Current and former members of the military and their family members are eligible for many benefits, discounts, and reward programs, including travel. Here are three travel programs for Veterans.
1. American Forces Travel
American Forces Travel is a program that offers discounts and deals for personal travel, including vacations and holiday travel. Veterans, active duty military members, and their family members are all eligible for the program. It provides a website for booking most features of travel, including rental cars, hotel rooms, vacation packages, cruises, and flights. You may also be able to purchase tickets for events such as concerts, theater performances, and sports games.
2. Luke’s Wings
Veterans and current members of the armed forces aren’t the only people who may need to travel for military-related reasons. Their family members may also need to use armed forces travel programs. One of the most common reasons is visiting loved ones who become seriously wounded, ill, or injured while deployed. Nonprofits such as Luke’s Wings help people visit such service members, Veterans, and fallen officers during hospital recovery and rehabilitation.
3. TSA PreCheck
Anyone can apply to purchase TSA PreCheck, but you receive it for free as an employment benefit if you’re a current or former member of the military or a civilian working for the Defense Department. When you use this program, you can typically skip the line at airport security checkpoints and you won’t need to remove your shoes, jacket, or belt. You can also leave liquids and electronics inside your carry-on luggage. Unlike other programs, TSA PreCheck does not cover family members, except for minors traveling with their parents or guardians.
Veterans are still eligible for most travel-related programs, but be sure to check that the program accepts Veterans before booking anything. You should also check whether you need to take any extra steps to prepare for using a travel program.
