Traveling while serving in the Armed Forces can provide service members and their families with unique opportunities and benefits. However, determining if military travel is truly cheaper than civilian travel requires looking at the costs and savings associated with things like government flights, discounted airfare and lodging, and free transportation benefits.
Government flights
One of the biggest perks of military travel is the use of military aircraft like cargo planes, tankers, and troop carriers for free space-available flights. This free flight benefit on government aircraft can save service members a significant amount of money on travel costs. However, space-available flights are not guaranteed and are based on availability. So while free flights on military aircraft can drastically reduce travel spending, relying solely on these flights can lead to uncertainty and delays.
Space-A flights
Space-available or Space-A flights allow uniformed service members and their dependents to fill unused seats on Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft for free. According to the DoD, Space-A travelers must be on leave or pass status and are accommodated only after all Space-R (duty passengers) and Space-W (humanitarian travelers) are booked. There are over 250 Space-A departure locations worldwide, but availability is not guaranteed.
Cost savings
Space-A seats would normally cost hundreds or thousands of dollars if purchased commercially. So the savings for military families are substantial. However, the downsides are lack of guarantees, potential disruption of travel plans, uncomfortable seating on cargo aircraft, and limited baggage allowances.
Military discounted airfare
In addition to Space-A flights, military personnel and their dependents can access discounted airfares through airline military travel programs. Major domestic and international carriers like Delta, American Airlines, and Lufthansa offer military members exclusive ticket discounts, generally 5-25% off commercial fares.
Eligibility
Eligibility for military discount travel programs include:
- Active duty personnel
- Reserve and National Guard members
- Retirees
- Spouses and dependents
Some military discounts on airline tickets are available year-round, while others are offered on a promotional basis.
Discounts examples
Here are some examples of military discounts from major airlines:
Airline | Discount |
---|---|
Delta Air Lines | 5% off eligible published fares |
American Airlines | 5-10% off lowest applicable fares |
Lufthansa | 5-25% off available fares |
These discounts can lead to significant savings, especially for international flights or high-priced domestic fares.
Military lodging rates
Another area where military travelers can spend less is through exclusive discounted rates at hotels and resorts. Hotels around the world offer military members discounted “government rates” that can be 10-20% below standard rates.
Government per diem rates
Government per diem rates are lodging ceiling rates set by federal travel regulations. Military members on official business travel are reimbursed for lodging up to this ceiling rate, so they have incentive to seek the best available military discount below that price threshold.
Military leisure travel rates
Many hotels also extend military discounts below their normal leisure travel rates to armed forces members on personal, non-reimbursable trips. These discounts allow military families to save on vacation lodging costs.
Free transportation
Military personnel also have access to free or steeply discounted transportation options both overseas and domestically. This can lead to huge travel savings when moving between duty stations or taking leave.
Military shuttles and buses
Buses and shuttle services operated by the Armed Forces are free for service members and their families. This includes transportation to and from base, to airports, and even interstate bus service between duty stations and installations. Not having to pay for a rental car or public transportation saves traveling military families significant dollars.
Military zooms and hops
Military flights between overseas bases (hops) and back to the U.S. (zooms) are free for space-available passengers. These flights focus on moving military members and families across regions quickly and cheaply.
Travel savings tips
Here are some tips to maximize travel savings as a military family:
- Take advantage of Space-A flights when possible, but have backup plans in case flights are full
- Book military discount leisure fares early to get the lowest prices
- Inquire about military lodging rates and government per diem when booking hotels
- Use free military buses, overseas hops, and domestic zooms whenever feasible
- Consider driving personal vehicles long distances and splitting costs rather than flying
- Use military recreation centers, cabins, and camping rather than pricey commercial lodging
Hidden fees and limitations
While military travel provides many money-saving opportunities, there can also be hidden fees and limitations to consider, including:
- Government per diem lodging rates only apply to official travel, not vacations
- Space-A passengers are the lowest priority for empty seats
- Military discount fares may have blackout dates or limited availability
- Free military buses may operate on limited routes and schedules
- Flights may experience long delays or cancellations at short notice
Commercial travel alternatives
Military families do not have to solely use military-provided transportation options. Commercial alternatives like budget airlines, discounted hotels, and travel websites can also offer cheap rates. Some things to consider with commercial travel deals:
- Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant offer very low airfares without the military
- Hotels give lowest rates and free breakfasts as incentives to book direct
- Travel sites like Expedia, Priceline, and Orbitz can locate discount hotel and airfare deals
- Splitting costs with other military families on rental cars, lodging, and group travel
- Driving personal vehicles for medium-distance travel can be cheaper than flying
Military families should weigh all their options between military savings programs and commercial deals to identify the cheapest total trip costs.
Conclusion
In summary, military travel programs provide excellent opportunities for service members and their families to reduce transportation, lodging, and airfare spending. Perks like Space-A flights, military discount hotels, and free overseas hops generate substantial savings. However, limitations exist and commercial options may offer cheaper alternatives in some cases. Military travelers should research all available discounts and hidden fees when planning trips to get the best value.