Travel
Space-A travel: A way to see the world
Stripes Guam
September 26, 2024
(Space-A)
Space Available travel offers a way for Armed Services personnel, their dependents, retirees and others who support the mission to see the world on a budget… if the timing is right. Below is what you need to know about this great privilege:
What is Space-A?
It is a program that allows authorized passengers to occupy surplus seats after all cargo and space-required duty passengers have been accommodated.
Who can fly Space-A?
Uniformed services duty personnel, their dependents, Red Cross personnel, USO personnel who also support the mission, and veterans. Passengers may not use the flights for personal gain, in relationship to employment, to find a house or for other prohibited activities.
What do I need to qualify?
Qualified travelers must have completed the proper procedures and have the required documentation for travel.
Active duty must be on leave before they can register for Space-A.
Dependents of active duty flying unaccompanied need an Unaccompanied Command Sponsorship from his or her spouse’s commander. The letter is valid for one round trip travel via military aircraft, describes the reason for travel and the category of passenger travel.
Also mandatory for travel: military ID cards, passports, social security numbers and emergency contact information at the final destination.
How much does it cost?
Most flights offered through the Air Force’s Air Mobility Command (AMC) or the Navy and are usually free of charge.
Patriot Express flights are commercial, so a small tax (usually under $30) is charged per seat and per leg.
Where can I go on Space-A?
Common destinations include the Continental U.S. states, Hawaii, Alaska, Germany, England, Spain, Italy, Japan and South Korea.
When is the best time to fly?
The best time to obtain seats is when DODEA schools are in session.
Because the program is a privilege, it is imperative to understand the circumstances may change due to mission mobility. Flying exactly where you want to go at the time or day you want to fly is not always possible. So, if you have a specific itinerary for your destination or your return, you may want to reconsider using Space-A for those travel plans. This program is designed for those who have enough available leave, time and flexibility to wait or change their schedule.
Where can I register?
There are many ways. In-person registration can be completed at the terminal’s helpdesk or self-help kiosks. You can also register via email, fax or online through www.takeahop.org. Registration is allowed for up to five departure airports and five countries of destination.
The website also offers a smartphone app where, for a couple of dollars, users can quickly sign up for the flights and destinations. Also, save time by monitoring terminal activity via the phone app.
What happens after I register?
Once registered, your information remains active for either 60 days, or for the duration of your leave orders or authorization of flight, whichever occurs first. Print a copy of your registration to keep on hand at the terminal. The time and date stamp of your registration determines your position and priority within your Space-A category.
On flight day, decide which terminal you think would be the best chance for Space-A departure and head out. It helps to phone the terminals that you requested for departure and to monitor recent schedules. Check online and on Facebook for your favorite Space-A terminals’ information.
What are the categories?
Each passenger is assigned a passenger category for travel. These categories designate the order by which you may be boarded on Space-A flights. The following list is generalized:
Category I – Emergency travel on a round-trip basis in connection with serious illness, death, or impending death of a member of the immediate family.
Category II – Environmental Morale Leave (EML) and dependents.
Category III – Active duty ordinary Leave and dependents; convalescent leave; permissive TDYs; Unaccompanied dependent of deployed servicemember for more than a year.
Category IV - Unaccompanied dependent of deployed servicemember on EML status.
Category V – Unaccompanied military dependent of non-deployed servicemember.
Category VI – Retirees, Rese rvists.
Pacific Locations
GUAM
ANDERSEN AFB
Bldg. 17002 Unit 14008
Phone: 671-366-5165
Mainland Japan
MISAWA AB
Bldg. 943
Phone: 315-226-2370/2371
Commercial: 011-81-176-77-2370/2371
NAF ATSUGI
Bldg. 206
Phone: 0467-63-3118
MCAS IWAKUNI
Bldg. 727
Phone: 315-253-5509
YOKOTA AB
Bldg. 80
Phone: 315-225-5660/5661/5662
OKINAWA
KADENA AB
733 AMS, Unit 5145 Box 10
Phone: 634-5806/098-962-6487
KOREA
OSAN AB
Bldg. 648
Phone: 315-784-6883
KUNSAN AB
Bldg. 2858
Phone: 063-470-4666
Quick links to ease travel
Make reservations on the AMC Space-A Travel page
Travel site for military DOD & veterans
Patriot Express: Seattle-Guam route
The government-chartered Patriot Express that connects Andersen Air Force Base with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, flies that route every other week between May and September to meet the demands of families making permanent changes of station, and once a month from October through April.
A stop at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa is available, but only from May through September. During the PCS season, aircraft leave Seattle, stop on Guam and then push on to Kadena. Those flights return to Guam before heading back to Seattle.
The Patriot Express — sometimes referred to as the Rotator or Cat B flight — ferries travelers on official duty to U.S. military installations around the globe. It also allows eligible passengers to fly on a space-available basis.
Travelers can make reservations for families and pets through their installation transportation office, according to Air Mobility Command.
Families making PCS moves are permitted two animals, restricted to dogs and cats, and must meet all shipping and country entry requirements, according to the 36th Wing at Andersen. Capacity is limited based on the carrier’s cargo configuration.
Space-A travelers may not travel with their pets.
Guam airport
Even though you are now on a tropical island, you may still want to explore the Pacific region. If Space-A and Patriot Express don’t interest you, you’ll need to fly commercial. Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport, also known as Guam International Airport, is located in Tamuning and Barrigada and is the only international airport on the island.
The airport is serviced by a number of international and commuter airlines. Regular flights connect Guam with numerous points throughout Japan, the Philippines, Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Hawaii, the other Islands of Micronesia and the Continental U.S.
Airlines include: Air Busan, Cebu Pacific, Delta Airlines, Eva Air, Japan Airlines, Jeju Air, JINAIR, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, T’Way, United Airlines.
(Guam’s flight network)
Explore the Pacific
Stars and Stripes is here to help you make the most of your time in Guam, and that includes taking advantage of its location by visiting nearby countries. Here are some virtual travel videos to help you get motivated to explore off the island.