Space A travel; pay the right price

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Active duty and Reserve Airmen, retirees, and dependents can use Eielson Air Force Base Air Mobility Command space available flights offered by the Air Force to get to their destination.

Space A travel is a means of flying on military flights that dramatically lower costs for the travelers. The only cost passengers may pay during their passage is $4.25 for a box lunch.

"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 Department of Defense mission response," said Tharin Thomas, AMC station manager.

"A lot of times getting out of Alaska is a chore," said Mr. Thomas. "It can be very costly, so if you fly Space A, it is free, absolutely free. If you have a family of four, that can be a big ticket and if you fly Space A, you just saved a lot of money."

While Space A flights travel to the lower 48 and several overseas locations and make for an optimal way to travel, there are program details all travels should learn to make the process easier. There are categories for a Space A flight, which play a large role in a person's chances of getting on a particular flight.

"It can be competitive to get on a flight so it is very important that people sign up as soon as possible," said Carlos Rojas Jr., AMC lead passenger service representative.

Once signed up for Space A, passengers are notified on a first come first serve basis for their category of travel. Category one has the highest priority and category six has the least precedence to be chosen on a flight. The categories include civilian or military dependent on emergency leave, Environmental Morale Leave, Active duty on Ordinary leave or house hunting, unaccompanied dependents, Permissive TDY and retired military and Reserves.

"Using the EML entitlement gives them a better chance of being called ahead of other active duty members who are traveling for hunting, fishing or whatever else," said Mr. Rojas.

Active duty members may sign up for Space A travel the day before leave starts and their name stays on the list for 60 days or until their leave expires, whichever comes first. Dependents can sign up 60 days in advance and are eligible to fly anytime during those days.

When it comes to entering the terminal to board the flight there are rules similar to traveling on a commercial flight. The terminal is run under Transportation Security Administration rules along with some AMC rules including no open-toed shoes, and two bags per person with a 70 pound weight limit. The luggage coming into the terminal will be x-rayed.

Passengers traveling on military flights have limited accommodations, which could be netted chairs that don't recline against the wall of the plane. Passengers should wear warm clothing as military transportation is designed with attention paid to enhancing the function and not comfort.

Space A is not a method of travel that should be taken lightly as space is not guaranteed. Passengers must anticipate delays and be flexible, as getting to the final destination might require creativity. It is possible that the person may need to connect on shorter flights to get to their destination.

"Traveling space A can be an adventure and a risk. Some people enjoy a little risk, it makes for a little excitement," said Mr. Thomas.

Passengers should spend time planning their trip so that it is tailored to the way they want it. They must be aware that when they arrive they should sign up with the terminal at that location for their return trip. Eligible passengers can sign up by internet and fax at all space A terminals.

Some tips for traveling Space A from Mr. Thomas are:
· Plan the trip, be flexible, be patient. As a rule of thumb, military ports offer more travel opportunities than commercial gateways.
· If possible, travel at off-peak Space A travel periods, February to March and October to November are low travel periods.
· 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.
· Space A is not guaranteed making it important that people have the funds to pay for a commercial flight if they must make it back in a hurry.

There are many different ways to reach your desired location, for questions call the AMC at 377-1250.

With patience and planning, Space A can be a great way to travel and is an opportunity to make the trip an enjoyable and affordable one.