Veterans Advantage Urges Its Members: Don't Miss Out on the Veterans Advantage 50% Amtrak Travel Discount Until May 31st

Veterans Advantage members have only a couple more weeks to lock in on an unprecedented 50 percent travel discount on Amtrak through May 31st, 2002.

Thanks to the overwhelmingly positive response from Veterans Advantage members, the program was extended an additional 3 months from the original February 28th end-date, and is available throughout the Memorial Day Weekend (typically a blackout period) so Veterans may travel to see family, visit memorials, or attend special Veterans events.

"We’re very excited to have extended this exclusive 50% off benefit to our members, and look forward to the many special savings programs Amtrak has planned for our members in the months ahead," according to Scott Higgins, CEO of Veterans Advantage.

"We are proud to be providing the very special people who serve our country, something of real value, both in their pocketbooks and their hearts.

Every day our members tell us their stories of how this benefit has helped unite them with family, friends and loved ones or take that special trip they truly deserve and can now afford.

"I’m a new proud member of Veterans Advantage as of two hours ago! I have already saved $80 on an Amtrak ticket using my new membership," said M.C. of Fredericksburg, VA, last week, in an e-mail to Veterans Advantage. "I served with the Marine Corps in the mid 90’s and my husband just came back from Afghanistan. Your Web site is outstanding and we both wanted to say ’Thank You’ for all that you are doing for all Veterans."

More Amtrak Deals on the Way

And there’s more savings in store for Veterans Advantage members. When members purchase a ticket by May 19th for travel between June 1st and June 15th, they may take an additional 10% off Amtrak 30% Off Spring Promotion fares (use coupon code H208) On June 1st, 2002, Veterans Advantage and Amtrak will increase its Everyday Savings discount for Veterans from 10% to 15%, with a return to the 50% off promotion expected later this year.

Over the summer months ahead, for additional savings, Veterans Advantage members who use their MasterCard to pay for their tickets will receive a 25% discount on their fare, plus an additional 15% off with their special Veterans Advantage Everyday Savings discount. The ability to combine Veterans Advantage discounts with other promotions is a special new benefit and not available with other Amtrak discount programs, like those for seniors or children.

Veterans Advantage members may take advantage of the special fares Amtrak by booking with a travel agent or by calling Amtrak toll free at 1-877-872-7245 with the unique Travel Discount Code on their Veterans Advantage Card (mention code H201 for 50% off). Tickets cannot be booked online. Members may also present their Veterans Advantage Membership Card at any staffed Amtrak station to receive the special fares.

Veterans Advantage discounts are available on all Amtrak routes nationwide with the exception of the Acela Express® and peak weekday Metroliner® service. For details, Veterans should call AMTRAK directly at 1-877-USA-RAIL or visit http://www.amtrak.com and click on "Amtrak Honors America’s Veterans" under Savings and Promotions on the Amtrak home page.

An exclusive discount from Amtrak has been the foundation of Veterans Advantage’s strategy to recognize the value of service with a wide-range of money-saving benefits for those who have served our country and their family members. The Veterans Advantage program also offers discounts on goods and services from leading corporations, and a free prescription discount drug card that covers the entire family. All Veterans who served during any period and in any branch of service, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, and those on active duty, plus their family members are eligible to join.

"Veterans Advantage is a national program, open to all Veterans and their families, that partners with corporations that wish to honor and thank Veterans and their families for their service to our country," according to Lt. General Martin E. Steele, a former Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corp, and a Veterans Advantage Advisory Board member. "We believe a heightened awareness and recognition of the value of Veterans’ service is extremely important for our nation."

Members attend free events, too

And just last week, Veterans Advantage, continued to reward members with free tickets to special events. One lucky member with a guest was awarded tickets to the special Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Ball in Philadelphia, as part of a charitable donation made by Veterans Advantage. Additionally, 120 other members in the Washington D.C. area were invited to attend a free private screening of the new movie "Enigma", a mystery steeped in the atmosphere of wartime England, and produced by rock-star Mick Jagger.

"Veterans Advantage has made a commitment to participate in Veterans’ or other special events across the country, and to provide the opportunity for our members to attend for free when possible, as a benefit of membership" said Higgins.

To become a Veterans Advantage member, Veterans with Internet access can apply online at http://www.veteransadvantage.com and on Amtrak’s web site at http://www.amtrak.com/savings/promo-veterans.html (online applicants will receive a temporary card to print out) or call anytime toll-free 1-866-VetRewards (1-866-838-7392) AOL Members can use AOL Keywords: Veterans Advantage or VetRewards

How to access your member benefits online

Veterans Advantage members can enjoy their entire benefits package via a private Members Only area on www.veteransadvantage.com or when using the Veterans Advantage Card. Members can take advantage of a wide range of great benefits, including up to 10% off Dell Computers, up to 65% off prescription drugs, discounted long distance phone services, significant savings on car rentals at Avis, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National Car Rental, 20% off at over 4000 restaurants and up to 70% off on over 3,000 luxury hotels and vacation properties, among others.