// TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE
MILITARY TRAVEL BENEFITS
Active duty, veterans, and dependents have access to significant travel perks — many completely free. Here's the full playbook.
America the Beautiful Pass
Active duty service members and their dependents get free admission to over 2,000 federal recreation sites — including all 63 national parks, national forests, Bureau of Land Management sites, and more. This pass sells for $80/year to civilians.
- • Show CAC card at any park entrance — free pass on the spot
- • Or request online at recreation.gov/passes/military
- • Mailed pass valid for full calendar year
- • All national park entrance fees
- • Standard amenity fees at national forests
- • BLM, Army Corps, USFWS sites
- • Covers driver + all passengers in same vehicle
Note: Does not cover camping, parking, or guided tour fees. For veterans, the free pass is permanent for 100% disabled veterans (lifetime pass).
Space-A (Space Available) Travel
Space-A allows eligible military members to travel aboard DoD aircraft to available destinations at little to no cost. You're traveling on "space available" — filling empty seats on military aircraft. Flights can be domestic or international. Popular destinations: Germany, Japan, Korea, Hawaii, and across CONUS.
Who is eligible:
How to sign up:
ITR — Information, Tickets & Registration
Every military installation has an ITR office (part of MWR — Morale, Welfare and Recreation). ITR sells discounted tickets to theme parks, shows, sporting events, hotels, and activities. Active duty, retirees, and dependents are eligible.
- 🎢 Theme parks: Disney World, Disneyland, Universal, Six Flags, SeaWorld — typically 20–40% off gate price
- 🏨 Hotel stays: On-base lodging + partner hotel discounts
- 🎭 Shows & events: Concerts, sporting events, theater tickets
- 🎳 Outdoor activities: National parks passes, ski resorts, water parks
- ✈️ Travel packages: Cruises, vacation packages at reduced rates
- 1. Visit your installation's ITR/MWR office in person (most are near the PX/BX)
- 2. Check your installation's MWR website for current offers
- 3. Purchase tickets before your trip — not all can be bought at the gate
- 4. Bring your military ID (CAC or dependent ID)
- 5. Some popular tickets sell out — check early, especially for Disney
Military Hotel & Lodging Benefits
On-Base Lodging
The cheapest and best-protected option during PCS moves and TDY. Book through your installation's Lodging office.
Civilian-run hotels on Army installations. Clean, safe, military rates ~$60–120/night.
Traditional on-base lodging. Often the most affordable option. Book 3+ months out for popular bases.
Off-Base Military Rates
| Chain | Discount | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott/Bonvoy | 20–30% military rate | Book at marriott.com/military or front desk with ID |
| Hilton Honors | 15–25% off | Use "Government & Military" rate at hilton.com |
| IHG (Holiday Inn, etc) | 10–20% off | Select "Government" rate during booking |
| Wyndham | Up to 20% off | Wyndham Military discount code at booking |
| Choice Hotels | Government/military rate | Use government rate code — show ID at check-in |
Airline Military Benefits
TSA PreCheck
Active duty military, Reserve, and National Guard members get TSA PreCheck automatically through their DoD ID. No application, no fee, no renewal — it's linked to your CAC.
- ✓ Shorter security lines at airports
- ✓ Keep shoes, belt, and jacket on
- ✓ Laptop stays in bag
- ✓ Look for "TSA PRE✓" on boarding pass — it activates automatically when booking with your DoD ID
Rental Car Benefits
// TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH MILITARY ID
Always carry your military ID (CAC or dependent ID). It's your access card for most of these benefits.
Have a printed or digital copy of your current orders when traveling on military business or claiming military rates.
USAA members: Check usaa.com before any travel — they aggregate military discounts for hotels, cars, and insurance.
Many tourist attractions, restaurants, and experiences offer undisclosed military discounts — always ask.
Veterans (post-service) keep the America the Beautiful Pass access if 100% disabled. National parks are free for life.
Military Fares on airlines are usually fully refundable and changeable without fees — great for orders-based travel.