New commissary privileges for vets

[skypilot_1]

Won't get into which is cheaper...BX or Comm. But have found when they both carry the same item......the BX is less....

[Cat320]

That's backwards, the BX/PX is always more than the commissary.

[skypilot_1]

When you add in the comm surcharge most were the same price.

[akfiredog377]

It depends on what Commissary you go to. When I stay at Hanscom AFB in MA its cheaper then shopping off post. I live in Maine and the commissary prices are better then the local Shaws down the road from the house.

[Alan_Hepburn]

Do I need to do anything in advance of using a facility? We're hoping to be able to use a FamCamp this summer - do we just show up and show my VHIC card?

[AveryF]

Originally Posted by TonyMac

Fuel is more expensive on Hill AFB than outside. The base shopping is not what it used to be.......

My wife and I both retired from the Air Force in the early '90's so don't know if this is still true or not but years ago, on-base gas prices were based on an average of prices found on the local economy so you could often find less expensive gas off-base. Those calculations were only performed on a monthly basis so on-base and off-base fuel prices were sometimes dramatically different depending on fluctuating prices. I have absolutely no idea if this is still the case, however.

I can't say I know much about shopping on base anymore since we don't have easy access to a military facility since we retired and haven't shopped regularly on-base in over two decades although we order items online through the BX occasionally. My impression is that the BX/PX carries moderate to higher-end products and compares more favorably with department stores like Dillards, Belk, etc. In that context, it probably IS a little less expensive. Comparing BX/PX prices to Walmart or Target for most items, though, is kind of an apples to oranges comparison.

I'd be willing to bet that commissary prices are a much better deal for those beneficiaries living in high cost of living areas.

[ktn1966]

If you are planning to stay at a Famcamp I suggest you get reservations. Some are really booked with the need to call six months out for reservations.

When you call for reservations they should be able to to tell you the steps necessary to access base.

Safe travels

[akeagle]

It used to be that BX/PX and Commissary prices were almost always better than off base, but the advantages have blurred considerably in the past several years.

Without going into great detail, its best to shop around, both on and off base. At one time we shopped almost exclusively at Joint Base Elmendorf/Richardson at Anchorage, Alaska, but eventually discovered that quite often off base pricing on some things were consistently better.

Example: On base gas prices used to be set at 2 cents a gallon less than the average of off base prices, but we discovered that our local Costco consistently sells for at least a nickel less and sometimes even less than that.

Another one: Milk at the Commissary sells for well over $4.00 a gallon. The regular price at the Fred Myer stores off base is about $3.69. When I asked the Commissary manager about that, he apologized but said they were required by contract to buy milk from specific Lower-48 suppliers and have to pay the transportation costs to Alaska. Sounds logical, but most local grocery stores also get their milk from the Lower-48 too. Hmmm!

Just in the past few months we have noticed some pretty significant price hikes at both the BX/PX and Commissary. Since by law the government subsidizes both functions to a degree, it would be very easy to conclude that increases might have something to do with the recent diversions of military funds for other purposes.

Anyway, its no longer an assumption that better deals will available on base. Shopping around is the best advice.

[Spud_Monkey]

If you live in Washington state the commissary is better than civie stores when it comes to alcohol and the taxes they charge to civilians. Washington state can shove their 20% alcohol tax right up their

[Scott 3]

We have never been impressed with commisarries. The meat, fruit and vegetables always seem like what they sell at lower end supermarkets. The overall product selection never seems as good as commercial supermarkets. The baggers working for spare change and tips is kind of weird. I would rather have the baggers be part time staff and have their hours baked into the cost of shopping. We also came across some with "one way" directional traffic markings in the aisles which is obnoxious. We have used commissaries for convenience but prefer commercial grocery stores.

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by Scott 3

We have never been impressed with commisarries. The meat, fruit and vegetables always seem like what they sell at lower end supermarkets. The overall product selection never seems as good as commercial supermarkets. The baggers working for spare change and tips is kind of weird. I would rather have the baggers be part time staff and have their hours baked into the cost of shopping. We also came across some with "one way" directional traffic markings in the aisles which is obnoxious. We have used commissaries for convenience but prefer commercial grocery stores.

You need to check out the new commissaries that have been built as part of a mall, with the PX/BX also there, along with the normal things...snack bar, barber shop, watch repair, laundry, etc. Some even have a fast food shop and a Starbucks. The new commissaries are as nice as any big civilian grocery.

[Sam93]

In order to use any active duty base facilities you must be: 1:enrolled in VA Healthcare, 2: have a service connected disability, or 3: MoH awardee, or 4: former POW. If you are any of these it will show it on your VA Healthcare ID card, that is what they are to check for before you are let on Post.

[MikeCoke]

Originally Posted by HR2004

Wife and I went to the Commissary for the second time today on our new privilege of a service connected disabled Vet.. It was pretty painless and it is a really nice place to shop.. We had to stop at the visitor sign in building just outside the gate, Davis Monthan AFB, and sign in the wife each time and they issued a day pass for her good for 24 hrs. In our first visit I got my permanent ID card. We are snowbirds in Tucson. We hope to use a couple of FAMCAMPS on the way home via South Carolina to Missouri.

I went to MCAS Yuma & Nurth Island San Diego and neither one issued a card. After you filled out the paperwork and we’re approved I was told that the VA card was all I needed.They said show the VA card and it will be scanned and that was it.

[woodbender]

Could be HR2004 is 100%. That would explain the permanent ID card.

His wife would be eligible for her own permanent military ID also, but only if he is 100%.

And yes, as always, if I'm wrong about any of this someone will please correct me... lol