Travel for Free with Space-A-Travel
Learn to take advantage of the military’s best-kept travel secret!
by Anita Doberman
Traveling Space-A, or Space Available Air Transportation on Government or Controlled Aircrafts, can let you see the world, virtually for free. Space-A flights are military aircraft and commercial flights that are scheduled to fly military missions by the Department of Defense. They often have open seats for eligible personnel, such as active duty members, reservists, retirees, certain department of defense employees and their families.
Space-A travel can be unpredictable. Many bases have information about Space-A on their Web sites, but availability of seats changes depending on flight schedules and the numbers of passengers, which itself varies by time of year.
Vacationers don’t have much priority on Space-A flights–it’s still a military mission–so would-be passengers can find themselves waiting to depart or return home, or faced with unexpected changes in plan. That’s why, when traveling with kids it’s especially important to plan ahead and pack some extra patience. You’ll most likely be departing from or arriving at a military installation, so take advantage of military lodging, dining at the exchange and clubs and base parks.
FIVE TIPS FOR TRAVELING SPACE-A
1) Determine your category. There are six categories based on status and situation. Check the DoD directive 4515.13-R to find your category.
2) Submit your completed AMC (Air Mobility Command) Form 140 in person, through email or via fax.
3) If registering in person or when you fly, sponsors need to present identification cards (DD Form 2, Armed Forces Identification Cards), passports, immunization records and visas, if required.
4) Use the Web or call the AMC terminals to get the information on your requested destinations in advance. Make sure to pay particular attention the flights “show time,” or the time at which you must be present to check in.
5) On the day of expected departure, arrive at the terminal for “show time.” Have a seat and wait until they call your name.
NECESSARY FORMS FOR TRAVELING SPACE-A
If active duty military: DD Form 2 (green) and valid leave authorization or pass status
If retired service member: DD Form 2 (blue)
If National Guard/Reserve member: DD Form 2 (red) and DD Form 1853 of Reserve Status for travel eligibility
Dependents of uniformed service members: DD Form 1173 and United States uniformed services identification and privilege card
Forms can be found at: www.DTIC.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/formsprogram.htm