How to Find Military Travel Discounts

Your military ID isn’t just for base access—it’s your ticket to exclusive travel savings. While civilians pay full price for flights and hotels, Active Duty military personnel can access discounts that may cut travel costs by hundreds of dollars per trip. 

The challenge? Military travel discounts can hide in plain sight. Some require special booking codes, others are only available through specific websites, and many aren’t advertised at all. Whether planning a family vacation or facing a PCS move, knowing where to look can transform your travel budget from a source of stress into a gateway for adventure.

Types of military travel discounts

Military travel discounts come in many forms, each designed to help you save on different parts of your trip. Understanding what’s available can help you plan smarter and spend less.

Airfare discounts

Major airlines like American, Delta and United offer unpublished military fares. These rates can be much lower than standard prices. Military flight perks may include priority boarding, free baggage and lounge access. These apply to both leisure travel and emergency travel. You get extra flexibility for last-minute bookings when duty calls. You’ll usually need to call directly or book through exclusive access sites.

Hotel accommodations

Many hotels—from budget chains to luxury resorts—offer military discounts to help you save on standard rates. Major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton and Choice Hotels have military programs with year-round savings. Government lodging on bases often can be the most affordable option, especially for temporary duty travel.

Car rental savings

Rental car companies like Enterprise, Hertz and Budget offer military pricing. Military discounts on rental cars can vary based on specific rates that are available and might include additional perks like no fees for extra drivers and underage renters. Such discounts can add up quickly, especially for longer rentals during PCS moves.

Vacation packages and attractions

Theme parks, museums and tourist attractions often offer military discounts that can help shave some money off regular admission tickets. Disney Parks, Universal Studios and SeaWorld have special military pricing. Many national parks offer free admission when you show your military ID. Cruise lines provide military rates and onboard credits.

Restaurants and food

Many restaurants offer military discounts on your bill with your military ID. Fast-food chains tend to give out free meals on Veterans Day and discounted meals year-round. Grocery stores near military bases also tend to offer military discounts.

Where to find military travel discounts

Knowing that a military travel discount exists is just the first step. The real savings come from accessing them. Before you book anything, check these resources to see what Servicemember discounts you may be eligible for.

Credit card issuers

Military-focused credit cards provide exclusive travel benefits beyond standard rewards programs. For instance, some issuers offer enhanced military travel protections and no foreign transaction fees.

Many of these issuers grant you access to special military rates through partner networks. Some even provide automatic military discounts when booking through their travel portals. You could also get perks like free checked bags and priority boarding on select airlines.

Official military resources

Military OneSource, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) offices and your installation’s Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT) office are often excellent sources for travel discounts. These offices have access to group rates and special military pricing that isn’t available to the public. Many bases also partner with local attractions and hotels. They offer exclusive discounts to Servicemembers and their families.

Travel and booking sites

Websites like Armed Forces Vacation Club, American Forces Travel and WeSalute specialize in military travel deals. These platforms gather discounts from multiple sources and negotiate exclusive rates for military members. Some mainstream booking sites also have hidden military sections. These require a military ID to access special pricing.

5 tips for maximizing Servicemember savings

Military discounts are quite common, but the biggest savings go to those who know how to take advantage of them. A little preparation can turn a decent discount into money back in your pocket.

Here are some important tips to remember:

1. Always carry military ID or proof of service.

Your military ID is your key to savings, but don’t rely on it alone. Keep a copy of your DD-214 if you’re a Veteran. Consider downloading apps like ID.me that provide digital verification. Having multiple forms of proof can keep you from missing out on discounts due to verification issues.

2. Book early and plan.

Military discounts often have limited availability. This is especially true during peak travel seasons and holidays. Booking 6-8 weeks in advance gives you the best selection and pricing. Some discounts exclude peak travel periods like summer vacation or major holidays. Planning ahead lets you compare these cut prices and choose the best option.

3. Ask about blackout dates and restrictions.

Military discounts can come with limitations that aren’t always clearly advertised. Ask about blackout dates, minimum stay requirements and cancellation policies before booking. Get the full details so you’re not disappointed later.

4. Use military credit cards with travel perks.

Military-focused travel credit cards can compound your savings. Cards with no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance and bonus points for travel purchases let you stack discounts. Some cards even offer automatic military discounts when booking through their travel portals. 

5. Stack discounts when possible.

Don’t stop at the military discount! Combine discounts and promotions wherever possible to put even more money back in your pocket. Just be sure to check if multiple discounts can be applied. It never hurts to ask, even if you can’t stack promos and discounts. 

Master these strategies, and you’ll start seeing military travel discounts as more than a perk. They can become a powerful tool for making travel more affordable.

A few common pitfalls to avoid

Military travel discounts are a fantastic benefit. But they’re not a free pass to stop comparison shopping. Savvy travelers know that even the best discounts come with potential downsides that can eat into your savings if you’re not careful. Make sure to avoid these common travel traps.

Assuming military discounts are always better

Military rates aren’t always the lowest price available. Sales prices, promotional codes and membership discounts through organizations like Costco® or AAA® sometimes beat military pricing. Some hotels offer lower rates during off-peak periods that undercut their standard military discount, so it could pay to shop around. Before committing, always compare the military rate against current promos and booking site deals.

Not reading the fine print

Some military discounts come with strings attached, and these stipulations could cost you later. For example, hotel military rates may be non-refundable. Other discounts may exclude resort fees that add costs to your hotel checkout. Airline military fares might have stricter change policies or baggage restrictions than standard tickets. Rental car military rates sometimes require returning the vehicle to the same location. This limits your travel flexibility. Take a few minutes to understand what you’re agreeing to.

Forgetting to verify discount availability

Nothing’s worse than showing up and expecting a discount only to find out it’s unavailable. Many military discounts have limited availability. This is especially true during peak travel times like summer PCS season or holidays. Some attractions offer military discounts only on specific days or during certain hours. Always call ahead or check online to confirm availability before making firm travel plans.

Make the most of exclusive military deals

Smart travel planning is about making every dollar work harder for you and your family. Navy Federal Credit Union’s travel credit cards are designed specifically with military life in mind. They offer benefits that complement the military discounts you’re already earning.

Our Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card provides enhanced travel protection^{Footnote 1} and no foreign transaction fees.^{Footnote 2} Through our partner networks, you can access exclusive military rates. For more savings strategies, check out resources on travel budgeting for military families.