travel voucher to

Yes, you can still redeem your travel vouchers. Here's how to do it.

The travel credit you got after the pandemic is probably about to expire. Actually, it may have already run out. 

A recent American Express survey says one in three travelers plan to burn their travel credits or points to pay for all or part of a trip. Why? They have a lot of travel credits to use. After the pandemic started, airlines, cruise lines and hotels doled out points and vouchers in such generous quantities that it put the CARES Act to shame.

"The airlines are sitting on more than $10 billion in unused travel credits, most of which expire in two years or less," says Lauren LaBar, a manager at Upaway , a travel concierge app.

But you don't have to lose your travel credit. Here are a few expert tips that will help you keep your credits and travel in the future. And there are ways of ensuring this never becomes a problem again.

Read your voucher now

If you've received a voucher, flight credit or travel certificate, find it and read it now. Cruise lines are particularly strict about their vouchers, called future cruise credits.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“You have to know the value of your credit," says Annie Scrivanich , senior vice president at Cruise Specialists . "Also, know the terms and conditions like the expiration date and book-by date."

She warns that cruise lines aren't flexible in changing the terms, so she recommends rebooking sooner rather than later.

Track your credit

Many travel companies won't tell you if your credit is about to expire. Of course not. They want to keep your money. Don't let that happen to you, says Jeremy Ellis, head of customer care operations at Priceline .

"Keep track of your credit – and its expiration date – by flagging it in your email as soon as it hits your inbox and setting a reminder on your calendar to rebook before the deadline," he advises. 

The date by which you must use your ticket should be on the cancellation confirmation of the original ticket. Also, note that there's sometimes a difference between when you have to book by and when you have to travel by.

Go back to the place you booked

If you bought your tickets or hotel room through a third party, like an online travel agency, you'll want to check with them. An agency can help, but they also add a layer of complexity – and sometimes, more restrictions. You'll want to check with the place you booked to see about your options for redeeming the voucher or credit. 

If you're lucky, you bought your trip through a reputable travel advisor who can help you make the most of your credit (and possibly even extend it). If not, then you might have to deal with an automated system that is programmed to tell you "no" at every turn. 

Either way, you have to start here, say experts.

How to make sense of credits

It can be confusing. Consider what happened to Tom Harriman, an attorney based in Clarksville, Maryland. He had $750 in American Airlines flight credits that were about to expire. But he couldn't redeem the scrip online because of a technical glitch.

Harriman phoned American and asked for help. A representative came up with a creative solution: She used part of his flight credits to book two new tickets, and she modified the remaining balance into travel credits, which he could use for a future trip up to a year after the date of the re-issue. It turns out American has travel credits and flight credits, each with its own rules.

"This is all crazy," he added.

It is. Airline credits are particularly confusing. For example, Delta Air Lines offered eCredits, which operate a lot like American's vouchers. United has electronic travel certificates. Each one comes with a set of restrictions that you'll need to review.

Don't assume your airline will warn you before they expire. I've received lots of complaints on my nonprofit consumer advocacy site where passengers discovered only too late that time had run out on their vouchers. 

Call to redeem your credits

If you want to redeem your travel vouchers, get a real person on the phone. That's the advice of veteran financial advisor Michael Foguth .

"The best thing to do is call and communicate with a live person in the company’s customer service department," he says. "A live representative can typically give you tips and ideas on how to utilize all of your available credits. If your rewards are expired or close to it, the representative can often extend the expiration dates."

Note that some companies may charge you to talk to a human, so ask before you do anything.

With dangerous COVID variants still out there, and travel plans still in flux, it's more important than ever to track your travel vouchers. The ones you have could expire soon. And if you don't act now, they probably will.

Don't let vouchers become a problem again

Travel companies love to hand out expiring vouchers. They know only a small percentage of customers will redeem them, meaning that they get to keep your hard-earned money. Here's how to ensure that doesn't become a problem for you.

If they cancel, you deserve a full refund. In virtually every sector of the travel industry that's the rule. For airlines, it's a federal rule . In other cases, state law protects you from purchases made but not delivered.

You get what you negotiate. Experts say there's still lots of room for negotiation if you have to cancel or postpone your next trip. So if a company offers you a credit, be sure to request a refund. Phone reps often have some flexibility in granting a refund as a one-time exception. Always ask for your money back first.

There ought to be a law. Ideally, travel credit – like the money used to purchase it – should never expire. Consumer advocates such as Travelers United are pushing to ensure future airline vouchers don't expire. There's talk that the airlines might be on board with the idea.

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• Per Diem Lookup

Travel Voucher

• Title: Travel Voucher
• Form #: OF1012
• Current Revision Date: 10/2016
• Authority or Regulation:

PDF versions of forms use Adobe Reader ™ . Download Adobe Reader ™

PER DIEM LOOK-UP

1 choose a location.

Error, The Per Diem API is not responding. Please try again later.

No results could be found for the location you've entered.

Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories and Possessions are set by the Department of Defense .

Rates for foreign countries are set by the State Department .

2 Choose a date

Rates are available between 10/1/2021 and 09/30/2024.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

What is a Travel Voucher and how can I use it?

A Travel Voucher is a compensation document that can be delivered after some contingency.

What can you do with your Travel Voucher?

For United States, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Colombia or Ecuador:

Add the Travel Voucher to your LATAM Wallet and your balance will be updated manual or automatically to:

• Pay for tickets, seats, baggage allowance and boarding fees whenever you wish.
• Or request a refund from your LATAM Wallet, if conditions and regulations apply. You will receive the amount in 3 to 7 business days via bank transfer.

For Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, México, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Australia or New Zealand:

You will have two options to use it:

• Add the Travel Voucher to your LATAM Wallet and your balance will be updated manual or automatically to pay for tickets, seats, baggage allowance and boarding fees whenever you wish.
• Or you can request the money by calling our Contact Center . You will receive the amount within a maximum period of 7 business days if you paid with credit card or 20 business days if you paid with cash or check.

What is the validity of a Travel Voucher?

Due to the global situation regarding COVID-19, we are taking all necessary steps to give you more flexibility. Therefore, each Travel Voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of its issuance.

How can I add a Travel Voucher to my LATAM Wallet?

Learn how to add your Travel Vouchers to your LATAM Wallet step by step and get to know how to withdraw the amount available:

Spanish: Step by step guidance for Chile, Brazil, Peru, Colombia or Ecuador

English: Step by step guidance for the United States

Spanish: Step by step guidance for other countries

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Parole Hearing Travel Voucher

Travel Expense Claim (TEC)

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) has funds available through a federal grant which allows for reimbursement for costs associated with travel to parole proceedings. This project was supported by funding awarded by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), funded through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Please note all claims are subject to review and for various travel rules, state and federal requirements, may not be fully reimbursed.

Only victims and next of kin are able to request reimbursement

Instructions for Travel Expense Claim

Step 1: Fill out the Travel Expense Claim (TEC) Worksheet Step 2: Fill out the highlighted sections of the Travel Expense Claim (CDC 1880) which include:

• Full Legal Name (CLAIMANT’S NAME)
• Home Address: (Street address, City, State and zip code)
• Last Four of your Social Security Number (XXX-XX-_ _ _ _)
• Phone number

And if applicable:

• (13) Private Vehicle License No.

Sign and date at bottom.

Step 3: Attach all appropriate receipts (see next page & TEC Worksheet) Step 4: Mail the entire packet (TEC form and TEC Worksheet), with original receipts (hotel, meals, toll fees, etc.), to the following address:

CDCR – OVSRS Attn: Travel Expense Claims PO Box 942883 Sacramento, CA 94283-0001

• ONLY use blue ink on the forms
• DO NOT use white out on the travel expense claim. If you make an error, please put one line through the error
• DO NOT write notes on the Travel Expanse Claim (CDC 1880) form. Use a separate piece of paper for any notes, or comments
• EACH person must submit their own claim

NOTE: Please mail your claim to our office within 30 days of your participation in the parole hearing process to ensure payment. Claims are subject to review and may not be fully reimbursed.

Allow approximately ten to twelve weeks for processing. If you have questions about the forms or need more instructions, please contact OVSRS at (877) 256-6877 Ext. 2. You may also email your questions directly to [email protected].

Per Diem Rates for Hotels:

• All Counties / cities located in California (except those noted below): $90/ night plus tax & fees
• Napa, Riverside and Sacramento County: $95/ night plus tax & fees
• Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties: $120/ night plus tax & fees
• Alameda, Monterey, San Diego, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties: $125/ night plus tax & fees
• San Francisco County and the City of Santa Monica: $150/ night plus tax & fees
• NO THIRD PARTY BOOKING: Travel MUST be booked directly through the hotel
• Receipts from third party vendors (i.e. Expedia, Travelocity, etc.) will NOT be reimbursed
• Hotel stay is limited to 2 nights PER parole hearing
• Only one family member per car may claim mileage
• Include License Plate number (if mileage is to be claimed)
• Include gas receipts
• Extra insurance will not be reimbursed
• Rates may not exceed $33/ day
• NO THIRD PARTY BOOKING: Travel MUST be booked directly through the rental company
• You can also submit gas receipts for your rental car
• Airfare will be reimbursed up to $500 per person
• NO THIRD PARTY BOOKING: Travel MUST be booked directly through the airline company

Per Diem Rates for meals:

• Breakfast – Up to $7. Trip must begin before 6am and end after 9am
• Lunch – Up to $11. Lunch may not be claimed on trips lasting less than 24 hours
• Dinner – Up to $23. Trip must begin before 4pm and end after 7pm

Travel Voucher Forms

• Request Travel Forms

My trip to Iraq was canceled, so why can’t I get my $7,590 back?

When diane gottlieb’s tour of iraq is canceled, the tour operator offers her a voucher for a future trip. but she wants a refund. can she get her $7,590 back.

Q. I paid $7,590 for a Modern Mesopotamia tour to Iraq through MIR Corporation for last fall. I also purchased insurance from AIG Travel Guard at a cost of $766, which offered 100 percent coverage for trip interruptions or cancellations. Just 14 days before the trip was supposed to start, I received a letter from MIR Corporation that they were canceling the trip because the United States government raised the security risks. They offered a voucher, which was only good for a trip to Iraq in the next two years — if there was any travel allowed to Iraq. I believe it is a worthless voucher.

I filed a claim with AIG Travel Guard, but it denied my claim. I also disputed the charge on my credit card, but my credit card company sided with MIR Corporation. I’m very frustrated by this and hope that you might be able to help me recover this money.

DIANE GOTTLIEB, Chicago

A. It doesn’t seem fair for a tour operator to cancel a trip and not offer a refund. But the terms of your tour say otherwise. They allow MIR Corporation to keep your money and issue a voucher for a future tour, which is exactly what they did.

Let’s break this one down. MIR Corporation specializes in tours of “under-explored destinations” (those are its words) like Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan. The paper trail between you and the company shows that it warned you of the risks of traveling to Iraq and urged you to buy travel insurance. It also clearly disclosed its terms, which were that it offers an expiring voucher when it cancels a tour.

A representative explained the reason why MIR Corporation has this policy. The tour operator had already paid its vendors and could not get a refund. But the arrangements between a tour operator and its vendors are none of your concern. The only thing that matters is the agreement you have with the tour operator.

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MIR Corporation did the right thing by recommending travel insurance. But the policy you bought through AIG Travel Guard, which MIR Corporation helped facilitate, did not cover a cancellation by the tour operator. You could have bought a “cancel for any reason” policy, although it was considerably more expensive. This would have given you a refund between 50 percent and 75 percent of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.

MIR Corporation also did the right thing by canceling. The US Department of State had issued a warning against travel to Iraq. You wouldn’t want to be there during an armed conflict.

Your case is a reminder to always read the contract when you sign up for a tour, or any other travel product for that matter. It’s also a reminder to read the fine print in your travel insurance. Your policy did not offer “100 percent coverage” for a cancellation, as you stated. Rather, it was a policy with a named exclusion that did not include a cancellation for security concerns.

But there were special circumstances. MIR Corporation’s voucher had to be used within two years and was only valid for its Iraq tours. At the time you contacted me, it didn’t look like there would be tours to Iraq for a while, so there was a good chance that your voucher would expire before you could use it. Also, you are 78 years old, and you suggested that you might not feel up to a tour of Iraq within the next two years.

You reached out to my advocacy team for help, and I contacted MIR Corporation on your behalf. The company agreed to offer a credit to any of its destinations for two years, and you accepted its offer.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy ( elliottadvocacy.org ), a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at [email protected] or get help by contacting him at elliottadvocacy.org/help .

Protect Your Trip »

What to do if your flight is canceled.

Follow these steps in the event your flight is canceled.

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

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Key Takeaways

• If your flight has been canceled, you are entitled to a full cash refund per federal law.
• Using the airline's app or calling an international airline number is often the quickest way to get help.
• The DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard shows what each major domestic airline will or will not provide in the event of a cancellation or delay.

If your flight has been canceled, read on for step-by-step instructions on how to rearrange your travel plans and/or claim compensation.

What to do if your flight is canceled

1. get on the airline's app – or make an international call.

First, pull up the airline's app on your phone. Most airline apps allow you to easily rebook your flight for free, provided you can supply your six-character reservation code. Getting in line to speak with an agent and calling the airline while you wait is also a good idea (albeit slower than using an app), and social media messaging, texting or WhatsApp may prove helpful. "During times of mass travel disruption, you should try all different avenues for getting help," says Nick Ewen, director of content at The Points Guy.

Ewen also recommends a lesser-known tactic: calling the airline's international numbers. Airlines have offices in Canada, Mexico, the U.K. and more. "While it can be costly, you can often get through to an agent more quickly," Ewen says.

Note that, depending on why your flight was canceled, finding seats on a new flight may alter your travel plans considerably.

2. Book a hotel

Next, determine if you need overnight accommodations. "If you were originally booked on the last flight of the night and there are no other options, grab a hotel room near the airport before they're all taken," Ewen advises.

3. Ask for a refund

If the airline cancels your flight or it's "significantly delayed" (a term currently defined on a case-by-case basis) and you're forced to change your travel plans, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide a full refund. Unfortunately, getting a refund can be a lengthy and frustrating process. Most airlines will instead offer a credit for future travel, but be wary of these, since they often come with limitations such as blackout and expiration dates.

When you're able to get a refund, note that it covers the total cost of airfare only and does not include other expenses associated with your trip.

If you believe you're entitled to a refund and the airline denies it to you, you can and should file a complaint with the DOT .

4. Reference the DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard

While you're entitled to a full refund, other flight cancellation policies may vary by airline. Go to the DOT's Cancellation and Delay Dashboard to see what each major airline will and will not offer in the event of a controllable cancellation.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

What to do if your flight is delayed

In the event your flight is delayed, airlines are not legally obligated to give you a refund unless the DOT determines the delay to be "significant." But here's what you can do:

Research other flights

Investigate what other flights on that airline are headed to your destination and ask an agent if they can get you on one of them (without charging change fees). Also be sure to look into what's available on other airlines: If your original airline doesn't have any flights available on your departure date, an agent may be able to book you on a flight with a different carrier at no additional cost to you. Note, however, that airlines are not legally required to do this.

Inquire about other compensation

If you've been stranded at the airport for several hours, check in with an agent and reference the Commitments for Controllable Delays section on the DOT's Cancellation and Delay Dashboard – regardless of whether you're able to get on another flight. Some airlines may provide amenities such as vouchers for meals or overnight accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

"The main causes for flight disruptions are bad weather, understaffed air traffic control, and factors within the airline’s control,"  says Katy Nastro, a spokesperson at Going.com, formerly Scott's Cheap Flights. She explains the following:

• Weather:  This is outside of the airline's control and is the single biggest reason for why we see flight disruptions. We saw this play out over the winter holidays in 2022, and even to some extent during the 2023 holiday season. Even if the weather is accurately predicted, it cannot be controlled, which means at times flight disruptions are unavoidable.
• Understaffed air traffic control:  The U.S. air travel industry has made strides in pilot hiring year over year, but when it comes to air traffic control, we are still down roughly 1,000 fewer air traffic controllers from a decade ago. New York metro area airports specifically have felt the brunt of this deficit, so much so that airlines were permitted to reduce schedules without penalty from the summer until the end of Q4 in 2023. At its lowest, the decrease in flights in the New York metro area resulted in about 11% fewer flights per day. With less trained staff, current air traffic controllers are stretched to the limit, and schedule reductions only temporarily solve this problem. Even with aggressive hiring efforts, training takes time and will not be a quick fix.

It's almost impossible to avoid canceled or delayed flights these days. But there are a few things you can do when booking flights to lessen your chances for travel disruptions.

Keep tabs on your aircraft: On your departure date, check your flight information before heading to the airport. You can keep a watchful eye on the flight's status – including the aircraft scheduled to operate your flight – using the airline's app or a third-party app such as FlightAware Flight Tracker (which also offers a website ), FlightRadar24 or TripIt Pro.

"As an example, if you're flying from Orlando to New York, and your plane is flying in from Chicago, the initial flight from Chicago to Orlando might be delayed (or canceled) before yours is," Ewen explains. "Airlines will try to find replacement aircraft in that case, but if you can identify a potential cancellation before it officially happens, you may be able to get rebooked ahead of the other 100-plus passengers on your flight."

Consider an alternate airport: When booking your flight, you may consider flying out of a different airport than the one you typically depart from. For example, a small regional airport with limited routes may mean less travel delays and hassle overall – or it may be worth driving further to another international airport for a nonstop flight to your destination rather than opting for a connecting flight close to home.

Fly in the morning: While flight disruptions are unpredictable, historically fewer cancellations and delays occur in the morning.

Avoid weekend travel: Fly on off-peak days like Tuesday or Wednesday. You'll often find cheaper flights on these days, too.

Opt for longer layovers: If you need to take more than one flight to reach your destination, book a flight with a longer layover to provide enough time to make your connecting flight. Keep in mind that at some airports you may need to go through security or customs for your connection. For longer journeys, you can reduce the risk of missing connecting flights by planning a city stopover. For example, Icelandair offers Iceland stopovers for no additional airfare.

Consider a credit card with travel protections: You don't need to be a frequent traveler to take advantage of credit card travel protections and perks. Here are a couple options to consider:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred :  This travel credit card ($95 annually) provides coverage for delays and cancellations when used to book flights. It also provides other travel protections such as delayed baggage coverage. "Even someone who travels just once or twice a year can still get phenomenal value from this card," Ewen says.
• American Express Platinum Card :  This card ($695 annually) offers travel insurance that reimburses some nonrefundable expenses like hotel accommodations, meals and other essentials as long as the trip was purchased using the card.

When choosing a travel credit card, you should also pay attention to other benefits. Even the most basic airline credit cards can offer travel perks like discounts on in-flight purchases and waived baggage fees, while premium travel credit cards (which require a higher annual fee) can include access to an airport lounge with food, drinks and Wi-Fi. Some also provide a concierge service to rebook flights or built-in trip insurance to cover unforeseen expenses.

Purchase travel insurance: If your credit card doesn't include travel protections, consider purchasing insurance with flight coverages – even a cheap travel policy can help protect your investment. Covered reasons include a travel carrier delay and loss or theft of travel documents, among other scenarios. If you're interested in purchasing a policy, you can browse the best travel insurance companies here .

Talk to a travel advisor: "Booking directly with your travel advisor provides more leverage and support if something goes wrong," explains Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer . "We can advocate for a better outcome should there be cancellations or hiccups in the itinerary."

Charlotte French, owner of Cavatica Luxury Travel , agrees, sharing this recent example: "My clients were booked on a nonstop United Flight from Tokyo (HND) to EWR (Newark) in business class, when it was canceled (due to technical issues). The clients were waiting in line to find other options for their return flight home; however, these were very limited. In parallel, I was able to speak to the United Airlines corporate desk (as a travel advisor) and was able to secure them in business class on a flight out of Tokyo the same day."

Avoid checking luggage: Travelers who only travel with a carry-on bag and/or personal item (such as a backpack or purse) that meet carry-on size restrictions will have the most flexibility in rebooking – and will also avoid the chance of lost luggage, another common issue. Some carriers will try to move checked luggage to a later flight for you and will make every effort to keep you and your belongings together. However, when airlines don't have interline agreements with other carriers, you'll have to allow enough time to retrieve and recheck your own luggage.

The number of canceled flights recently fell to its lowest rate in at least a decade — a welcome change for air travelers, especially following COVID-19-era travel disruptions.

Still, flight cancellations will always be inevitable, especially during the busy summer travel season. Summer 2024 is shaping up to be especially busy. "It was the busiest March on record for air travel according to the TSA," explains Nastro. "It also had the tenth busiest day on record, which is pretty significant since it is not a 'peak period' and is generally considered off-season in the Northern Hemisphere. If this trend continues, we are likely in for the busiest summer on record when it comes to air travel."

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Luggage Trackers
• Is a Travel Agent Worth It? The Pros and Cons
• Can I Use My Own Airplane Seatbelt Extender?
• How to Get Airport Wheelchair Assistance
• The Top Cheap Weekend Getaways

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• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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While there are many resources for active duty military members, it gets a little confusing when you become a veteran. Although there are several options for veterans’ vacations, airfare and even cellphone discounts, there may be additional stipulations for those looking to save.

Let’s look at some of the best travel resources for veterans, whether you’re retired, have a disability or just finished your time in the armed forces.

Flight discounts for Veterans

Even if you’re no longer active duty, there are a few special flights for veterans, including the opportunity to fly to Washington, D.C.

Space-A travel

Space-A travel is available to those who are on active duty. These flights can be limited, but they allow service members the ability to catch flights for free.

Space-A travel is also available to certain veterans. This includes retired veterans and those who are permanently 100% disabled.

Veteran airline discounts abound, but Space-A travel is among the best. Note that veterans flying Space-A are limited in their destinations and lower on the priority list than active-duty members.

Honor Flights

Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization that offers flights for veterans. Those who have served in the military can receive a complimentary trip to Washington, D.C., to be honored for their service.

Airline discounts

Many airlines offer discounts to veterans. Most of these are via Veterans Advantage, whose VetRewards program costs money but provides 5% discounts on airfare with many airlines.

You don’t have to be a disabled veteran to get flight discounts with Veterans Advantage. You can be active duty, a veteran or even an immediate family member of someone who’s served.

» Learn more: 0% APR and waived fees: Credit card benefits for active-duty military

Veteran discounts on hotels

It’s easy to find hotels with veteran discounts and even free vacations for disabled veterans — though that’s not usually a requirement.

American Forces Travel

American Forces Travel is a website offering comprehensive travel discounts to those who are or have been in the military. You’ll need to verify your information before accessing the website, after which you’ll be entitled to exclusive discounts on hotels, flights, rental cars, and even event tickets.

Armed Forces Vacation Club

The Armed Forces Vacation Club is available to active-duty members and veterans and can provide great discounts on vacations.

Once registered, you can book hotels and vacation rentals for cheap — and we mean really cheap. Think “seven nights in a condo near Orlando, Florida for $400” cheap. There’s a standard membership for free, but premium members are entitled to bigger discounts.

» Learn more: 3 military travel discounts you won’t want to miss

Nonprofit organizations

Many organizations in the United States enjoy recognizing veterans, which is why you’ll find many offering free retreats, resorts and hotel stays around the world.

In Honor of Our Troops (IHOOT) is just one of these; eligible service members and veterans can enjoy a free stay at participating properties.

MWR properties

Those who’ve been in the military will no doubt remember the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program. Whether you hung out in its rec room or rented low-cost camping equipment, stopping by the MWR office was probably a common occurrence.

Eligible veterans will be happy to know that Armed Forces Recreation Center resorts (AFRC) are bookable even after they leave the military. Popular options include the Shades of Green resort at Walt Disney World and the Hale Koa Hotel in Hawaii.

Other hotel discounts

Veterans Advantage also has a list of hotel chains available for discounts, including Wyndham, Marriott and Hilton.

» Learn more: VA disability pay rates 2023 & 2024: Charts and examples

Other travel discounts

Travel costs aren’t limited to flights and accommodations. If you’re looking to go on vacation, here are some other veteran-specific discounts to look out for.

Many cellphone providers give discounts to active-duty military and veterans. T-Mobile’s veteran discount is among the best. You’ll have access to military-specific phone plans with pricing up to 40% off standard rates.

Verizon also offers a military discount that extends to veterans, but it’s not quite as generous. Once verified, planholders can save up to $25 per month on eligible plans.

Finally, AT&T offers military members and veterans 25% off phone plans.

While most airlines are willing to offer benefits only to active-duty military personnel, Allegiant Air stands out . This is thanks to the incredible perks that veterans (and active-duty members) receive.

As a low-cost airline, Allegiant charges for overhead carry-ons and checked bags. However, veterans are entitled to two free checked bags, a free carry-on and a free pet in the cabin when flying with Allegiant.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Tickets, tours and other attractions

American Forces Travel offers discounted tickets to all veterans, whether or not they’re disabled. The same is true of GOVX, which discounts tickets and other items, including travel purchases.

If you’re a veteran with a disability, you have access to the MWR program and its ticket office, which can provide incredible savings on tickets, tours and other activities.

Depending on your level of service connection, you can save up to half off popular attractions such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando.

» Learn more: The best ways to buy Disney tickets

If you’re looking for veteran travel resources

We’ve broken down some of the best travel benefits available to veterans, whether you spent 20 years in the military or got out after your first enlistment.

Just because you’re no longer serving doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve recognition. There are several businesses and nonprofit organizations offering discounts, no matter how long you spent saluting officers.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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What are these prepaid vouchers? - San Jose del Cabo Forum

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What are these prepaid vouchers?

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I've run across a couple of restaurant & activities websites that say they are part of the prepaid vouchers program. I went on the website and i's kind of confusing.

Sounds like you've got to spend over $1000 to buy them? Has anyone used this program? And what did you think of it?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance! :)

They are available through http://www.loscabosguide.com and you can buy as little as 1. I have used them as a little welcome gift-like one for $20 to Soloman's Landing-I paid around 13-14 for it. They are also refundable if unused, etc. Very good deal!

Thanks KatD!

So you're basically just paying up front for services (Restaurant, tours) and are also getting a significant discount.

I used the vouchers in January & am going to use them again next week..they are a great , no hassels, you save $$$ , & you can return what ever you don't use. I am not a coupon/voucher person but TA's reports on these sounded great & they are.Also they have some real good restaurants & actvities..

Yes, u do have to pay in advance, but IMHO 35% off is well worth it.

This is so helpful!

Are they like traveller's cheques where you receive change back? How does that work?

For example what if your bill totals $13 and you have a voucher worth $20 - - does the change go toward tax and tip? Or is that $7 gone?

I was curious about the same thing...do you get change back...so I e-mailed [email protected] and was told that change is not issued back and that the lowest donomination is a $5.

I'm definitely going to use these on my next trip to cabo.

You don't get change back...what I have done in the past is if the bill is $22.00, I use a $20 voucher & give $2.00 cash.

Gotcha! Thank you everyone! I'm def going to buy these! :)

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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British Airways Companion Voucher Spending Requirements To Increase For The First Time

• British Airways raises spending requirements for Companion Voucher, matching both Amex card offerings at £15,000 annually.
• Companion Voucher program enhancements include redemption for any cabin, solo traveler discount, and partner airline routes.
• BA Amex Premium Plus Card annual fee increases to £300, while the BA Amex Credit Card remains a fee-free option.

Oneworld carrier British Airways has announced it will increase the minimum spending requirement to earn the Companion Voucher for the first time since the program launched twenty years ago. The changes follow improvements made to the program in 2022 and coincide with an increase in the annual fee for the BA Amex Premium Plus Card.

What is changing?

One of the headline perks of the cobranded American Express cards is the ability to earn a Companion Voucher after reaching an annual spending target. The vouchers allow British Airways Executive Club Members to book a second seat for a companion traveling on the same Reward Flight booking as them for no additional Avios or receive a 50% discount when traveling alone.

Love learning about points and miles? Read more of our loyalty news and guides here .

Beginning November 1st, the required spend to qualify for a Companion Voucher within a membership year will increase as follows to bring both Amex card offerings to the same amount:

• From £12,000 ($15,230) to £15,000 ($19,040) for BA Amex Credit Cardmembers
• From £10,000 ($13,960) to £15,000 for BA Amex Premium Plus Cardmembers

The airline has made several significant enhancements to the Companion Voucher program over the last two years. In June 2022, British Airways introduced the ability to redeem the voucher for a Reward Flight booking in any cabin and receive a 50% discount on the Avios price for the flight when traveling solo. That same month, it rolled out a feature to allow passengers to use the Avios and Money options to further reduce the cash price of award tickets.

British Airways Executive Club: Big Changes You Need To Know About

In December, British Airways introduced the ability to redeem the Companion Voucher on routes with fellow IAG carriers Iberia and Aer Lingus, as well as ones operated by British Airways. When reached for comment by Simple Flying, an American Express spokesperson outlined the reasoning behind the changes:

“We strive to deliver incredible rewards, value and customer service and from time to time we make changes to the terms of Cardmember accounts. As such, we are increasing the annual fee on our British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card, and changing the qualifying conditions for Companion Vouchers earned on both BA Amex Cards.

“The Companion Voucher – which has seen numerous enhancements in the past 2 years - remains an industry-leading credit card benefit, and both Cards, with their ability to collect Avios through everyday spending, continue to provide great value for customers.”

Purchases made in the current membership year will count towards the new spending target. Existing cardmembers can obtain their Companion Voucher by reaching the current spending targets outlined above by Halloween. From November 1st, 2024, cardmembers will need to reach the new £15,000 target before the end of their membership year to earn their Companion Voucher.

Annual fees and elite opportunities

The annual fee for the BA Amex Premium Plus Card fee will increase from £250 ($317) to £300 ($380). The updated fees will apply to new card applications beginning today, April 10th, 2024. Existing members will start paying the new fee on renewals beginning August 1st. The blue BA Amex Credit Card will remain the only British Airways-branded credit card with no annual fee.

British Airways Launches Status Match Offer For US And Canadian Residents

Passengers looking to enjoy the benefits of elite status without a credit card are in luck. The airline just announced it will allow frequent flyers of competing airlines to match their tier status with the British Airways Executive Club for free. The status match lasts six months from approval and can be extended by completing one round-trip in a premium cabin.

Elsewhere, the carrier announced it is extending a promotion that allows members to earn double tier points (the ones used to reach the next status level) when booking a package of flights plus hotel or flights plus car hire.

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Getting employers on the bus.

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Employers urged to join WC jobseeker travel voucher programme

Today, Provincial Minister of Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie, met virtually with representatives from the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry with a demo to boost employer participation in the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) recently launched ‘Getting YOU to Work’ programme.

The programme offers free travel vouchers for unemployed jobseekers to get to interviews. Each ‘Getting YOU to Work’ travel voucher includes 12 free rides using Golden Arrow Bus Services, on weekdays between 8am and 4pm.

Minister Mackenzie said, “We know that the cost of transport is a major barrier to accessing work opportunities. Recent increases in fuel costs and public transport fares have made this even more challenging. Safe, affordable, and reliable transport is key to enabling economic growth and job creation. This is why we are piloting the ‘Getting YOU to Work’ initiative – which removes the transport barrier – as part of the WCG’s ‘Growth for Jobs’ strategy.”

Minister Mackenzie emphasised the role of employers, saying, “We invite businesses and NGOs to partner with us as we tackle unemployment in our province. We have created a simple online portal, where companies can sign up as participating employers, so they can offer the travel vouchers to interview candidates. Thank you to those who have already signed up as partner employers and to CapeBPO for facilitating our engagement with this fast-growing industry. It has been exciting to see the impact of the programme, with a number of candidates successfully landing a job after using the Getting YOU to Work travel voucher to attend the interview.”

Participants in today’s webinar expressed excitement about the ‘Getting YOU to Work’ initiative and said they are looking forward to working together in creating and filling job opportunities.

CapeBPO CEO, Clayton Williams, said, “Our sector is booming and Cape Town is now established as a leading offshore BPO destination. The jobseeker travel voucher is a game-changer for supporting young people to access our jobs. We are honoured to be partnering with the Western Cape Government in bringing this initiative into our sector and will be working closely with our private sector partners to ensure that this will benefit those that need it the most.”

Information about 'Getting YOU to Work' is available at www.westerncape.gov.za . For queries, call 0860 142 142 or email [email protected] .

MEDIA QUERIES:

Rebecca Campbell

Spokesperson for Minister Ricardo Mackenzie

076 783 2583 or [email protected]