Space-A travel: flying standby on military aircraft
Space-Available (Space-A) travel lets eligible members and families fly on unused seats aboard military aircraft — usually free (some Patriot Express/contract flights charge a small head tax, typically $20–$40 a leg). It's a standby system, so it rewards flexibility, but it can save a lot on travel.
How the priority categories work
Seats are released shortly before a flight and filled in category order (I through VI); within a category, whoever signed up earliest goes first. The categories, briefly:
- Cat I — emergency leave. Cat II — sponsored environmental & morale leave. Cat III — ordinary leave, house-hunting.
- Cat IV–V — unaccompanied dependents on EML, students, etc.
- Cat VI — retirees, their dependents, Guard/Reserve, and veterans with a permanent & total (100% P&T) service-connected disability. This is the lowest priority, but retirees fly Space-A all the time with flexible plans.
Who's eligible
Active-duty members (on leave) get higher priority; retirees and their accompanying dependents travel in Category VI, as do veterans rated 100% permanent and total. Dependents of retirees generally must travel with their sponsor. Bring a valid military ID (and a passport for overseas travel).
How to sign up
- Register (Form AMC 140) up to 60 days ahead — online through the AMC Space-A site, in person at the passenger terminal, or by email/fax to the terminal.
- Sign up as early as possible — your sign-up time sets your order within your category.
- Check the departure terminal's page for the flight schedule and roll-call times, and always have a backup plan home.
General information; eligibility and procedures are set by Air Mobility Command and can change. Confirm current rules at the official AMC Space-A site. Source: U.S. Air Force / Air Mobility Command.