Updated October 14, 2003 -- The more than 27 million American veterans make a hefty marketing niche, especially when you add in their spouses, parents and children. Veterans Advantage is aiming for just that market by partnering with numerous outfits to offer a healthy package of discounts and benefits -- including discounts on travel for transportation, meals and lodgings. To take advantage of the available savings, you must become a member -- it's only $22.95 to join, and the savings can be recouped fairly quickly.
Members are always eligible for a 15% discount on Amtrak tickets, but through December 2003 the club has struck a deal to offer 50% off certain coach fares on the rail carrier. Of course, that deal is heavily restricted with a lot of blackout periods and denied trains, but it's still a healthy discount if you can match your travel to the available schedules. When booking your trip, be sure to use Code H300, along with your Veterans Advantage ID number, to qualify. Additional details are online at www.amtrak.com/savings/promo-veterans.html. If you can't take advantage of the larger discount, the smaller 15% off is always there, restrictions-free for coach fares.
If you don't want to take the train, (or can't, depending on where you live), 5-25% reductions are available through most major car rental agencies (Alamo, Avis, Dollar, and Hertz included). Details vary per rental agency. The organization has also partnered with Hotel Reservations Network to bring members deals on vacation property rentals and up to 70% off hotel bookings (although you don't have to be a card-carrying member for that particular discount).
For meals, they've teamed up with iDine.com, a points-and-awards system that can bring you up to 20% off meals. Go to www.veteransadvantage.com/partners/idine.html for full details on how iDine works.
As a member, you are also eligible for discounted air/hotel packages offered by Collette Vacations, up to 15% off lodgings in National Parks and discounts on a variety of hotels.
Veterans Advantage also offers many non-travel discounts that you may be interested in as well, including 5% off Dell computers, reduced prescription drugs and more.
You don't have to be a veteran yourself, just directly related (such as a spouse or child)to join. Eligible service branches include not only the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, but also the Coast Guard and National Guard, as well as anyone presently on active duty.
The founder of the organization is Scott Higgins, a Vietnam veterans and co-chair (with Donald Trump) of the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission. Several prominent New York business people are on the company's board of directors.
For more information or to join, go to the Web site, www.veteransadvantage.com.