Many companies take pride in providing military discounts to members of our nation’s armed services, veterans, and their families. From restaurants to retail stores and from vacations to experiences – there are endless discount opportunities.
But there are caveats. How do you know where to look for discounts? Do military spouses get those military discounts, too? Do members of the National Guard or reserve members receive the same discounts? If a chain restaurant offers a discount, do all locations have the same offer or does it vary? You can check out this as well:
Keep in mind that some of them vary by location, so you must as before you order and/or shop to ensure that it is being honored there.
Home and Life
Flags Connections – Flags Connections is a patriotic company dedicated to honoring those who have faithfully served their country in the armed forces, be it Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, heroes of both retired military and the fallen, with custom-made U.S. flags, memorial flag cases, shadow boxes, and flag boxes. Flags Connections specializes in flag cases and military gifts, for both those serving in the armed forces and their families at home who wish to honor their memory through posterity.
Lowes – Lowe’s offers an “Everyday Military Discount” of 10 percent off and eligibility for spouses.
Costco – Through ID Me, Costco offers new military members a $20 shop code.
Experiences and Technology
Disney – The Disney Military Salute program offers several discounts especially for military families, including discounts on four and five-day tickets.
Apple – The Apple Military and Veterans store offers a 10% discount, available to current and Veteran members of the US Military, National Guard and Reserve. Immediate family members who reside in the same household are also eligible.
Dollywood – To express their gratitude, Dollywood offers special military tickets for U.S. active or retired military, veterans, military reservists, spouses, and dependents with valid military personnel IDs and dependent IDs.
National Parks – Military service members and their families can enjoy complimentary admission to our National Parks from The National Park Service and Operation Live Well.
Sea World/Busch Gardens/Sesame Place – The Waves of Honor program offers special discounts for active duty members, veterans, and military dependents. Click the link to learn more!
Travel
Southwest – Discounts include discounted rates for military members, no change or cancellation fees, and baggage discounts. The baggage discounts include an exemption from the two free bags, as long as each bag is less than 100 pounds and does not surpass the oversize restrictions. Southwest offers discounted rates by calling their phone number 1-800-435-9792. Special rates and discounts are also offered for Military Working Dogs (MWD).
Delta – Active-duty U.S. service members can enjoy early boarding, free checked military bag allowances, and special policies for the U.S. Military, including pet travel and vacation packages.
American Airlines – AA offers U.S. Military veterans and their families their Veterans Advantage program by enrolling in VetRewards. Active U.S. military and military family members/dependents receive discounts on baggage. Military working dogs receive waived pet charges when traveling in the cabin if they are on official duty.
Enterprise – For Government Leisure Travel, Enterprise offers a five percent military discount off base rates. Current federal employees, active-duty members, retired employees, and veterans are eligible to receive discounted rates.
Expedia, CheapTickets, Veterans Advantage, Alaska Airlines, Jet Blue, Frontier, Spirit, and more offer discounts. Check out their websites to learn more.
Choice Hotels – Offers up to 15 percent off with Veterans Advantage. Also, Choice offers a membership program that offers special discounts for the military, including a gold membership, discounts, and points transfers.
Wyndham Hotels – Offers up to 20 percent off with Veterans Advantage or 12 percent through their website.
Hilton – Offers discounts for military members, government employees, veterans, and direct dependents/families.
Clothing, Apparel, and Shoes
Kohls – Kohls offers “Military Mondays” which provides 15 percent off purchases made in-store every Monday.
Carhartt – Carhartt provides military members, first responders, and nurses with 25 percent off all apparel and accessories and free shipping.
Under Armor – The apparel, accessories, and shoe brand offers military personnel 20 percent off.
Old Navy/Gap – Offers 10 percent off at various locations/days of the week or month.
L.L. Bean – A 10 percent off military discount is available on their website and in stores.
Columbia Sportswear, L.L. Bean, and Toms Shoes all offer 10 percent discounts.
Food and Restaurants
Many restaurants out there offer various discounts or even free meals on or around Veterans Day. However, there are several chains (and mom and pops restaurants, if you ask) that offers discounts year-round. Here are a few examples:
Applebee’s – Applebee’s offers a free meal from a select menu on Veterans Day each year, however, many Applebee’s offer veteran and active-duty discounts. Contact your local Applebee’s for more information.
O’Charley’s – Discounts can vary by location, however, O’Charley’s lists several not-for-profit programs that receive funds from the restaurant.
Texas Roadhouse – While this information was not found on the Texas Roadhouse website, I did find that Texas Roadhouse offers a daily 10 percent discount to veterans.
Mission BBQ – Mission BBQ offers special discounts available through its Veterans VIP Club.
Popeyes – Active duty and veterans receive a 20 percent military discount at Popeyes. The restaurant chain also offers special discounts on various days of the year.
Zaxbys – While an online web search can be deceiving, it does look like Zaxbys offers various discounts depending on location. Make sure to give them a call before you stop in to find out what discount the location offers.
Hobbies
LeoAdventures – Focuses on helping public servants get outdoors. The program is offered to military, forest service, law enforcement, veterans, firefighters, and educators and participants must pay to join, but will receive up to 40 percent discounts from a variety of outdoor gear brands. Certification is required.
1. Where do you find discount programs for active duty military, veterans, and their families?
One place to find great discounts is Veteran’s Advantage. Veterans Advantage is a Public Benefit Corporation that works with companies to create discounts for military personnel, veterans, and their families. Veterans Advantage requires verification of services, which can be completed on their website.
2. Do Military Spouses Get Military Discounts?
Not all military discounts are created equally! Eligibility for discounts varies and can be restrictive to only active duty service members, veterans, or military status. Some companies or places of business may require military identification in order to receive a discount. The best advice I can give you is to look at the fine print and the details of the offer to determine eligibility.
3. Do discounts vary in different locations?
Absolutely. Franchises, chain stores, and locations can offer different discounts based on the state they are located in, the owner of the franchise, and other restrictions. Your best bet is to call before you go to find out exactly what they offer!
I have compiled a list below to help you find the best military discounts in one place!