People not familiar with the Space A system often do not know the questions to ask to make their travel easier. The following are some of the most common Space A questions and their answers.
1. Is Space A travel a reasonable substitute for travel on a commercial airline?
The answer depends on you! If your travel schedule is flexible and your finances permit for a stay (sometimes in a "high-cost" area), while awaiting movement, space available travel a good travel choice. While some travelers sign up and travel may be the same day, many factors could come together to make buying a commercial ticket your best or only option. Remember, Space A travel success depends on flexibility and good timing.
2. Who determines eligibility to fly Space A?
The four services jointly establish Space A eligibility. AMC's first responsibility is airlifting official DoD traffic. Space A passengers are accommodated only after official duty passengers and cargo.
3. How long does my name stay on the Space A list?
All travelers remain on the register 60 days after registration, or for the duration of their travel orders authorization, or until they are selected for travel, whichever occurs first. Revalidation has been eliminated.
4. What is country sign-up, and how does it affect me?
This option is not available at NAS North Island. Our register system requires 1 destination, however the selected destination can be changed at the customer's option.
5. What is remote sign-up?
Remote sign-up allows passengers to enter the backlog by faxing copies of proper service documentation along with desired destination and family members first names to the aerial port of departure. Because our register requires SSN, this information should be included for each family member being signed up. Mail entries will also be permitted. 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.
6. How can I find where my name is on the Space A register?
This service is available at most AMC terminals. This service is not available at NAS North Island.
7. What is self sign-up?
This service is available at most AMC terminals. This service is not available at NAS North Island.
8. As a Reservist, where can I fly?
Reserve members with DD Form 2 (Red) identification and DD Form 1853 may fly to, from, and between Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the CONUS. Additionally, when on active duty, members may fly anywhere overseas that AMC has flights operating.
9. As a Retiree, where can I fly?
Retired members with DD Form 2 (Blue) identification card may fly anywhere AMC has flights operating, including the CONUS.
10. Can I have family members travel with another military member if given power of attorney, other releases, or authority?
No, with the exception of Category 5, command-sponsored dependents may only travel when accompanied by their sponsor.
11. I am disabled. Can I have a brother, sister, or friend accompany me to help me?
The only persons permitted to accompany you are your dependents (not in the CONUS) or other persons eligible for Space A travel. Every effort shall be made to transport passengers with disabilities who are otherwise eligible to travel. Passenger service personnel and crew members shall provide assistance in boarding, seating, and deplaning passengers with special needs.
12. Do I have to be in uniform to travel?
Each service determines their own travel uniform policies. Currently, services permit appropriate civilian attire on DoD-owned or controlled aircraft. When civilian clothing is worn, use common sense. Attire should be in good taste and not in conflict with accepted attire in the overseas country of departure, transit, or destination, as defined by the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide. It should also be capable of keeping you warm especially on military aircraft.
13. How much baggage can I take?
Due to the mission requirements of all flights at NAS NORTH ISLAND a Space A traveler, is limited to check 40 pounds of luggage per person on C9's, C40's, C130's and other large aircraft. 25 pounds of luggage per person on C12's, C20's and smaller aircraft. Family members traveling together may pool their baggage allowance as long as the total does not exceed the total allowance. You may hand carry a 10 pound carry on.
14. Can I pay for excess baggage when flying space available?
No. Only duty status passengers may pay for excess baggage.
15. Do you have any recommendations on baggage?
Yes. 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. AMC terminals have baggage ID tags available for you to use.
16. 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. 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.
17. 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. Meal service on AMC Category B full planeload charters is complimentary.
18. What facilities are available at AMC terminals (nursery, BX, 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. NAS North Island terminal is not an AMC terminal and does not have all these facilities.
NOTE: Most AMC passenger terminals close at night. Space A travelers should be prepared to defray billeting expenses.
19. What are the trends in the availability of Space A travel? Does it seem as if there will be more or less Space A travel in the coming year?
Although AMC has led efforts to improve Space A travel in the past few years, movement still remains a result of unused seats. Present DoD personnel and budget trends are effecting Space A movement opportunity. AMC is dedicated to putting a passenger in every available seat.
20. What is the best time of the year to travel Space A?
Any time other than peak travel and holidays (December-January and June-July) periods.
21. Is it easier to go to some destinations?
Space available travel occurs year round. However, travelers will find it is much more difficult to travel during the summer months (June-August) and the November-December holiday periods. It is particularly important that passengers be prepared to make alternate arrangements if they are not able to travel during these times.
22. Can people travel Space A to Alaska or South America?
Yes. Travelers may obtain Space A travel to Alaska, South America, and other interesting locations; i.e., Australia, New Zealand, etc. Travel to Alaska is relatively easy when departing from the West Coast (Travis AFB, California, and McChord AFB, Washington). Travel to South America and other remote areas is much more difficult. Infrequent flights to remote areas are primarily cargo missions and have few seats available for passenger movement. Expect long waiting periods for movement.
23. I am retired and am traveling on a passport and my flight originated overseas. Where in the CONUS can I fly into?
When traveling on a passport, (family members, retired uniform service, reserve, etc.,) you may return to the CONUS only through authorized ports of entry where customs and immigration clearance is available. While you may depart the CONUS literally from any military airfield, reentry locations for passport holders are limited. Active duty passengers who do not require immigration clearance have more reentry options open.
24. Can I fly on Space A on other than AMC flights?
Yes. Your travel eligibility is for all DoD-owned or controlled aircraft. AMC, however, does not always have knowledge of other command/services' flights. Telephone numbers are available for many of the passenger terminals in the CONUS (see paragraph 11).
25. Can I call the bases for flight information? If so, what are the phone numbers?
We encourage you to call the passenger terminal you plan on traveling through 30-60 days before travel. The terminal will be happy to discuss their flight schedule, Space A backlog, movement forecast, etc. See terminal telephone listings.