The Complete Guide to Veteran Travel Resources

While there are many resources for active duty military members, it gets a little confusing when you become a veteran. Although there are several options for veterans’ vacations, airfare and even cellphone discounts, there may be additional stipulations for those looking to save.

Let’s look at some of the best travel resources for veterans, whether you’re retired, have a disability or just finished your time in the armed forces.

Flight discounts for Veterans

Even if you’re no longer active duty, there are a few special flights for veterans, including the opportunity to fly to Washington, D.C.

Space-A travel

Space-A travel is available to those who are on active duty. These flights can be limited, but they allow service members the ability to catch flights for free.

Space-A travel is also available to certain veterans. This includes retired veterans and those who are permanently 100% disabled.

Veteran airline discounts abound, but Space-A travel is among the best. Note that veterans flying Space-A are limited in their destinations and lower on the priority list than active-duty members.

Honor Flights

Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization that offers flights for veterans. Those who have served in the military can receive a complimentary trip to Washington, D.C., to be honored for their service.

Airline discounts

Many airlines offer discounts to veterans. Most of these are via Veterans Advantage, whose VetRewards program costs money but provides 5% discounts on airfare with many airlines.

You don’t have to be a disabled veteran to get flight discounts with Veterans Advantage. You can be active duty, a veteran or even an immediate family member of someone who’s served.

» Learn more: 0% APR and waived fees: Credit card benefits for active-duty military

Veteran discounts on hotels

It’s easy to find hotels with veteran discounts and even free vacations for disabled veterans — though that’s not usually a requirement.

American Forces Travel

American Forces Travel is a website offering comprehensive travel discounts to those who are or have been in the military. You’ll need to verify your information before accessing the website, after which you’ll be entitled to exclusive discounts on hotels, flights, rental cars, and even event tickets.

Armed Forces Vacation Club

The Armed Forces Vacation Club is available to active-duty members and veterans and can provide great discounts on vacations.

Once registered, you can book hotels and vacation rentals for cheap — and we mean really cheap. Think “seven nights in a condo near Orlando, Florida for $400” cheap. There’s a standard membership for free, but premium members are entitled to bigger discounts.

» Learn more: 3 military travel discounts you won’t want to miss

Nonprofit organizations

Many organizations in the United States enjoy recognizing veterans, which is why you’ll find many offering free retreats, resorts and hotel stays around the world.

In Honor of Our Troops (IHOOT) is just one of these; eligible service members and veterans can enjoy a free stay at participating properties.

MWR properties

Those who’ve been in the military will no doubt remember the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program. Whether you hung out in its rec room or rented low-cost camping equipment, stopping by the MWR office was probably a common occurrence.

Eligible veterans will be happy to know that Armed Forces Recreation Center resorts (AFRC) are bookable even after they leave the military. Popular options include the Shades of Green resort at Walt Disney World and the Hale Koa Hotel in Hawaii.

Other hotel discounts

Veterans Advantage also has a list of hotel chains available for discounts, including Wyndham, Marriott and Hilton.

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Other travel discounts

Travel costs aren’t limited to flights and accommodations. If you’re looking to go on vacation, here are some other veteran-specific discounts to look out for.

Cellphones

Many cellphone providers give discounts to active-duty military and veterans. T-Mobile’s veteran discount is among the best. You’ll have access to military-specific phone plans with pricing up to 40% off standard rates.

Verizon also offers a military discount that extends to veterans, but it’s not quite as generous. Once verified, planholders can save up to $25 per month on eligible plans.

Finally, AT&T offers military members and veterans 25% off phone plans.

Luggage

While most airlines are willing to offer benefits only to active-duty military personnel, Allegiant Air stands out. This is thanks to the incredible perks that veterans (and active-duty members) receive.

As a low-cost airline, Allegiant charges for overhead carry-ons and checked bags. However, veterans are entitled to two free checked bags, a free carry-on and a free pet in the cabin when flying with Allegiant.

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Tickets, tours and other attractions

American Forces Travel offers discounted tickets to all veterans, whether or not they’re disabled. The same is true of GOVX, which discounts tickets and other items, including travel purchases.

If you’re a veteran with a disability, you have access to the MWR program and its ticket office, which can provide incredible savings on tickets, tours and other activities.

Depending on your level of service connection, you can save up to half off popular attractions such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando.

» Learn more: The best ways to buy Disney tickets

If you’re looking for veteran travel resources

We’ve broken down some of the best travel benefits available to veterans, whether you spent 20 years in the military or got out after your first enlistment.

Just because you’re no longer serving doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve recognition. There are several businesses and nonprofit organizations offering discounts, no matter how long you spent saluting officers.