Your DoD ID card isn’t just for getting through the gate or grabbing an extra pack of Commissary muffins (since they’re never in stock when you want them). It’s a VIP pass to things you’re probably not using. Think exclusive resorts, free flights, priority boarding, hidden discounts, and special access no one’s advertising.
Let’s talk about what you might be leaving on the table.
Unknown perks for your military ID:
National Parks?
Sure. But let’s go deeper. You already know your ID gets you into all 400+ national parks for free. That’s the bare minimum. What most people don’t realize is that it also unlocks state parks, private attractions, and historic sites that don’t publicly list their military perks.
- California: Every single state park is free for military. Big Sur, Crystal Cove, Joshua Tree, all with no entrance fee.
- New York: Free Empire Pass for military stationed in the state, covering all state parks.
- Florida: Discounted state park passes year-round, plus free entry to certain parks.
- Mount Vernon: Free admission to George Washington’s estate for active duty, dependents, and veterans.
- The Alamo: Free for everyone, but military families get access to additional tours and experiences.
Most places won’t put this on their website. Ask at the gate. You’ll be surprised how many places honor military IDs but don’t advertise it.
Travel perks that have nothing to do with Space-A
Space-A flights are great if you have unlimited time and a love for unpredictability. If you’d rather fly commercial, your ID still gets you serious perks.
- Free Checked Bags: Most major airlines give military families at least two to three free checked bags for personal travel, five if you’re on orders. Even if you’re a dependent, flash your ID. It works more often than you think.
- Priority Boarding: American, Southwest, and Delta all allow military families to board early, even in economy.
- Airport Lounges: USO lounges are free in most major airports, with drinks, snacks, and quiet seating. If you want real luxury, get the Amex Platinum card—they waive the $695 annual fee for military, and it gets you into Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges worldwide.
Hidden military-only resorts (yes, really!
Your ID gets you into full-service, beachfront, mountain-view, dream-vacation-level resorts that civilians can’t even book.
- Shades of Green (Disney World, Florida): A military-only resort inside Disney with rates based on rank. What would normally cost $400 a night goes for around $150. Bonus: they sell discounted Disney tickets on-site.
- Hale Koa (Hawaii): A beachfront resort on Waikiki, exclusive to military families, with luxury hotel vibes and no civilian tourists.
- Edelweiss Lodge (Germany): If you’re stationed in Europe and not spending weekends here, you’re missing out.
- Dragon Hill Lodge (Seoul, South Korea): Military-only lodging in the middle of the city with American-style amenities.
If none of these are an option, Navy Lodges, Air Force Inns, and Army Lodging on bases worldwide are available for vacation stays. They’re cheap, clean, tax-free, and often in incredible locations (some bases are literally on prime beachfront property).
Walk into museums and attractions like you own the place
Everyone talks about Blue Star Museums in the summer, but plenty of places offer year-round free entry for military families with ID.
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum (New York City): Free admission, no ticket needed.
- The Met (New York City): No set price for military—you can pay whatever you want.
- Boston Museum of Science: Free for active duty and dependents.
- Shedd Aquarium (Chicago): Free general admission, all year.
- The Henry Ford Museum (Michigan): Free for military families.
And if you’re into concerts, sports, or Broadway?
- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL: Many teams have military discount nights, and some (like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) offer completely free tickets to military families with ID a few times a season.
- SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place: The Waves of Honor program gives each military family one free admission per year.
- Broadway and Major Concerts: VetTix regularly gives away free tickets to military families for huge events.
Retail and restaurant discounts you’re not using
Everyone knows about Home Depot and Lowe’s. Here’s what most people don’t realize:
- Apple: 10% off everything, including new MacBooks and iPads.
- Yeti: 20% off coolers, drinkware, and bags.
- Lululemon: 15% off, in-store and online.
- Kate Spade & Coach: 15-20% off handbags and accessories.
- Columbia Sportswear: 10-20% off everything, even at outlets.
And restaurants? Many chains claim to offer military discounts, but these spots actually follow through every time.
- Chick-fil-A: Most locations give 10% off your order.
- Texas Roadhouse: Discount plus free appetizers for military.
- Bonefish Grill: 10% off, no blackout dates.
Bottom line: your ID is worth more than you think
Your DoD ID card isn’t just for base access and medical appointments. It’s a key to free travel, entertainment, retail perks, and experiences that add up to hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars in savings.
Before you book a trip, buy a ticket, or check out at the store, stop and ask for a discount. You’d be surprised how much you can save.