What advice do you have for flying Space-A?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 22:32:01 -0400

Advice you have for someone that has never flown space-a, what to expect, things to bring, etc etc.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2016 11:25 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 23:25:44 -0400

I've tried to get a space-a flight several times and it's never worked out for me. Maybe it's over my head, but I could never figure it out well enough to coordinate it with leave.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 23 at 2016 12:46 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:46:33 -0400

Did work OK for us taking the MAC Channel to New Zealand and back. If you're AD, then make sure your leave authorization goes out longer just in case. We used to have a "training flight" around Christmas out on Adak. A Herc would show up on say 22 DEC and return 3 JAN. It would drop down to McChord. It was the only way the junior folk could afford to travel many times. My wife worked out at the Air Terminal and noted some interesting crapola going on with seat distribution. Got the OpsO canned.

Response by MSG Pat Colby made Aug 23 at 2016 9:24 AM

MSG Pat Colby — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 09:24:21 -0400

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.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Aug 23 at 2016 10:15 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 10:15:45 -0400

There are a few older comments in this dissussion but they could be outdated now. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/space-a-travel

Space A TravelGreetings, I am about to start all of my research on Space A travel in the next few...

Space A TravelGreetings, I am about to start all of my research on Space A travel in the next few days and am hoping I can get some insight from anyone who has had experience using the system. Any feedback addressing good experiences, bad experiences, websites, contact information, recommendations, or anything else that may be of value to those that would benefit from this discussion would greatly be appreciated. Thanks! -SM

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2016 9:41 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 09:41:55 -0400

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.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 3 at 2016 11:51 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 23:51:19 -0400

Don't get stranded at some Po Dink Air Field in the Middle of Nowhere for 3 days like I did once at Norton AFB.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 13 at 2017 7:55 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 19:55:35 -0400

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.