What advice do you have for flying Space-A?

I've used Space A for pleasure and Military business. I flew to the Virgin Islands and while we were enroute, the Captain got on the intercom and said the Mission was changed and we would be staying 3 extra days. That really didn't break out hearts but it damn near broke my bank. Travel light. Lots of times you will end up carrying your own luggage across the tarmac. Luggage on wheels makes a lot of sense. Make sure you have the funds available to pay for your return flight in case you get bumped. Ask the MAC people well in advance exactly what paperwork is required for your specific trip. Your profile indicates you are in the Reserves. You'll likely need a DA 31 from your Commander even though you may not be on Duty. Check the local MWR office at your destination, they have fantastic deals. Military lodging is commonly available near most all MAC terminals. Their rates are Rank based. A SPC pays considerably less than a COL.

Have fun and be VERY flexible.

Have enough money to buy a no notice return ticket. Also be prepared to be marooned at a remote AFB with no ground transport to a real airport. Air India sucks....ask me how I know that.

Be ready to find alternate means to get home or plan a few days of oh shit time. When I was flying globally I took space A PAX with us on overwater runs. The problem is that unless you debarking to regular channel routes your ride back may not be as instantaneous. You are safe going from any major AMC base to a POD like McGuire to Ramstein or Travis to Kadenna. If you manage to get a hop to some random spot we don't go in and out of on a regular basis you could get stuck, so have a plan to get yourself to a major port to head back. The military is not a scheduled airline so you might get a flight to Hawaii from Travis which is inland from the Bay area. Then you ride back may take you to New Jersey or South Carolina or even to state that has a guard base if the plane is dead flying back w/o cargo.