SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 – Your time in the service can still benefit you after you have left the military. In addition to qualifying for discounts on flights through providers such as United Airlines, disabled veterans may also take advantage of Space-A, the Space-Available flights that serves active-duty military and their family members.
Flying Space-A
Space-A flights are available for permanent and total-service connected disability veterans. These men and women are rated as Category 6, along with retirees and their dependents. Space-A allows military families to fly both internationally and around the country for little to no cost. Whether you want to catch a flight for a Hawaiian getaway or visit family on a different coast, the Space-A flight program offers the ability to travel for free in most cases. If you decide to fly a standard airline, then you will have to investigate whether they offer military discounts for veterans who can prove their service. The best way to look for veteran travel discounts is through American Forces Travel.
What Is Americans Forces Travel?
Both active and retired military can use American Forces Travel to search for discounted rates on hotels, car rentals, flights, travel packages and cruises around the world. The site has over 1.2 million properties worldwide that offer up to 60 percent discounts for military members and veterans. You can benefit the most when you book a package that includes both airfare and accommodations or hotel lodging and a car rental for the duration of your stay. This savings opportunity isn’t restricted to American Forces Travel, though. Booking packages through sites like Expedia allow you to score exclusive offers that aren’t available individually.
How to Get the Best Travel Deals as a Veteran
The Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC) helps veterans get the best deals on week-long travel packages in more than 100 countries around the world. You can follow your dream to take a solo trip across Europe, tour Asia or surprise your sweetheart with a resort trip on a tropical island. There is something available for everyone, and you can even get help planning your trip thanks to the organization’s vacation planning resource center.
Another way to save money on your travels is to consider alternatives to things like car rentals. If you’re visiting a scenic area, you may want to bike instead. The best electric bikes allow you to commute long distances with less physical strain, and they can be an eco-friendly, healthy alternative to driving. With 120-mile range and a throttle that eliminates the need to pedal, these ebikes are both reliable and supportive. While you likely can’t bring an ebike on a plane, you can rent one at your location. You could also remove the battery and ship it to your hotel or buy a new one on-site.
Travelling as an Injured Vet
Veterans who sustained injuries during service should explore Vacations for Warriors as this group helps wounded soldiers and their families enjoy a wonderful vacation together and get some reprieve from the stress and heartache that a war injury can inflict. The organization’s goal is to provide once in a lifetime dream vacations to veterans and their families entirely free of charge. Everything from flights to food is entirely covered, and families can have a chance to reconnect with one another after all the hardship deployment provides.
