Our freedom as a country is largely due to the millions of brave men and women in uniform. Currently, there are over a million active military personnel, plus millions of veterans and reserve staff in the United States. They work exceptionally hard to protect our nation and help others in need. To say “Thank you,” many businesses and organizations throughout the United States offer exclusive military discounts to active and retired service personnel and their families. Some only apply on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, or other special events to mark military service, while other discounts are available year-round. Check out these handpicked deals for military personnel and their families.
Vacation time
Everyone deserves a vacation and there are plenty of great military discounts for travel and other related expenses. And make sure you check out our Ultimate Guide for Traveling on a Budget for even more savings.
-
Road or rail
If you need to travel by train or bus, Amtrak and Greyhound have discounts from 10% to 20% on fares.
-
Sail away
If you would like to spend some time on the water, there are many cruise liners that offer exclusive deals for military personnel and their families. These typically apply to specific trips and should be booked well in advance. Check out these great deals from the following service providers:
-
Air travel
When it comes to traveling by air, Delta Vacations offers discounts to over 250 different locations around the world. You can save between $50 and $300 on your flights, depending on ticket costs. Bonus air points are also available.
-
Discount parking
If you need to leave your vehicle for three days or longer, you can save money by leaving your vehicle at a nearby ParkRideFlyUSA, which has many locations throughout the US.
-
Traveling with pets
If you are traveling with your pet, American Airlines Cargo offers a 50% discount for animals traveling within the continental US, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Hawaii. This offer excludes breeder shipments.
Accommodations
The cost of accommodation can add up quickly when traveling away from home. However, we have found some fantastic deals to cover a range of budgets and vacation styles.
-
Hotels and resorts
Military personnel and their families can save from 10% to 50% off accommodation at various resorts and hotels.
Receive 10% off accommodation at:
- Beaches by Sandals
- Howard Johnson’s
- Motel 6
Receive 15% off accommodation at:
- Castle Resorts & Hotels
Eligible at 10 different locations.
Receive 30% off accommodation at:
- Red Lion Hotels
Receive 50% off accommodation at:
- Hyatt
Applies to active duty military members. This deal includes all of Hyatt's 20 resorts across the US and the Caribbean. Food purchased at participating Hyatt resorts and hotels is also discounted by 20% for active military personnel.
-
Camping
If camping is more your style, check out Koa. They offer 5% to 15% off for the use of their camp grounds. Jellystone Park Camps & Resorts also has 10% to 20% discounts on campsites and cabins, depending on the location.
Entertainment
Tight budgets leave little room for spending on family entertainment. However, many facilities offer military discounts.
-
Amusement parks
Popular amusement parks such as Six Flags and Disney have special family deals for active and retired US military personnel.
-
Nature trails
Getting back to nature is free for active US military members and their families with complementary National Parks and Recreational Lands annual passes.
-
Cinemas
Watching movies at the Showcase Cinema or Cinemark is also affordable for all active duty personnel and their dependents. Check with your local cinema as discounts can vary from state to state.
Education
Students from military families get special discounts in several higher institutions for learning, as well as services that help them get a basic education.
-
Free tutoring
Tutor.com is an excellent resource for US military families. This program is funded by the US Department of Defense and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance. It provides round-the-clock help from experienced tutors in all core subjects and skill levels. Whether it’s help with homework or studying for exams, this free service is available from K-12 to college and a valuable resource for military families.
-
Discounted college fees
Investing in education is vital, but expensive. Tuition fees are reduced by 10% for some courses at California Southern University for children and spouses of retired and active duty military service members. Similar discounts are available at:
- Keystone School
- Brightwood College
- Regent University
- Trident University
- Berklee School of Music
- Saint Joseph University
Check with your local university or college to see what military discounts they offer.
Clothing and shoes
Military families also enjoy exclusive discounts for clothing and footwear from major stores. For more military discounts, be sure to check out this great resource from our friends at dealhack.
-
Shoes
Nike-owned stores in the US and Puerto Rico offer 10% off shoes and other apparel for all US military personnel and their families, while Rack Room Shoes gives a 10% discount on footwear.
-
Clothing
Every Monday, customers with a valid military ID card can get 10% off their purchases at Old Navy.
Torrid and Aeropostale also offer a 10% discount. -
Department stores
Kohl’s branches around the United States offer 15% off clothing, shoes, and houseware. Oakley Standard Issue has a 10% discount for military personnel for eye wear, footwear, apparel and accessories.
