How to Qualify for Military Discounts | Comprehensive Guide to Military Discounts

How to get the best military discounts 

Comprehensive Guide to Military Discounts: Save on Travel, Dining, and More

Honoring the commitment and sacrifices of military members goes beyond national holidays. Many businesses offer year-round discounts and benefits to service members and their families, making it easier to save on everything from travel and dining to home improvement and entertainment. If you’re affiliated with the military, this guide will show you how to access these discounts, the types of offers available, and where you can find them. 

How to Qualify for Military Discounts 

Eligibility for military discounts often requires presenting proof of service, such as a valid military ID. For in-person purchases, this is straightforward—especially when you’re in uniform. 

When shopping online, verification typically involves submitting proof via email, phone, or specialized verification services. Many businesses partner with platforms like ID.me to streamline the process. Other verification providers include: 

SheerID: A platform used by various retailers to confirm military status. 

GovX: Offers exclusive deals for military personnel through an account-based verification system. 

Veterans Advantage: Provides access to numerous military-exclusive offers. 

While many discounts are available throughout the year, others may be limited to specific days such as Veterans Day or Military Mondays. Restrictions can also vary by location or store, so it’s always good to check the fine print. 

Where to Find Military Discounts 

Military discounts cover a wide range of categories, from retail and travel to dining and entertainment. Though some businesses openly advertise their discounts, others may not, so it’s always a good idea to ask. For instance, USAA members can access cashback offers at over 900 retailers through USAA MemberShop. 

Below, you’ll find some of the top deals available, categorized for your convenience. 

Travel Discounts for Military Members 

Traveling can be more affordable for military families with discounts on airlines, car rentals, hotels, and even cruises. 

Airlines 

Alaska Airlines: Offers discounted fares, reduced checked bag fees, complimentary in-flight meals, and free Alaska Lounge day passes. 

American Airlines: Provides up to three free checked bags for leisure travel and up to five bags if traveling on orders. 

Delta Airlines: Discounts on bookings through Delta Vacations and free military baggage allowance. 

JetBlue: Active-duty personnel receive discounted fares, plus up to two free checked bags (five when on order). 

Southwest Airlines: Military fares are available; call 800-I-FLY-SWA to book. 

Car Rentals 

Enterprise: Special rates and programs for military members, including those affiliated with USAA. 

Penske: Discounts on truck rentals for military moves, with a dedicated call center for assistance. 

Cruises 

Carnival Cruise Lines: Reduced fares for active-duty and retired military personnel. 

Royal Caribbean: Special military rates on select cruises. 

Disney Cruise Line: Offers last-minute discounts on select sailings. 

Hotels and Resorts 

Hilton Hotels: Discounts on stays at properties like DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, and Homewood Suites. 

Hyatt Hotels: Offers 10%-15% off for military members at participating locations. 

Great Wolf Lodge: Up to 30% off for military families under the "Howlin' Heroes" program. 

Dining Discounts for Military Members 

Many restaurants extend 10%-20% discounts to military members, including popular chains like Chili’s, Outback Steakhouse, and Zaxby’s. For at-home dining, you can save on memberships with Costco or meal kit services like HelloFresh. 

Learn more about meal kits.

Entertainment Discounts 

From amusement parks to movie theaters, military families can enjoy great savings on leisure activities: 

Theme Parks 

Disney World: Specially priced park tickets and discounted resort rates. 

Universal Studios: Big savings on park tickets and vacation packages. 

Movie Theaters 

AMC Theatres: Reduced ticket prices for military members with ID. 

Cinemark: Offers discounted rates on movie tickets. 

Home and Auto Discounts 

Home Improvement 

Home Depot: 10% off eligible purchases year-round. 

Lowe's: Provides a 10% discount in-store and online for military members. 

Automotive Deals 

Ford: Special military appreciation cash toward new vehicle purchases. 

Harley-Davidson: Discounts on motorcycles and free shipping for active-duty personnel. 

Maximizing Your Benefits 

Military discounts offer a significant opportunity to save across various categories. To make the most of these offers: 

• Always ask if a military discount is available, even if it’s not advertised. 
• Carry your military ID or proof of service for in-person purchases. 
• Use verification platforms like ID.me for online deals. 

These discounts are a small way for businesses to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by military members and their families. Take advantage of these opportunities to stretch your budget and enjoy well-deserved savings. 

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