People not familiar with the Space-A system, often do not know which questions to ask to make their travel easier. The following are some of the most common Space-A questions and their answers.
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 is 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.
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.
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 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. You are also eligible for the "ALL" sign-up which makes you eligible for all other destinations served. This gives you a greater selection of destinations from which to choose.
What is remote sign-up?
Remote sign-up allows passengers to enter the backlog by faxing copies of proper service documentation along with desired country destinations and family member's first names to March Air Passenger Terminal (Fax: 951-655-3887). Active duty personnel must ensure the fax is sent no earlier than the effective date of leave. Mail entries will also be permitted. Mailing Address: March Air Passenger Terminal, 2475 Graeber St, Bldg 385, March ARB, CA, 92518. 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.
What is self sign-up?
Self sign-up is a program that allows passengers to sign-up at a terminal without waiting in line. March Air Passenger Terminal now provides 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 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 March terminal direct to find where they stand travel wise.
As a reservist, where can I fly?
Reserve members with military identification cards and a DD Form 1853 (Verification of Reserve Status of Travel Eligibility) may fly to, from, and between Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the CONUS. Dependents are not authorized to travel unless the reservist is retired and 60 years of age or older. Additionally, when on active duty for more than 30 consecutive days, members may fly anywhere overseas that AMC has flights operating.
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.
Where and when can my family members travel with me?
Except EML and emergency travel, family members must be accompanied by the sponsor to fly Space A. Family members may travel to/from and between overseas locations and within the CONUS. Dependents of active duty members may travel within the continental United States when accompanying their sponsor on emergency leave. One dependent may accompany the sponsor on permissive house-hunting trips incident to a permanent change of station move. Command sponsored dependents stationed overseas are allowed unaccompanied travel to, from, and within the overseas theater (in addition to environmental morale leave previously authorized). Travel restrictions may apply to certain overseas areas as determined by the unified commander. Unaccompanied dependents must have documentation signed by their sponsor's commander verifying command sponsorship during their travels to show to air terminal personnel. This documentation is only valid for one round-trip from the sponsor's duty location. Family members under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an eligible parent or legal guardian. These changes do not affect the assignment categories for Space A travel.
Can I have family members travel with another military member if given power of attorney, other releases, or authority?
No. Family members may only travel when accompanied by their sponsor except as noted in the question above.
I am an 100% Disabled Veteran (DAV); can I fly as Space-A passenger on AMC flights?
Per AFI 24-101, Volume 14, Paragraph 21.1.5. 100% Disabled American Veterans not retired, and widows/widowers of active duty/retired military personnel; although entitled to other privileges such as MWR, exchange, commissary, etc., do not have Space-A travel privileges.
Do I have to be in uniform to travel?
Each service determines its own travel uniform policies. Currently, services except the Marine Corps permit appropriate civilian attire on DoD-owned or controlled aircraft. When civilian clothing is worn it 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. Open-toed shoes are not permitted, nor are shoes with heels.
How much baggage can I take?
As a Space A traveler, you may check two pieces of luggage at 70 pounds each per person. Family members traveling together may pool their baggage allowance as long as the total does not exceed the total allowance. Each passenger is permitted to hand-carry one article (small luggage, garment bags, backpack, etc.) and one personal item (cosmetic case, purse, briefcase, small boxes, packages, etc.) for storage in the passenger cabin area.
Can I pay for excess baggage when flying space available?
No. Only duty status passengers may coordinate ahead of time to bring excess baggage.
Do you have any recommendations on baggage?
Yes. Travel light, take only essentials. Do not place valuables, medicine, or important documents in your checked 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.
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.
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.
What facilities are available at AMC terminals (nursery, Exchange, snack bar)?
The type of facility available will vary according to the terminal size and location. March Air Passenger Terminal currently has snack/beverage vending machines, cable TV, and fax machine available during normal operating hours. There is a Hertz rental car phone line available in the March Inn lobby. NOTE: Most AMC passenger terminals, including March, close at night. Space A travelers should be prepared to defray billeting expenses.
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.
What is the best time of the year to travel Space A?
Any time other than peak travel and holidays (December-January and June-August) periods.
Is it easier to go to some destinations?
Yes. It is easier to get to locations March aircraft fly often (Travis AFB and Dover AFB) than low frequency areas (Australia or New Zealand).
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 JB Lewis-McChord, 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.
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, re-entry locations for passport holders are limited. Active duty passengers who do not require immigration clearance have more re-entry options open.
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.
Can I call the bases for flight information?
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. The March Air Passenger Terminal hours are generally Monday through Friday, 0730-1630, but due to manning limitations, there is often not a person available to respond to phone calls. Please leave a message and the next time the terminal is staffed, and Airman will return your phone call. Passenger terminal: 951-655-2397; 24-Hour Flight Recording: 951-655-2913; Fax : 951-655-3887.
Are In-flight meals available for purchase?
Inflight meals are not available for Space-A passengers traveling from the March Air Passenger Terminal.
The content on this page has been customized for March by the 452nd Aerial Port Support Flight, based on the FAQ section on the Air Mobility Command's official travel page.