"Take advantage of these 4 military travel discounts that you should not overlook"
Veterans can enjoy a variety of travel discounts across multiple categories, including hotels, cruises, car rentals, theme parks, national parks, and more, simply by presenting their valid military or veteran ID. These discounts do not require membership cards like Veteran’s Advantage and can be used directly.
Hotel Discounts
Many well-known hotel chains offer military discounts to veterans. Examples include Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG, which apply the discount when military ID is presented at booking or check-in.
Cruise Discounts
Veterans can find special rates and perks on cruises from companies like Carnival, Celebrity, Disney Cruise Line, MSC, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean by identifying their military status during booking or check-in.
Car Rentals
Companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget provide military discounted prices and perks like no extra fees for additional drivers when military ID is shown.
Theme Parks & Attractions
Major parks including Disney, Universal Studios, Six Flags, and Sea World offer military discounts on tickets, typically around 20% off for multi-day passes. Purchasing tickets at military base ticket offices can sometimes yield additional tax savings.
National Parks
Veterans with proper ID can receive free admission or a free Military Annual Pass to national parks, which normally charge entrance fees (e.g., $35 for Yosemite).
Restaurants and Food
Many restaurants and fast-food chains provide military discounts or free meals on Veterans Day with military ID. Discounts may also be available year-round.
Other Travel Perks
Airlines such as United, American, Delta offer military fares with discounts on flights, free checked baggage, priority boarding, and lounge access, although these usually require booking through special channels. These airline benefits are typically available to active duty but sometimes extend to veterans as well.
At Choice Hotels, active duty and retired military members, their dependents, and members of military associations are eligible for military discounts for leisure travel. Marriott Hotels offer discounts when using Special Rate code GOV. Atlantis Bahamas offers up to 15% off hotel reservations.
Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy offer elite status to members of the military through enrollment with The Platinum Card® from American Express, which may be eligible for $0 membership fees through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Best Western offers a save at least 10% military rate for U.S. and Canadian military personnel and civilian military personnel, including veterans with an official ID or work orders.
Hyatt Hotels offer a savings of 10-15% off the standard rate at participating hotels in the U.S. for veterans, active duty armed service members, and immediate family members. United Airlines offers United Club lounge access to active duty military members in uniform or with leave orders and their families.
In summary, veterans can leverage a broad selection of travel-related discounts by showing their military status directly at hotels, cruise lines, car rentals, theme parks, and national parks, without needing to pay for discount programs or cards. These discounts usually require proof of military status (such as a veteran ID card, DD214, or other valid documentation) but do not necessarily require enrollment in membership programs like Veteran’s Advantage, which do offer additional discounts but come with fees.
- Applying for The Platinum Card® from American Express could help veterans gain elite status in Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, which often offer discounted rates and additional benefits.
- Besides travel, veterans can save money on dining experiences by taking advantage of military discounts offered by various restaurants and fast-food chains on special holidays or year-round.
- For those who enjoy gaming and entertainment, personal lifestyle apps could help locate nearby attractions and activities offering military discounts, making it easier to find deals and enjoy cost savings during leisure time.
