Update: Space-A Travel

The DoD space-available travel program – also known as “Space-A travel” – was created to enhance the lives of uniformed services personnel. It authorizes leisure-travel uniformed services passengers to utilize surplus DoD aircraft seats after duty passengers and cargo have been accommodated.

Retired uniformed services members are given the privilege in recognition of their military career. It’s important to understand that mission changes occur and space-a travel is exactly that: space-available. It’s also vital that you have a backup plan or at least have plenty of time and patience and resources to pay for any travel delays or changes. For retirees, it’s also wise to avoid peak travel periods such as spring break, summer vacation, and the winter year-end holidays. Obviously, during school breaks, there’s a peak in active duty space-a family travel. Most flights are offered either through the US Air Force’s Air Mobility Command (AMC), with the Navy also offering Space-A opportunities. For transoceanic military flights as well as chartered flights, there’s often a small fee charged ($17.50 – $35 per leg), but most other flights are free unless you choose to purchase an in-flight meal.

For more information, consult AMC’s webpage at: http://www.amc.af.mil/amctravel/ as well as the webpages and Facebook pages of each AMC terminal.

For greater ease, a mobile app (MilSpaceA app for iOS and Android, $3.99 one-time) is also available. It contains most AMC Grams (AMC terminal local information) as well as billeting, car rental, dining, and BX/PX/NEX info, links to air terminals’ webpages, USO info, and other local area information. It was designed by an Air Force retiree and is updated remotely on a weekly basis. http://www.takeahop.com/app

With a little forethought, a backup plan, and a lot of positive attitude, retirees can use this hard-earned privilege to enjoy some great travel opportunities.

Taken from the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs Retired Activities Office (RAO) Newsletter.