Everything You Need to Know About Space A Travel

Let’s talk about getting you to one of your favorite vacation spots without the hustle and bustle of a commercial airline. That’s right, Space Available, otherwise known as Space A, offers military flights for military families. You wouldn’t be traveling on a jet from Delta Airlines or American, you travel on a military aircraft! This type of travel comes with its ups and downs, and possibly a great story to share with your friends and family. If laying on a beach in Hawaii sounds like a dream right now, check below for some firsthand experiences from some fellow WAFs so we can try to get you there! 

On a diving trip in Honolulu. 

What is Space A?

Space A is one of the perks to being part of this large military family. It allows service members and their families to travel on military aircraft for practically no cost. It is called Space Available because they will open up seats on an aircraft on mission to allow travelers the opportunity to go to that destination.

Who can use it?

Space A seating on military flights is only available to service members, retirees, certain Department of Defense employees and their eligible family members. Guard & Reserve MAY qualify but there are restrictions. As far as I know, if you’re Guard or Reserve, don’t count on ever using Space A. 

Note: Spouses and dependents with their Active Duty spouse (the AD Spouse MUST be on official leave to even sign up for Space A → Huge when it comes to getting “in line” as Space A seats are given in the order you signed up, in the category you qualify for).

Can I travel as an unaccompanied dependent?

YES! You can still take advantage of Space A even if your sponsor is not able to travel with you. Depending if your sponsor is deployed or not, will depend on what category of travel you will fall under and will determine on what documentation you will need to travel unaccompanied. If your spouse is not deployed, they will need to get you a Cat. V letter with squadron letterhead signed and approved by their commander.

What are the categories of travel?

• Category I – Unfunded emergency leave
• Category II – Environmental & moral leave (EML)
• Category III – Ordinary leave, pass, house hunting & spouse of deployed members (365+ days)
• Category IV – Unaccompanied EML & spouses of deployed members (30 days or more)
• Category V – Unaccompanied command sponsored dependents & permissive TDY
• Category VI – Retired & reserve members

The higher the category you fall under (Category I = highest, Category VI = lowest), the higher priority you have when it comes to getting on a flight.

What resources are out there if I have questions about using it?

Some websites, such as MilitaryOneSource.mil, offers great information on Space A. A quick google search also pulls up some information and other point of views and experiences that may be beneficial in planning your travels.

On top of those resources, most passenger terminals have some basic information on how to sign up on their Facebook pages. They also have contact information available to call or email. Those working the passenger terminal were always eager to help and answer any questions we had while trying to navigate our travels. Sometimes they even offer great insight, like which flights may or may not take off, or what trends they are seeing with certain planes or crews.

Another resource is an app called “Take a Hop”. It is $7.00 and allows for easy sign up and schedule viewing. There are so many great resources out there, so research as much as possible. When it comes to Space A the more information you have, the better!

What can I bring and what should I bring when traveling on Space A?

First and foremost, you must be wearing close-toed shoes to get on a Space A flight! From there, everything will depend on what type of aircraft you will be traveling on.

KC-135: (photo below of inside, you can see it is a “shell” type aircraft)You should definitely bring WARM CLOTHES. Even though we were flying to Hawaii, I was wearing fleece leggings under jeans and up top a tank top, long sleeves, a hoodie and a winter coat. I had a scarf, hat, gloves and I was also inside a sleeping bag on the net seating. I WAS STILL COLD. Just keeping it real. It’s worth it for the free flight, though.

C-5: My best advice is to layer up! We flew to and from Hawaii on a C5. On our way there, we were freezing cold because there was no heating. On our way back, I wore my warmest outfit, thinking I was so prepared. But this time, we were seated in the far back by some kind of engine (I think?) and we were sweating! So just be prepared for anything! You also may be facing backwards, which makes take off feel pretty funky. If you get motion sickness easily, I suggest bringing some ginger or gum to relieve that queasy feeling! And grab ear plugs or use headphones — it’s loud!

KC-10: this aircraft has actual airline seats and is temperature controlled like one as well. Wear what you would if flying commercial. KC-10 crew also seems to be a bit more “in line” with commercial airline rules as far as staying in seats and carry on bags.

C-17: Like the KC-135, this aircraft is a shell and has no heat. You will want to layer up, and bundle up! You will also want to grab some ear plugs because it is very loud throughout the entire flight. If there is no cargo on board, the plane is huge and has a lot of floor space to lay down and sleep, or stretch your legs and walk around. To lay on the floor comfortably, I would suggest bringing a basic pool float that you can blow up and lay down on, or a camping sleeping pad that is compact, but you can inflate once you’re airborne. The reason I suggest these is because it will provide cushion, and the ground metal is COLD so it will help you stay warm.

 Note: This is not an all inclusive list of the aircraft you may be flying on! Above is only what we have had experience flying on. Again, research is key for Space A! Google search, call the passenger terminal, or reach out to others who have had experience so you are as prepared as possible. 

SNACKS: We each had a backpack of drinks (some locations will not allow you to have liquids just like real airports as you’re going through their security, some will. Be prepared to throw it out if that happens) and lots of food items dependent on flight time. The crew will have water on board and a bag of snack sized items: cookies cheese-its, etc. That’s not much if you’re flying for 6+ hours. I brought a box of granola bars, tuna packs, crackers, cheese, beef jerky. Our flights were each 6-11 hours so I needed sustainable food as to not get hangry. You also have the option to purchase a box lunch for about $5-$6 depending on the terminal. Some terminals only accept cash, so make sure you check ahead of time. This typically includes a sandwich, chips, cookie, piece of fruit like a banana or apple, and maybe a bar of some sort. It is nothing gourmet, and it is something you have to purchase upon check in after you’ve been selected for the flight. The loadmaster will give it to you upon boarding.

Inside of a KC-135 prior to a Space A flight.

What kind of seating can I expect?

Seating will always be dependent on which aircraft you will be traveling on.

KC-135: As shown in the photo below, the KC-135 has wall netting seats with seatbelts. You are required to be seated and belted at take off and landing. For the most part, all crews I have flown with have otherwise been lax once in the air. I have both laid on the metal flooring and laid out across the net seats if there was space, given the amount of people on board. There are beds on the back wall — those are for crew only. Etiquette, don’t go back there and don’t ask to use them. It is also a given that the men/women who are on board “on duty” get to lay on top of the boxes (as seen below). They usually all jump up there ASAP anyways, but just allow them those spaces first. (Usually because it’s a place to spread out, and also, it’s the only place to feel heat as the heat doesn’t come down farther than the top of those boxes).

KC-10: Both of my KC-10 flights had standard airline seats and temperature control.

C-17: The seats on a C-17 are located along the wall so you will be facing in towards the middle. These seats have seat belts which are required during take off and landing.

What are the pros of using Space A?

• -The cost you will save on flying commercial or flying overseas
• -The opportunity (on some planes) to lay down for your whole flight and not be cramped
• -There are a lot of destinations available
• -It’s FREE!!!!

What are the cons of using Space A?

• -There is always a chance that your Space A flight will get cancelled or that you will not make it onto the flight that you had hoped for. It’s good to have a backup plan. Many people like to buy Southwest tickets as a backup because you can cancel it up to 24 hours in advance.
• -Required flexibility. Example: We flew Space A to S. Korea (Osan AFB) and were all set to get on a Space A flight to Guam when, as they were boarding, the Pilot decided to cut 1 seat. We weren’t going to fly without each other so we both had to walk away. Bummer. We waited until the next day and hopped on a flight to Tokyo (Yokota AFB) instead. It wasn’t what we were hoping for but we went with it because there were no other options at that time and we were ready to move on. We had zero plans with this Asia trip, going into it knowing we were not guaranteed to get on any flight we want, just hopeful.
• -Time. If you are traveling with a strict time frame, Space A can be tricky because anything can change at any moment and you may get stuck somewhere longer than you anticipate. Space-A is also a wonderful service, but the mission of this flight is not to service the passengers. I recently flew to Hawaii, and from the time I got to the terminal to the time we took off, 7 hours had gone by. Sometimes you do A LOT of waiting around. But, it’s free so can’t complain!!

How do you get marked present/check in for your Space A flight?

You have the option to mark yourself present up to 24 hours prior to the flight. You do this by heading to the passenger terminal prior to the flight and speaking with someone at the check-in desk. You do have to be “marked present” in person! Keep in mind that checking in just puts you on the list to get you onto the flight, however it does not guarantee you a seat. That is still dependent on when you signed up at that terminal, which category you fall into, and how many others signed up for that flight.

How do I check the flight schedule?

One tricky thing about flying Space A is that you can only see the flight schedule 72 hours in advance. Each terminal usually has a Facebook page where they post incoming and outgoing flights. On Facebook, they are typically listed as something along the lines of “JBER AMC Passenger Terminal”. On the schedule you will see the roll call time, destination, and how many seats are available. You will not see what type of aircraft it is.

What are the baggage limits?

A good rule of thumb is to pack as light as possible as you are never guaranteed a specific aircraft or destination. You could also find yourself needing to get somewhere sooner than a flight is available so you might book a one way commercial ticket. If that happens, you want to make sure you meet their guidelines as well.

The limits as to how many bags you can bring are as follows:

• Large Aircraft (C-130, C-17, C-5, KC-10, KC-135 etc.) – Each person can check in 2 bags at 70 lbs and 1 carry on bag. Each checked bag can be no longer than 62 linear inches (L+W+H).
• Small Aircraft (UC-35, C-12) – A total of 30 lbs (checked and carry on) of baggage is accepted.
• When going through security, passengers will not be allowed to carry any liquids over 3.4 oz not sealed in a 1 quart zip-lock bag. Shoes, personal bags, and metallic items will be screened. Laptop computers must be taken out of bags and screened separately.

Touring South Korea.

What documentation do I need to travel?

Each category requires different paperwork to qualify for travel in that specific category. Everyone traveling must have an ID card with the exception of children under 10. Personally, I always bring my military ID, and passport. Even if you’re not planning to go OCONUS, the plane could always reroute and detour so having your passport is important just in case you found yourself unexpectedly overseas. Remember, the aircraft has a specific mission and you’re just along for the ride.

• Category I – Appropriate leave or travel documentation & Red Cross verification
• Category II – EML orders & leave form
• Category III – Leave form, pass status verification or deployed spouse verification letter (365+ days)
• Category IV – Deployed Spouse verification letter (30 days or more) or EML orders
• Category V – Command Sponsorship Letter
• Category VI – DD Form 2 (blue) or DD form 2 (red) and DD Form 1853

Note to USAFA grads traveling for 60 days — You will not have leave orders, only PCS orders (I think is what they are), there will be one sentence that says something along the lines of “Sixty days of leave starts after May xx, xxxxv(graduation date)”. Know where this is because that is the only proof of leave that you will have and will need to show to whoever is checking you in for your flight.

How does it all work?

• Sign Up – The most important step in the process is to sign up!! This can be accomplished in person, by fax, mail, or e-mail. When sign up is accomplished you will be placed into a backlog with all other passengers based on category and date/time of sign up. Note: Active duty must be on leave or pass status before they can sign up! After sign up you will remain in the backlog for up to 60 days, until leave expires, or when you are selected for a flight. (My husband went on leave 10 days prior to our wanting to be on a specific Space A flight so we were #1 in line for our category for that trip VS. another time, he went on leave 1 day prior to the trip so we were somewhere in the mix of all those who signed up. Your order in the sign-up will obviously dictate if you get on board or not based on how many seats are available).
• Mark Present/Check in – To select passengers for flights, the terminal must know which passengers want to travel. By marking yourself present at the Passenger Service Counter you inform them that you desire transportation on a flight. You MUST have yourself marked present before the start of the roll call process and can be marked present up to 24 hours prior to the flight. The earlier you mark yourself present, the higher up in priority you move depending on your traveling category and when you actually signed up for the flight.
• Roll Call – This is when passengers are actually selected for a flight. If you are selected, this is the time you will be checked into the flight and you will have the opportunity to purchase meals. Passengers are selected according to destination, category level, and date & time of sign up. Upon check in, you will need to have all required documentation, baggage, and all members present who are traveling.
• Gating – An announcement will be made to proceed to the gate area where all passengers will go through a security screening prior to boarding. Should I have a back up plan? Absolutely if you have somewhere to be! From one WAFs experience, my husband and I flew to Europe for our honeymoon, we bought tickets there so we could have our hotels pre-booked and tried to Space A back to the U.S. For us, Space A did not end up working out and we ended up buying tickets home through a commercial airline. It did cost a pretty penny to get back, but because we knew Space A wasn’t guaranteed we were prepared. This goes back to us saying prior, be prepared and research as much as possible! From another WAFs experience: because my husband went on leave 10 days prior to the Space A flight to Europe (for the wedding week) we were #1 in line for that flight and luckily flying TO Europe for free worked out for us for our honeymoon, BUT we were ready to drive to the local airport and buy day of tickets if it had not worked out (as I already had hotels & the rest of the trip booked out). I had already planned our flights home via commercial. We just had to be ready for the worst and we were!

When should I sign up?

Yesterday. Just kidding, but in reality if you have any plan to fly Space A, sign up to as many passenger terminals as you can that you think you could use, but remember you can’t sign up if AD person is not on leave yet. That way your name is on the list and you’re good to go in case you end up there. If you can’t sign up quite yet, I would suggest to follow the passenger terminals and follow their trends so that you can have some idea of what to expect when your time comes to Space A.

How many seats will be released on each flight?

This varies SO MUCH. If you see 15T these are tentative seats, or what they expect to release. 23F is confirmed, so they have this, sort of, set in stone. Most of the time you will see TBD until much closer to the time of departure. I will say that all of these are subject to change in an instant. For example, at one point there was a flight showing 35F seats and at roll call they only offered one seat. Be prepared for anything!

Space A is a wonderful resource and I would absolutely suggest trying it at least once. Just make sure you are flexible, have the time, and are prepared for pretty much anything. We could go on with all of the stories we have heard and the experiences that we have had, but what it really comes down to is what is best for you and your travels. Who knows, maybe you’ll be on your next European adventure by lunchtime tomorrow!

Xo, Lauren, Madison, Krissy + Sofia

-WAF Contributors at Elmendorf, Laughlin, MacDill + Sheppard AFB-