What Veterans Day discounts were offered in 2017
Veterans Day in 2017 occurred on Sunday, November 11, and many brands adjusted their offers to surrounding weekend days while some extended through the week. Eligibility typically included military veterans on active duty, veterans in the National Guard or reserves, and sometimes spouses and dependents. Proof requirements commonly involved presenting a valid Veterans ID, military ID, or other government-issued military credentials. The following sections organize restaurant, retail, travel, and service offers by category, detail verification steps, and provide a concise comparison table for quick reference.
Restaurant and dining offers in 2017
Many national restaurant chains offered free or discounted meals to Veterans Day diners in November 2017, usually at participating locations. Offers were frequently limited to specific days around Veterans Day and sometimes required ordering in person with valid military ID. Some chains extended gratitude to active duty service members and veterans year-round, while others focused promotions on the holiday weekend. Below are notable dining offers observed during the 2017 period, reflecting typical terms and common exclusions.
National chain examples and typical terms
- Applebee’s: Often offered a free appetizer or dessert with purchase on Veterans Day weekend; required in-person dining and valid military ID.
- Chili’s: Ran a buy-one-get-one-free or free entrée promotion on or near November 11, 2017, varying by market and location.
- Olive Garden: Typically provided a free entrée to veterans and active duty on Veterans Day, subject to participation and proof of service.
- Red Lobster: Sometimes featured a free lunch or dinner offer for veterans, limited to specific dates and participating restaurants.
- IHOP: Often offered a complimentary breakfast or lunch to veterans and active duty on Veterans Day; eligibility varied by franchise.
Retail and shopping offers in 2017
Retailers frequently extended Veterans Day sales, product discounts, and appreciation pricing to military personnel in 2017. These offers were commonly available on November 11 and surrounding shopping events such as Black Friday. Proof of service at many stores involved a military ID or government-issued ID indicating veteran status. Some retailers maintained year-round military discount programs with varying levels of savings.
Retailer highlights and general conditions
- Home Depot: Offered a 10% military discount on purchases, generally available in-store with valid military ID; policies for veterans often aligned with existing military discount programs.
- Lowe’s: Similar military appreciation pricing, with discounts on tools and materials for qualifying service members and veterans.
- Walmart and Target: Featured Veterans Day sales on electronics, appliances, and gifts, sometimes stacking with coupons; in-store ID checks were common.
- Foot Locker and Shoe Department Encore: Provided veteran discounts on footwear and apparel, typically requiring proof of service at the register.
Travel and vehicle offers in 2017
Travel brands and automotive companies often honored veterans with special pricing, waived fees, or complimentary upgrades around Veterans Day 2017. Airlines, hotels, and car rental companies typically required valid military credentials and sometimes restricted offers to active promotions or advance bookings. Veterans were encouraged to check fine print, as offers varied by provider and location.
Travel and automotive highlights
- American Airlines: Sometimes offered Veterans Day flight discounts or promotional awards; terms varied by route and fare class.
- Delta Air Lines: Ran occasional Veterans Day sales or waived change fees for qualifying veterans, subject to availability.
- Hertz and Enterprise: Provided rental car discounts or upgrades for veterans with military ID, varying by location and booking channel.
- Hyatt and Marriott: Offered veteran appreciation rates or complimentary perks at select properties; advance reservations and ID checks were typical.
Service providers and other benefits
In 2017, service providers such as cell carriers, banks, and nonprofits frequently recognized Veterans Day with special financing, fee waivers, or donation campaigns. Some organizations offered limited-time discounts on devices or plans, while others focused on donations or volunteer activities. Eligibility often required verified veteran status, and interested individuals were directed to provider-specific promotions for exact terms.
How to verify eligibility for Veterans Day discounts
To qualify for Veterans Day offers in 2017, most businesses required proof of military service. Commonly accepted documents included a Veterans ID Card (DD-214 or equivalent), active duty military ID, or other government-issued documentation. Some retailers accepted verbal confirmation combined with ID, while others enforced stricter checks. Calling ahead or checking a brand’s website before visiting helped avoid disappointment and ensured compliance with each location’s rules.
Quick comparison of typical Veterans Day offers in 2017
| Merchant type | Typical offer | Eligibility | Verification required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | Free or discounted entrée/appetizer | Veterans and often active duty | Government-issued military ID |
| Retail | Percentage discount or sale pricing | Veterans and active duty | Military ID at register |
| Travel | Discounted fares or waived fees | Veterans and active duty | Military ID at booking or check-in |
| Service providers | Financing offers or fee waivers | Often veterans; some include active duty | Veteran ID or application review |
Key takeaways
In 2017, Veterans Day discounts spanned restaurants, retailers, travel brands, and service providers, generally requiring verified military service. Offers around November 11 varied by brand, with many limiting benefits to in-store or online purchases during the holiday window. Veterans and active duty personnel who kept physical or digital copies of their military ID were best positioned to take full advantage. Checking individual terms in advance remained the most reliable way to secure discounts and avoid last-minute surprises.