Military discount airfare is a great way to say thank you

All commercial carriers extend special fares and privileges to members of the defense services. The fare that is known as military discount airfare can be availed by soldiers, sailors, marines, air force personnel, and members of the Coast Guard. It can also be availed by families and dependents of the military personnel.

Some airlines limit the discount fares to active duty personnel but most provide it to even those who have retired from the services. This is the airline industry‘s way of extending a big thank you to the men and women who make the country safe.

The discounts are not fixed and vary from airline to airline. On some they can be as large as 70 per cent, and can be availed after showing proper documentation. Once they have established their identity, military personnel can also buy tickets online.

The airlines are very large-hearted when it comes to extending facilities to both past and serving military personnel. They do not discontinue or limit these facilities during peak season. Even at that time any army man can avail the same discounts. However, there is no special quota for the military personnel. To avail the discount, they have to buy the ticket like any other traveler. That is why it is important to buy the ticket early.

The good thing about this discount is that it is not limited to official duty. Military personnel can avail it even when they are making private trips or are traveling with their families on vacation. The discount is also available on international travel. But in this case it is lower than domestic travel.

Military personnel are also extended special boarding privileges, especially if they are on active duty and traveling on a mission. This is yet another goodwill gesture from the airlines to the men in uniform.

Make full use of student travel airfare

There are several ways to get a good deal on student travel airfare. The best way is to plan early. This gives you the advantage to pick up the discounted tickets first. You may even get a real low price if you happen to select an off season date.

But that is not always possible because student vacations invariably are the peak travel periods. That is the time when families get a chance to travel together.

However, this is no reason to loose heart. There are several sites that specialize in student travel. The foremost of these are Student Universe, STA and Travel Cuts. You can make use of these sites to find the best rates once you fulfill the basic registration facilities.

In the case of Student Universe you are required to provide your college e-mail which the site uses for verification while in the case of STA and Travel Cuts you are required to buy an International Student Identity Card.

Travel sites like Orbitz also specialize in student travel, and offer special rates to students buying air tickets from their site. These sites also provide one more advantage. They offer general discounted fares that are open to students too. So, you have an advantage to select a fare that suits your budget more.

The discounts are even better when it comes to international travel by students. Most airlines and travel sites offer bigger discounts to students than to the general traveler. They are also more accommodating when it comes to changing dates, charge a lower cancellation fee, and allow you to hold onto your open ticket longer.

It therefore makes sense to do some legwork before buying your ticket. You must visit both student and airline sites and also travel sites that provide student tickets. If you do this early then you stand to save several hundred dollars.