The Department of Defense just announced a policy change that will allow an additional 16 million veterans to utilize their travel discount site.
On average, servicemembers save 35-40% using the American Forces Travel (AFT) website in comparison to commercial travel pricing.
Discounts are available on hotels (up to 60%), cruises, airfare, rental cars, and more. You can even find discounts on tickets to events.
Here’s more from Defense.gov:
“Sixteen million veterans will now be able to access the American Forces Travel website, joining the 10 million active duty, Guard and reserve service members, family members, DOD civilians, and other patrons who are already receiving the benefit,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy Patricia “Patty” Montes Barron. “We are committed to providing quality-of-life programs to our military community, which includes our honorably discharged veterans.”
The change will not affect access for existing patrons, and the increased customer base will allow AFT to negotiate better prices for its customers.
If you are a first-time visitor to the AFT website, you will be required to verify your eligibility with the Department of Defense. Soon as you are verified, you will be able to begin taking advantage of the discounted travel deals. The verification process is similar to what you would use for your military exchange shopping privileges.
The deals offered on the site have been privately negotiated, and vendors are only allowed to be a part of the site if they offer an exclusive military discount.
Priceline operates the platform for the Defense Department at no cost.
To begin utilizing AFT you can visit the site here.