Space-A Travel for Military Families

Plan Your Trip With Space-A Travel

Service members and their families can use Space-Available flights – formally known as Military Airlift Command or MAC flights – to travel around the country and world at little to no cost. Though sometimes unpredictable, military flights are perfect for families with flexible plans and limited travel budgets. With the right planning and documentation, Space-A travel can be the best way to take a trip with your family.

Space-A Tips and Tricks

Learn how to take Space-A flights like a seasoned pro with these seven tips.

Space-A travel basics

These flights are not commercial, but rather military flights with a mission. That means there are certain restrictions to travel, including:

• Only service members, retirees and their families are eligible. Only with certain qualifications are reservists, National Guardsmen and family members without an accompanying active-duty sponsor permitted.
• Flights are typically free of charge, but you should contact your closest Air Mobility Command, or AMC, passenger terminal or the terminal at the location you intend to depart from for specific information.
• Most terminals have a Facebook page where they post flight information, including their 72-hour flight schedule.

Space-Available travel eligibility

Once you sign up for a Space-A journey, you’ll be put into a category that determines your priority for a flight. A complete listing of eligible passengers by category is contained in DoD Instruction 4515.13. For the most recent instruction, search the DoD Directives Division website for “Air Transportation Eligibility.” Categories include:

• Category I: Emergency Leave Unfunded Travel.
• Category II: Accompanied Environmental and Morale Leave, or EML.
• Category III: Ordinary Leave, Relatives, House Hunting Permissive Temporary Duty, Medal of Honor Holders and Foreign Military.
• Category IV: Unaccompanied EML.
• Category V: Permissive Temporary Duty (Non-House Hunting), Students, Dependents, Post Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence and Others.
• Category VI: Retired, Dependents, Reserve, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program and Civil Engineer Corps members.

Prepare for your Space-A flight

AMC has a travel page that includes the following important information about Space-A travel. You should review this travel page for up-to-date information, including what type of identification is required for you and your family, baggage allowance for checked and hand carried baggage, and prohibited items.

• Travel instructions: travel eligibility; locations; required travel documents; registration, flight schedule and checking-in information.
• AMC Form 140, Space Available Travel Request (fill out a form online and email it to your desired AMC passenger terminal)
• Listing of Facebook pages for stateside and overseas locations.
• AMC passenger terminal contact information.
• Various travel information links.
• Legal information for Space-A travel.
• Operations security for social media and travelers.

Fly commercial with TSA Precheck

If Space-A travel isn’t right for your plans, take advantage of TSA Precheck to expedite your time at the airport when flying commercial. Use your Department of Defense ID as your known traveler number.

You’ll bypass long security lines without removing your shoes or jacket or taking your laptop from your bag. Family members under the age of 12 can pass through expedited screening with you.

Your Guide to Space-A Travel on Military Flights

For service members and their families, traveling Space Available — or Space-A — on military flights can be a great benefit, but you have to be flexible. Military flights are unpredictable and subject to delays and cancellations. You’ll need to be ready both financially and emotionally to change your plans at a moment’s notice. But for many Space-A passengers, traveling to places like Hawaii, Alaska, Germany, Italy or Japan at no or very low cost is worth the effort. The following information will help you understand how the system works.

Understanding Space-A travel

Military planes (and planes contracted by the military) have mission assignments throughout the world and often offer empty seats to eligible passengers. Space-A passengers can’t reserve seats; available seats are offered to registered passengers before the flight. Here are some things you should know before you try to find a Space-A flight:

• Eligibility. Available seats are offered to service members, retirees, certain DoD employees and their eligible family members. Guard and reserve members may also travel Space-A but with restrictions. Eligible family members can travel without their active duty sponsor under certain circumstances, such as Environmental and Morale Leave or when their service member is deployed for more than 120 days.
• Military terminals. Space-A flights leave from military passenger terminals on installations throughout the United States and around the world. You must sign up for flights on a register maintained at each passenger terminal. Policies and procedures for Space-A travelers vary by installation, so make sure you understand the rules for registration at each terminal from which you are trying to fly. You can find contact information for military terminals at Air Mobility Command.
• Flights. For security reasons, military flight information is not generally published online. The best way to find out about Space-A flights is to call the passenger terminal and ask. The busiest terminals often have regularly scheduled flights and offer the best opportunity for Space-A seats.
• Costs. In general, flying Space-A is at no cost to eligible passengers. However, some contracted flights charge Space-A passengers a small fee, and you may be required to pay a departure tax if you are traveling internationally. On many flights, meal service isn’t provided, but you may have an opportunity to buy a boxed meal before the flight.

Signing up for a Space-A flight

In order to fly Space-A, eligible passengers must register (sign up) at the military passenger terminal from which they want to depart. Uniformed service members must be on leave or pass status when they sign up. Registration can be very competitive at some busy terminals, so be sure to sign up as early as you can.

• Passenger registration. You can sign up on the terminal’s register up to 60 days in advance. You may sign up for more than one destination and at more than one terminal. When you sign up, make sure you have your military ID and leave papers (if necessary). Some terminals accept fax or email sign up, but procedures vary by terminal. For contact information on military passenger terminals, visit AMC. When you get to your destination, be sure to register for a return flight.
• Categories. Once registered, you are assigned a passenger category. These categories determine how seats are assigned. Within each category, passengers are prioritized based on the date and time they registered. Available seats are assigned first to Category I passengers, continuing through the categories until all empty seats are filled.
  • Category I. Active duty service members and their accompanying families traveling on emergency leave.
  • Category II. Service members and their accompanying family members traveling on EML. This includes command-sponsored family members who are stationed outside the continental United States.
  • Category III. Service members and their accompanying families traveling on ordinary leave or reenlistment leave status, and unaccompanied family members of service members deployed 365 consecutive days or more. This category also includes service members and their families on house-hunting leave.
  • Category IV. Unaccompanied family members on EML orders and eligible family members of service members deployed 120 days or more.
  • Category V. Students whose sponsor is stationed in Alaska or Hawaii and students enrolled in a trade school within the continental United States when the sponsor is stationed overseas.
  • Category VI. Retirees and their accompanying family members. This category also includes Guard and reserve members who are traveling within CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. territories.

  For more detailed descriptions, go to DoD Air Transportation Eligibility regulation.

• Documentation. Make sure you understand what documentation you will need to travel, including:
  • Your military ID
  • A copy of your leave orders, if applicable (for emergency leave, EML or ordinary leave passengers)
  • Unaccompanied family members of service members who are deployed for 120 days or more need a letter verifying eligibility from the service member’s commanding officer
  • A passport and appropriate visas (if traveling overseas)
  • DD Form 1853: Verification of Reserve Status for Travel Eligibility (for eligible Guard and reserve members)
• At the terminal. Plan to arrive at the terminal early. Space-A seats can be released two or three hours before a scheduled flight. Check with the passenger counter to be sure you are registered for the flight and your documents are in order.

Traveling Space-A

Space-A travel can be trying — especially if you’re traveling with young children. Planning ahead will help things go a little more smoothly.

Space-A Schedules

Not necessarily. AMC rules require destinations be listed in alphabetical order. You will find out the exact order of stops and duration of anticipated layovers (if any) when you get to the terminal before the Space-A Roll Call.

IAW AMCI 24-101, Volume 9, firm seat releases must be provided to the passenger terminal no later than 5 hours prior to mission departure and are always subject to change. Seat releases can be reduced at any time for a variety of reasons such as:

• Working/non-working toilets
• Broken seats
• Change of destin ation
• Hazardous cargo changes
• Non-issue of maintenance waiver
• Zero infant cots
• No Passenger Monitor available on board.
• Pallets of cargo effect the weight but so does how they are strapped down allowing safe egress to the seats.
• When an A/c is refueling it has a certain weight allowance which can limit the seats, but the fact that a wet runway/aircraft is heavier than when flying on a dry day can also cut the number offered.

If the aircraft mission issues a seat release on arrival it’s only firm unless any of the above (or other) issues appear.

• Seat releases can also increases due to:
  More room and weight available if a piece of cargo can’t make the flight
• A leg of the mission is dropped so less fuel is required
• Maintenance issue fixed or waivered to be able to take passengers (or more passengers)
• New crew member is found to serve as a Passenger Monitor

• BWI-Ramstein-BWI (2 Per Week/Varied Schedule)
• BWI-Ramstein-Incirlik-Ramstein-BWI (1 Per Week/Varied Schedule)
• Seattle-Andersen AFB Guam-Seattle (6-month test beginningin in March 2020)
• Seattle–Misawa-Osan-Misawa–Seattle (Departs Seattle Sunday and Departs Osan Tuesday)
• Seattle–Yokota-Osan-Yokota–Seattle (Departs Seattle Tuesday and Departs Osan Thursday)
• Seattle–Yokota-Iwakuni-Kadena–Iwakuni-Yokota–Seattle (Departs Seattle Thursday and Departs Kadena Saturday)
• Seattle Patriot Express Schedule Sheet (Nov 11 version but current as of Jan 15) explaining generic schedule and Space-A Roll Call info.
• Norfolk NAS–Jacksonville NAS–Guantanamo–Jacksonville NAS–Norfolk NAS (E very Friday and every other Tuesday )
• Norfolk NAS-Rota-Naples-Souda Bay-Bahrain-Downrange-Bahrain-Souda Bay-Naples-Rota-Norfolk NAS (1 every other week /Varied days)
• Norfolk NAS-Rota-Sigonella–Bahrain–Djibouti–Bahrain–Sigonella–Rota–Norfolk NAS (1 every other week /Varied days)

Lesser known Commercial-contract Missions:

Travis-Hickam: one per week

Yokota-Singapore (Paya Lebar): 3 per week

Here’s some tools you can use to review “historical” info on flight frequencies and routes:

A fellow Space-A Traveler (Craig Hullinger) from Pepperd.com has put together some “typical” route maps. These are based on past/recent info and may or may not indicate future routes so use them as a guide.

Another traveler (jkeaty) has some route information available on his public onedrive channel that is accessible from his facebook channel here:

1. Richard Sgrignoli’s “Space-A Trend Report” is no longer available.

Historical route information can only give you an “indication” of past flight routes and frequency based on “past” flight schedules (no guarantees that same routes or frequencies would continue).

This is one of the most often asked questions. Since the events of 9/11 less and less flight information is being provided in advance online but here are some schedule sources:

1. One way to get schedule information is to phone/visit the terminal and ask the PSAs about their nominal schedules. Typically they will only give you info on flights departing within the next 72 hours. Note: Please keep in mind when phoning for information that many Passenger Terminals are not 24-hour operations so it is best to phone during the core duty hours of 0900-1500. Also, remember to take into account the time zone differences when calling locations such as Europe and the Pacific. In addition, many Reserve and Guard locations may not be manned during the week so it may be difficult to get an actual human on the phone.
2. Some (NAS North Island, Kaneohe Bay MCB, Fort Worth and NAS Whidbey Island) schedules are already published on the web (links to the schedules available from the Spacea.net Schedule Links ).
3. Some Terminals post their 72-hour departure schedules via Facebook – see here for links . I have most/all of those Facebook schedules available on my Passenger Terminal Schedule Feeds – (All or Regional).
4. New AMC guidance (April 2015) allows a monthly schedule of commercial charter missions (e.g. Patriot Express (PE) flights) to be posted no earlier than 7 days prior to the following month. The monthly PE schedule will not reveal roll call, or departure times. NOTE: The dates on the monthly schedule are expected “Roll Call” dates and the actual departure could occur the following day (common at BWI) in the case of late night Roll Call times. Flight routes and times will be briefed at scheduled roll calls as depicted on the 72 Hr Forecast. As a reminder, all flights are subject to change without notice. Please continue to follow each location’s daily posted 72-hour forecast for updates and planning purposes. You can also pickup or view Patriot Express monthly schedules in person (e.g. at between BWI-Europe, Ramstein-BWI, SeaTac-Japan/Korea, Norfolk, Travis-Hickam . ).
5. If you have access to a .mil computer you may be able to look-up OSA schedules.
6. Dirk Pepperd’s Space-A Board contains a section where volunteers post flight schedules (mostly short notice up to 48 hours out). If you study these regular postings you can get a feel for patterns and frequency of departures from a particular location.
7. A word about non Patriot Express “Monthly” schedules and the schedules found in commercial Space-A books. Some commercial publications but don’t put too much faith in these schedules and use them as a guide only as they are most likely out-of-date before the book hits the bookstores. In other words, don’t look at a flight on a particular day of the month and just show-up for that flight expecting it to be exactly on the day on the monthly schedule. If leaving from the major terminals (Dover, Travis) I would just show-up when you’re ready to try for a flight as they normally have daily flights (many are unscheduled). Schedules of flights from Air Reserve and Air National Guard bases may be on a more fixed schedule based on crew availability (i.e. weekends etc…). The only schedules that could be deemed “regular” are the Pat-EX flight schedules.

The short answer is “Yes” but it’s going to take some detective work and time on your part. First, you probably won’t find any recordings for flight info at these non-military locations. Most of these flights are known as Operational Support Airlift (OSA) and are listed online on the JOSAC web site if you have .mil access and a DoD Common Access Card (not available to retirees).

Here’s the steps you’ll need to take:

1. If you see a flight that interests you then consult www.airnav.com (“Airports” tab using the 4-letter ICAO airport code in the search field). Towards the bottom of that page, you will find a section entitled “FBO, Fuel Providers, and Aircraft Ground Support”. FBOs are Fixed Base Operators and they are businesses that handle non-commercial flights (otherwise known as General Aviation (GA) flights). Here’s a link to another FBO Locator. Call the FBO’s and ask if they handle military flights coming into the airport. Explain to them that you are a member of the military (retired/active or other) and that you are trying to meet up with the plane but that you are unsure which FBO they are coming into. There is usually one FBO at a location that handles the military/government contract on the airport.

2. Once you know which FBO is handling the flight, you will need to make sure you are at the FBO by at least two hours before the flight arrives.

3. Your next hurdle is to find a place to park your car for the duration of your travels.

4. Trek over to the FBO building with your bag (under 30 lb for these small aircraft) and let the FBO staff know you are waiting on a military flight coming in and where it is going to. Ask her/him to alert the crew upon arrival that there is a member of the military in the terminal that would like to speak with them. Also if you see ground personnel walking through the lobby, ask them to alert the flight crew as well. Then get near a window and keep an eye out for a military aircraft. Usually these are going to be small executive transport type planes, so they will somewhat look just like the others out there, with the exception that ours will be marked “U.S. Air Force,NAVY, U.S. Army, etc.

5. Contact the flight crew when they come into the terminal, introduce yourself (Rank, name and branch) and advise them that you would like to catch a ride with them (Space-A). They’ll then let you know if they have room or if there are any other restrictions that prevent you from flying Space-A on that aircraft.

6. It would behoove you to carry a copy of a DD Form 2131 (flight manifest form) with you when flying just in case the flight crew does not have one with them. Technically they can refuse to take you because they don’t have a manifest form.

SP (Seats Pending): Means that the Pax Terminal cannot determine a seat release because final mission/cargo details are unknown.

TBD (To BE Determined): Means that the Pax Terminal cannot determine a seat release because final mission/cargo details are unknown.

T (Tentative): Means mission/cargo details are planned but factors remain where the actual number of seats can not be finalized i.e. fuel weight, weather en route or even maintenance. The number could change (up or down). Some terminals also use ” TSR” (Tentative Seats Released).

F (Firm): Means that all factors are known and the seat release is solid. However, due to changing mission purposes, flights and seats are always subject to change without notice.

For example: 0T means zero seats tentative, 10F means 10 seats firm etc. don’t count on these predictions as gospel as things can (and do) change at the last minute just prior to showtime and/or roll call.

Note: All the above numbers are after duty pax and cargo have been considered.

If you are immigrating (i.e. moving/relocating) to the USA for the first time then it does apply to you. A classic example of this would be non-US citizens that have married a military member stationed overseas. If you are a US citizen or resident (with Green/Alien Card) then this won’t apply to you.

It means just that – Active Duty Only. The reason is that the flight’s destination does not have a customs agent available and active duty are not required to clear customs. This means retirees, dependents or civilians etc. can’t travel if the flight is listed as “Active Duty Only.”

Current AMCI rules require that a pallet position be left open as needed to accommodate passenger baggage if there are 20 or more passengers. Therefore 20 or more passengers would mean (at least) one less pallet position available for mission cargo. Therefore, for planning purposes, 19 seats are normally listed in advance and adjusted as needed nearer flight time depending on required mission cargo. AMC is considering removing the requirement to allow units the flexibility to decide when a baggage pallet may or may not be needed based on available space on the aircraft and the number of bags.

Military Space-Available Travel

Space A Travel

Space Available Flight, more commonly referred to as Space-A travel or military hops, is a privilege afforded to military service members, their families, and service retirees. The system accommodates these passengers by letting them fill seats on Air Force air transport flights that would otherwise be left empty. The seats are made available on a space-available basis. Unused seats on DoD-owned or controlled aircraft are made available once all the space-required (duty) passengers and cargo have been accommodated. If you want to know where you can travel, check out our Space-A Travel Locations List, complete with contact information

Space-A travelers may sign up for travel 60-days in advance of the desired travel date. Passengers are categorized by priority of travel and are processed in priority order by their sign-in time (Julian date). For leisure travel, Reservists are placed in category VI, which is a rather low priority. (Official duty passengers have priority over Space-A travelers.)

Space-A seats are provided according to certain criteria. Eligible passengers on a military aircraft are ranked in order of priority according to the purpose of their travel. Families may choose to use Space-A travel to go on a vacation during a family member’s military leave. They may use Space-A for general transportation as well, such as to visit family or friends or for other private reasons. But the most urgent — and therefore highest-priority — situations involve military service members or other related individuals traveling on emergency leave, such as to visit a family member with life-threatening health problems. Individuals or entire families can be accommodated, although smaller parties usually have an easier time securing seats on Space-A aircraft.

There is no charge for personnel traveling in government owned aircraft. However, if a Space-A flight is made on a commercial contract carrier, a fee will be assessed – fee is variable (approximately $15-30) depending on the port. There is also a fee for meals served aboard military aircraft.

Space required passengers or cargo may require the removal of Space A passengers at any point. If removed en route, you may reregister with your original date and time of registration. Passenger Service will assign a new date and time to any country or destination you change or add on your application.

Always be prepared to purchase onward or return commercial transportation, meals, and lodging. Remember Space A seats are normally identified as early as 2-3 hours and late as 30 minutes prior to departure. It is recommended you check with the passenger service center for the space available show time for the flight you wish to take.

AMC Passenger Terminals

Air Mobility Command (AMC) Passener Terminals are located at US Air Force airfields where a Space-A flights transit through. Your best bet when searching for a Space-A flight is to contact the AMC Passenger Terminal at a large Air Force hub — however, there can be Space-A flights available at virtually any US Air Force, Navy, Army, or Marines airfield. Check out our list of worldwide AMC Passenger Terminals and their contact information here. Contact the AMC Passenger Terminal that is closest to you and inquire about their scheduled flights.

Registration

Passengers must register for travel at Passenger Service Centers in the passenger terminal in person and/or may also sign-up in writing by fax, mail, or E-mail. Sponsors who register in person for family members traveling with them should present all required documents: Identification cards (DD Form 2, Armed Forces Identification Card), passports, immunization records, and visas when required by the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide. Travel documents must be presented when selected for travel. Travelers may select up to five countries. We recommend the “all” choice for the 5th destination so that the traveler may take advantage of unscheduled unique travel opportunities.

Have an iPhone or iPad? Download the premiere Space-a App by Take-A-Hop:

Space-A Eligibility

The following types of travelers are authorized to use Space-A airlift. The regulation DoD 4515.13-R contains a complete listing of eligible passengers by category, and the AMC site lists the majority of information you will need to plan your trip. Required documentation for each traveler is also listed below. Please have those documents ready for review when selected for travel:

• Active Duty Uniformed Services Member (includes National Guard and Reserve members on active duty in excess of 30 days and Cadets and Midshipmen of the U.S. Service Academies): DD Form 2 (Green), US Armed Forces ID Card (Active), Form 2 NOAA (Green), Uniformed Services ID and Privilege Card (Active), or PHS Form 1866-3 (Green), US Public Health Service ID Card (Active), and a valid leave authorization or evidence of pass status.
• Retired Uniformed Service Members: DD Form 2 (Blue), US Armed Forces ID Card (Retired), DD Form 2 (Blue) NOAA, Uniformed Services ID Card (Retired), or PHS Form 1866-3 (Blue), US Public Health Service ID Card (Retired).
• National Guard and Reserve Members: Authorized Reserve Component Members (National Guard and Ready Reserve) and members of the Standby Reserve who are on the Active Status List: DD Form 2 (Red), Armed Forces of the United States ID Card (Reserve) and DD Form 1853, Verification of Reserve Status for Travel Eligibility.
• Retired Reservists Entitled to Retired Pay at Age 60: DD Form 2 (Red) and a notice of retirement eligibility as described in DoD Directive 1200.15. If the automated DD Form 2 (Red) has been issued, the member is registered in his or her service personnel system as a Reserve retiree entitled to retired pay at age 60, and a notice of retirement is not required.
• Retired Reservists Qualified for Retired Pay: DD Form 2 (Blue), US Armed Forces ID Card (Retired), DD Form 2 (Blue) NOAA, Uniformed Services ID Card (Retired), or PHS Form 1866-3 (Blue), US Public Health Service ID Card (Retired).
• On Active Duty for 30 Days or Less: DD Form 2 (Red), orders placing the Reservist on active duty, and a valid leave authorization or evidence of pass status.
• ROTC, Nuclear Power Officer Candidate (NUPOC), and Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) Members: When enrolled in an advanced ROTC, NUPOC, or CEC course or enrolled under the financial assistance program: DD Form 2 (Red) and DD Form 1853.
• Family Members of Uniformed Services Members: DD Form 1173, United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card.
• EML Travelers: EML travel orders issued in accordance with Combatant Command procedures.
• Disabled and Widows/Widowers: Currently, 100 percent disabled veterans and widows of service members are not eligible to use Space-A travel. (Visit source website)

Space A Eligibility Frequently Asked Questions

I’m a Grey Area Retiree, Where Can I Fly?

Per the DOD reg , Table 6.1, Item 35, a Grey Area Retiree (Reservist who is eligible for retirement pay at 60 years of age but not yet 60 years old), can fly within the CONUS and directly between the CONUS and Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa (Guam and American Samoa travelers may transit Hawaii or Alaska); or traveling within Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands. The DoD reg , Table 6.1 does not authorize Grey Area Dependents to fly Space-A. (Reference PASSENGER SERVICE UPDATE DTG: 261800Z OCT 01 para 1.K)

Can 100% Disabled Veterans Travel Space-A?

Despite rumors to the contrary, 100 percent disabled veterans in possession of DD form 1173 or 2765 identification cards are not entitled to space-a travel aboard DoD aircraft. Any changes to space- a eligibility rules will be published as an immediate change to DoD 4515.13r and advertised accordingly (Reiteration HQ AMC/DONP 091704z Mar 99 and Reference PASSENGER SERVICE UPDATE DTG: 261800Z OCT 01 para 1.H).

Are Widows/Widowers Eligible to Travel Space-A?

Widows/widowers of active duty/retired military personnel are not entitled to space-a travel aboard DoD aircraft. Any changes to space- a eligibility rules will be published as an immediate change to DoD 4515.13r and advertised accordingly (Reiteration HQ AMC/DONP 091704z Mar 99).

Can a ROTC Cadet Fly Space-A?

Yes. When enrolled ( I read “contracted” versus “taking” ROTC) in an advanced ROTC, NUPOC, or CEC course or enrolled under the financial assistance program, on presentation of the following valid: DD Form 2 (Red) and DD Form 1853.
Category of Travel is Cat 6 and travel is authorized ONLY within and between the CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii and the US. territories.

Space A Travel Categories

The following is a partial listing of eligible individuals and their category of travel. A complete listing of eligible passengers by category is contained in DoD 4515.13-R, Air Transportation Eligibility.

Emergency Leave Unfunded Travel. Transportation by the most expeditious routing only for bona fide immediate family emergencies, as determined by DOD Directive 1327.5. This travel privilege shall not be used in lieu of a funded travel entitlement.

• Uniformed Services members with emergency status indicated in leave orders.
• U.S .citizen civilians stationed overseas and employees of the Uniformed Services/Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) activities and whose travel from the CONUS, Alaska or Hawaii was incident to a PCS assignment at NAF expense.
• Dependents of members of the Uniformed Services when accompanied by their sponsor.
• Dependents, command sponsored of :
  1. U.S. citizen civilian employees of the Uniformed Service, stationed overseas
  2. U.S. citizen civilian employees of the DoD stationed overseas and paid from NAF, or
  3. American Red Cross full-time paid personnel serving with a DOD Component overseas.

Sponsors in an Environmental Morale Leave (EML) status and their dependents traveling with them, also in EML status. “Sponsors” includes:

• Uniformed Services Members.
• U.S. citizen civilian employees of the Armed Forces who are eligible for Government-funded transportation to the United States at tour completion (including NAF employees).
• American Red Cross full-time, paid personnel on duty with DOD Component overseas.
• USO professional staff personnel on duty with the Uniformed Services.
• DODDS Teachers during the school year and for Employer-approved training during recess periods.

Ordinary Leave, Close Blood or Affirmative Relatives, House Hunting Permissive TDY, Medal of Honor Holders, Foreign Military, and Others.

• Uniformed Services members in a leave or pass status, other than emergency leave, including members of the reserve components on active duty, in leave or pass status.
• Dependents of a member of the Uniformed Services when accompanied by their sponsor in a leave status.
• Uniformed Services members traveling under permissive TDY orders for house hunting incident to a pending PCS.
• One dependent may accompany a Uniformed Services member.
• Medal of Honor recipients and their dependents (when accompanied by their sponsor). Except for active duty, traveler shall present a copy of the Medal of Honor Award Certificate.
• Foreign cadets and midshipmen attending U.S. Service academies, in a leave status.
• Foreign Exchange Service members on permanent duty with the DoD, when in a leave status.
• Dependents of foreign exchange Service members on permanent duty with the Department of Defense when accompanied by their sponsor.

Unaccompanied Dependents on EML and DODDS Teachers on EML During Summer.

• Dependents traveling under the EML Program, unaccompanied by their sponsor.
• DODDS teachers of dependents accompanied or unaccompanied traveling under the EML Program.

Permissive TDY (Non-House Hunting) Students, Dependents and Others.

• Military personnel traveling on permissive TDY orders other than for househunting.
• Dependents (children) who are college students attending in residence at an overseas branch of an American (U.S) university located in the same overseas area in which they reside, command sponsored, stationed overseas with their sponsor, who is: (1) A member of the Uniformed Services; (2) A U.S. citizen civilian employee of the Department of Defense (paid from either appropriated funds or NAF); or (3) An American Red Cross full-time, paid employee serving with the Department of Defense.
• Dependents, command-sponsored, stationed overseas with their sponsor who is: (1) A member of the Uniformed Services; (2) A U.S. citizen civilian employee of the Department of Defense (paid from either appropriated funds or NAF); or (3) An American Red Cross full-time, paid employee serving with the Department of Defense. Unaccompanied travel is permitted to and from the nearest overseas military academy testing site to take scheduled entrance examinations for entry into any of the U.S. Service Academies
• Command sponsored dependents (18 years of age) of Uniformed Services members who are stationed overseas may travel unaccompanied from the sponsor’s PCS duty location to the CONUS and return. Travel is also authorized within the overseas theater. Travel cannot be between two overseas theaters (i.e., from Germany to Japan). Dependents must have command-sponsored documentation signed by the Commander verifying command sponsorship. Documentation is valid for one round trip.

Retired, Dependents, Reserve, ROTC, NUPOS and CEC

• Retired Uniformed Services members
• Dependents of retired Uniformed Service members, when accompanied by their sponsor.
• Dependents, command sponsored, stationed overseas with their sponsor who is: (1) A member of the Uniformed Services; (2) A U.S. citizen civilian employee of the Department of Defense (paid from either appropriated funds or NAF); or (3) An American Red Cross full-time, paid employee serving with the Department of Defense. Unaccompanied travel is permitted to the U.S. for enlisting in one of the Armed Forces when local enlistment in the overseas area is not authorized. If an applicant for Military Service is rejected, return travel to the overseas area may be provided under this eligibility
• Authorized Reserve component members and authorized Reserve component members entitled to retired pay at age 60 (gray area retirees) traveling in the CONUS and directly between the CONUS and Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa (Guam and American Samoa travelers may transit Hawaii or Alaska); or traveling within Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands
• Newly commissioned ROTC officers who are awaiting call to extended active duty. Travel is authorized within and between the CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. territories.

Space-A Points:

While the precise procedures for making flight arrangements may vary from one air terminal to another, the first step is to find out what destinations you can travel to from the air terminals near you. The simplest way to get a list of destinations is to call the terminal in your area. Terminals typically provide either a voice or recorded listing of upcoming flights. On request, most terminals can also fax you a copy of their flight schedule.

Once you have made your travel plan, you can sign up for flights in several ways. You always have the option of going to a terminal in person. However, in many cases you do not even have to leave your home. Flight requests can be made by mail, by telephone, via the Internet, or by facsimile. Upon sign-up, travelers are assigned a travel category and compete for seats in that category, based on the date and time of sign-up. Passengers stay on the flight register for either 60 days, the duration of their travel authorization, or until they get a seat. Once registered, passengers can review their reservation status any time.

There can be drawbacks to Space-A travel. As a Space-A traveler, your flight request is processed on a first-in, first-out basis within your assigned category of travel. You must be aware of the following facts when you decide to fly Space-A:

Official duty passengers and priority cargo have priority over Space-A passengers. If your flight has more than one leg, you can get bumped off of your plane at the end of any leg.

• Reservations cannot be made for any portion of a trip. Flexible travel plans are necessary.
• Reservists and retirees are classified as Category VI passengers.
• Long, uncomfortable and frequently costly waiting periods may be encountered at any point of your journey.
• The U.S. Government is not obligated to provide transportation for Space-A passengers to or from desired destinations.
• Summer months are peak travel times.
• You will need to travel with either a credit card or carry sufficient funds to pay for lodging, meals, local transportation, and even commercial airfare, if necessary.
• You must travel light. Only duty passengers can pay for excess baggage.

Baggage Allowances

Each passenger may check two pieces of checked baggage, 70 pounds each, up to 62 linear inches in size. Family members may pool their baggage allowances. Hand-carried baggage must fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment, if available. Standard issue B-4 duffle bags are authorized to weigh 100 pounds and still considered one piece.
Only one of these bags will be allowed.

C9 Baggage: Limited to two pieces at 55 pounds combined weight.

NOTE: Baggage weight may be limited due to type of aircraft or other restrictions. Check with your Passenger Service Center for more information.

Air Force Billeting

If you’re looking for someplace to sleep for the night, check billeting availability through the services lodging list web page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does my name stay on the Space A list?

All travelers remain on the register 60 days after registration, for the duration of their leave orders authorization, or until they are selected for travel, whichever occurs first. Revalidation has been eliminated.

What is country sign-up, and how does it affect me?

Under this program, you may sign up for five different countries rather than five different destinations. AMC Passenger Terminals are no longer accepting the option for the “ALL” sign-up – in the past, this would make a passenger eligible for all other destinations served. You now have to sign up for individual countries.

What is remote sign-up?

Remote sign-up allows passengers to enter the backlog by telefaxing copies of proper service documentation along with desired country destinations and family members’ first names to the aerial port of departure. The telefax data header will establish date/time of sign-up; therefore, active duty personnel must ensure the telefax is sent no earlier than the effective date of leave. Terminals are not responsible for faxes not received. Mail entries will also be permitted. Some of terminals now accept e-mail sign-up. The original date and time of sign-up shall be documented and stay with the passenger until his or her destination is reached. On reaching destination, the passenger may again sign-up for space available travel to return to home station.

NOTE: If applicable, a statement that all required border clearance documents are current, is required.

What is self sign-up?

Self sign-up is a program that allows passengers to sign-up at a terminal without waiting in line. Most locations now provide self sign-up counters with easy to follow instructions for registration. Active duty personnel must ensure sign-up takes place no earlier than the effective date of leave. If your travel will take you to a foreign country, ensure border clearance documentation is up to date. If you are unsure, verify it with a passenger service representative on duty.

How can I find where my name is on the Space A register?

Each terminal maintains a Space A register (organized alphabetically, by priority and the date and time of registration for travel) that is updated daily. The register is conveniently located in the terminal and directly accessible to you. Travelers may call the terminal direct to find where they stand travel wise.

What are some guidelines on baggage?

Travel light, take only essentials. Do not place valuables, medicine, or important documents in your check baggage. Be sure your name and current address are on and inside your bags. Terminals have baggage ID tags available for you to use.

Can my pet travel with me on a Space A flight?

No. DoD has reserved pet shipments for passengers in permanent change of station (PCS) status only. Additionally, travel with pets would be difficult at best due to limited aircraft pet spaces, pet import documentation requirements, and the possibility of quarantine in the event of an aircraft divert. The short answe is: if you are on an AMC aircraft traveling as part of a PCS, you may take pets with you, if you are on Space-A Status (Leave, R&, etc.) then you may not.

Will Space A travel cost much?

In general, no. Some terminals must collect a head tax or a federal inspection fee from Space A passengers on commercial contract missions. Meals may be purchased at a nominal fee out of most air terminals while traveling on military aircraft.

What facilities are available at terminals (nursery, Base Exchange, snack bar)?

Facilities at most military terminals are generally the same as commercial facilities. Facilities include exchanges, barber shops, snack bars, pay television (free television lounge in some military terminals), traveler assistance, baggage lockers or rooms, United Services Organization (USO) lounges, and nurseries (at major terminals). The type of facility available will vary according to the terminal size and location.

NOTE: Most passenger terminals close at night. Space A travelers should be prepared to defray billeting expenses.

Tips for Traveling Space-A

Check out these books to read during your travel Space-A:

• Plan, be flexible, be patient. As a rule of thumb, military ports offer more travel opportunities than commercial gateways (i.e., travel chances are better to Europe from Dover AFB DE than Baltimore-Washington IAP).
• If possible, travel at off-peak Space A travel periods (i.e., peak periods are the summer months after school is dismissed and Christmas holiday season). Historically, February-March and October-November are low travel periods.
• Be as flexible as possible in choosing a destination. If you want to get to Ramstein AB, Germany, consider a flight into Spangdahlem AB, Germany, or even RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, as an alternative. At Mildenhall, try for another flight bound for Germany.
• There is a head tax on CONUS outbound or federal inspection fee on CONUS inbound international commercial charters.
• When traveling Space A with young children, prepare for possible delays along the way where baby supplies may not be readily available. A good supply of games and books is also recommended. Be aware that a baby’s ears, like an adults, are sensitive to altitude pressure changes.
• Space A is just that—space that is available after all mission requirements are fulfilled. Military aircraft are subject at all times, first and foremost, to DoD mission response.

References

The following regulations govern AMC travel; please refer to them as the source documents regarding AMC travel.

• Passports, Visas, ID cards, Letters
• AMCI 24-101, Volume 14
• Air Transportation Eligibility DOD 4515.13R
• DTR, Chapter 103 – Passenger Movement
• GSA City Pairs

Space-A Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know to Take a Flight on a Military Hop

Looking for a way to save money on travel? Flying space-available (Space-A) on a military flight is a great way to stretch your income. You can fly to and from U.S. military bases all over the world while spending next to nothing on airfare.

Of course, it’s not as simple as calling a military passenger terminal and “booking” a flight. Flying Space-A on military aircraft is very different from commercial air travel. But it’s well worth learning how Space-A travel works so that you can take advantage of this incredible privilege available to eligible members of the military community.

What Are Space-A Flights (AKA, Military Hops)?

When military missions have extra seats after accommodating all space-required passengers and cargo, they often allow eligible passengers to “hop” the flights on a space-available basis. This is the origin of the term “military hop.”

In these circumstances, the military mission is always the priority, and the Space-A passengers are along for the ride.

When flying Space-A, you might be in a cargo plane, a fuel tanker, or a commercial charter plane. But the process works the same way for all missions.

Space-A Flight Eligibility

Space-A travelers are divided into priority groups known as Categories or “Cats” based on their duty status and the reason for travel. Lower numbered categories have higher priority for seats.

Here is a summary of the Space-A travel categories:

Cat 1: Emergency leave unfunded travel

Cat 2: Accompanied environmental and morale leave (EML)

Cat 3: Ordinary leave, relatives, house hunting permissive TDY, Medal of Honor holders, foreign military, unaccompanied dependents of service members deployed more than 365 consecutive days

Cat 4: Unaccompanied EML and dependents of service members deployed between 30 and 364 consecutive days

Cat 5: Permissive TDY (non-house hunting), students, unaccompanied dependents of service members stationed outside the continental U.S. (OCONUS), post-deployment/mobilization respite absence

Cat 6: Retirees and their dependents, reserve, ROTC, 100% Disabled Veterans

It is important to know your category when planning your Space-A travel because your category determines when you can sign up, what paperwork you need, and where you are eligible to fly. Table 3 in Section 4.11 of DOD Instruction 4515.13 has more detail on eligibility by category and approved geographical travel segments.

How Does Space-A Travel Work?

Flying Space-A is a process, and the better you understand it, the greater your chances of having a successful trip.

1. Identify your destination and possible routes

The first step is figuring out which bases have regular flights to your destination. You can start by looking at this list of worldwide locations that may have Space-A opportunities. Profiles of some terminals include information about typical flight destinations. As discussed in the next step, you will learn more about where the various air terminals fly most frequently when you begin following their Space-A flight schedules.

In some cases, there are many possible routes you can take to your destination. For example, if you are on the East Coast and want to travel to Spain, you can fly from one of several bases that have regular missions to Naval Station Rota. If you’re coming from another part of the U.S., you will likely have to take multiple hops to get to Spain (e.g. JB Lewis-McChord to JB Charleston, and then JB Charleston to Rota).

The Space-A Travelers Facebook group is a great resource if you’re having trouble piecing together a flight plan to your destination. Use the group to ask questions and search for information about flying to and from specific locations.

Keep in mind that you may need to combine Space-A travel with other transportation. If you don’t live near a base with regular Space-A flights, you will have to drive or fly commercial to one of the active Space-A hubs. Similarly, you might hop a flight to a base overseas, and then take a train or local airline to your final destination.

2. Follow the Space-A flight schedules of the passenger terminals you may use

Most military passenger terminals maintain a Facebook page on which they publish their flight schedules for the upcoming 72 hours. The schedules list the destinations, anticipated number of Space-A seats, and the “Roll Call” time, which is the time at which passenger terminal staff announce the names of passengers who have been selected for the flight.

Terminals that maintain a Facebook page also publish information about recently-departed flights, including the number of Space-A seats released and the number of Space-A passengers who were competing for the flight.

Use all of this information to monitor flights out of your target passenger terminals. Over the course of several weeks or months, you will see patterns in where and how often they have missions.

Note: The Air Mobility Command (AMC) website has links to all terminals’ social media pages. If a terminal does not have a Facebook page, you can obtain Space-A flight information by calling the terminal directly.

3. Sign up to travel from all locations you could originate travel

When you have a destination in mind, sign up to fly from any and all terminals from which you might travel. Signing up is free and takes only a few minutes. In the example in Step 1 above, if you were traveling to Spain, you would sign up at every passenger terminal that has regular missions to Rota.

The AMC website has instructions for signup, including a list of all information required. You can submit your signup through their website, via e-mail, in person at the terminal, or using the TakeAHop app (the app costs $6.99). E-mail and the TakeAHop app are the easiest ways to sign up with multiple terminals at once.

Sign up as far in advance of your travel date as possible, in accordance with your category. When competing for seats, priority within a category is determined by signup date and time, so the longer you’ve been on the list, the better. At most terminals, a signup is good for up to 60 days.

Active duty cannot sign up for Space-A travel until they are on leave. However, being in Cat 3 means that you have priority over travelers in categories 4, 5 and 6, no matter how far in advance those passengers signed up.

4. Mark yourself present within 24 hours of the flight

Within 24 hours of your target flight, go to the terminal in person and notify the staff that you are competing for the flight. Bring your military ID, passport (if traveling to/from a foreign country), and any required travel authorizations, such as your leave form if you are active duty, EML orders, or the memo from your sponsor’s command if you are an unaccompanied dependent.

You should also bring a copy of your signup e-mail in case the terminal does not have a record of your signup. Most terminals will accept your e-mail as proof of your signup date and time.

You must mark yourself present before Roll Call starts, but you can do so anytime within 24 hours. One or two hours in advance is generally enough, but be sure that you are continually monitoring the passenger terminal’s Facebook slides in case they unexpectedly change the Roll Call time. It’s also a good idea to call the terminal directly to confirm that Roll Call has not changed; sometimes the terminal staff is too busy to update their Facebook page promptly.

5. Listen for your name during Roll Call

When Roll Call begins, terminal staff announce how many Space-A seats are available for the flight and read the names of the passengers selected. They start with the passengers in the lowest-numbered (highest priority) category and work their way down the list.

If they call your name, go to the desk and confirm that you and any dependents traveling with you are present. Bring your required paperwork along with your and your dependents’ military IDs. ID cards are required for all passengers over the age of 10. When traveling with children younger than 10 who do not have an ID card, bring their passport or a MilConnect printout that shows their DOD ID number.

If they don’t call your name during Roll Call, you should stay in the terminal, at least until the flight boards. Sometimes, additional Space-A seats are released at the very last minute.

6. Check your luggage and obtain your boarding pass

Luggage check may begin immediately after Roll Call or several hours later. When it’s time to check bags, all travelers in your family and all of your luggage must be present.

On most flights, each passenger can check two bags of up to 70 lbs each. You can also check car seats, which do not count towards your baggage allowance. Some smaller aircraft limit baggage to as little as 30 lbs per person. If you or any of your dependents cannot meet those requirements on the weight-restricted aircraft, you are not eligible for the flight. The AMC website has detailed information on baggage allowances.

Some locations offer box lunches for a nominal cost ($10 or less), which usually include a sandwich, chips, cookie, and drink. You can request and pay for those meals when checking your luggage.

Once you’ve checked your bags and have your boarding passes, you are “manifested” on the flight. The terminal staff will tell you the estimated boarding time. However, boarding times often change without notice, so stay in the terminal.

7. Board the aircraft and pick your seat

When the passenger terminal announces boarding, all manifested passengers go through security. Military passenger terminals follow Transportation Security Administration regulations, so you have the same restrictions for carry-on items as on civilian planes.

You sit in a secure area of the terminal until it’s time to board the plane. At most locations, a bus takes you to the aircraft, and you board the plane from the tarmac.

If you are flying Space-A on a Patriot Express flight, your boarding pass will list your assigned seat. On other Space-A aircraft, you select your own seats on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to Expect on a Space-A Flight

With the exception of the Patriot Express, flights on military aircraft are no-frills. The crew provides earplugs, a water cooler, and sometimes chips or cookies, but any refreshments are self-service.

Depending on the type of aircraft, there may be regular seats or web seating along the sides of the plane. If it’s the latter and there is space on the floor, the crew may allow you to lie down on a blanket or air mattress (if you brought one) after the aircraft reaches cruising altitude.

Military aircraft are often very cold and loud, so dress in warm layers, and bring extra ear protection if you don’t want to wear the foam earplugs provided.

Pros and Cons of Flying Space-A

As you might expect, there are advantages and disadvantages to flying military hops.

The Pros: What are the advantages of flying Space-A?

The most obvious benefit of flying Space-A is that it can be free or very low-cost. Patriot Express flights have a small per-passenger tax ranging from about $4 to about $35, and some terminals offer meals for purchase, but those are the only direct costs associated with the flight. You can save thousands of dollars on airfare if you have multiple family members traveling, especially to/from OCONUS destinations.

Another benefit of flying Space-A is access to base resources as soon as you land. You can stay overnight in base lodging, stock up on snacks at the commissary, or get discount tickets to local attractions through the Information, Tickets & Travel office. When traveling abroad, landing at a U.S. military base also gives you time to get your bearings before venturing out to explore a new country.

While you may get conflicting views on this point, flying Space-A can be much more pleasant than flying commercial. Having the option to stretch out on the floor of a C-17 is a nice alternative to sitting in the cramped Economy section of a commercial carrier. In addition, if you’re traveling with small children, you will likely get more help and support from fellow passengers than you would on a civilian flight.

Finally, Space-A is a fun adventure, especially for anyone who has never flown on a military aircraft.

The Cons: What are the disadvantages of Space-A?

The #1 disadvantage is the uncertainty. In most cases, you won’t know until a maximum of 3 days in advance where a terminal’s missions are headed, and you can’t be sure you have a seat until the last minute. When flying Space-A, you must have patience and flexibility.

Another disadvantage is that the most difficult times to get a seat may be the exact times you want to travel. Summer PCS season, the winter holidays, and, to a lesser degree, Spring Break, are extra competitive, particularly when flying to/from OCONUS locations.

There may be indirect costs associated with flying Space-A, including lodging, transportation, and meals while waiting for a flight. If you have to wait for several days, those costs can add up quickly.

Finally, some passengers find military aircraft uncomfortable. Cargo planes are cold and loud, and if you are unable to lie on the floor in an aircraft that has webbed seating, an overseas flight will feel pretty long. Of course, those are all issues that you can remedy with proper planning, but they are a consideration when deciding if you want to fly Space-A.

When Should You Use Space-A?

Keeping those pros and cons in mind, Space-A is a great option if you have time and flexibility to wait for a flight, particularly during the “off seasons” of fall, late winter, and early spring. Also, the more passengers traveling with you, the greater the cost savings compared to flying commercial.

Space-A is never a good option when you have to be somewhere by a particular time, whether it’s for a wedding, a graduation, or a cruise departure. You should also avoid flying Space-A – particularly to OCONUS destinations – during the busiest times noted above.

Final Advice from a Seasoned Space-A Traveler

There are two very important rules to remember when flying Space-A:

1. Always have a have a backup plan, including enough money to pay for commercial airfare in case Space-A doesn’t work out.
2. Don’t wait for the perfect flight. Hop any flight that moves you closer to your destination, especially when traveling between OCONUS and CONUS.

Each time you fly Space-A, you will learn something new, whether from your own experience or through conversations with fellow travelers. In the meantime, keep learning as much as you can about how the process works. When you have a destination in mind, do your research so you know about the Space-A terminal’s lodging, transportation, and immigration procedures before you land.

Finally, remember that Space-A is a privilege we share as members of the military community, and the mission takes priority 100% of the time. With that in mind, be sure to bring plenty of patience, a positive attitude, and a sense of adventure.

KC-10 Extender Photo by Tech. Sgt. James Hodgman, US Air Force.

The Ultimate Guide to Space-Available Military Travel

Inside: Tired of piecing together information about space-available military travel? Check out this ultimate guide to Space-A and get it all in one convenient spot!

You’ve heard about this thing called Space Available Military Travel (aka Space-A). It sounds cool, because hey, free flights, right? But it seems kind of daunting, because you have no idea what the rules are or how to get started.

Sound familiar? If you’re wondering how you can take advantage of this opportunity as a military spouse, here’s a primer to help you understand the who, what, where, and how of Space-A flying.

What is Space Available Military Travel?

Space-A travel is a privilege available to members of the community that allows us to fly free (or nearly free) on military aircraft. As Space-A passengers, we are essentially hitching a ride (or “taking a hop,” as flying Space-A is often called) on a flight that is deemed a military mission.

After all equipment and personnel required for the mission have been accommodated, any leftover seats may be used by Space-A passengers. Flights are entirely dependent on the mission, and the mission is the priority 100% of the time.

To put it bluntly, Space-A passengers are non-essential cargo.

Who Can Fly Space-A?

The Air Mobility Command (AMC) has a detailed summary of who is eligible to fly Space-A and under what circumstances. Space-A travelers are divided into six categories or “Cats,” based on their duty status and reason for travel. Travelers in Cat 1 are highest priority and those in Cat 6 are lowest. In other words, Space-A passengers in Cat 1 are most likely to get a seat.

I’m going to take a stab that you’re most interested in leisure travel for active duty service members and their family members, so we’re talking about travelers in the following categories:

• Active duty service members on leave traveling with or without dependents
• Spouses of active duty service members deployed for 365 or more consecutive days.

• Spouses of active duty service members deployed between 30 and 364 consecutive days
• Spouses of active duty service members stationed abroad traveling unaccompanied on Environmental and Morale Leave (EML) orders

• Unaccompanied command-sponsored spouses of service members stationed OCONUS
• Unaccompanied non-command sponsored spouses of service members stationed OCONUS

Where Can I Fly Space-A?

Depending on your category, you may be able to fly Space-A to any destination in the world to which a military mission is accepting Space-A passengers. In most cases, that means to a U.S. military base, but there are exceptions, including Patriot Express flights. There may also be a random flight to an airport or country where the U.S. does not have any military bases, but those flights are not the norm.

Before we move on, let’s clarify a few terms to make sense of this. The continental United States (CONUS) refers to the lower 48 states. Outside the continental United States (OCONUS) refers to foreign countries, Alaska, Hawaii, and other U.S. territories.

How Can I Fly Space-A Without My Sponsor?

If your sponsor is deployed (i.e. you are Cat 3 or 4), all you need is a memo from his command (here is a sample memo). You can travel wherever and whenever you want starting from the day your sponsor deploys throughout the duration of his deployment. Hold onto that memo, and bring it with you whenever you travel; it’s good through the whole deployment.

Travel for unaccompanied spouses in other situations has a few more restrictions.

If you are stationed overseas with your spouse (i.e. an accompanied tour of duty) and you are traveling as a Cat 5, you can only travel from OCONUS to OCONUS and between OCONUS and CONUS. In other words, you can’t take Space-A flights from one place in the lower 48 to another. The exception to that rule is if you are booked (a.k.a. “manifested”) on a flight to or from OCONUS that stops in another CONUS destination along the way. Here is a sample of the command-sponsored dependent memo you must obtain from your sponsor’s command. It’s good for 90 days or one round trip originating from the overseas duty station.

If you are stationed overseas in a location that allows EML, you can travel as a Cat 4 (i.e. higher priority) if you get an EML memo, but your travel will be restricted. You can only fly between you sponsor’s duty station and CONUS. You must take the most direct route possible. Here are sample EML memos from Pacific Command and Europe Command.

The final circumstance is if your sponsor is on an unaccompanied tour overseas (i.e. you are a non-command-sponsored dependent). You can obtain authorization to visit your sponsor and travel Space-A as a Cat 5, but you have the same restrictions as an unaccompanied EML traveler. Here is a sample of the non-command sponsored dependent memo you need for travel.

The travel memos for EML and non-command sponsored dependents are good for 90 days or one round trip.

Want more details on this unaccompanied dependent travel stuff? Here’s the breakdown with a few examples.

How Do I Get Started Planning a Space-A Trip?

The first thing to do is to figure out which bases near you have flights that could get you to your destination. In some cases, there are many possible paths you could take. For example, if you are on the East Coast and want to travel to Germany, you could fly from one of five or six bases that have regular missions into Ramstein Air Base.

On the other hand, not all military airfields are active Space-A hubs, so you will have to do some research to figure where you could originate your travel. If you don’t know which bases near you have Space-A flights, you can start by looking at this list of locations worldwide that may have Space-A opportunities.

After you’ve found the bases closest to you, begin studying their flight schedules, which most passenger terminals post on slides via their respective Facebook pages. You can find a list of passenger terminal Facebook pages on the AMC website.

In most cases, terminals post flight schedules a maximum of 72 hours in advance. Exceptions include certain Naval bases, which may share a week’s worth of missions, and schedules for Patriot Express flights. Terminals that have Patriot Express flights post schedules for an entire calendar month. The schedule is usually available a few days before the end of the month for the following month (for example, the April schedule will be available in the last few days of March).

What Do the Facebook Slides Tell Me?

From the slides, you can see where the flights are going, what time passengers must be there (Roll Call), and how many seats may be available for Space-A passengers.

Passenger terminals also post historical slides showing recent departures and how many Space-A passengers got seats. Reviewing the history of flights in and out of a particular base and comparing how many passengers tried to get on vs. how many got seats is useful right before you are hoping to catch a flight. It will give you an idea of whether there is a backlog of folks waiting to depart or whether most passengers have cleared out of the terminal. Here is more detailed information about how to read Space-A flight schedules on Facebook.

You may have to watch the schedules for several weeks or even months to get an idea of where missions fly most frequently and how likely a Space-A passenger in your category would be to get a seat.

If you’re having trouble piecing together a flight plan that could get you to your destination, you can also ask for advice in the Space-A Travelers Facebook group. To join this group, you will need to verify your military affiliation and agree to read the background information in the pinned post. Before asking a question, try searching for the topic in the discussion. With more than 62K members, there are few questions that no one has asked.

Space-A Signup

Now that you have an idea of what bases you might want to fly to and from, it’s time to sign up.

Signup refers to the process of notifying passenger terminals that you would like to fly Space-A from their location. There are several ways to sign up:

• In person at the terminal
• Via e-mail or fax
• Using the Take-a-Hop app, which has a one-time fee of $6.99.

You don’t have to use the official Space-Available Travel Request form, but this sample shows what information you need to provide. Be sure that when you specify the number of seats required, you include all members of your family, including babies. Space-A flights do not have a “lap child” policy.

When Can I Sign Up?

Priority within a category is based on signup date and time, so the earlier you sign up, the better.

Signup rules vary by circumstance.

1. Active duty service members (Cat 3) can sign up starting on the first day of leave. The signup is good for the duration of the leave period.
2. Spouses of deployed service members can sign up 10 days before the first day of the deployment. The signup is good for 60 days.
3. Unaccompanied Spouses in other situations discussed above can sign up as soon as they have the required memo. Signups are good for 60 days.

At Which Bases Should I Sign Up?

No matter what category you’re in, you should sign up at every base you may want to depart from.

You can sign up at as many bases as you want. If you’re signing up via e-mail, you can send a single message and copy every terminal at which you want to sign up. Many terminals will not reply to confirm receipt of your signup. Be sure to bring a copy of your signup when you go to the terminal to mark yourself present for the flight.

What to Do on the Day of Your Flight

You see a flight you want to take, and you’re ready to give this Space-A thing a shot. Now what? Here’s a rundown of the actual travel process.

Marking Yourself Present

This means going to the terminal in person to let them know you are “competing” for a flight. You can mark yourself present up to 24 hours in advance of the Roll Call time, but you don’t really need to do it until an hour or two beforehand. Marking yourself present early does not give you higher priority than other passengers, but you must do it prior to the start of Roll Call.

When you mark yourself present, bring all of your travel documentation, including any required travel memos and a copy of your signup e-mail to prove the date and time of signup. Confirm that the passenger terminal has recorded the correct number of passengers traveling.

Roll Call

This is the time listed on the Facebook slides, and it refers to the passenger terminal staff calling the names of the passengers selected for a flight. They will start with the highest category and work their way down.

If they call your name, go to the desk with your family members’ military IDs, passports (if headed for an OCONUS destination), and appropriate travel authorization memo, and confirm that all passengers are in the terminal with bags packed.

Baggage Check/Getting Manifested

When it’s time to check bags, all travelers in your family and all of your luggage must be present. On most flights, each passenger can check two bags of up to 70 lbs each. You can also check car seats, which do not count towards your baggage allowance. On some smaller aircraft, weight limits may be as low as 30 lbs. The Air Mobility Command website has detailed information on baggage allowances.

During baggage check, you can request a meal, (if meals are available — usually a box lunch with sandwich, chips, cookie, and drink), which costs $5-$10, depending on the location. Once you’ve checked your bags and have your boarding passes, you are “manifested” on the flight. The terminal staff will tell you the estimated boarding time, but it often changes without notice, so stay in the terminal.

Boarding

Once they announce boarding, all passengers go through security. Military passenger terminals follow Transportation Security Administration regulations, so you have the same restrictions for carry-on items as on civilian planes. You sit in a secure area of the terminal until the bus arrives to take you to the aircraft. You board the plane from the tarmac.

What to Expect on the Flight

Patriot Express flights are very similar to civilian flights. They have regular airplane seats and in-flight service.

Flights on military aircraft are no-frills. The crew provides earplugs, water, and sometimes chips or cookies, but you walk over to the refreshments and get them yourself. Depending on the type of aircraft, there may be regular seats or web seating along the sides of the plane. If it’s a cargo plane and there is space on the floor, you may be able to lie down on a blanket or compact air mattress (if you brought one) or hang up a Texsport hammock . Not all planes (or flight crews) will allow you to hang a hammock, but it’s nice to have in case you’re able to use it.

For all military aircraft, two tips apply:

• Dress in layers. It can be very cold or very warm, depending on the type of aircraft, where you’re sitting, and pilot preference. I see many passengers (especially children) wearing shorts, but I don’t recommend it unless you have a pair of sweatpants handy.
• Bring hand wipes. The lavatory sinks generally don’t have running water. Instead, there is a pile of antiseptic wipes, but often not enough to last for the entire flight.

Tips for Traveling with Kids

All passengers over the age of 10 need a military ID. If you have children under 10, bring their passport or a printout from Milconnect that shows their military ID number. This second requirement was implemented in 2017, and some travelers may tell you that the passenger terminal didn’t ask for it, that a birth certificate was fine, etc. While that may be true, it’s best to cover your bases and bring the printout.

As with any travel with kids, bring plenty of activities to keep them entertained. It can be hard to predict how much time you will spend waiting in the terminal, so be prepared with movies downloaded to your tablet, cards, books, and other travel-friendly games.

You should also bring a stash of snacks. Even if you ordered a box meal, you won’t get it until you’re onboard, and you don’t want to be stuck in the terminal with hungry kiddos. The snack bars in the terminal have a way of being under construction the one time you didn’t plan ahead with snacks of your own.

Ear protection in the form of headphones – or even earmuffs – is a good idea. The flight crew will give you foam earplugs, but they may not be comfortable or suitable for young children.

Free Flights Sound Too Good to Be True. What’s the Catch?

The main challenge with Space-A travel is that it’s unpredictable. Missions can change at any moment. The pilot can decide to leave early or not to take any Space-A passengers. Or the aircraft’s destination can change after you’re already in the air.

Add these considerations to the fact that aircraft (some types more than others) often have maintenance issues that can cause a flight to be delayed by a few hours or several days. Unlike with a commercial flight, if any of these things happen, you have no recourse as a Space-A passenger. There is no such thing as being rebooked on a later flight. If you don’t get on the flight you wanted, you might not have any other Space-A options in the foreseeable future.

All these warnings are to say that Space-A is not a good choice when you have a short period of leave or when you really need to be somewhere by a certain time, whether that’s for a wedding, a holiday, a family emergency, or a work commitment back home.

Final Advice

You can increase your chances of getting a seat on a Space-A flight by traveling outside of the busiest seasons. The most difficult times to fly Space-A are during the summer PCS season and the winter holidays.

Think of Space-A travel as an adventure. Along the way, you will meet other travelers who will remind you how helpful and supportive the military community can be. You may also have the chance to fly in a military plane, which is not something most Americans get to experience, and honestly, it’s pretty cool. If you think of your journey in this way, you will be better-prepared to handle any parts of the process that don’t go as planned.

Even if you’ve read the above information three times, you might still have questions. The best thing to do is to keep reading as much as you can about flying Space-A. Join the Space-A Travelers Facebook group and follow the discussions. I guarantee that many of the questions asked by other group members will apply to you, and after a while, you will find that you know the answers!

Keep following the Facebook slides to get a feel for where flights are going and how many Space-A travelers are getting seats. You may start to see patterns, either weekly or seasonally.

Finally, before you plan a major family vacation using Space-A, consider doing a dry run. Try a short trip within CONUS to help you learn the process. That way, you will know the ropes and feel more comfortable planning a bigger adventure.

Want more on military life?

About Stephanie Montague

Stephanie Montague is the founder of Poppin’ Smoke (www.poppinsmoke.com), a website designed to help members of the military community use their military benefits to travel. Stephanie and her husband have been traveling the world since he retired from the Army in 2015. Through Poppin’ Smoke, Stephanie shares everything she and her husband learn about traveling Space-A, using military benefits and facilities while abroad, and getting the most out of travel experiences.

Reader Interactions

3 Comments

Jeanette

I’m interested in traveling. Where and who do I email?

Julia Johnson

All military Space-Available Facebook Pages have contact information. The email, and telephone numbers are listed.

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I’m Lauren Tamm, and I’m passionate about helping parents, teachers, caregivers and military spouses discover simple tools that minimize stress, create peace and build connection.

Space A (Available) Flights

Plan Your Trip With Space-A Travel
Service members and their families can use Space-Available flights to travel around the country and world at little to no cost. Though sometimes unpredictable, military flights are perfect for families with flexible plans and limited travel budgets. With the right planning and documentation, Space-A travel can be the best way to take a trip with your family.
Space-A travel basics

These flights are not commercial, but rather military flights with a mission. That means there are certain restrictions to travel, including:
Only service members, retirees and their families are eligible. Only with certain qualifications are reservists, National Guardsmen and family members without an accompanying active-duty sponsor permitted.

No information is available online about the flights, so you have to find out schedules and availability at the nearest military terminal.
Flights are usually free of charge but call to confirm any taxes or fees.
The only way to sign up for a Space-A flight is through a military terminal. You can do so up to 60 days in advance, and the earlier you do so, the better your chances are of getting on that particular flight.

Passenger categories
Once you sign up for a Space-A journey, you’ll be put into a category that determines the likelihood of getting on that flight. The higher up on the category list, the more priority you have. Here’s the category breakdown, in order:
Category I: Active-duty service members and their accompanying families traveling on emergency leave.
Category II: Service members and accompanying family members traveling on environmental and morale leave, including command-sponsored family members stationed outside the continental United States.
Category III: Service members and accompanying families traveling on ordinary leave or re-enlistment leave status, and unaccompanied family members of service members deployed 365 consecutive days or more. This category also includes service members and their families on house-hunting leave.
Category IV: Unaccompanied family members on environmental and morale leave orders and eligible family members of service members deployed 30 consecutive days or more.
Category V: Students whose sponsor is stationed in Alaska or Hawaii, and students enrolled in a trade school within the continental United States when the sponsor is stationed overseas.
Category VI: Retirees and accompanying family members. This category also includes National Guard and reserve members who are traveling within the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. territories.

Prepare for your Space-A flight
Flight schedules can be unpredictable, so plan ahead when you travel Space-A. Consider flying off-season to improve your chances of getting a desired itinerary. Arrive early and be prepared to wait if there’s a delay or if plans change. And pack lightly as planes have different luggage allowances.
Bring the following documentation with you to travel:

Your military ID
A copy of your leave orders for emergency, environmental, morale or ordinary leave passengers
A letter verifying eligibility from the service member’s commanding officer if you’re an unaccompanied family member of a service member deployed for 120 days or more
A passport and appropriate visas for overseas travel
DD Form 1853: Verification of Reserve Status for Travel Eligibility for eligible National Guard and reserve members

Fly commercial with TSA Pre-check
If Space-A travel isn’t right for your plans, take advantage of TSA Pre-check to expedite your time at the airport when flying commercial. Simply use your Department of Defense ID as your known traveler number. You’ll bypass long security lines without removing your shoes or jacket or taking your laptop from your bag. Family members under the age of 12 can pass through expedited screening with you.

Online Space A Flight Info
TakeAHop.com

The below website link provides a list of AMC passenger terminal links.
Military.com AMC Passenger Terminal Links

Neither the Jackson 172 ANG nor the Memphis ANG are listed on the above links. Below is contact info for those sites along with contact info for the Baltimore Express, a program whereas you fly commercial military charter flights at significant reduced rates:

172 Airlift Wing
MSANG POC: Mike Ware Home Phone: 601-825-2791
Space A Coordinator Desk: 601-405-8761
Email: [email protected]

164th Airlift Wing, 4593 Swinney Rd,Memphis
Ops 901-291-7132
Space A Coordinator: 901-291-7202 Tues-Fri Bdlg 4575
[email protected]

Baltimore-Washington International BWI
Patriot Express
410-918-6900
Departs BWI on Monday going to Ramstein and returns on Tuesday.

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How to Use Facebook to Plan Military Space-A Flights

Most military passenger terminals at bases worldwide have a Facebook page where they post Space-A flight schedules and information. While it’s not absolutely necessary to have a Facebook account to view the passenger terminal Facebook pages, having an account makes it easier to track activity.

The Air Mobility Command (AMC) website has links to all passenger terminals’ Facebook pages.

What Information is on Military Passenger Terminal Facebook Pages?

The main thing you want to see on a passenger terminal’s Facebook page is the slides with the Space-A flight schedules and historical data (described in detail below). The page also has contact details for the terminal as well as any special announcements, such as terminal closures or instructions for passengers confirmed on a particular flight.

You can post questions on a terminal’s Facebook page, and the terminal staff usually respond within 24 hours. Unfortunately, they may not be able to share much more information than what is on the slides.

Don’t bother asking, “When is the next flight to . . . ?” because they probably don’t know. These are operational flights, and the folks working in the terminal only know what the flight crew tells them. The Facebook page also is not the right forum to ask questions about your particular situation, e.g. “Can you confirm I’ve been marked present?” Call the terminal directly in those instances.

How Do You Interpret the Passenger Terminal Facebook Slides?

Most passenger terminals use a fairly consistent format to post information about Space-A flights. There are two sets of slides: the 72-hour Space-A flight schedule and the Space-A Roll Call Report (historical flight data). In our experience, terminals tend to be more diligent about updating the flight schedule. The degree of consistency and accuracy of Facebook posting often reflects how active the terminal is for Space-A travel.

Terminals generally update the slides at least once per day. Most terminals have a notice at the top of their Facebook page stating what time slides are updated. Many terminals also refresh the slides with each change, so there may be updates multiple times per day.

When we are planning to take a particular flight within the next day or so, we check the terminal’s Facebook page frequently – as in, at least once per hour – especially as we get close to the scheduled Roll Call time. We have learned through experience that last-minute schedule changes are extremely common.

In the next sections I have a line-by-line explanation of the two types of Facebook slides. If you are new to Space-A flying or you haven’t used Facebook to track flights, this detail is for you!

If you already know how to interpret the slides but are interested in learning more about how to make the most of the information, here are a few tips and strategies for flying Space-A. You can also read about some of our Space-A flying experiences for examples of how a Space-A journey might go.

72-Hour Space-A Flight Schedule

There is usually one slide for each of the upcoming 3 days and it contains the following information:

Click to enlarge the sample Space-A flight schedule from JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam

• Roll-Call: the time at which the terminal staff read the names of the passengers who have been accepted for the flight. Please note that you must be marked present prior to Roll Call.
• Destination: the airport(s) to which a flight (a.k.a. “mission”) is going. Sometimes there will be more than one. For example, the first mission listed on the slide is going to Elmendorf AFB, then Beaufort MCAS (destinations may be posted in alphabetical order but generally follow the logical flight path). Keep in mind that the layover in Elmendorf could be a few hours or it could be a few days. You may not know how long it is until you land in Elmendorf.
• Seats: The number of Space-A seats available. If it has an “F” after the number, it means “Firm.” “T” means Tentative. It also might say “TBD” or “SP” (seats pending), even until the Roll Call. Of course, even “Firm” seats can change at any time.
• Remarks: Some slides include notes about baggage weight limits, as shown here, or other restrictions.

Space-A Roll Call Report (aka History Slide)

When you are hoping to catch a flight within the next few days, looking at Space-A Call Reports can give you an idea of how much competition you will have for seats. If the number of passengers competing for flights to your target destination recently has been much greater than the number of seats released, there is likely a backlog of Space-A travelers waiting to depart. On the other hand, if missions to your destination have had unused seats, you have a better chance of making the next flight.

If you want to know how to see flight schedules at the top of your Facebook news feed, learn that trick and others in this post, Facebook Tips for Space-A Travelers.

Related Reading

Trying to keep all this Space-A jargon straight? Get the list of terms you need to know.

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Space-A Travel

Space-A Travel has evolved with the times. Once upon a time military members had to physically report to the military terminal or fax copies of orders and other paperwork to sign up. Today, Space-A signup procedures may vary depending on the base you’re at, but there’s usually a variation on a standard requirement to register via email to be put on the Space-A waiting list, then check the 72-hour flight schedule.

USAF photo by Master Sgt. Eric Harris

72 hour flight schedules are commonly posted on the official Facebook pages of each AMC Passenger Terminal. Travelers who wish to fly Space-A must then show up at the passenger terminal for a roll call for their chosen flight.

The roll call process includes selection of Space-A passengers by category (see below), followed by the date and time of signup. Travelers using Space-A travel for Emergency Leave and Environmental Morale Leave get the highest Space A priority.

Factors Affecting Space-A Travel

There are several issues that can affect your Space-A travel. If you have flexibility in your travel schedule and are going to a common military aircraft destination such as Japan or Germany, your chances of a “successful” trip are higher than if you are traveling to a destination that isn’t as common. Even if you are headed to a country with plenty of flights, it’s best to determine how far away the airport is from your final destination.

For example, are you trying to get to Berlin? If there are only Space-A flights that get you as far as Spangdahlem or Ramstein, you will still have to travel some 500 kilometers to your final destination. If that is an important factor, plan accordingly. Some need to get to a specific city, others just want to arrive “in country” and let the trip take them where ever it leads. How flexible is your travel schedule?

Space-A Peak Travel Times

Yes, there are peak periods for Space-A travel, especially around the traditional family holidays. But don’t forget that military dependents can also travel Space-A, and you’ll want to take that into account when traveling overseas.

Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) located overseas have summer holidays and other vacation times for students; many Space-A flights during the DoDDS spring break and summer vacation time get more crowded with military spouses and dependents taking holidays away from the military base they are stationed at.

Space-A Travel Considerations

The more complicated your trip is, the harder it may be to successfully use Space-A. For example, do you need one seat? If you need more than two, Space-A becomes harder to navigate. For multiple travelers, it may be wise to limit your Space-A use to one destination rather than taking a chance on getting stranded halfway between Point A and Point B due to a lack of seats for your entire party.

How much Space-A “seniority” do you have? If you signed up for travel five minutes before the next flight out, you stand a good chance of getting bumped depending on circumstances. But if you have been in the system for a while, your chances at an open seat get better as time goes by.

If you can travel light, your range of aircraft options increases. Some flights may have a bag restriction, others may not. Under 30 pounds of luggage is ideal for maximum flexibility.

Passenger Terminal Issues

It is never safe to assume that 24 hour operations are available at military passenger terminals around the world. Your Space-A travel may require an overnight stay between destinations depending on circumstances. Be prepared to sleep somewhere away from the terminal, since some facilities may not allow overnight stays or sleeping in the terminal area.

When traveling Space-A overseas, you will need to carry your military ID, passport, and any other required paperwork showing your status as a military member or military dependent protected under the Status of Forces Agreement made between that country and the United States. This is crucial even if you are flying back from an overseas installation to the ‘States; you may be required to utilize off-base facilities, hotels, transportation, etc.

It’s also not safe to assume that it’s acceptable to park your vehicle at the terminal you depart from for an extended period of time. Unless otherwise posted/enforced, you may have a time restriction on how long you can leave a vehicle parked at the military air terminal.

Things To Remember About Space-A Flights

Space Available travel is exactly what the name implies-getting your seat on the aircraft is dependent on whether or not the flight crew needs that seat for mission-related purposes. It’s possible to get bumped off a Space-A flight due to mission requirements, but there are other factors that can alter your journey. You should keep the following factors in mind and plan accordingly.

Changes To The Mission

Here’s a fictitious example of how mission requirements and changes can affect your travel. An aircrew headed from Joint Base San Antonio, Texas to Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam in Hawaii releases 10 seats for Space-A travelers 72 hours ahead of time, and Space-A sign ups for this flight begin immediately.

But 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, the mission changes to include a medical evacuation to Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam. The medivac requires 6 seats total, leaving only four Space-A options. 20 people signed up for Space-A travel on this mission, so the first four signups in the system would be considered for this flight, but no more.

A Space-A flight from Japan to the United States with 25 seats gets cancelled due to heavy snow, leaving the Space-A travelers stranded until conditions are suitable for flying any aircraft in the area.

Mechanical problems can also cause delays. In this final example, aircraft maintenance creates a 15-hour delay in a Space-A flight while the aircraft is repaired and declared fit to fly once more. While it’s true that in such cases, Space-A travelers can sign up for another outbound flight, the option isn’t always available depending on destination, traveler needs, or mission requirements.

When you fly Space-A, you must always be prepared to adapt to changes to the mission.

Other Facts About Space-A Travel

Some Space-A travel is similar to flying in a commercial aircraft (with a few military adjustments). If, for example you are able to catch the Space-A rotator to Ramstein from BWI Airport, you will be provided with in-flight meals and beverages, just like flying commercial.

Meanwhile other Space-A travel is as austere is it can possibly be, with “jump seats” or other minimal passenger accommodations. Your flight may be colder than you expect while in the air compared to commercial travel. Even in the middle of the hottest summer, it’s best to fly Space-A assuming the cabin temperature won’t be ideal mid-flight. These comfort issues affect all travelers differently, so it’s important to plan ahead and bring bottled water to stay hydrated, and snacks and warm clothing too.

USAF photo by Tech. Sgt. Gregory Brook

Depending on the mission, time of year, and other factors, you may find yourself flying Space-A with cargo, deploying troops, and sometimes even live animals. Expect dust and other environmental issues, depending on where you’re going. You may also experience less communication from the flight crew when compared to commercial flights.

As with most other air travel, there is no smoking on or near military aircraft. Smoking is not allowed in the military air terminals either. Planning ahead also requires anticipating possible delays in getting to areas where you are allowed to smoke again.

That advice may seem targeted specifically at those with tobacco habits, but those who have needs for regular medication or issues that require consistency in care should expect delays and prepare accordingly. You may need to administer medicine or other treatment in the air or at a military air terminal because of delays or changes in flight plans.

Space-A Categories

There are six Space -A categories (CAT-I thru CAT-VI) with CAT-I being the highest priority, the first to get offered a Space-A seat.

Category I – Emergency Leave Unfunded Travel. Transportation by the most expeditious routing only for bona fide immediate family emergencies, as determined by DoDI 1327.06 and Military Service regulations. This travel privilege will not be used in lieu of funded travel entitlements.
Category II – Accompanied Environmental and Morale Leave (EML).
Category III – Ordinary Leave, Relatives, House Hunting Permissive TDY, Medal of Honor Holders, and Foreign Military.
Category V – Permissive TDY (Non-House Hunting), Students, Dependents, Post Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence, and Others.
Category VI – Totally Disabled Veterans (effective 2018), Retired, Dependents, Reserve, ROTC, NUPOC and Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) members.

Space a flight schedule

McChord Field’s Space A program, which provides free flights aboard military aircraft, is a hidden gem among military-related benefits at participating military bases. Photo credit: Christina Butcher

There are adventurers in the world who don’t think twice about traveling without guarantees. Those travelers enjoy moving through the “unknown” and often consider missed flights or changes to the itinerary as simply a part of the travelling experience. For those people, especially military servicemembers, retirees and their families, travelling with Space A is the way to go. The Space A service comprises free travel of servicemembers, retirees and their family members aboard military aircraft with available seats.

“Active-duty (military), reservists, retired (servicemembers), National Guard (members) and family members can all utilize Space A,” said Helen Anderson, the Lead Transportation Assistant at McChord Field’s AMC Passenger Terminal. “It’s a big benefit of being in the military. Both active-duty and retired servicemembers use it all the time . I love to watch people get on (the plane) and then come back happy.”

While not every military base has Space A travel available, servicemembers and families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) have access to not one, but two AMC Passenger Terminals: McChord Field’s AMC Passenger Terminal, which includes flights to destinations all over the world, and the AMC Sea-Tac Gateway, which serves travelers heading to the Orient.

So, how exactly does Space A travel work? It’s surprisingly simple, with only a four-step process. First, interested travelers need to head to the McChord Field AMC Passenger Terminal website, or contact personnel from the office to gather general information about passenger qualifications, required paperwork, proper attire and travel services.

For qualifying travelers, the second step is to peruse the JBLM Passenger Terminal Facebook page to find specific information on upcoming, scheduled flights and passenger roll calls. Information is usually posted every 72 hours. If travelers see a flight on the Facebook page that fits their needs, they can sign up for it in-person at the AMC Passenger Terminal or via email or fax. It’s important to note that travelers must sign up for each leg of their travel separately, at the respective AMC Passenger Terminal serving the location they plan to fly out of.

“Keep yourself informed when you’re travelling Space A,” Anderson advises. “Make sure you know what’s required and keep up with the schedule. I see a lot of passengers who are constantly calling or coming in, and that’s what I like to see because it keeps them informed.”

The third step for Space A travelers is going to the AMC Passenger Terminal to have their required documents looked over. “Make sure you have hardcopy documentation, including your leave form,” Anderson said. “And remember that (for active servicemembers) you can’t sign up before your leave starts. Family members will need to have their ID cards, passports or other documents they’ll need, too.”

The fourth and final step is perhaps the easiest: travelers simply need to arrive at the AMC Passenger Terminal on the day of their flight, preferably at least 20 minutes early, with hard copies of their documents in hand and ready to board the plane. As usual, TSA rules apply to all travel out of the AMC Passenger Terminal. The four-step process is so straightforward that AMC Passenger Terminal employees have seen travelers complete it in a single day.

“I once had the opportunity to fly from Japan to Hong Kong, which is not a trip I would have normally had gone on,” said Anderson, who utilized Space A travel opportunities several times during her 20 years of service in the Air Force. “It was an adventure.”

If Space A sounds too good to be true, then hold on to your seat, because it gets even better. The AMC Passenger Terminal at McChord Field also provides free long-term parking, no baggage fees for your first two pieces of luggage (within limitations) and has in-flight meals for sale onboard.

Qualifying Travelers who are alright with a little uncertainty need look no further than Space A. “Having time and patience helps, too,” said Anderson.