Flying for free

  • Published
  • By Airman Kristen Rohrer
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  With the summer months fast approaching, many families will begin planning for vacations and relaxing getaways. But with the cost of traveling, it is impossible for some to enjoy the vacation they hoped for. 

Enter Space Available travel. 

Space A is available to active duty, reservists, National Guard, retirees and dependents. It allows passengers the advantage of flying for free. The requirements for flying Space A include having proper military identification, passports or visas (if traveling outside the country) and approved leave forms, if on active duty. In addition to showing an ID, Reservists will also need to fill out a Department of Defense form 1853, Verification of Reserve Status for Travel Eligibility. Retirees must present an ID and any documents needed for out-of-country travel.
 
The passenger terminal has introduced several new Air Force Smart Operations initiatives that have reduced the customer wait time from three to two hours. With nearly 5,000 passengers per month, the reduction in wait time will help get people in and out more quickly, explained Mr. Gil Frelly, Passenger Service Operations Officer.
While passengers wait for flights, there are numerous facilities and eating establishments available for their use. These include the Commissary, Burger King, as well as the Sierra Inn Dining Facility and Base Exchange food court to name a few. Additionally, the United Service Organization is located inside the Passenger Terminal and provides recreational activities for passengers. 

Passengers planning to fly Space A will find there are many different destinations to choose from. Many flights are frequently made to bases in the Pacific region such as Hickam Air Force Base, Yokota Air Base, Japan and Andersen AFB, Guam. Space A also makes selected stops to Air Force bases within the U.S. and there are occasional flights made to Europe as well. 

Although Space A is an inexpensive way to travel, there are some things that passengers should keep in mind when traveling. 

"Be prepared to defray the cost of returning commercially if you are not able to get back on Space A, have a back-up plan," said Mr. Frelly. 

"Take the time to plan ahead, have time to travel," said 1st Lt. Travis Bohanan, 60th Aerial Port Squadron Passenger Service flight commander. "Other installations will differ in the amount of support they have, plan accordingly, and make sure to give yourself enough time to make the trip." 

Flights are posted 72 hours in advance and flight information is updated twice a day or as often as required. 

For individuals interested in traveling on Space A in the future, visit the Travis public Web Site at http://public.travis.amc.af.mil/ and click on the link to Space Available Travel, as well as calling 424-1854 for more information.