You serve. You sacrifice. Now let’s get you somewhere cheap.
The travel industry owes you something. Not in words, but in rates. Airlines, hotels, cruise lines—they all offer perks. Sometimes it’s just active-duty folks. Sometimes veterans get in on it. Families included, too.
Does it matter if the deal is 15% off or a free drink? Sure. Does it reflect actual gratitude? Debatable. But we’ll take it.
Here’s what you can actually book in 2026 without jumping through bureaucratic hoops.
Where you sleep
B Hotels & Resorts gives a 15% cut off standard rates plus two welcome drinks. It’s called “B Saluted.” Works for military, veterans, and family. They only have spots in Florida (Fort Lauderdale and Marathon) but hey, the ocean is there.
Sandals and Beaches? Ten percent off. It’s part of their “Honoring Our Heroes” program. Covers Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Bahamas, and half of the Caribbean. Eligible US military and veterans only.
Best Western discounts their properties for vets, active members, and gov workers. If you sign up for Service Rewards —their free program—you auto-get Gold status and bonus points. No fee. Take the upgrade.
Choice Hotels (Comfort, Sleep Inn, etc.) have separate codes. Pick “Military/Veterans (Leisure)” or “Government/Military” depending on why you’re there. Active, retired, and military spouses hit Gold Elite level in their rewards program automatically.
Great Wolf Lodge. Up to 40% off. That’s huge. Called Howling Heroes. Works for active, retired, vet. Four guests max per room. Bring the kids, save cash.
Hilton. Official business and leisure rates exist. You have to look. For business, check “Government and military rates.” For leisure? Go to the specific Military Family Rate page. Federal and US military employees qualify.
Hyatt is simple. 10-15% off standard rates. Code: “MILVET.” Vets, active, and immediate family. Just book it.
IHG. Think Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Kimpton. Military rate worldwide. Applies to active, retired, veterans, and families. Participating locations only, though. Always check the fine print.
Marriott. Go to “Special Rates” -> “Government & Military.” You get a filtered list. Shows exactly which properties take your ID. Federal, state, local gov and military. Easy enough.
Motel 6. 10% off. Active and retired. Studio 6 does the same thing. Cheap stays stay cheaper.
Red Roof. 10% for official travel. Also 10% for leisure for government employees, military, and vets. Everywhere in the US. No surprises here.
Wyndham. Up to 15% off. Enroll in Wyndham Rewards, qualifying personnel and spouses get automatic Gold status. Points on qualified stays add up.
How you fly
Airfare is brutal. These help.
Alaska Airlines. Call 800-251-2722 for discounts in some markets. WeSalute+ exists, too. Active-duty folks get early boarding, five free bags, 15% off food. In uniform? Free lounge pass. Out of uniform? Pay $30. Still a steal compared to civilian prices.
Allegiant. Usually cheap, now cheaper. Allegiant Honors gives active-duty, reserve, vet, Guard, and dependents two free checked bags. Waives oversized baggage fees? Yes. Carry-on? Yes. Change fees if orders change? Yes. They’re pretty much wiping their fees off for the military.
American Airlines. Call 800-422-8370 for gov/mil fares in some spots. WeSalute+ helps veterans. Active-duty gets Group 1 boarding. Five free bags on orders. Three free on leisure. In uniform? Admirals Club access with spouse and kids under 18. Or two guests. Except at specific hubs like San Diego and Honolulu. Note that exception.
Delta. Call Reservations (800-229-8200). Fares you can’t see online. Priority boarding. Free bags—count depends on travel type and fare. Stick to the size/weight limits, or pay up.
Frontier. The airline that charges for everything? Not for you. Active-duty, Guard, Reserve, plus spouse/kids get one free carry-on, two free checked bags, and a personal item. Keep the ticket, lose the extra fees.
JetBlue. 5% off base fare. Active-duty and immediate family get this via phone for gov travel (800-321-1930), up to five free bags. Leisure travelers get two. Veterans and families via WeSalute+ get that same 5% plus two bags.
Southwest. Special fares? Call 800-992-6675. Active-duty boards before Group 1. You’re exempt from the two-bag limit entirely. Carry what you need.
United. Priority boarding, lounge access for active-duty in uniform. Veterans, active, Guard, Reserve families get 5% off United-operated flights. Extra bag allowance included.
By train
Amtrak. 10% off lowest available fare. Active-duty, spouse, dependents. Select “Military” on the search. Uniformed folks get to jump the ticket line. Simple. Efficient.
Parks and play
Busch Gardens / SeaWorld. Waves of Honor program. Active-duty and vets get discounted tickets at all US locations including Aquatica and Sesame Place.
Disneyland. Military Promo Tickets. 1-, 3-, or 4-day. Prices start at $98. You must buy at a base ticket office or govx.com. Includes both parks on multi-day passes. No blackout dates? Unlikely, check. Hotel discounts require calling 866-213-9514.
Dollywood. Discounted tickets and passes for active, retired, reserve, spouse, dependent. Straightforward pricing.
Holiday World (Indiana). Discounted daily tickets and season passes. Buy online or flash ID at the gate.
Silver Dollar City. 2026 special? The Active Military Passport. Free unlimited visits all year for active duty. Plus the white water park. Also a flag ceremony—help them raise the US flag at opening. Get a red-white-and-blue ribbon to wear so guests can say thanks. Touching, free fun. Discounted tickets exist for families too.
Universal Orlando. Military Freedom Pass. $220+. Unlimited admission until Dec 18, 204 (blackouts apply). Buy through authorized military offices. Max six tickets. New Epic Universe park gets a discount too.
Universal Studios Hollywood. Active, retired, vet, spouse, dependent get in cheap. 12-month military pass available on base.
Walt Disney World. Military Salute tickets. Four-day park hopper starts around $409. Multi-visit tickets valid through 204 exist too, around $499. Hotel deals by calling 423-428-949. Must buy at base. Blackouts. Reservations mandatory. Plan ahead.
Vail Resorts. Epic Military Pass. Starts at $215. Skiing at 40+ mountains. Discounted gear, food, lodging. Book by late May for best rates. Celebrates National Military Appreciation Month.
Out to sea
AmaWaterways. River cruises. $250 off with code MIL250. Or 2-for-1 fares with MIL2FOR1 on select 204 sailings. Active and retired eligible.
Carnival. Discounts, onboard credits, lower deposits. Heroes Tribute Lounge on some ships. Appreciation gatherings on every ship. Food, fun, and gratitude.
Celebrity. $25 off inside/ocean view. $100 off verandas and up. Combine with other promos? Usually. Covers first and second guests.
Disney Cruise. Special rates for active/retired and spouses. Limited sailings. 2025 anniversary deal? $250 credit on select Disney Wish/Dream voyages for eligible personnel. Book smart.
MSC. Mentioned. Details vary. Check their site for current active/vet rates.
You earned the time off. Take it. Just know which code to punch in.
Some deals are easier than others. Some require phone calls that last 20 minutes. Worth it? Usually. The goal is simple. See new things without breaking the bank.
