When it comes to travel, military personnel and their families often face unique challenges—especially when balancing duty with downtime. American Forces Travel offers a solution, providing U.S. military members, veterans, and eligible DoD employees access to discounted travel rates across a wide range of services. From airfare and hotel rooms to cruises and rental cars, this official platform delivers travel deals that honor service and sacrifice. Let’s dive into how this platform works, who qualifies, and the incredible value it brings.
What Is American Forces Travel?
American Forces Travel is the official leisure travel platform for U.S. military members and eligible Department of Defense (DoD) affiliates. Operated in partnership with Priceline, it offers exclusive discounts on a wide range of travel services.
Why Was American Forces Travel Created?
This service was developed to support the well-being of military communities by providing affordable travel opportunities. It’s part of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) initiative.
Eligibility for American Forces Travel
Who Can Use American Forces Travel?
You’re eligible if you fall into one of these groups:
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Active-duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard)
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Reserve and National Guard members
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Retired military personnel
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Medal of Honor recipients
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Veterans (including those with VA-recognized disabilities)
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DoD civilian employees (current and retired)
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Eligible military dependents
How Eligibility Is Verified
Access requires DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) validation. A simple log-in verifies your status using DoD credentials.
American Forces Travel Benefits
Unbeatable Hotel Deals
Members can enjoy discounts on thousands of hotels worldwide:
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Up to 60% off compared to standard prices
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Free cancellation options
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Last-minute deals available
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Global locations from cities to resorts
Affordable Flight Options
While discounts on flights are more limited, the platform offers:
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Access to major domestic and international airlines
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Round-trip and one-way flight booking
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Real-time price comparisons
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Occasional promotional deals
Cruise Vacations Made Easy
AFT makes planning a cruise simple and budget-friendly:
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Access to major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian
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Exclusive military prices
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Onboard credit offers
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Flexible cancellation policies
Rental Cars and Transportation
Save money while staying mobile:
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Discounts from Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise
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Unlimited mileage options
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Free insurance upgrades
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Airport and local pick-up locations
Tickets for Attractions and Events
Enjoy leisure and entertainment with exclusive ticket discounts:
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Disney, Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld
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Broadway shows, concerts, and sporting events
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VIP options for select venues
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Discounts better than regular military programs in many cases
Top Destinations on American Forces Travel
Most Popular Vacation Spots
Some destinations consistently rank high among military users:
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Orlando, Florida (Disney World, Universal Studios)
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Las Vegas, Nevada (hotels, shows, events)
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San Diego, California (beaches, family resorts)
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New York City (Broadway, city tours)
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Caribbean cruises and all-inclusive resorts
International Travel Deals
For those stationed abroad or planning a foreign trip:
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Europe: Hotels and train travel discounts
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Asia-Pacific: Resort deals in Thailand, Japan, and Korea
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Mexico and Caribbean: All-inclusive deals
Tips for Booking Through American Forces Travel
Maximize Savings
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Book early for cruise and flight discounts
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Use filters to find flexible cancellation policies
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Bundle services (e.g., hotel + car rental)
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Watch for seasonal promotions or flash sales
Compare with Other Sites
Before finalizing a booking, compare with other travel sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal. AFT frequently beats retail rates, especially for hotels and cruises.
How American Forces Travel Supports the Military
Profits Go Back to the Military Community
Every booking contributes to MWR programs, including:
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Youth programs
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Base fitness centers
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Recreation and family support services
Built for Military Needs
AFT understands the unique challenges of military life, such as frequent relocations and tight schedules, and tailors options accordingly.
Customer Support and Mobile Access
24/7 Support for Travelers
Live agents are available for assistance with:
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Booking changes
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Technical issues
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Refunds and cancellations
Mobile Compatibility
AFT works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets, making it easy to plan while on deployment, PCS, or vacation.
Is American Forces Travel Worth It?
Key Takeaways
Yes, absolutely. If you’re eligible, AFT offers tremendous value:
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Hotel rates often unmatched
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Cruise deals with extras
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Support for the military community
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User-friendly booking system
Even if flight savings are modest, the bundled travel options make it worthwhile.
American Forces Travel
American Forces Travel isn’t just a perk—it’s a powerful way for those who serve to explore the world without breaking the bank. With military-exclusive access, unmatched hotel deals, and event ticket discounts, it turns leisure into a reward for service. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, family trip, or solo adventure, AFT puts premium travel within reach.
Conclusion
American Forces Travel is more than a booking tool—it’s a well-earned benefit for military families. It acknowledges service with real value, offering discounted rates across the travel industry. Whether it’s hotel rooms in Tokyo, cruises to the Caribbean, or a fun-filled trip to Disney, AFT makes every journey more affordable and accessible for those who’ve served.
