Introduction: What Is American Forces Travel
Planning a vacation should be exciting, not expensive—especially for those who serve. That’s where American Forces Travel comes in. Created through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Priceline, American Forces Travel is the official online leisure travel booking site for military members, veterans, and eligible Department of Defense patrons. It offers exclusive travel deals that can help users save up to 50% or more on hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages.
What makes American Forces Travel stand out is its mission—to make travel more affordable and rewarding for the military community. From last-minute hotel stays to once-in-a-lifetime cruise experiences, it gives service members and their families access to the same quality trips civilians enjoy, but at private, military-only rates.
Quick Bio Information
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Platform Name: American Forces Travel
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Supported By: U.S. Department of Defense and Priceline
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Purpose: Provide exclusive leisure travel discounts to military members
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Eligible Users: Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, Retired, Coast Guard, DoD Civilians, and MWR Patrons
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Travel Categories: Hotels, Flights, Cars, Cruises, Vacation Packages, and Event Tickets
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Key Feature: MILITARY STAR Card payment option
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Login Update: DoD ID as primary login since September 2025
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Global Reach: Over 71,000 destinations and one million deals
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Average Savings: Up to 50% or more on select bookings
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Reinvestment: Proceeds support MWR programs for service members
The Mission Behind American Forces Travel
American Forces Travel isn’t just another travel website—it’s a meaningful initiative designed to give back to those who give the most. Launched by the Department of Defense’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program, its purpose is to support military members by offering deeply discounted travel opportunities worldwide. The program is supported by Priceline, which helps power its technology and secure negotiated deals that are not available to the general public.
A portion of every booking made through American Forces Travel is reinvested into MWR programs that improve quality of life for service members and their families. This means every vacation booked helps fund recreation centers, fitness facilities, and family support programs. It’s a travel platform with purpose—helping you explore the world while supporting your community.
Who Is Eligible To Use American Forces Travel
One of the most common questions people have about American Forces Travel is who qualifies to use it. Eligibility is based on official DoD guidelines and includes a wide range of individuals connected to the U.S. military.
Eligible users include Active Duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve. Retired military personnel, U.S. Coast Guard members, DoD civilians, and Coast Guard Auxiliary members are also eligible. In addition, MWR patrons and certain family members of eligible individuals may access the platform.
Eligibility is verified through secure authentication when logging in. Once verified, users can access a full range of exclusive travel discounts, ensuring that only qualified military-connected individuals benefit from the savings.
How American Forces Travel Helps You Save
American Forces Travel stands out for its impressive discounts and special offers. Through its partnership with Priceline, the platform gives access to over one million deals across 71,000 destinations worldwide. These are privately negotiated rates, meaning they are not available through public travel websites.
Members can often save up to 50% on hotels, with some exclusive hotel deals offering as much as 60% off. There are also reduced rates on flights, car rentals, and cruises. Unlike many discount sites, the pricing is transparent—there are no hidden membership fees or surprise markups.
In 2025, with travel prices rising globally, having access to verified, deeply discounted rates through a trusted government-backed platform provides military families with peace of mind. Every booking combines affordability with reliability, something few commercial travel sites can offer.
Travel Categories Available On American Forces Travel
American Forces Travel provides an impressive variety of travel services in one place, designed to meet every kind of traveler’s needs.
Hotels: Choose from thousands of hotels worldwide, including major chains and boutique properties. Many listings include free cancellation options, providing flexibility if plans change.
Flights: Find discounted airfare from all major airlines. American Forces Travel shows clear pricing and allows travelers to bundle flights with hotels for extra savings.
Car Rentals: Members can enjoy special military rates with top rental car providers, including flexible pick-up and drop-off options.
Cruises: Explore cruise packages across destinations such as the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Asia. The platform offers access to premium cruise lines with exclusive onboard credit or upgrade opportunities.
Vacation Packages: Travelers can bundle hotels, flights, and rental cars together to unlock additional savings.
Event Tickets and Activities: American Forces Travel also connects users to over 200,000 bookable experiences—from amusement parks to city tours and concerts—making it easier than ever to plan an entire trip in one place.
Paying With The Military Star Card
A unique feature of American Forces Travel is its partnership with the MILITARY STAR® Card. When browsing hotels, users will notice listings marked with the “MILITARY STAR badge.” This badge indicates that the hotel accepts payment with the MILITARY STAR credit card, offering additional convenience and benefits.
The MILITARY STAR Card is designed exclusively for service members and their families. Using it for travel bookings can help manage expenses, earn rewards, and even access promotional financing. This integration makes it simple to handle travel payments while keeping all your military-related spending in one place.
Updated Login And Authentication Process
In September 2025, American Forces Travel introduced new login updates to improve user security and simplify access. The default login method is now based on the DoD ID number, a secure and unique identifier for military personnel. Users still have the option to log in with the last four digits of their Social Security Number if needed.
A new pop-up assistance window has also been added to help users locate their DoD ID or EDI-PI number easily. Additionally, new tabs have been introduced for DoD and Coast Guard Auxiliary (CG AUX) members to streamline the sign-in experience.
These updates make logging in faster, more secure, and more user-friendly—important for a site that handles sensitive information and exclusive access.
Tips For Booking Through American Forces Travel
Booking travel through American Forces Travel is straightforward, but there are ways to make it even more rewarding. Start by signing in with your verified account and exploring different travel categories. If you’re booking a hotel, check for properties offering free cancellation for added flexibility.
Consider using the Bundle and Save option, which allows you to combine hotel and flight bookings for additional discounts. Always look for hotels that display the MILITARY STAR badge if you plan to use the card for payment.
Timing can also make a difference. Booking early for peak travel seasons or watching for limited-time promotions can help secure the best rates. Finally, review all details before confirming—some resorts may charge additional fees that are not included in the initial quote.
Why Military Members Prefer American Forces Travel
There are countless travel sites available, but American Forces Travel remains the preferred choice for service members for several reasons. First, it is officially endorsed by the Department of Defense, making it a trusted and secure platform. Users know that the deals are legitimate and the site is safe to use.
Second, it offers exclusive military-only pricing that simply cannot be found elsewhere. The platform is not open to the general public, which helps maintain its high-value discounts. Third, it reinvests a portion of every booking into MWR programs, directly benefiting the military community.
In short, it’s not just about saving money—it’s about supporting a cause that supports you. Every trip booked helps improve morale and welfare programs across the armed forces, creating a positive impact far beyond your vacation.
Stay Connected With American Forces Travel
To keep up with new travel deals and updates, American Forces Travel maintains an active presence on social media. You can follow @American_Forces_Travel on Instagram for destination ideas and exclusive promotions, or visit facebook.com/AFTMWR for travel news and announcements.
Staying connected ensures you’re among the first to know when new discounts become available. It’s also a great way to get inspiration for your next getaway, whether it’s a family vacation, romantic retreat, or solo adventure.
Final Thoughts
American Forces Travel is more than just a booking platform—it’s a well-designed program that honors those who serve by making travel more affordable and accessible. With discounts on hotels, flights, cruises, and entertainment, it helps military families experience the joy of travel without financial stress.
Backed by the U.S. Department of Defense and powered by Priceline, the site delivers both trust and value. Its secure login process, flexible booking options, and ongoing commitment to the military community make it a must-use resource for anyone eligible.
If you’re part of the military community, there’s no reason to pay full price for your next vacation. Visit American Forces Travel today and discover how easy—and affordable—it can be to plan your next great escape.
FAQs About American Forces Travel
What Is American Forces Travel?
American Forces Travel is the official online leisure travel site of the U.S. Department of Defense, created to provide discounted travel options for military members, veterans, and eligible DoD patrons.
Who Can Use American Forces Travel?
Eligibility includes active duty, reserve, retired, and Coast Guard members, along with DoD civilians, MWR patrons, and eligible family members.
How Much Can I Save Using American Forces Travel?
Savings can reach up to 50% or more on hotels, with additional discounts available on flights, cruises, and car rentals.
Is American Forces Travel Legitimate?
Yes, it is officially endorsed by the Department of Defense and powered by Priceline, ensuring authenticity and security.
Can Veterans Use American Forces Travel?
Yes, eligible veterans and retirees can access the platform, depending on DoD eligibility verification.
What Payment Options Are Available?
Users can pay using standard payment methods and the MILITARY STAR Card at participating hotels.
Does American Forces Travel Offer International Deals?
Yes, it provides global travel options in over 71,000 destinations worldwide, making it easy to plan both domestic and international trips.
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