Space available travel is authorized for members of the ANG, AFR, retirees and family members. Airmen in an active status must present their DD Form 2, Armed Forces of the United States-Geneva Identification Card, along with a completed DD Form 1853, Verification of Reserve Status for Travel Eligibility.

Airmen who have received official notification of eligibility for retired pay, normally at age 60, must present a DD Form 2S (retired/blue) ID card. Retired reservists under the age of 60, but entitled to retired pay at age 60, must present a DD Form 2S (reserve retired/red) ID card.

Active ANG/Reserve Airmen on a two- or three-day pass and on active duty in an overseas area for any length of time can use Space-A travel. The documents required are an ID card and active duty orders authorizing the Airman to be in the assigned overseas area. Dependent travel is not authorized until the Airman retires and reaches retired pay age or unless the Airman is on active duty in excess of 30 days.

Family members are eligible to accompany retired Airmen on CONUS and overseas flights after the Airman has obtained a DD Form 2S (retired/blue) ID card, normally at age 60.

Dependents must possess a DD Form 1173, Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card.

Space-A travelers no longer have to revalidate at passenger service counters at two-week intervals. They may now sign up for the full 60 days. This also applies to the traveler trying to come home from abroad. It is important to sign up as soon as they land overseas.

Passengers are processed in priority order by their sign-in time, Julian date. Some terminals may collect a head tax or a federal inspection fee from Space-A passengers on commercial contract missions. Meals may be provided at a nominal fee out of most air terminals while traveling on military aircraft. Meal service on AMC Category B full planeload charters is complimentary.

Names are removed from the Space-A register if selecting, manifesting or boarding is denied for miscellaneous reasons (excess baggage, improper attire, etc.). Space-A travelers are processed on a first-in, first-out basis within their category of travel, and they must be aware of the following facts:

• Official duty passengers have priority over Space-A passengers.
• Reservations cannot be made for any portion of the entitlement.
• ANG, Reserve Airmen and retirees are in Category VI.
• Long, uncomfortable and frequent costly waiting periods may be encountered at military and commercial aerial ports.
• The U.S. government is not obligated to provide transportation for Space-A passengers to or from desired destinations.
• Summer months are peak travel times because most active duty Airmen and their family members are traveling to new assignments.

Retired Airmen and their eligible family members must present valid passports/visas, ID cards and immunization records as required. Each passenger may check two pieces of baggage 70 pounds each, up to 62 linear inches in size.

When Airmen are traveling and an emergency at home arises, they may be upgraded to Category I by the installation commander or designated representative. Airmen should have the emergency verified by the Red Cross before attempting an upgrade.

Airmen traveling aboard Air Force and commercial contract, chartered, aircraft, regardless of duty status or destination, have the option to wear civilian clothing that is neat, clean, warm enough for in-flight operations, and appropriate for the mode of travel and destination. Passenger service specialists can answer questions regarding foreign destinations’ attire requirements.

For details on Space-A travel, contact the passenger terminal or aerial port at the nearest installation. Also, base retiree activities offices maintain an aerial port information file. To view the AMC Travel website visit http://www.amc.af.mil/amctravel/index.asp.