If you’re part of the JBSA community, you already have access to some great travel perks. But do you know just how far those MWR benefits can go?
Cruise discounts, reduced-rate vacations and deals on hotels and theme parks are all accessible. You just need to know where to look and how to access them.
How MWR Fits In With Travel
Morale, Welfare and Education (MWR) was created by the U.S. military to support the quality of life and readiness of service members, their families and other eligible parties.
MWR covers more than just gyms and libraries, though. It includes a wide range of recreation, social and leisure services, and travel is a big part of that.
Tickets & Travel / Leisure Travel Offices (ITT/LTO), which provide discounted access to travel options, are actively managed by MWR.
This means active-duty service members, their dependents, retired military personnel and some DoD civilian employees can all book travel packages that often cost a whole lot more for regular travelers at a discounted rate.
Travel Discounts Available to JBSA Personnel
Regardless of how you prefer to spend your free time, you’ll almost certainly be able to find a discount you’ll want to take advantage of.
Vacation Packages, Flights, Hotels, and Rentals
One of the easiest ways for JBSA personnel to access travel savings is through American Forces Travel (AFT), which is the official online travel portal created by MWR in partnership with the Department of Defense.
From this site, you can instantly browse deals on airfare, hotels, rental cars and complete vacation packages.
Plus, AFT directly supports MWR programs, so a portion of the commission is reinvested into community services, which is an added bonus.
Cruise-Specific Discounts
If you’re planning to look into some popular cruises departing from Miami, you can also tap into some savings.
A number of major cruise lines offer dedicated military rates when at least one eligible service member or dependent is listed on the reservation.
These discounts can really go a long way when you’re looking into pricier destinations like the Caribbean, Bahamas, or even transatlantic itineraries.
Attraction Tickets
Travel discounts aren’t just limited to long-distance trips you need to pack a bag for.
Through your installation’s MWR Tickets & Travel or ITT office, you can also gain access to discounted admission to theme parks, museums, concerts, sports events and attractions across the country.
How to Access JBSA Member Benefits
To access your JBSA member benefits, there are a few steps you need to follow:
1. Verify Your Eligibility and ID Status
Before you book anything, make sure you fall into one of the eligibility categories for MWR travel benefits. Each installation may have slightly different rules, so if you’re unsure, it’s worth checking JBSA’s current MWR access policy.
2. Locate Your MWR Travel/ITT Office
JBSA has physical Leisure Travel/ITT offices where you can speak with staff, compare options and purchase your travel deals in person. However, you can also go the online route through American Forces Travel.
3. Plan Ahead and Compare Deals
You’re going to find that travel deals differ based on the destination, season and availability, so it helps to plan ahead. If you’re flexible with your dates, you’re also more likely to find better pricing, especially for cruises and international travel.
4. Book Through MWR-Approved Channels
You’ll need to book through the correct channels if you want to access official MWR pricing. When booking, be sure to also have your valid military or DoD ID ready. You’ll need to have this available when checking in or boarding, too.
Planning Your Next Escape
With a little planning and the right booking channels, you can stretch your budget further and open doors to trips you thought might always be out of reach. And this is all thanks to the MWR program and your years of service.