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Airlines, All-Inclusives and Theme Parks Salute our Troops with Low Rates and Free Admissions

Updated October 14, 2003 -- It goes without saying, the men and women serving in the U.S. military have had a long rough period. The war in Iraq led the government to call up thousands of reservists, separating them from their families and jobs, and whether they've been inhaling the dust of Qatar or the stench of the Times Square subway station (where you'll find at least a half-dozen armed National Guards), they've earned some R&R (finally).

US airlines and popular resorts have stepped up to give military folks the welcome they deserve. Pair some of these low fares up with resort deals, and you've got a colonel's holiday that's affordable on a private's salary.

Fares For Immediate Deployment

Several airlines are continuing to offer military fares they announced back in May, and the major carriers have stepped up to make up for the sorely lacking assistance being offered by the federal government to their own personnel. The government announced a major Rest and Relaxation program for our troops serving in the Middle East in late September. The embarrassing catch is they'll only take them as far as the Washington, D.C. area. Once they're on the ground here, they're on their own to take advantage of short-term travel. Anybody who has had to make a last minute airfare purchase knows that can mean thousands of dollars out the window.

When this became known, airlines began offering special fares that combine low prices with an unusual flexibility out of both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. airports. Like most military fares, these are available to active-duty military, their spouses and dependents, and people who have been discharged within 7 days of travel. You'll have to bring your white military ID card or discharge papers to the airport. We couldn't find a booking deadline for any of these R&R related offers and most are good for travel through September 15, 2004. Since the programs of different airlines are basically the same, we've detailed American's as an example, then provide you with a quick list of links to the other pages on other carriers sites for details.

With a name like American Airlines, you'd imagine that the USA's number-one carrier would be patriotic. AA has two special sales going on now; neither has a booking deadline, but you'll have to call 800/433-7300 to make your reservation over the phone, then you'll have to go to the airport within 24 hours to present your ID and pay. The first sale, the "ThAAnk You! Military Fares" is a system-wide discount for flights out of all gateways served by the carrier. Military fares on offer include Seattle-Orlando for $198 roundtrip, New York-Miami for $184, and New York-LA for $268. Travel is valid through September 15, 2004 with a couple of extended black out periods. You may find lower sale fares elsewhere, but probably not with such a short advance-purchase advantage. You can get the specifics by clicking here to go to American's page detailing both sales.

The second sale is for those troops serving in the Middle East who recently received their first R & R since fighting broke out -- the largest single R&R program since the Vietnam war. The R & R fares (all starting from under $200) are based out of Baltimore and D.C. to all points across the country and even some international destinations. Domestic roundtrip fares range from $158 to Miami to $198 to Denver and points farther west. You'll need to book these tickets in person as well; for more information, call 800/433-7300.

These are the other carriers currently offering regular military and/or R&R discounts; click those that are highlighted to go to the details pages, otherwise call the numbers provided.

  • Delta, 800/221-1212
  • Southwest, 800/435-9792
  • US Airways, 800/428-4322
  • Northwest Airlines, 800/225-2525

Continuing Discounts: Operation Big Mouse

Here's your next assignment: infiltrate a highly-fortified compound that's honeycombed with underground tunnels and striped with a wide range of terrains. Fortunately, the natives are friendly, especially the ones wearing huge, furry animal heads.

Three theme park companies are offering big savings for military families visiting their theme parks. At Disneyland, active US military personnel (including activated National Guard and Reserve members) get a free 3-day pass, and can buy 3-day tickets for up to five family members for $39 each. Disneyland hotels are offering up to 40% off their standard room rates depending on dates and availability, but you might be able to do better with other discounters. Call 714/956-6424 to book, or go to www.disneyland.com/military.

Active-duty military visiting Disney World in Orlando get an even better deal: a free five-day ticket to all four theme parks and various other attractions. Tickets for up to five additional family members cost $99 plus tax, and there's a similar hotel deal to the one at Disneyland. Call 407/939-7424 or go to www.disneyworld.com/military.

Universal theme parks have even better deals. At Universal Studios Hollywood, active-duty military get free, unlimited passes for access from now through December 19. Up to five family members or friends can get unlimited passes for $39. Call 818/622-3801 for more information. At Universal Orlando, active-duty military get a free five-day pass and the option to buy five more for family and friends at $50 each, plus tax. Call 407/363-8000 or go to www.universalorlando.com/military for more information.

Members of the military will also get a 40% discount at Universal Orlando's Portofino Bay Hotel starting now, and at the Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort starting August 17. To book, call 800/232-7827 and ask for the military rate.

All of these theme park and hotel offers are good from now through December 19. Remember to bring your military ID (and activation papers, if you're a Guard or Reservist) to prove your status at the park.

Meanwhile, Anheuser-Busch is offering a free, one-day admission to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Sesame Place parks to all active-duty military, activated reservists, National Guard and Coast Guard members and up to four dependents, as well as to the families of any foreign troops who served on the US side in Iraq. You can use your free ticket between May 24 and November 11 of this year. Bring your military ID to the park to get the deal.

All Quiet on the Southern Front

What a difference a nearby ocean makes, turning sand from something gritty, dry and unpleasant into a luxurious carpet of pleasure.

Military who are done with the bad sand and would now like to focus on the good sand should go to and sign up for Sandals and Beaches Resorts' "Operation Relax." The chain of 17 Caribbean resorts is offering $2 million in free three-night holidays to active-duty military personnel and their families. (You've got to pay your own airfare to the resort.) Sign up ASAP using the form on the Web site, because once they hit $2 million, these holidays will be gone.

Have you taken advantage of any of these offers for military personnel? Do you know of one we might have missed? Please, share your comments on our Message Boards. Just click here to get started.

 

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