Unlocking Discounts and Perks: A Guide to American Forces Travel

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What Is American Forces Travel?

If you’re in the military or a family member of someone who serves, chances are you’ve heard of American Forces Travel (AFT). But what is it exactly? It’s a leisure travel platform created to offer discounted travel options exclusively for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. Operated through a partnership between the Department of Defense and Priceline, AFT is designed to give back to those who serve by making vacations and travel more accessible.

Whether you’re planning a much-needed getaway, booking a hotel for a wedding, or renting a car, AFT has a plethora of deals tailored just for you.

Why Use American Forces Travel?

You might wonder: Why not just use a regular travel booking site? Great question! Here’s why American Forces Travel stands out:

  1. Exclusive Discounts:
    • Save up to 60% on hotels, flights, and vacation packages.
  2. Wide Range of Services:
    • From cruises to car rentals, AFT covers all travel needs.
  3. Support for Military Morale:
    • A portion of the proceeds directly supports military morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) programs.
  4. Trustworthy Platform:
    • Backed by the Department of Defense and Priceline, AFT ensures security and quality.

Who Is Eligible?

Not sure if you qualify? Here’s the eligibility checklist for American Forces Travel:

  • Active-duty military members.
  • National Guard and Reserve members.
  • Retired military personnel.
  • Eligible family members of the above categories.
  • Coast Guard civilians and retirees.
  • Veterans (as long as they meet specified service requirements).

How to Get Started

Getting started with American Forces Travel is a breeze. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Create an Account:
  2. Verify Your Eligibility:
    • You’ll need to verify your military affiliation through DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System).
  3. Browse and Book:
    • Once verified, browse hotels, flights, cruises, and more.
  4. Enjoy the Savings:
    • Complete your booking and enjoy exclusive military discounts.
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Top Perks of American Forces Travel

Still on the fence? Let’s break down the top perks of using AFT:

1. Massive Hotel Discounts

AFT boasts partnerships with over 1.5 million properties worldwide. Whether you’re looking for budget accommodations or luxury stays, there’s something for everyone.

2. Car Rentals at Reduced Rates

Need a ride? Get up to 50% off car rentals from leading providers like Hertz and Avis.

3. Cruise Deals

Dreaming of a cruise vacation? AFT offers unbeatable discounts on major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

4. Flight Savings

While flight discounts vary, you can still find competitive rates, especially when booking round-trip or bundled vacation packages.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Savings

Want to squeeze the most out of American Forces Travel? Check out these tips:

  • Book Early: Prices tend to be lower when you book in advance.
  • Compare Deals: Even though AFT offers excellent discounts, it doesn’t hurt to compare rates on other platforms occasionally.
  • Utilize Vacation Bundles: Combine hotels, flights, and car rentals for deeper savings.
  • Leverage Off-Season Travel: Traveling during the off-season can save you even more.

FAQs About American Forces Travel

  1. Is American Forces Travel free to use?
    Yes, it’s completely free for eligible users. You’ll only pay for the travel services you book.
  2. Can veterans use American Forces Travel?
    Absolutely! As long as veterans meet the eligibility requirements, they can enjoy AFT perks.
  3. Are there cancellation policies?
    Yes, but they vary depending on the service provider (e.g., hotel, airline). Always check the terms before finalizing your booking.
  4. How do I verify my eligibility?
    You’ll verify through DEERS, which connects directly to the AFT platform during account setup.
  5. Can I use AFT for international travel?
    Of course! AFT offers both domestic and international travel options, making it a fantastic resource for global adventures.
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How Does American Forces Travel Support the Military Community?

One of the standout features of AFT is its commitment to supporting military morale. A portion of every booking goes toward funding MWR programs. These initiatives provide recreational opportunities, mental health resources, and community-building activities for service members and their families.

By using AFT, you’re not just saving money—you’re actively giving back to the military community.

Final Thoughts: Is American Forces Travel Worth It?

If you’re eligible, American Forces Travel is a no-brainer. With its impressive discounts, user-friendly platform, and dedication to giving back to the military community, it’s the ultimate travel tool for service members and their families.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure and let AFT handle the savings.

Authoritative Links:

  1. Department of Defense Travel Resources – www.defense.gov
  2. Official American Forces Travel Website – www.americanforcestravel.com
  3. Military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs – www.militaryonesource.mil
  4. Priceline’s Role in AFT – www.priceline.com