Are You a Veteran? Here’s How to Get the Travel Perks Available to You Dhinesh Manuel November 10, 2017 Budget Travel, Military Travel, Travel Tips This post was last updated on August 24, 2023. On Veterans Day, we honor those who have served our country. There are many hardships and challenges to serving in the various branches of the U.S. military, hardships that the rest of us can only imagine. But there are also many benefits, especially when it comes to travel. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the ways in which the people who have served our country can find some useful benefits when they choose to fly, be it for official reasons or just for vacation. Here are a few tips that traveling veterans should keep in mind, no matter when they’re traveling. Use Benefit Cards Where Appropriate In addition to searching for Veterans Day travel deals, vets should also sign up for discount cards, such as Veterans Advantage. This card offers travel perks with airlines like United Airlines and American Airlines, in addition to many others, and can be obtained for an annual fee. You have the option of choosing from different types of memberships, depending on your preferences and needs. Remember to check with the airlines while you explore flight deals to find out if they have any Veterans Advantage discounts. Ask Airlines About Discounts Most airlines offer flight discounts for veterans. However, not all of them advertise this on the front pages of their respective websites. To dig in deeper and find these savings, you may have to call in and make some inquiries. In some cases, airlines will also offer veterans free luggage check-in and a larger allowance on the number of bags. Keep in mind that this is sometimes only offered to those in active service. In the end, the best way to make sure you have a travel benefit through certain airlines is to simply ask ahead of time. Utilize TSA Cares and Expedited TSA PreCheck Veterans can contact TSA Cares to request help during airport security screening. Remember to call in at least 72 hours prior to your flight to find out more about the services and assistance available to you. Wounded Warriors are also eligible for expedited TSA PreCheck screenings at U.S. airports and more. Use the Beneficiary Travel Program When it comes to veteran’s health benefits, the beneficiary travel program provides eligible veterans and their beneficiaries with mileage reimbursement when traveling for VA health care or authorized non-VA health care. This doesn’t just include flights, but also extends to trains, buses, taxis, etc. You may also like: Everything You Need to Know About Airline Benefits for Military Families Fly Space-A and Save Space-A (“space-available”) is a program in which members of the United States Uniformed Services and their family members are permitted to travel on military (mostly cargo) aircraft that have excess room to military bases. The program also includes retirees and Department of Defense civilian personnel under certain circumstances. While these planes may not have the peanuts and comfy seats, Space-A is a great option for veterans looking to save on travel. However, keep in mind that this benefit works better for veterans with flexible travel dates, as there are often last-minute changes. Of course, keep in mind that it’s always important to carry your military ID with you. And if you have any military dependents traveling with you, make sure they have their IDs as well. FAQs: Q: Are military discounts applicable to both domestic and international flights? A: Yes, many airlines extend military discounts to both domestic and international flights, although the terms may vary. Q: Can veterans use military discounts for family members’ flights as well? A: In many cases, yes. Some airlines offer military discounts for family members of veterans, but it’s essential to confirm the specific eligibility criteria. Q: How far in advance should I book my flights to get the best deals? A: Booking flights around 6 to 8 weeks before the departure date tends to offer a good balance between availability and affordability. Q: Can I combine loyalty points from different airlines? A: Loyalty points are typically specific to the airline or alliance. However, some partnerships might allow limited point transfers between certain airlines. Q: How can I stay updated on special flight promotions for veterans? A: Following airlines on social media and subscribing to their newsletters can help you stay informed about exclusive offers and discounts. Q: Is it possible to change travel dates after booking without incurring high fees? A: Many airlines offer flexible booking options for a fee. However, it’s advisable to review the airline’s change and cancellation policy before booking. What other benefits have you received as a veteran? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
