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Veterans can fly Space Available Flights for free

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As a disabled veteran, you have earned numerous benefits for your service, including healthcare, disability compensation, and educational assistance. One of the lesser-known but highly valuable perks is the ability to fly Space Available (Space-A) flights for free or at a significantly reduced cost. If you’re a veteran with a service-connected disability, you may qualify for this unique benefit, which allows you to travel on military aircraft when space permits.

In this blog, we'll explore what Space-A flights are, how disabled veterans can access them, and tips for making the most of this incredible travel benefit.

Eligible for Space-A flights,Approved Veterans disability rating.dependent eligibility for Space-A Free Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines.
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On October 23, 2020, a revision to DoDI 4515.13 modified the eligibility criteria for Space-A travel, extending the benefit to include dependents of permanently and totally disabled veterans.

1. Space-A Travel eligibility | Review Travel Eligibility Categories 1-6 (below) to determine your Space-A travel category.

2. Locations | Review common destinations offered at your nearest AMC Passenger Terminal by visiting their website/social media page.  For Links to website/social media page, see Passenger Terminal Directory below.

3. Document check | Ensure you have the required travel documents, e.g. passport with visas. Customs and Immigration requirements may change. Contact your departure passenger terminal for current documentation requirements or travel restrictions. Other information regarding travel documents may be found by visiting the U.S. Department of State International Travel website.

4. Registration | Contact your nearest AMC Passenger Terminal.

5. Flight schedules | For specific travel information, contact your nearest AMC Passenger Terminal or check their AFPIMS page to see the 72-hour flight schedule. 

6. Checking in | Check in at the terminal counter to mark yourself present and review updated flight information. Ensure you do not exceed baggage weight limits and are not traveling with any prohibited items. Await your Space-A call and follow instructions given to you by the passenger service agents.

For up-to-date information and details, check out the Air Mobility Command's Space-A travel website.
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Who Is Eligible for Space-Available (Space-A) Flights?

1. Active Duty Military Personnel

  • Active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard) have the highest priority when it comes to Space-A travel. They are always given priority over veterans and other civilians.

2. Retired Military Personnel

  • Retired military members (both regular and reserve personnel) are eligible for Space-A flights.

  • Retired members can travel in Category 3, which means they can fly on available military flights when space is available.

3. Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities (Disabled Veterans)

  • Disabled veterans who have a service-connected disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are eligible to fly Space-A.

  • Disabled veterans are given priority over non-disabled veterans when it comes to Space-A travel, usually classified under Category 4. This gives them higher priority than other veterans without a disability.

  • The key factor for eligibility is having a service-connected disability rating from the VA. Veterans who have a rating for disabilities related to their military service can access this benefit, which helps make travel more affordable for those with medical conditions related to their time in service.

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4. Veterans (Non-Disabled)

  • Non-disabled veterans are eligible for Space-A travel, but they typically have lower priority than active-duty service members, retired military personnel, and disabled veterans.

  • These veterans are usually placed in Category 5, which means they are eligible for Space-A flights, but only when seats are available after all higher-priority passengers have been accommodated.

5. Military Dependents

  • Dependents of active duty, retired, and sometimes even disabled veterans can fly Space-A as well. The eligibility for dependents depends on the military status of the sponsor and the availability of seats.

  • For disabled veterans, their dependents may be eligible to travel on Space-A flights if space allows and the veteran is traveling with them.

6. Reservists and National Guard Members

  • Reservists and National Guard members are eligible to fly Space-A, especially if they are retired or have served at least 20 years of service.

  • Activated Reservists and National Guard members traveling on orders have the highest

  • To Access Information and Register for Space-A Travel:

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    1. Official AMC Website:Visit the official AMC Space-A Travel webpage for detailed information on the program. The website provides key details about eligibility, locations, schedules, and contact information.

      Link to AMC Space-A Travel:Air Mobility Command - Space-A Travel

    2. Eligibility:

      • Active Duty Members (highest priority)

      • Retired Military Members and their families

      • Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities

      • Dependents of Eligible Members

      • Other qualifying civilians under specific conditions

    3. Flight Locations:

      • Domestic & International Flights: Space-A flights are available from numerous military bases around the world. AMC offers flights from locations such as Air Force bases, Army posts, and Navy stations. You can find the list of participating bases on the AMC Space-A page.

    4. Schedules and Availability:

      • Flight schedules are subject to change and depend on available space on military aircraft, so it's important to check regularly.

      • Some Air Mobility Command bases provide online flight schedules for Space-A, while others may require you to contact the terminal directly for more detailed updates.

    5. Baggage Information:

      • Space-A flights typically have more restrictive baggage policies compared to commercial airlines. You can expect to have limited luggage (usually one carry-on and one checked bag per person).

      • Baggage weight and size limits can vary by aircraft type, so always check the specific guidelines provided by the terminal.

    6. Sign-Up for Space-A Travel:

      • You can sign up in-person at the Space-A terminal at participating military bases, or use online systems where available. Many terminals allow you to sign up in advance, sometimes up to 60 days before travel.

      • To stay updated on Space-A flights and availability, register for the Space-A Travel Email Sign-Up on the AMC website. This will allow you to receive email notifications regarding flight schedules and other important travel information.

    7. Contact Information:

      • Each terminal has specific contact details (phone numbers, email addresses) for Space-A inquiries. Contact your local AMC terminal for additional guidance on the Space-A process.

      • You can also find general contact details for Air Mobility Command through their official website.


    Priority, just behind active-duty members.

 
 
 

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