relax in the Admirals Club absolutely free by providing an American Airlines (or partnering airlines) boarding pass and a valid Military ID. The Admirals club is an upscale lounge that offers food and drinks, comfy chairs, charging stations, showers, made order food and a business center for your convenience. Not only does this free access take the discomfort out of waiting in the airport, it can also save you major money. Free food and drinks are offered in the lounge which cuts the cost of paying for expensive airport food and beverages. For a double win, you won’t have to find or fight over a charging spot.
Military Freebie: Free National Park Passes
The United States of America is filled with stunningly beautiful National Parks fit for the entire family to enjoy. Did you know that service members and their families have access to a free National Park entry membership? The America the Beautiful Card by the National Parks Servicegives military families free access to over 2,000 federal recreational sites, national wildlife refuges, and any lands managed by US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation or Bureau of Land Management.
This pass can save you a ton of money on admissions and vehicle fees when you’re traveling to states that have National Parks or if you’re looking to get out and explore your new duty station with a National Park Nearby. To receive your pass, simply visit the National Park of your choice and provide your CAC card.
Military Discounted Service
Military Travel: Free Airline Services
Before you fly, be sure to ask about the free services that the airline of your choice provide. Most airlines offer something free from free bags to flight discounts. American and Delta Airlines both offer up to 3 bags for military leisure travel and unlimited up to 100 pounds for official travel. However, family members will have to be traveling with the service member for access to these benefits. These airlines also offer early boarding which doesn’t save you money but can save you the headache. Southwest Airlines and United Airlines can sometimes offer discounted military rates so keep your eyes peeled for those, visit a ticket counter or call over the phone to receive up to 5% flight discounts.
Allegiant Airlines offers an amazing program called Allegiant Honors where service members can get the most airline savings. Active duty, reserve or National Guard and their family members can receive: up to 3 checked bags free under 100 pounds, no overweight baggage charges, carry on free, a free seating assignment, 1 in cabin pet free and priority boarding.
Military Travel Discounts
Expedia Military Discount
Travelers have long been scoring amazing travel deals through the use of 3rdparty sites. Expedia is no different. The site is a long standing discounted travel and industry leader and the deals have just gotten a little sweeter. By verifying your Military status on Expedia, you will have access to Expedia+ Gold exclusive membership benefits.
This membership program provides you with: free room upgrades if available, 30% more points for your bookings, customer service agents, membership rates and extra 10% off select hotels and exclusive membership benefits. To verify your Military affiliation, sign into ID.me (Sheer ID) verification and wait for confirmation of your membership.
Ebates Military Discount
Who doesn’t love putting money back in their pockets after a purchase? Ebates is a site that allows you to make purchases and earn cash back rebates via PayPal. They not offer an incentive that allow you to take advantage of a brand’s Military discount (ex. free shipping or 20% off your purchase) then you can also get cash back for your purchase. Ebates works for Travel (hotels, etc.) and shopping and dining experiences. Simply, sign up for Ebates, verify your military affiliation, search the military discount for the brand you’re purchasing with and request your cash back.
Have you used any of these discounts or services for travel? Click HERE to read “Military Travel Discounts: How to Save Money on Accommodations”.
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