The U.S. Department of Defense and Priceline have partnered
to create a leisure travel website, American Forces Travel, featuring
discounted travel for current and retired U.S. military members, their families
and DOD civilians.
"Until now, leisure travel was typically handled by
travel agents on military bases," a release announcing the new site said. "The
DOD chose to create a new online platform that was modern, fast and widely
accessible, and to populate the site with the broadest and deepest collection
of travel deals as a way to thank the military community for their service."
American Forces Travel will house travel deals for those
qualified to access them. First-time users will have to verify their
eligibility with the DOD.
Priceline was chosen as the DOD's partner for the site after
a bidding process.
The website is a full-service booking platform offering
flights, hotels, car rentals and cruises. It includes privately negotiated
deals on flights, car rentals, vacation homes, apartments, cruises and packages.
According to the DOD,
commissions generated from bookings will support "Quality of Life programs"
in each of the five branches of the military.