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The Military Wallet

American Forces Travel – Online Travel Discounts

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Update: As of July 16, 2021, all current and former military members* are eligible to use American Forces Travel. *Veterans must have a discharge status of honorable or general under honorable conditions to be eligible for AFT.

American Forces Travel (AFT) is a leisure travel booking website sponsored by the Department of Defense and intended for servicemembers and veterans across all military branches. Through American Forces Travel, eligible users are able to find steeply discounted rates on airfare, cruises, hotels, rental cars, vacation packages, and event tickets (concert, sporting, theatre).

Launched in 2019, AFT is a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program that enables servicemembers and veterans to easily search for and view leisure travel discounts and benefits exclusively available to military members, those affiliated with the Department of Defense, and eligible family members.

Why Should I Try American Forces Travel?

Convenience.

American Forces Travel offers an attractive and convenient alternative to in-person MWR facilities and Information Tickets & Travel (ITT) offices located on military installations because it can be reached 24/7 online and offers around-the-clock military traveler support. Additionally, AFT has broader eligibility criteria than in-person MWR sites; therefore, some groups who may not be eligible to benefit from MWR services on-site may be eligible to avail themselves of AFT instead.

Helps to Fund Other MWR Programs

Booking through American Forces Travel also helps to fund other MWR programs, since commissions from each booking are reinvested at no cost to users.

Lower Booking Fees

American Forces Travel has lower booking fees than other commercial travel websites and offers a “best price guarantee.” For cruises, they even offer a 110% best price guarantee , meaning that if you find a cheaper cruise within 48-hours of booking with American Forces Travel, they will refund 110% of the difference.

Exclusive Offers and Military Rates

Unlike other discount travel sites, American Forces Travel has exclusive offers and military rates, which means less time spent calling airlines and hotels inquiring about military offers.

Greater Global Reach

Users can book domestic and international travel to over 71,000 locations courtesy of American Forces Travel.

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How Does It Work?

The American Forces Travel website is extremely user-friendly, owed largely in part to its partner — Priceline . Priceline.com has been a long-time leader in online travel services — which acts as the service provider. However, not all of the deals offered commercially through Priceline are identical to those on AFT, since Priceline has a specific team in place to negotiate additional deals for military members and affiliates.

In order to book leisure travel through the online platform, users will first have to verify their eligibility, which requires some personal information (last name, birth date, and the last four digits of the user’s Social Security number).

The website will search the DEERS database in order to verify eligibility, so be sure to keep your information in DEERS up to date prior to using the AFT page. After eligibility is established, you’re free to access AFT to search for discounted travel and leisure options.

Am I Eligible to Use American Forces Travel?

Currently, AFT is available to military servicemembers and those affiliated with the Department of Defense, including:

• Active duty servicemembers (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, and Coast Guard Auxiliary Active Duty)
• Members of Reserve components and National Guard
• Retired military (including retirement-eligible Reservists and Guardsmen)
• Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients ; former prisoners of war
• Veterans with service-connected disabilities
• Department of Defense civilians serving outside the United States
• Active duty and retired U.S. Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees
• Full-time, paid employees of the American Red Cross and United Service Organizations (USO) serving at overseas U.S. DoD installations
• Officially sponsored, eligible family members ( ID card holders)
• Approved primary family caregivers of eligible veterans
• All Veterans of the United States Armed Forces with a discharge status of honorable or general under honorable conditions.

However, eligibility criteria are expanding and AFT will soon (specific dates still unknown) be available to all Department of Defense civilians serving within the United States as well as all Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) civilians registered in DEERS.

American Forces Travel should not be confused with Armed Forces Vacation Club , another discount travel option for military members and veterans. AFVC offers discounted hotel and resort stays.

About Post Author

Meaghan Doherty Myers

Meaghan Doherty Myers is a freelance writer, specializing in military benefits, personal finance, and defense and security issues. She holds an M.A. in Strategic Studies and International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and recently graduated from the Russian language program at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. She is an Army spouse, a former ballet dancer, and a former management consultant who lives with her husband and daughter in Alexandria, VA.

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• Armed Forces Travel

American Forces Travel

American Forces Travel℠     is the only official joint services MWR leisure travel website.

American Forces Travel is a joint service initiative combining the efforts of each of the five branches of service (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard) and the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community & Family Policy. Who is Eligible:  Active military, Guard or Reserve, U.S. Coast Guard, Retired Military, and all eligible MWR patrons.

VIew DEALS  

What is American Forces Travel?

American Forces Travel (AFT) is a new site launched with Priceline that offers discounted travel prices to military service members and their dependents. Despite there being many unofficial sites that boast discounted travel prices for military, AFT is the ONLY official joint service owned leisure travel service for the military community.

Priceline.com a company with over 20 years of online travel expertise, won out the opportunity to sponsor AFT over other travel discount sites in a competitive bidding process AFT was launched as an initiative by five military branches of service and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to provide a modernized, streamlined method for booking travel and vacation packages for the military community.  Previously, most non-official travel for military had been orchestrated through base tickets and tour offices; AFT provides a platform where military members can search for special travel deals online.

What Sets American Forces Travel Apart From Other Discount Sites?

• AFT boasts up to 60% savings on more than a million hotel deals in more than 76,000 destinations worldwide.
• AFT offers reduced fees for reservation changes and all flights cancellable within 24 hours.  With AFT, there is also free cancellation on post-paid cars as well as cancellation discounts for pre-paid rates.
• AFT offers 24/7 customer support.
• There is a commission that goes towards military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation services and military quality of life programs with each transaction on the AFT site.
• Although Priceline.com offers similar discounts and deals for the general public, Priceline has a special team dedicated to the AFT site to search for the best prices specifically for military members.
• Priceline offers the same lowest price guarantee on AFT as it does on its main site.  If a better price or deal is found for any travel arrangements within 24 hours of booking, Priceline will refund 100% of the price difference.

Who is Eligible to Use American Forces Travel?

• Active duty and dependents
• Full-benefit retirees and dependents
• 100% disabled veterans and dependents
• Medal of Honor recipients and dependents
• American Red Cross and USA-paid personnel serving outside of the US and dependents
• DOD civilians and non-appropriated fund employees

How Do I Sign Up To Use American Forces Travel?

- Visit the American Forces Travel site .

- Select the “Get Started” link from the main page.

- You will be prompted to verify your military status by providing your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number.

- This information does not go through Priceline but is verified against a DOD database.

- Login information is not captured or retained in any way.

What Types of Discounts Does American Forces Travel Offer?

• Travel packages

AFT hopes to also offer discounts on theme parks and other attractions at a future date

Does American Forces Travel Really Deliver Discounts to the Military Community?

A review done by Military.com of the American Forces Travel site uncovered that on travel to San Diego, hotel deals ranging $20-$50 dollars less than prices found on regular travel discount sites and $10-$18 off per day for vehicle rentals.  According to the same review, a round-trip Alaska Airlines flight from Washington, D.C. to San Diego for one February weekend was $354, while on American Forces Travel the same round-trip flight was only $323.  However, non-stop flights for the same weekend could be purchased on United Airlines for $200-$400 less on a travel discount site other than AFT.

Discounts on hotels seems to vary by season and by room type. For example, a cursory search on AFT for hotels in Seattle, WA during the month of August showed variance in discounted prices when compared to prices on other discount travel sites, ranging from prices on AFT being $10-$20 higher than to $10-$30 lower than on other travel sites. It did seem that there were better discounts on searches for double occupancy rooms than on searches for rooms for more than two people, which could signify that when looking for hotels, AFT offers better discounts for groups travelling with less people as opposed to families with children or larger groups.

Discounts on automobile rentals also vary by auto type and rental by day or by week. Cruise prices also appear to vary based on season or berthing type.

In short, there is probably still no substitute for doing the research when one is looking for good deals on travel. AFT probably does offer significant discounts for military members but not necessarily on every travel item nor in every circumstance, so it is still important to search for deals and discounts using various resources. 

It’s important to consider, too, that AFT launched only within the past few months and still has plans to expand its scope and improve its services. It would be well worth providing further analysis after the site has been up and running for a year or two. 

At the very least American Forces Travel puts another discount travel booking tool in the back pockets of military members and their dependents and can be considered a legitimate means to secure the best price for all leisure travel needs.

The best military travel discounts and perks for service members

Many airlines, hotels, theme parks and cruise lines pay year-round tribute to those who serve our country with various discounts and benefits. Sometimes these deals are available only to active-duty military personnel, and sometimes the perks extend to U.S. military veterans and their families as well.

Related: The best credit cards for active-duty military members: Get waived annual fees

No matter the form these travel benefits take, they all reflect the gratitude the travel industry feels toward those who have sacrificed so much to protect our country.

Here are the perks that military members can take advantage of on their travels.

Military hotel discounts

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy and its many brands have discounted federal, state and local government rates available to government and military personnel. To access the discounted rates, choose the " Government & Military " option from the "Special Rates" drop-down menu when searching for a stay. You'll get a list of all the Marriott Bonvoy properties in your chosen city that offer special rates and their eligibility requirements.

Federal and U.S. military employees are eligible for military rates and discounts at participating Hilton properties. When searching for rooms online, check the box labeled "Government/Military Rates" to see the applicable rates. Plus, there's a discount on leisure stays for active and retired military members and their families at participating hotels and resorts (though the rate is not valid for official government or military travel).

Best Western

Best Western properties across the U.S. offer discounted rates for veterans, military members and government personnel .

Plus, Best Western's Service Rewards Program — the hotel chain's award program tailored to members of the military and armed forces — unlocks even more member benefits, including an automatic upgrade to Gold status and bonus points on qualified stays.

Veterans, active-duty members and their immediate family members are eligible for a discount of 10%-15% off Hyatt's standard rate at participating hotels . To get the discount, use the offer code MILVET while booking.

Participating Wyndham properties offer discounts of up to 15% off their best available rate to active and retired military personnel, veterans and their families. Plus, qualifying military personnel and their spouses get automatic Gold-level status when they enroll in the Wyndham Rewards program and bonus Wyndham Rewards points for qualified stays.

B Hotels & Resorts

To honor military members, B Hotels & Resorts is offering an exclusive "B Saluted" discount of 15% off regular rates and two welcome drinks per stay to military members, veterans and their families. B Hotels & Resorts has locations in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Marathon, Florida.

The hotel chain behind such brands as InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton and others offers a " Military Leisure Rate " at participating locations across the U.S., Canada, and Central and South America. It applies to active-duty military personnel, veterans, retired military personnel and their families.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels — which includes brands such as Comfort, Sleep Inn and Quality Inn — extends a discounted rate for official and leisure travel to active-duty and retired military personnel, their dependents and members of several military associations. Plus, active-duty military members, veterans and military spouses are eligible to join the Choice Privileges rewards program at the Lifetime Gold Elite level and receive a bonus 2,500 Choice Privileges rewards points after your first qualifying stay.

Motel 6, along with its sister extended-stay brand Studio 6, offers active and retired military personnel and their families a discount of 10% off standard rates .

Active-duty military personnel and veterans — in addition to government employees — are eligible for a 10% discount on official travel at any U.S. Red Roof location. The hotel chain also has a 10% discount on leisure travel for all government employees and military members, veterans and retirees.

Military airline benefits

Southwest Airlines

There are special fares for military and government travelers , but you must call the airline to book them. Additionally, military members traveling on active duty (in or out of uniform) can board between the A and B groups and are exempt from the limit of two pieces of checked baggage.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers government or military fares in some markets , while veterans and their families can access reduced fares by enrolling in the VetRewards program .

Active-duty military personnel are also allowed Group 1 boarding privileges; they can bring up to five free checked bags when traveling on orders and up to three free checked bags for leisure travel (weight restrictions apply).

U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform on a same-day American flight can enter Admirals Club lounges with their immediate family — defined as a spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18 — or up to two guests at most Admirals Club locations except for Airspace Lounge at San Diego International Airport (SAN) and JAL Sakura Lounge at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

Delta Air Lines

Active-duty U.S. service members can call Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212 for discounted fares unavailable to the general public. Delta also offers priority boarding and free checked baggage to active-duty military members. How many bags you are allowed is based on the type of travel and fare type, and you must adhere to the specified size and weight restrictions for baggage .

United Airlines

United offers an additional checked baggage allowance to active duty military traveling on official orders. Active-duty military in uniform, as well as those with leave orders or rest and recuperation papers, are also invited to visit United Club lounges when traveling on a United-operated flight (immediate family may access the lounge, too). U.S. military veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve members and their families are also eligible for a 5% discount on United-operated flights through the Veterans Advantage program.

Alaska Airlines

In some markets, Alaska Airlines offers military fares to active-duty military personnel and their dependents when you call Alaska Airlines at 800-252-7522 to purchase your tickets. Active-duty U.S. military personnel can board early, check up to five bags for free, receive 15% off inflight food purchases and receive complimentary day passes to visit an Alaska Lounge when traveling in uniform. All other active-duty military personnel can purchase a discounted day pass for $30. Flight discounts are also available through Veterans Advantage .

Active-duty military personnel not traveling on orders get a 5% discount off the base fare by calling 800-JETBLUE. In a separate offer, JetBlue offers a 5% discount to U.S. active-duty military members, retired military members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members and their families who are enrolled in Veterans Advantage. Those who enroll in Veterans Advantage also get two free checked bags for leisure trips and up to five when traveling on duty.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier typically charges for carry-on bags and checked baggage. However, active-duty armed forces, National Guard and Reserve members receive a free carry-on bag, two free checked bags and one free personal item . Note: These baggage waivers apply only to active-duty military personnel. Families or traveling companions are not eligible.

Allegiant Air

U.S. active-duty and reserve military members, military veterans, members of the National Guard and their dependents get up to two pieces of checked baggage for free through the Allegiant Honors program . Also, the airline waives its typical fees for oversized checked baggage, a carry-on bag, getting a boarding pass printed at the airport and seat assignments. Qualifying service members can also board their flights early.

Spirit Airlines

Active-duty U.S. military members can check two bags for free and bring a carry-on item on board their flight for free, in addition to the already free personal item.

Military train travel discounts

Active-duty U.S. military personnel, their spouses and their dependents are eligible for a 10% discount on the lowest available fare in select fare classes. During your ticket search on Fare Finder, select "Military" for each eligible passenger. Amtrak also welcomes uniformed military personnel to the front of the ticket line.

Military theme park ticket discounts

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando is currently offering a Military Freedom Pass promotional ticket to all active-duty and retired service members. Ticket prices start at $199.99 for unlimited admission between now and Dec. 24, though blackout dates apply. Each eligible service member can purchase up to six promotional tickets, and they must buy them through a participating authorized military ticket and travel office.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood offers discounted tickets to active-duty and retired military personnel, 100% disabled veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, active Guard and Reserve members, and the spouses and dependents of the people in these categories. Ticket prices vary based on date, and tickets must be purchased at participating military ticket offices.

Walt Disney World

Active and retired U.S. military personnel are eligible for discounted hotel rates and specially priced theme park tickets at Walt Disney World . Blackout dates apply. Hotel stays can be booked by calling 407-939-7830. Tickets must be purchased at a participating U.S. military base ticket office.

Disneyland honors active and retired U.S. military personnel with discounted three- and four-day Park Hopper tickets. The Disney Military Promotional Park Hopper Ticket includes access to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure each day of your ticket, excluding blackout dates. Pricing starts at $245, and you must purchase tickets at a participating U.S. military base ticket office. Hotel discounts are also available by calling 844-776-0015.

Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City offers a 30% ticket discount to U.S. active or retired military, veterans and military reservists, along with their spouses and dependent children (ages 4-17) living in their household. In addition to discounted tickets, Silver Dollar City invites all military members and veterans to help raise the American Flag during the park's daily opening ceremony. Service members are also given a red, white and blue ribbon to wear during their time in the park, allowing employees and guests to thank them for their service.

Busch Gardens and SeaWorld parks

Through the Waves of Honor program, all U.S. SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica and Sesame Place parks offer discounted tickets to active-duty military members and veterans.

Dollywood offers discounted tickets stand annual passes to U.S. active or retired military, veterans, military reservists, spouses and dependents. The savings amounts to about 30% off the regular ticket price.

Military cruise benefits

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line shows its appreciation for active and retired armed forces members with discounted cruise rates, onboard credits and reduced deposits . Additionally, every Carnival sailing has a Heroes Tribute Lounge and holds a military appreciation gathering for service members and their families.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line's Military Appreciation Program extends exclusive benefits to military members, veterans and their spouses. Members of the program receive a 10% discount on all cruise fares.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers special rates to all military members, active and retired, as well as their spouses. Discounted rates are only available on select sailings, and prices start at $185 per person, based on double occupancy.

Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea honors active and veteran military members with a free two-night cruise through the Heroes Sail Free program. The offer is valid only for ocean-view and interior cabins, and you must be sailing with at least one paying guest in the same cabin. Taxes and fees still apply.

Celebrity Cruises

Active and retired military members can save $25 on inside and ocean-view cabins and $100 on veranda cabins and above on select sailings. This discount applies to the first and second guest in the cabin.

Princess Cruises

Veterans and active, retired and disabled military personnel can receive up to $250 free onboard spending money on select Princess sailings. You can use this onboard credit for specialty dining, onboard boutiques, shore excursions, spa treatments and more.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers military rates to active and retired personnel, veterans and their spouses. The discounted rates also apply to friends and family members staying in the same cabin as the eligible service member. The best way to access the discounted rate is by booking through a travel agent or booking directly with Royal Caribbean over the phone.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers discounted fares to all active and retired U.S. military personnel , plus family members traveling with them. You can receive a discount of 5% on interior and ocean-view cabins, 10% on balcony and suite cabins and a "kids sail free" promotion on select sailings.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers active and retired service members a special military discount of $100 off a river cruise when you use the code MIL100 at the time of booking.

Bottom line

A host of benefits await travelers who serve or have served in the U.S. military.

Because these benefits, their requirements and the eligibility of family, spouses and dependents vary, carefully research each military discount offer to avoid any surprises. Many airlines, hotels and other businesses might ask for proof of eligibility, so don't leave home without the military ID, veteran ID, dependent ID, orders and/or other documentation you'll need to take advantage of the many travel offers.

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American Forces Travel

Written by Veteran.com Team

American Forces Travel (AFT), a joint venture between Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) and Priceline.com, offers discounted travel to military members and their families. AFT launched in 2019 and is the only leisure travel website dedicated to Department of Defense and veteran customers.

AFT offers discounts of up to 40% for transportation and as much as 60% off hotels, rentals, and events and is the first online MWR Leisure Travel website. Qualified users can find deals on:

• Event tickets
• Travel packages

The event tickets option is supported by TicketNetwork.

Update:  In a memo signed April 12, 2021, the Defense Department will extend online access to American Forces Travel to honorably discharged veterans of the uniformed services.

Who Is Eligible To Use American Forces Travel

The website is unique in that it is NOT open to the general public. You can use American Forces Travel if you are in any of the following categories:

• All current active duty military (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard)
• All veterans of the United States Armed Forces with a discharge status of honorable or general under honorable conditions
• All members of the Reserve components and National Guard
• Coast Guard Auxiliary Active Duty
• All current active duty and retired National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• All current active duty and retired US Public Health Service (USPHS)
• All retired military, including Reserves and National Guard who are retirement eligible
• All Medal of Honor recipients
• All veterans with service-connected disabilities
• All veterans who are Purple Heart recipients
• All veterans who are former prisoners of war
• All primary family caregivers of eligible veterans under the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
• Eligible family members who are officially sponsored (ID card holder) by those in the above categories
• All Department of Defense and Coast Guard civilians, including appropriated funds (APF) employees and nonappropriated funds (NAF) employees
• Full-time, paid employees of the American Red Cross and United Service Organizations (USO) hired in the United States and serving at U.S. DoD installations overseas

In many cases, those who are separated from the military but who did not spend enough time in uniform to draw retirement pay are left out of certain military perks like the ability to use certain MWR programs or facilities .

But in this particular case, that is not true. On April 12, 2021 MWR opened access to AFT to all who have separated honorably or under honorable conditions.

That was a significant shift in policy for use of MWR programs. Some 16 million veterans are given access to the discounted travel perks, along with 10 million active duty troops, Guard and Reserve members, dependents, etc.

Why People Use American Forces Travel

For some, the discounted travel options are quite enough, but not all who buy tickets are doing so from the United States.

Military travelers feel more comfortable knowing the people arranging their tickets and travel understand their unique requirements–especially when it comes to having limited time to spend traveling while on leave, traveling to foreign countries from other foreign countries, etc.

An agency like AFT brings with it an understanding of military lifestyle needs–when booking from overseas, to overseas, you’ll want to know you’re getting the price you need but also the support you might have to have en route no matter what time of day anywhere around the globe.

About American Forces Travel

AFT partnered with Priceline.com to offer the travel service. There are many sites that operate unofficially claiming to offer discounted leisure travel to military and military-affiliated people. AFT is the only one that operates under the auspices of MWR.

AFT is not the only military-affiliated travel service, but it is the only MWR leisure travel site.

American Forces Travel is a multi-service initiative designed to provide greater non-official travel options. Before AFT, such travel options were available through individual Base Tickets and Tour offices.

You can sign up for AFT online by clicking on the Get Started button on the upper right of the screen. You will need to enter some personal data to prove your identity including the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

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3 Military Travel Discounts You Won’t Want to Miss

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Many airlines and hotels offer U.S. military members discounts and perks when traveling. Even when you aren't traveling on orders, members of the military can get free checked bags and priority boarding on airlines, military travel discounts and even elite status at some hotel brands.

To maximize your military travel benefits, you'll want to utilize perks available through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or SCRA. Card issuers like Citi and Barclays offer military members 0% APR , while Chase may waive annual fees completely . Many of these credit cards offer generous travel benefits.

Here, we're going to focus on non-card-related military travel discounts and other travel benefits for veterans.

Where to look for military travel discounts

1. organizations offering military travel discounts, veterans advantage.

Many airlines and hotel brands offer some version of military travel discounts. Some of these travel discounts are available to all military members; however, some airlines and hotels only offer discounts through an organization called Veterans Advantage .

This membership-based organization isn't free. Members need to pay $9.99 per month or $59.95 (plus a $4.95 processing fee) for a full year of membership. So you'll want to make sure that you save more than this from your membership before you sign up.

Active duty military, veterans, retired military and spouses and dependents of active-duty, veterans and retired military can save $30 on a Costco Shop Card . All Costco members have access to Costco Travel, which is an online travel agency that offers everyday savings on travel expenses exclusively for members.

2. Airline military travel discounts

Via veterans advantage.

Veterans Advantage offers many airline discounts, including:

Alaska Airlines : Get 5% off flights departing from the U.S. and Canada for up to six passengers.

American Airlines : Up to 10% off economy fares for active-duty members, veterans, retirees, members of the national guard, reservists and their families.

Hawaiian Airlines : Get 5% off round-trip economy fares between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii.

JetBlue : Get 5% off all JetBlue flights, plus two free checked bags and waived service fees.

Lufthansa Group: Get 5% off transatlantic flights originating in the U.S. on Lufthansa Airlines , Austrian Airlines, SWISS or Brussels Airlines.

United Airlines : Get 5% off premium economy, business and first-class flights originating in the U.S. for travel within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Europe.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards with no annual fee

Airline-specific military discounts

Also, a couple of airlines offer military travel discounts directly:

Alaska Airlines : A special military rate is available to U.S. military personnel and their spouses and dependents. This fare is only available when traveling on an excused absence, within seven days of being discharged or for military reserves on active duty.

Delta Air Lines : Get up to $300 off Delta Vacations flight + hotel packages of at least three nights. Available to active-duty U.S. military personnel and their travel companions.

Free checked bags for military members

In addition to discounts on flights, airlines offer travel benefits for active U.S. military service members such as free checked bags — even when flying for personal travel.

Alaska Airlines: Active duty U.S. military personnel and military dependents with travel orders can check up to five bags weighing up to 70 pounds each for free.

American Airlines: Activity military members and dependents traveling on orders get up to five checked bags of up to 100 pounds each for free. Active military members on personal and leisure travel get up to three checked bags of up to 50 pounds each for free.

Delta Air Lines : When traveling on military orders, you can check five bags up to 100 pounds each for free. For personal travel, active-duty military personnel can check two bags up to 50 pounds each when traveling in basic economy, main cabin and Delta Comfort+, or three bags up to 70 pounds each in first class, premium select and Delta One.

Frontier Airlines : Active duty military, reserves and national guard passengers can check two bags for free plus carry-on a bag and a personal item. Oversized and overweight bag fees are waived for the first two checked bags.

JetBlue: Active duty military members traveling on orders and dependents traveling on the same itinerary can get five bags each. For leisure travel, military members and dependents get two free checked bags each.

Spirit Airlines : The low-cost airline offers active-duty U.S. military members two free checked bags and a free carry-on bag when they present their ID at check in.

United Airlines: United will waive checked bag fees on up to five checked bags up to 100 pounds each for U.S. military members traveling on orders.

» Learn more: How to shop for flights

Other military travel benefits when flying

Some airlines go beyond just offering free checked bags to military members. Here are the airlines that offer perks like priority boarding and lounge access:

Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers U.S. military members early boarding, complimentary lounge access when traveling on orders and a 15% discount on food purchased in-flight.

American Airlines: American Airlines offers Group 1 boarding to active-duty military members with ID.

Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines allows military members to board between the A and B groups, allowing them better access to seats.

United Airlines: United Airlines offers United Club lounge access to active duty military members in uniform or with leave orders and their families. You must be traveling on a United-operated flight and present your boarding pass and papers to the lounge agent.

3. Hotel military travel discounts

Active military members and veterans can also save at many hotel brands.

Veterans Advantage also partners with many hotel brands to offer a discount to paying members:

Choice Hotels: Get 15% off at the following brands: Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria Suites, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn.

Diamond Resorts: Savings of 20% off the best available rate at Diamond Resorts destinations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean.

Hilton: Get 10% off for military members, veterans and family members.

Kimpton Hotels: Save 10% off the best available rate.

Motel 6: Get 15% off.

Red Roof: Take 20% off at all Red Roof properties (Red Roof Inn, Red Roof Plus+, Hometowne Studios and The Red Collection Hotels).

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Up to 20% off — including at the following brands: Wyndham Grand, Wyndham Garden, Days Inn, La Quinta, Ramada, Super 8, Howard Johnson, Baymont Suites, Travelodge, TRYP, Microtel, Wingate, Hawthorn Suites and Wyndham Vacation Rentals.

Other hotel discounts for service members

Here are some of the best military travel discounts available at hotels in North America:

Atlantis Bahamas : Up to 15% off hotel reservations.

Best Western : Save at least 10% by booking the military rate. Available to U.S. and Canadian military personnel and civilian military personnel, including veterans with an official ID or work orders.

Choice Hotels : Active duty and retired military members, their dependents and members of military associations are eligible for military discounts for leisure travel.

Hilton Hotels : Active and retired U.S. and Canadian military members, veterans and their families can save on leisure travel in the Americas through the Military Family Rate.

Hyatt Hotels : Save 10-15% off the standard rate at participating hotels in the U.S. when you enter code MILVET in the Special Offer Code. Available to veterans, active duty armed service members and immediate family members.

IHG Hotels : Active and retired U.S. and Canadian military members — and their dependent family members — are eligible to book IHG's Military Appreciation Hotel Rate.

Marriott Hotels : Active-duty military members are eligible for discounts when using Special Rate code GOV.

Red Roof Inn : Get 15% off if you're permanently changing stations or 10% off on leisure travel or for military friends and family.

Super 8 by Wyndham : Get 15% off the Best Available Rate at participating hotels in the U.S. and Canada. Available to active, reserve, veteran and retired members of the U.S. or Canadian military.

Wyndham Hotels : Get 12% off the Best Available Rate at most Wyndham brands at hotels in the U.S. and Canada. Available to members of the United States or Canadian military with active, reserve, veteran or retired status and/or the spouses of those military members. You must use rate code SML at booking and present a military ID at check-in.

Free hotel elite status for military members

In addition to discounts and perks, members of the U.S. military are eligible to get elite status with a few hotel chains.

Choice Privileges: Choice Privileges offers lifetime Gold elite status for active-duty military, veterans and military spouses. This elite status grants you a 10% point bonus on stays, an elite welcome gift and access to an elite phone number for reservations and customer service. Plus, you'll get 2,500 bonus points for completing your first qualifying stay after enrolling. Visit this page for full details and to enroll in the program.

Best Western: Similarly, Best Western Rewards offers Gold status to members of the military and armed forces through its Best Western Service Rewards program. In addition to a 10% discount, you'll earn 10% bonus points, receive either bonus points or a welcome gift on arrival, get early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability), and potentially even score a room upgrade.

Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy: Military members can also get elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy . However, getting these perks isn't as straightforward. Here's how it works. Members of the military may be eligible for waived membership fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. You’ll likely have to apply for relief directly to AmEx to get the fee waiver. Once you have The Platinum Card® from American Express , you can enroll to receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Honors Gold elite status. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best hotel elite status programs

Take advantage of military travel discounts

Many airlines and hotels offer some sort of discounts or perks to members of the U.S. (or Canadian) armed forces, veterans and reserves. If you're an eligible service member, it's worth double-checking the perks and discounts available before booking your next trip.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Because the Internet is now the most popular way to research and book travel, the branches of Service chose to evolve their travel offering. The Services have contracted with a world leader in travel, Priceline®, to deliver high value travel benefits to the U.S. military community. American Forces Travel℠ is transforming the way MWR provides online leisure services to our Service members and families, empowering them to revitalize, reconnect, be well, and most importantly, be mission-ready. In addition to dramatically enhancing quality of life for the military community, American Forces Travel℠ will inject critical revenue into MWR programs by providing commissions from every booking made.

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We're truly dedicated to make your travel experience best.

AF Travel commenced business in 1985 and became part of the Citystate Group in 2000. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it’s core products are Corporate Travel Management, Group Incentive and Leisure travel arrangements, and cruise retail. AF Travel also markets a wide range of tours and hotels for independent travellers, which are available online. AF Travel is a TDC licensed and an IATA accredited travel agency. We have been receiving high achievers awards from airlines like Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airlines and Korean Airlines.

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Armed Forces Vacation Club has a rating of 1.2 stars from 23 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Armed Forces Vacation Club ranks 172nd among Vacation sites.

“Brother used this and booked”

My brother used this service and booked his trip to fiji with me it was okay for him so it may make sense for others

“To good to be true”

I am writing this review to warn veterans from being blindsided by these prices. They advertise prices that are from $200-400 for 7 day stays then show resort fees of around $10. Which is an amazing deal right? Wrong a lot of the resorts actually charge extra fees especially if it's all inclusive. These fees can be almost $400 a night per person. You can purchase one of these deals than show up with your partner and will be told by the hotel that you owe around 5k for the stay. Imagine that happening to you! It saddens me how these prices trick vets and people who serve.

Reviews (23)

• Follow Selena P.

Be careful when booking. The advertised price may seem nice. They usually advertise $200-$400/7night stays. But There are hidden fees. You'll most likely be better off just booking through the actual resort's website or a travel agency. Save some money and always do research on cancellation.

• Follow Judy M.

I booked 11 days at LaQuinta, Airport Clearwater Florida through AFVC. I paid in advance. The AFVC highly recommended it. The hotel was by far the most dilapidated, filthiest, roach infested place I have ever seen. I had to leave after two days due to the roaches, filth and patrons. The hotel would not give me a refund. They said they would send AFVC the credit($545). AFVC said the purchase was non-refundable. I offered to show the agent the photos I had of the severity of the situation. She gave me a bogus email to send the photos to and refused to give me her last name. This site takes advantage of veterans! Stay away!

• Follow Chris O.

I had a reservation for August in Vegas. When our event was canceled due to Covid-19, I immediately called to cancel or reschedule for another time frame, but they refused to reschedule for a later date, and they would not give me a full refund. I think that 60 days in a pandemic situation is way too far for AFVclub to keep 25% of the payment for cancellation. Disney is 7 days out to cancel and you get a full refund! Very disappointed. I will NEVER book with AFVclub again. For those who are first time user of AFVclub, please do not book with them or do the research first.

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Palestinians seeking passage to Canada fight despair as Rafah campaign closes off their exit

Nearly 200 people have escaped gaza and have been approved to come to canada.

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Nearly 200 Palestinians have managed to escape Gaza and obtain approval to travel to Canada — but they had to pay thousands of dollars to smuggle themselves into Egypt.

That avenue is now closed off, due to the Israeli military campaign underway in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

On Monday, Hamas announced that it had agreed to a ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar. Israel rejected the deal — which it said contained elements it could not accept — and began its incursion into Rafah, where more than a million Gazans have sought shelter from the war.

Among them are the members of Hazim Almasri's family, who have been travelling from Gaza City to Deir el Balah, a town neighbouring Khan Younis, since October.

"We were always stressed and very sad and always worried," said Almasri, a resident of Kitchener, Ont. He is still waiting on word from the Canadian government on whether he'll be allowed to bring his siblings and their families to Canada.

Prior to the war, Almasri had plans to fly to Gaza this month for a family reunion. The eruption of hostilities on Oct. 7 put an end to those plans and started him thinking about getting his loved ones out instead.

In January, the Canadian government announced a new program — the Special Measures for Extended Families of Palestinian Canadians in Gaza — meant to allow relations of Palestinian-Canadians in the war zone to move here temporarily to escape the conflict.

"The day they announced the program, it was a celebration in my house and the kids in Gaza. They were crying from happiness," Almasri said.

But the program depends on the governments of Israel and Egypt approving individuals for travel through the Rafah crossing into the latter country, once they are placed on a list by Canada.

• Ceasefire negotiations back to 'square one,' Hamas says

Canada has submitted multiple lists of approved candidates for the program to Israel and Egypt, but — for reasons that have not been disclosed — all of those names have not been accepted to date. Now, the incursion launched by Israel this week into Rafah has made any further movement into Cairo impossible.

Almasri said he has raised enough money to get some of his family members out, but others, like his brother Nael, are still stuck on the Gaza side.

Nael Almasri recently met with a freelancer working for CBC News in Deir El Balah. He said he and his family finally found a small apartment to rent after being constantly on the move since October. Now they're waiting for their applications to come to Canada to be approved.

"They bombed the house beside us and 18 people were martyred," he said. "It was terrifying for the entire family."

In January, Hazim Almasri filed applications for his three siblings and their families to get them out of Gaza through the program. Two of the three have received codes from the Canadian government — the first step in the application process, which allows them to apply for a visa. But Nael and his family have yet to receive anything from Canada.

"The purpose of applying to this program is to save our souls from death," said Nael. "We were hopeful and happy and the kids were happy, but then … the process is slow."

He said he's lost all hope of escaping the war.

"Right now, I feel like it doesn't really matter to me… Open the border, close the border, either way I'm stuck in the Gaza Strip," he said.

Palestinian Canadians say they're running out of ways to get family out of Gaza

Hope isn't the only thing the Almasri family has lost. About a week ago, their uncle, who had made it across the border to Cairo, died after undergoing surgery to amputate an infected leg.

• Netanyahu dismisses U.S. threat to withhold weapons if Israel launches full Rafah assault
• Biden warns U.S. will stop sending weapons to Israel if Netanyahu orders attack on Rafah

Mike Morrice, Green Party member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre, said he knows Immigration Minister Marc Miller is in a "difficult" position — but he needs to maintain diplomatic channels to get as many people out of Gaza as possible. 

"Everything about this program, as you know, has been broken from the start," said Morrice. "So, we want to see him continue to prioritize all diplomatic channels to do better by families like Hazim's and so many others across the country."

In a statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the department is very concerned about the plight of people in Gaza and is aware that some are exiting Gaza "on their own."

The department says it does not recommend the use of such people-smuggling services and continues to call for Egypt and Israel to approve applicants for exit.

IRCC said that as of April 29, 179 people have completed the process and have been approved to come to Canada. None were evacuated from Gaza through official channels.

Clarifications

• This story has been updated to more accurately characterize the status of the lists of candidates Canada has submitted to Israel and Egypt for approval to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing. May 13, 2024 9:22 AM ET

Corrections

• A previous version of this story misspelled Mike Morrice's last name and said he represents the riding of Kitchener South. In fact, he represents Kitchener Centre. May 12, 2024 9:53 AM ET

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yasmine Hassan is a producer filing stories on the Middle East for CBC's Parliamentary Bureau in Ottawa. She has worked for the national broadcaster in Toronto, London, Montreal and New Brunswick. Her work previously appeared in VICE and Al Jazeera. If you have a story idea, send news tips in English or Arabic to [email protected].

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Getting There: Most Washington IDs won’t fly in a year, state officials say, urging people to get their enhanced licenses for airplane travel

In one year, a standard driver’s license or state-issued ID card will no longer be adequate identification for Washington residents to board an airplane.

Instead, people 18 and older will need to bring an enhanced driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport, tribal ID, military ID, green card or another approved identification document with them to the airport.

The change is the state’s response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s move to “Real ID” compliance for domestic flights. Effective May 7, 2025, the new federal “Real ID” guidelines were born out of security legislation passed by Congress in 2005 in response to 9/11.

State Department of Licensing Director Marcus Glasper visited the Spokane International Airport earlier this month to discuss the upcoming change in federal law. Glasper urged people to take proactive steps to evaluate their identification card setups well before the May 7 deadline.

“Please don’t wait until next year,” Glasper said. “If you’re thinking of getting an enhanced driver license or ID card, I encourage you to do it as soon as possible. Lines at driver licensing offices will get longer as we get closer to the May 7, 2025, deadline.”

Roughly 22% of Washington residents with licenses or state-issued ID cards already have made the switch to an enhanced license, state Department of Licensing spokesperson Christine Anthony said.

Enhanced licenses cost more than standards ones. An enhanced license that expires in five years costs $116, compared to $81 .

Licensing officials aren’t sure exactly how many people will make the switch at their local licensing offices in the next 12 months, because they don’t have records of the number of people with other forms of ID that will work under the new federal law.

Licensing offices across the state recently instituted an online appointment system where people can reserve a time slot in advance to cut down on in-person wait times. Walk-ins still are accepted.

To figure out what documents to bring for an appointment to get an enhanced ID card, Anthony said the DOL manages a web page with instructions for residents.

Anthony wanted to remind the public that they might already have another form of ID that will work to get them on an airplane.

“It’s just about knowing what you have and knowing what you might need,” Anthony said. “We have a website that people can go to that will walk them through.”

The following ID formats will be accepted in lieu of an enhanced license or state-issued ID card:

• U.S. or foreign passport.
• U.S. passport card.
• Military ID.
• Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential.

Called the Real ID Act, the federal law that will require additional identification to board airplanes was passed by Congress in 2005. Multiple times, the government has punted the date they say the law will take effect.

All those EVs are great, but where will the electricity come from?

As part of my career of over 30 years in the energy industry, I led the effort to complete Oregon’s portion of the West Coast’s “Electric Highway.”

Introduction to TravelSafe Travel Insurance

• Coverage Options
• Purchasing and Managing a Policy
• Customer Service and Support

Compare TravelSafe Travel Insurance

• Why You Should Trust Us

TravelSafe Travel Insurance Review 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

TravelSafe Insurance is a travel insurance company owned by the Chester Perfetto Agency, which provides a wide array of travel insurance options such as health, life, and auto insurance. TravelSafe can cover longer trips than many of its competitors, but charges high rates. It's also known for its golf-specific coverage. 

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to 120 days' coverage available for travelers ages 79 and under (30 days for 80+)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $2,500 per person for missed connections over three hours or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage of up to $150 per person per day kicks in after six hours or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy can be purchased by U.S. citizens living abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage ceiling of $100,000 may be low for some travelers' needs.
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims reviews from customers say performance is not always the best
• A well-rounded insurance plan for travelers who are concerned about missing connections for cruise-related travel
• Classic and Basic travel insurance plans
• GolfSafe travel insurance plans provide coverage for you and your equipment
• Travel medical insurance through partner Trawick International

Among the companies included in our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance , TravelSafe offers thick insulation against the unpredictability of travel. The trips that TravelSafe can insure are on the higher end of the industry, covering trips lasting up to 150 days and costing up to $100,000. TravelSafe's Classic plan also offers coverage for people who are up to 100 years old. 

One standout feature of TravelSafe is that all of its plans offer primary coverage, so you can file immediately with TravelSafe instead of going through your health insurance provider first, even with TravelSafe's Basic plan. Many travel insurance companies only provide primary coverage with their higher-tiered plans. 

That said, TravelSafe's Basic plan costs more than many travel insurance companies' most expensive plans. This brings up the issue of cost. While its plans are technically within the bounds of the average cost of travel insurance, TravelSafe certainly stretches those limits, and it's certainly more expensive than many of the best travel insurance companies.

Ultimately, TravelSafe is best for travelers taking an expensive trip who can afford expensive insurance. 

Coverage Options from TravelSafe

TravelSafe has two main policies for those seeking travel insurance: travel insurance for stateside and international travelers and travel insurance for those who are planning golf trips. For each policy type, travelers can choose between classic and basic coverage. And golfers can choose between GolfSafe Secure and GolfSafe Secure Plus.

Here's how the three TravelSafe travel insurance plans stack up in terms of what's included and coverage limits:

TravelSafe also offers specific golf insurance plans, which is something incredibly unique among travel insurance companies. If you're an avid golfer, purchasing golfing insurance will cover things like lost holes, something regular travel insurance won't. TravelSafe's golf insurance plan benefits are as follows:

Additional coverage options from TravelSafe

TravelSafe offers several optional coverages for its travelers:

Rental car damage and theft coverage:  Available for both Basic and Classic plans, this add-on covers up to $35,000 per covered vehicle.

Business and sports equipment rental:  Also available for both TravelSafe plans, your rental equipment is covered for up to $1,000.

CFAR coverage: Only available for Classic+, you'll receive 75% of your nonrefundable trip costs. You must purchase your policy within 21 days of your initial trip deposit. 

TravelSafe Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The  average cost of travel insurance  is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for TravelSafe plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate TravelSafe coverage costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following travel insurance quotes:

• Basic: $112
• Classic: $147
• Classic (Plus): $274

Premiums for TravelSafe plans are between 3.7% and 9.1% of the trip's cost, within and above the average cost of travel insurance.

TravelSafe provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

• Basic: $153
• Classic: $202
• Classic (Plus): $377

Once again, premiums for TravelSafe plans are between 3.8% and 6.3% of the trip's cost, within the expected range of travel insurance costs.

A Texas family consisting of two 40-year-old parents with a 10-year-old and 4-year-old on a two-week trip to Australia for $20,000:

• Basic: $512
• Classic: $676
• Classic (Plus): $1,616

TravelSafe plans cost between 2.6% and 8.1% of the trip's cost, below and within the average cost of travel insurance. 

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New Jersey for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following quotes:

• Basic: $472
• Classic: $582
• Classic (Plus): $952

Premiums for TravelSafe plans are between 7.8% and 15.9%, which is well the average cost for travel insurance. While older travelers should expect higher premiums, these prices are on the higher end of what you should be paying. 

Purchasing and Managing a TravelSafe Policy

Purchasing a TravelSafe policy is fairly simple. You'll first need to obtain a quote through TravelSafe's website. Be prepared to provide the following details:

• State of residence
• Destination(s)
• Departure/return dates
• Date of initial deposit
• Total trip cost
• Number of travelers
• Birthday of traveler(s)

Once you obtain a quote and pick your plan, you'll enter some additional information about yourself, such as your address and contact information. 

How to File a Claim with TravelSafe

If you experience a loss while insured by TravelSafe, you need to act quickly. You have 20 days after the loss to notify TravelSafe, at which point an agent will send you forms for filing proof of loss. If TravelSafe don't send a form withi 15 days, you can send your own written statement about what happened along with proof. This must be completed within 90 days of the loss. 

You have several options if you need to file a claim for TravelSafe.

If you need emergency help, you can call their toll-free numbers below.

• Toll-free (US-only): 1-877-539-6729
• Direct: 1-727-475-2808

If you're international, call the following toll-free number: 1-866-509-7713.

TravelSafe Customer Service and Support

Almost all reviews for TravelSafe are concentrated on its SquareMouth page, where it has an average rating of 4.3 stars out five across over 1,500 reviews. Though an overall positive score, it's worth mentioning that most of the positive reviews come from people who didn't have to file a claim. Some of these reviews mentioned having to alter their insurance plan, which was an overall positive experience. 

However, many of the reviews that mention the claims process are negative. Customers mentioned long wait times, uncommunicative claims representatives, and little guidance during the claims process. Additionally, while many travel insurance companies regularly engage with reviews, both positive and negative, TravelSafe rarely replies to customer reviews.

Learn more about how TravelSafe travel insurance compares against top insurers. 

TravelSafe Travel Insurance vs Faye Travel Insurance

Faye Travel Insurance is a completely digital travel insurance company. Unlike TravelSafe, Faye Travel Insurance completely covers all cruise travel. Faye doesn't cover golf trips as TravelSafe does. They have similar amounts of coverage, but Faye Travel Insurance is about $20 cheaper for its comparable international plans.

Faye Travel Insurance covers your trip, your health, and your belongings just like TravelSafe does. But with Faye Travel Insurance, you can add different things that meet your needs, like car rental, extreme sports, and pet care.

Read our Faye travel insurance review here.

TravelSafe Travel Insurance vs World Nomads Travel Insurance

TravelSafe is an excellent option if you're traveling and participating in regular activities, like trying different foods and basic activities, like taking a train to places. But if you want to do extreme sports, it might not be the right coverage for you. Instead, consider getting a travel insurance plan like World Nomads Travel Insurance . World Nomads covers over 100 different extreme sports, and you can specifically add on different sports that you want to try. It's a better coverage insurance plan for someone who's a little bit more adventurous.

That said, if you're only planning on doing a specific activity, like golfing, TravelSafe has a plan for you. They cover golfing trips specifically with more coverage than World Nomads.

Read our World Nomads travel insurance review here.

TravelSafe vs Credit Card Travel Insurance

Some credit cards, especially travel rewards cards, come with travel benefits such as primary rental car insurance for your vehicle if you decide to rent one. However, travel insurance is generally more comprehensive than credit card coverage. For example, TravelSafe offers benefits like death and dismemberment coverage; credit cards don't typically cover this benefit.

However, you can use both your credit card benefits and your travel insurance to get the fullest coverage possible.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance here.

TravelSafe Travel Insurance FAQ

Yes, TravelSafe is known for providing reliable coverage for international travel, including medical emergencies and trip interruptions.

TravelSafe typically allows the purchase of travel insurance up until the day before departure, making it suitable for last-minute travel plans.

TravelSafe offers policies that include coverage for trip cancellations due to COVID-19, but it's important to review the specific terms and conditions of each plan.

Claims with TravelSafe are generally handled efficiently, with a straightforward process for filing and tracking claims, and timely reimbursements according to customer feedback.

Yes, TravelSafe offers the option to add adventure sports coverage to their policies, catering to travelers who engage in higher-risk activities.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed TravelSafe

For this review, we made sure to include the most updated information and pulled real-time quotes from TravelSafe's website. We compared two different companies that had similar coverage to TravelSafe to ensure the best review possible. We only included reputable plans. And we looked at factors like what's covered, policy limits, and coverage options.

Read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

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Air Travel Consumer Report: February 2024 Numbers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of February 2024 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines. 

For February 2024, 0.6% of flights were cancelled, far lower than the 1.8% cancellation rate for February 2023 and the 3.2% cancellation rate for pre-pandemic February 2019.  

DOT expects that airlines will operate flights as scheduled and that when they do not, airlines will provide consumers the services promised when a flight is cancelled or delayed because of an airline issue. After a two-year DOT push to improve the passenger experience, the 10 largest airlines now guarantee meals and free rebooking on the same airline and nine guarantee hotel accommodations. Consumer-friendly information regarding airline commitments to their customers is available on the Department’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard at FlightRights.Gov . DOT also pushed airlines to provide fee-free family seating and rolled out a new family seating dashboard that highlights the airlines that guarantee fee-free family seating, and those of the 10 largest that do not, making it easier for parents to avoid paying junk fees to sit with their children when they fly.

DOT recently announced two final rules that require airlines to provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when owed and protect consumers from costly surprise airline fees . These rules will significantly expand consumer protections in air travel, provide passengers an easier pathway to refunds when owed, and save consumers more than half a billion dollars every year in hidden and surprise junk fees.

In addition, DOT is improving transportation for individuals with disabilities. In July 2023, DOT finalized a rule which requires airlines to make lavatories on new, single-aisle aircraft more accessible. Then, in February 2024, DOT issued a proposal to address other barriers that Americans who use a wheelchair encounter when it comes to air travel by, among other things, proposing to mandate enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passenger with disabilities and handle passengers’ wheelchairs.

Further, when necessary, DOT takes enforcement action against airlines and ticket agents that fail to comply with the Department’s aviation consumer protection requirements. In 2023, DOT issued the largest fines in the history of the consumer protection office. This includes a $140 million penalty against Southwest Airlines for failing passengers during the 2022 holiday meltdown. That penalty, which was in addition to over $600 million DOT already ensured was refunded by Southwest to passengers, requires Southwest to establish a $90 million compensation system for passengers affected by significant delays and cancellations beginning April 30, 2024 .  Additionally, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds to travelers since the pandemic began.

In April, DOT announced the launch of the bipartisan Airline Passenger Protection Partnership with 18 state attorneys general to investigate airlines and ticket agents and hold them accountable when they violate aviation consumer protection laws. The partnership significantly expands the Department’s oversight capacity by establishing a new fast-track system prioritizing misconduct cases from state attorneys general who uncover unfair or deceptive airline practices. Through the partnership, DOT will provide state attorneys general with access to the federal complaint database and help ensure that airlines cooperate with state investigations.

Flight Operations

The 549,439 flights operated in February 2024 were 104.35% of the 526,543 flights operated in February 2023. Operated flights in February 2024 were up 4.35% year-over-year from the 526,543 flights operated in February 2023 and down 1.95% month-over-month from 560,352 flights operated in January 2024. 

In February 2024, the 10 marketing network carriers reported 552,691 scheduled domestic flights, 3,252 (0.6%) of which were cancelled. In January 2024, airlines scheduled 582,425 domestic flights, 22,073 (3.8%) of which were cancelled. In February 2023, airlines scheduled 536,229 domestic flights, 9,686 (1.8%) of which were cancelled.

February 2024 On-Time Arrival

In February 2024, reporting marketing carriers posted an on-time arrival rate of 83.7%, up from both 72.8% in January 2024 and 79.5% in February 2023. The year-to-date on-time arrival rate for 2024 is 78.1%.

Highest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates February 2024 (ATCR Table 1)

1.    Delta Air Lines Network – 88.4% 2.    American Airlines Network – 84.1% 3.    United Airlines Network – 83.2% 

Lowest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates February 2024 (ATCR Table 1)

1.    JetBlue Airways – 74.3% 2.    Spirit Airlines – 77.8% 3.    Frontier Airlines – 79.8%

February 2024 Flight Cancellations

In February 2024, reporting marketing carriers cancelled 0.6% of their scheduled domestic flights, lower than both the rate of 3.8% in January 2024 and the rate of 1.8% in February 2023. The year-to-date cancellation rate for 2024 is 2.2%.

Lowest Marketing Carrier Rates of Cancelled Flights February 2024 (ATCR Table 6)

1.    Allegiant Air – 0.1%   2.    Frontier Airlines – 0.2%    3.    American Airlines Network – 0.3%       Highest Marketing Carrier Rates of Cancelled Flights February 2024 (ATCR Table 6)

1.    JetBlue Airways – 1.4%     2.    Hawaiian Airlines – 1.1%     3.    Alaska Airlines Network – 1.1%    

Complaints About Airline Service

The release of air travel service complaint data in the Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) has been delayed primarily because of the continued high volume of complaints against airlines and ticket agents received by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the time needed to review and process these consumer complaints. The Department is investing in modernizing its system for handling consumer complaints with the support of a Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) investment to improve the customer experience for the tens of thousands of consumers who use the system each year and enable OACP to more effectively engage in oversight of the airline industry. 

As DOT modernizes its system, given the continued high volume of air travel service complaints concerning airlines and ticket agents, DOT has revised how it processes consumer complaints received after June 1, 2023. From June 2023 until the date its system is modernized, DOT intends to revise the ATCR to display consumer submissions (complaints, inquiries, and opinions) as opposed to complaints for this period. The Department will continue to display civil rights complaints in the ATCR in a similar manner as before and anticipates publishing submission and civil rights complaint numbers in June 2024.

Tarmac Delays

In February 2024, airlines reported ten tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights, compared to 71 tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights reported in January 2024. In February 2024, airlines reported two tarmac delays of more than four hours on international flights, compared to six tarmac delays of more than four hours on international flights reported in January 2024. 

Airlines are required to have and adhere to assurances that they will not allow aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights without providing passengers the option to deplane, subject to exceptions related to safety, security, and Air Traffic Control related reasons. An exception also exists for departure delays if the airline begins to return the aircraft to a suitable disembarkation point to deplane passengers by those times.

The Department investigates extended tarmac delays.

Mishandled Baggage

In February 2024, reporting marketing carriers handled 36.1 million bags and posted a mishandled baggage rate of 0.48%, lower than both the rate of 0.75% in January 2024 and the rate of 0.61% in February 2023.

The Department began displaying the mishandled baggage data as a percentage (i.e., per 100 bags enplaned) in January 2022. This is consistent with the manner that the mishandled wheelchairs and scooters rate is calculated and displayed.     In the prior three calendar year reports (2019 to 2021), the Department calculated the mishandled baggage rate based on the number of mishandled bags per 1,000 checked bags. 

Mishandled Wheelchairs and Scooters

In February 2024, reporting marketing carriers reported checking 54,929 wheelchairs and scooters and mishandling 716 for a rate of 1.30% mishandled wheelchairs and scooters, lower than both the rate of 1.48% mishandled in January 2024 and the rate of 1.40% mishandled in February 2023.

To address many of the significant barriers and challenges experienced by passengers who use wheelchairs, the Department has proposed a rulemaking that, if adopted after public comment would, among other actions, make it an automatic violation of the Department’s Air Carrier Access Act regulations for airlines to mishandle a passenger’s wheelchair. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would also enhance training requirements for airline personnel who provide hands-on transfer assistance to passengers and handle wheelchairs. Interested parties may comment on this rulemaking by the docket number DOT-OST-2022-0144 at https://www.regulations.gov .

Bumping/Oversales

Bumping/oversales data, unlike other air carrier data, are reported quarterly rather than monthly. For the fourth quarter of 2023, the 10 U.S. reporting marketing carriers posted an involuntary denied boarding, or bumping, rate of 0.20 per 10,000 passengers, lower than both the rate of 0.35 in the third quarter of 2023 and the rate of 0.30 in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Incidents Involving Animals

As part of its IT modernization, DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) is improving the options for covered carriers to submit their monthly and annual Reports on Incidents Involving Animals During Air Transport. While the new system is being developed, OACP is permitting covered carriers to delay submission of reports on incidents involving animals during air transport. Annual data on such incidents will be published when DOT receives carriers’ complete submissions of the 2023 data. 

In February 2024, carriers reported 2 incidents involving the death, injury, or loss of an animal while traveling by air, up from the zero reports filed in January 2024, but down from the four reports filed in February 2023.

Consumers may file air travel consumer or civil rights complaints online at   https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint , or they may mail a complaint to the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation, C-70, W96-432, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590.

The ATCR and other aviation consumer matters of interest to the public can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

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Air Force Pilots Now Can Start Mental Health Treatment and Won't Immediately Be Pulled from Flight Status

An Air Force policy change will allow pilots to receive 60 days of mental health treatment without being taken out of flight status, a notable policy update as the service works to destigmatize airmen seeking care.

Prior to the policy update, which was publicized in a May 1 press release, if an airman began seeking treatment for mental health-related illnesses or concerns, they would then need a return-to-duty waiver to fly, a requirement that often kept pilots grounded for extended periods.

The update to the Air Force's Medical Standards Directory and Aerospace Medicine Waiver Guide now allows airmen to "receive 60 days of treatment for mental health concerns" before that waiver to return to the skies would be necessary, the service said in a news release last week .

Read Next: Special Operations Airman Shot and Killed by Florida Police During Disturbance in Apartment Building

"This change benefits airmen across the Air Force seeking treatment for stress, post-traumatic stress and other mental health-related maladies," the service said in the release.

Maj. Jane Marlow, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot and one of the leaders on the working group evaluating the policy, said airmen seeking medical attention under the old policy would sometimes be grounded for months after seeking treatment.

"Like so many of my peers, I delayed seeking care until I was in a non-flying assignment because I knew that, as a pilot, the moment I picked up the phone to schedule that appointment, I would be grounded for an indefinite period," Marlow said in the news release. "I knew that I was, without a doubt, a safer pilot, a better leader, and a stronger wingman because of the care I received -- yet I was still required to spend months in a non-flying status because of my diagnosis."

Those long delays in resuming flight status in the past have harmed careers, hindering training and eligibility for different opportunities, the service said. Under the policy change, there is no mandatory waiting period, and flight surgeons can submit a waiver without any wait for a pilot to return to flight.

A comprehensive study from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences released last month analyzed Air Force suicides in 2020 and found that dozens of factors contributed to the 117 department-wide suicides that year, including "stigma about mental health" and "problems with mental health care access" among them, the findings showed.

According to the 2022 Pentagon suicide report, the latest military-wide data available, active-duty service member deaths increased slightly from the prior year to 331, up from 328 in 2021, Military.com reported .

Gen. Mike Minihan, the four-star commander of Air Mobility Command, has openly advocated for changes to the Air Force's mental health policies, highlighting his own mental health struggles in the process. This latest policy revision was spearheaded by his command's "Warrior Mental Health" working group, according to the news release.

"If you want to look at a pilot with PTSD, you're looking at one right now," Minihan said during a conference at MacDill Air Force Base , Florida, last month. "This policy affects me and, if it affects me, it affects someone in your unit. They have it, haven't sought help for it and [are] suffering in silence."

Veterans and service members experiencing a mental health emergency can call the Veteran Crisis Line, 988 and press 1. Help also is available by text, 838255, and via chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

Related: Overall Military Suicide Rate Dropped, But Active-Duty Deaths Increased Slightly, Pentagon Reports

Thomas Novelly

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