Mark your calendars and pack your bags. Summer airfare will officially be at its lowest levels since 2009.
The military community is populated by service members and families who are constantly on the move. Whether it is to move to a new military base or go on vacation, military members, veterans and their families often have no choice but to punch their bank accounts in the gut to make their travel plans happen.
Thankfully, the skies are finally clearing. According to Hopper, an app that predicts airline ticket costs, summer airfare for roundtrip domestic flights will peak at $240 in June. This is a 12 percent decrease from last year, and a 20 percent decrease from the year before that.
You all have a slim window of opportunity here. Let’s make it count.
Finding a Flight
Summer airfare may be dipping across the board, but some airlines and online travel providers sweeten the deal with special discounts and cash back.
Virgin America: This stylish airline offers various promotions for flights to specific destinations, such as Las Vegas, Honolulu and New York City.
Expedia: Watch this site with an eagle eye. Expedia offers 50 percent off its daily deals for airline tickets, car rentals, hotel bookings and more through Troop ID. You can plan an entire trip at a faction of the cost if you time it right.
Travelocity: Users of this one-stop shop travel provider can book roundtrip flights starting at $78 and 70 percent off featured hotels, if verified by Troop ID.
Destinations to Visit
Once you have your tickets, where are you going to go? Maybe this list selection of vacation destinations with military-exclusive discounts will help you narrow your choices.
Caesar’s Palace: If you want the casino experience without bleeding currency, Caesar’s Palace might be your best bet. Its locations in Las Vegas and Atlantic City offer a 15 percent discount for military members and veterans.
SeaWorld Parks: Calling all thrill seekers. From Busch Gardens to SeaWorld Orlando, active duty military members and their families can enjoy free admission to SeaWork Parks. You can also receive 50 percent off up to five SeaWorld fun cards.
Sandals Resorts: This all-inclusive vacation resort is the entire package–hotel, beach access, excursions, food. The resort offers a 15 percent discount on all its Caribbean vacations to the military community.
If you are traveling elsewhere, you can also book rooms via Wyndham Hotel Group at 20 percent off.