Top travel discounts and benefits for military personnel

Throughout the year, many airlines, hotels, theme parks, and cruise lines honor the service of military members with a range of discounts and special offers. These deals are often available exclusively to active-duty military but sometimes extend to veterans and their families as well.

Regardless of the specific benefits offered, each one reflects the travel industry's appreciation for those who have made significant sacrifices to protect our nation.

Discover the travel perks available to military members on their next journey.

Military-exclusive hotel discounts

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy and its partner brands offer exclusive discounts for federal, state, and local government employees, as well as military personnel. To unlock these special rates, simply select the "Government & Military" option from the "Special Rates" drop-down when searching for your stay. You'll then see a list of Marriott Bonvoy properties in your selected city that offer these rates and their specific eligibility details.

Hilton

U.S. federal and military employees can access special rates at participating Hilton hotels. Just check the box labeled "Government/Military Rates" when booking online to view the applicable discounts. Additionally, active and retired military members and their families can enjoy discounted rates on leisure stays at participating Hilton properties (note: these rates do not apply to official government or military travel).

Best Western

Best Western hotels throughout the U.S. provide discounted rates for veterans, military personnel, and government employees.

Additionally, Best Western's Service Rewards Program — designed specifically for military and armed forces members — offers even more perks, including automatic Gold status and bonus points on eligible stays.

Hyatt

Veterans, active-duty service members, and their immediate family members are eligible for a 10%-15% discount off Hyatt's standard rates at participating properties. To claim the offer, simply use the promo code MILVET when booking your stay.

Wyndham

Participating Wyndham hotels offer discounts of up to 15% off their best available rates for active-duty and retired military members, veterans, and their families. Additionally, military personnel and their spouses receive automatic Gold-level status in the Wyndham Rewards program and earn bonus points on eligible stays.

B Hotels & Resorts

In recognition of military service, B Hotels & Resorts provides an exclusive "B Saluted" offer, giving 15% off regular rates along with two complimentary welcome drinks per stay for military members, veterans, and their families. B Hotels & Resorts is located in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Marathon, Florida.

IHG

The hotel group behind brands like InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, and more offers a "Military Leisure Rate" at participating locations across the U.S., Canada, and Central and South America. This rate is available to active-duty military, veterans, retired personnel, and their families.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels, which includes brands like Comfort, Sleep Inn, and Quality Inn, provides discounted rates for both official and leisure travel to active-duty and retired military, their dependents, and members of select military associations. Additionally, active-duty military, veterans, and military spouses can join the Choice Privileges rewards program at the Lifetime Gold Elite level and earn a bonus 2,500 points after their first qualifying stay.

Motel 6

Motel 6, along with its extended-stay brand Studio 6, offers a 10% discount off standard rates for active and retired military personnel and their families.

Red Roof

Active-duty military, veterans, and government employees are eligible for a 10% discount on official travel at any U.S. Red Roof property. Additionally, a 10% discount on leisure travel is available to all military members, veterans, retirees, and government employees at Red Roof locations.

Military Airline Benefits

Southwest Airlines

Special fares are available for military and government travelers, but reservations must be made by phone. Additionally, active-duty military members (whether in or out of uniform) can board between A and B groups and are allowed more than the usual two pieces of checked baggage.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers special military and government fares in certain markets, and veterans and their families can access discounted fares by enrolling in the VetRewards program.

Active-duty military members also receive Group 1 boarding and are allowed up to five free checked bags when traveling on orders, or three free checked bags for leisure travel (with weight restrictions).

U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform on a same-day American Airlines flight can access Admirals Club lounges with their immediate family (spouse, domestic partner, and/or children under 18) or up to two guests, at most Admirals Club locations — excluding Airspace Lounge at San Diego International Airport (SAN) and JAL Sakura Lounge at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

Delta Air Lines

Active-duty U.S. military members can contact Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212 for special fares not available to the public. Delta also provides priority boarding and free checked luggage for active-duty service members. The number of bags allowed depends on the type of travel and fare class, with size and weight restrictions applying to all baggage.

United Airlines

United Airlines offers an additional checked baggage allowance for active-duty military personnel traveling on official orders. Active-duty service members in uniform, as well as those with leave or rest and recuperation orders, are also welcome to access United Club lounges when flying on United-operated flights (immediate family members can join as well). Additionally, U.S. military veterans, active-duty personnel, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families can receive a 5% discount on United-operated flights through the Veterans Advantage program.

Alaska Airlines

In select markets, Alaska Airlines provides military fares for active-duty service members and their families when booking by phone at 800-252-7522. Active-duty U.S. military personnel enjoy early boarding, the ability to check up to five bags for free, a 15% discount on inflight food, and complimentary day passes to Alaska Lounges when traveling in uniform. Other active-duty personnel can purchase a discounted lounge pass for $30. Flight discounts are also available through the Veterans Advantage program.

JetBlue

Active-duty military personnel not traveling on orders can receive a 5% discount off their base fare by calling 800-JETBLUE. In addition, JetBlue offers a separate 5% discount for active-duty military, veterans, retired military, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families who are enrolled in the Veterans Advantage program. Members also receive two free checked bags for personal travel and up to five free bags when on duty.

Frontier Airlines

Although Frontier typically charges for carry-on and checked baggage, active-duty military, National Guard, and Reserve members are eligible for one free carry-on bag, two free checked bags, and one free personal item. Please note that these baggage allowances apply only to the service member and not to their family or travel companions.

Allegiant Air

U.S. active-duty, reserve military members, veterans, National Guard personnel, and their families can check up to two pieces of luggage for free through the Allegiant Honors program. The airline also waives typical fees for oversized baggage, carry-on items, printing boarding passes at the airport, and selecting seats. Eligible service members can board their flights early as well.

Spirit Airlines

Active-duty U.S. military members are allowed to check two bags for free and bring a carry-on item onboard without charge, in addition to their free personal item.

Military Train Travel Discounts

Amtrak

Active-duty U.S. military members, along with their spouses and dependents, can receive a 10% discount on the lowest available fare in certain fare classes. When booking through Fare Finder, simply select the "Military" option for each eligible traveler. Additionally, Amtrak allows uniformed military personnel to move to the front of the ticket line for quicker service.

Military Theme Park Ticket Discounts

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando is currently offering the Military Freedom Pass, a promotional ticket for all active-duty and retired military members. Prices start at $199.99, providing unlimited access until December 24, though certain blackout dates apply. Each eligible service member can purchase up to six promotional tickets, which must be bought through an authorized military ticket and travel office.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood provides discounted tickets to active-duty and retired military personnel, 100% disabled veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, active Guard and Reserve members, as well as their spouses and dependents. Ticket prices vary depending on the date, and tickets must be purchased at participating military ticket offices.

Walt Disney World

Active and retired U.S. military personnel can enjoy discounted hotel rates and special theme park tickets at Walt Disney World, with certain blackout dates. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 407-939-7830, while tickets are available for purchase at participating U.S. military base ticket offices.

Disneyland

Disneyland offers discounted three- and four-day Park Hopper tickets to active and retired U.S. military personnel. The Disney Military Promotional Park Hopper Ticket grants access to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on each day of your visit, with blackout dates excluded. Prices begin at $245, and tickets must be purchased at a participating U.S. military base ticket office. Additionally, hotel discounts are available by calling 844-776-0015.

Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City provides a 30% discount on tickets for U.S. active-duty and retired military members, veterans, and military reservists, as well as their spouses and dependent children (ages 4-17) residing in the same household. In addition to ticket savings, military members and veterans are invited to take part in raising the American Flag during the park's daily opening ceremony. They also receive a red, white, and blue ribbon to wear, allowing fellow visitors and staff to show their appreciation for their service.

Busch Gardens and SeaWorld Parks

Through the Waves of Honor program, all U.S. SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica, and Sesame Place locations provide discounted tickets for active-duty military personnel and veterans.

Dollywood

Dollywood offers discounted tickets and annual passes for U.S. active-duty or retired military members, veterans, military reservists, their spouses, and dependents. The discount typically provides savings of about 30% off the standard ticket prices.

Military cruise benefits

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line offers special deals for active and retired military personnel, including discounted cruise rates, onboard credits, and lower deposit requirements. The cruise line also hosts a Heroes Tribute Lounge and organizes a military appreciation event for service members and their families on every sailing.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line's Military Appreciation Program provides exclusive benefits for military personnel, veterans, and their spouses, including a 10% discount on all cruise fares.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line provides discounted rates for both active and retired military personnel, along with their spouses. These special rates are available on select sailings, with prices starting at $185 per person, based on double occupancy.

Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea offers a complimentary two-night cruise to active and veteran military members through its Heroes Sail Free program. The offer is applicable only to ocean-view and interior cabins, and requires at least one paying guest in the same cabin. Taxes and fees apply.

Celebrity Cruises

Active and retired military personnel can enjoy savings of $25 on inside and ocean-view cabins, and $100 on veranda cabins or higher on select sailings. This discount applies to the first and second guests in the cabin.

Princess Cruises offers military personnel, including veterans, active, retired, and disabled members, up to $250 in free onboard spending money on select sailings. This credit can be used for dining, shopping, excursions, spa treatments, and more during the cruise.

Royal Caribbean extends military discounts to active and retired military personnel, veterans, and their spouses. The discounted rates also apply to friends and family traveling in the same cabin. To access these savings, bookings can be made through a travel agent or directly with Royal Caribbean over the phone.

MSC Cruises offers special rates for active-duty and retired military members, veterans, and their families. These discounts are available when booking directly with MSC Cruises or through a travel agent.

MSC Cruises provides exclusive deals to military personnel, veterans, and their families, offering discounted cruise fares when booking directly or through an agent.

MSC Cruises offers reduced fares to U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families. These discounts are available on a variety of sailings, offering significant savings on cruise bookings.

MSC Cruises provides U.S. military personnel—both active and retired—and their families with discounted fares. You can enjoy 5% off interior and ocean-view cabins, 10% off balcony and suite cabins, and a 'kids sail free' offer on select sailings.

AmaWaterways offers a special military discount of $100 off river cruises for active and retired service members. To claim this offer, use the promo code MIL100 when booking.

AmaWaterways provides a $100 discount on river cruises for military personnel, both active and retired, with the use of the MIL100 promo code at the time of booking.

U.S. military personnel, past and present, enjoy a wide range of exclusive travel perks and discounts, offering significant savings on cruises, accommodations, and more.

There are many exclusive benefits available to U.S. military members and veterans, from travel discounts to special offers on accommodations and services.

Since military benefits, their conditions, and the eligibility for family members, spouses, and dependents can vary, it's important to carefully review each offer to avoid any confusion. Many airlines, hotels, and other services may require proof of eligibility, so be sure to bring your military ID, veteran ID, dependent ID, orders, or any other necessary documentation to make the most of these travel discounts.