Today may be Halloween, but tomorrow marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.
If you think that Black Friday is the official kick-off to the countdown to Santa’s visit, clearly you haven’t been to the mall recently. Amidst the pumpkins and fake black cats is a host of holly, fir trees and tinsel.
With the busy holiday season upon us, now is the time to make your Thanksgiving and Christmas travel plans. This is especially important for activity-duty military personnel who can score huge discounts on airfare if they act fast.
Many commercial carriers based in the United States offer deeply discounted fares to active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard and the Reserves. The money-saving specials vary by airline, but typically include reduced rates for military personnel and their dependents, plus relaxed advance reservation requirements, and preferred boarding privileges. However, the deals are only available on flights that are not already filled to capacity. In other words, if you want to take advantage of the reduced rates, you need to book your travel plans as soon as possible.
However, before you do, it’s a good idea to inquire about all aspects of an airline’s military hero discount, as carriers have the right to make changes to the program as they deem fit. For example, American Airlines and American Eagle provide special military offers including discount fares and reduced minimum stay requirements to active-duty personnel. However, the carrier stipulates that the special fares are only applicable to personnel on leave or furlough. The airline also offers reduced rates to spouses and dependent children of active-duty military personnel.
To obtain a discount ticket, you need to call the airline’s central reservation number, as most carriers don’t allow you to book the reduced rate seats online. In addition, you will have to show your military identification upon check-in.
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