US service members, veterans and their families are sitting on a surprisingly deep stack of travel savings in 2026 — and most of these deals run year-round, not just around Veterans Day. The catch? They're scattered across dozens of providers, each with its own eligibility rules and booking quirks.

On the hotel side, the range is wide. Great Wolf Lodge's Howling Heroes offer knocks up to 40% off nightly rates, while Margaritaville Beach Resort in Nassau salutes service members with up to 35% off. TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach and The Surfjack in Waikiki each offer 25% off — the latter throwing in free pet stays and dining discounts. Even big chains get involved: Wyndham offers up to 15% off plus automatic Gold status in Wyndham Rewards, Best Western's Service Rewards program includes a Gold tier upgrade and bonus points, and Hilton, Marriott, Choice, Motel 6, Red Roof and Extended Stay America all maintain dedicated military or government rates. In the Caribbean, Sandals and Beaches' Honoring Our Heroes program takes 10% off at resorts across eight islands, and CheapCaribbean's Waves4Warriors Club adds $150 off qualifying five-night packages at brands like Dreams and Royalton.

Airlines are arguably where the perks stack up fastest. Active-duty flyers get up to five free checked bags at Alaska, American (on orders) and Delta, plus early boarding across most carriers. Delta adds 5% off base fares for active-duty personnel — valid for immediate family too — and discounted $40 lounge passes. United grants United Club access for uniformed travellers plus a 5% discount open to veterans, National Guard and Reserve members and their families. Allegiant's Honors program is the sleeper hit: free checked bags and pet fees waived, along with seat, boarding-pass and change-fee waivers for those whose orders shift. Southwest's military fares require a phone call or ticket counter visit, while uniformed same-day American flyers can walk into Admirals Clubs with family in tow.

Beyond planes and hotels, Amtrak gives active-duty personnel, spouses and dependents 10% off the lowest fare in select classes, and SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica and Sesame Place parks offer free or discounted admission through the Waves of Honor program.

Practical notes matter here. Most offers demand proof — a military or veteran ID, dependent ID or official orders — so carry documentation. Many require specific booking channels: a drop-down rate selector (Choice, Marriott, Extended Stay), a dedicated phone line (Delta's government rate line, Southwest's military fares) or a promo code (TradeWinds' "Military"). Blackout dates and fine print apply, and eligibility swings from active-duty-only to veterans, spouses and dependents depending on the provider.

For military families planning a 2026 holiday, the message is simple: never book at the standard rate without checking for a military one first. Between baggage waivers, lounge access and hotel discounts that can hit 40%, the savings across a single family trip can run into hundreds of dollars.

Thanks to The Points Guy for the original rundown.