Space A questions? Aerial Porter here, AMA about space A!

[XCaligulaX]

Happened across a Space A thread from a few months ago and saw some missinformation, so I thought I would start this thread here and see if I could answer any questions anyone has.

If you're every considering using this service, ask me anything before you do! I'll do all I can to help you get the best trip and conserve as much money and leave as I can.

[jmsenk]

I have a question... more general than anything else. I am National Guard - was Active duty Army for a while before hand, but never used Space A. I'm currently in Orange County, fairly close to Pendleton, and I grew up in Pensacola, Florida (as in Naval Air Station Pensacola) and prices are crazy high - to the point that I havn't been home in nearly a year. I know that Space A ought to be an option, and that getting between two significant naval posts like Pendleton and NAS Pensacola shouldn't be THAT difficult, but I have also heard horror stories of people being stranded halfway through their trip, and there really being no way to get a reliable return date, or anything like that.

Whats the High level, step by step process of going about taking advantage of this little utilized benefit?

Is there a way I can find out flight schedules at least somewhat in advance in order to try to plan a trip?

The only people I have ever heard of actually using Space A flights and having a good time of it were single soldiers on a week of leave who just went to the flight line, jumped a plane to the first appealing place (one went to Hawaii, because, well, why not? Another went to Colorado) just bummed around for a few days, and then came back.

[XCaligulaX]

Unfortunately Guard and Reserve personnel can only fly space A while activated and on leave.

Having worked at the passenger terminal in Ramstein, I can tell you lots of horror stories. However being knowledgible in the system, asking questions, and doing research can help prevent a majority of problems. Space A is never for anyone on a tight schedule or with a travel deadline. When I go on leave and use space A, I always give myself 2-3 days of travel time each way to make sure I don't have to ask for an extension.

[Noonanda]

Can retiree's travel space A or is it active duty only?

[SF1975]

Can retiree's travel space A or is it active duty only?

From what I know, you can use space A as a retiree but you get placed on very low priority.

[XCaligulaX]

Can retiree's travel space A or is it active duty only?

You can, only if you were medically separated or did your 20 and retire. Basically, if you have your blue retiree card, you are eligible for space A travel. As SF 1975 said, you will be placed in category 6, which is the last category moved. Normally this is fine during non-peak months, but during the summer months and over the holidays (Nov-Dec) it can be very difficult for cat 6 to get seats.

[Noonanda]

You can, only if you were medically separated or did your 20 and retire. Basically, if you have your blue retiree card, you are eligible for space A travel. As SF 1975 said, you will be placed in category 6, which is the last category moved. Normally this is fine during non-peak months, but during the summer months and over the holidays (Nov-Dec) it can be very difficult for cat 6 to get seats.

Yep did my 20, got the blue id card to prove it. Thanks for answering my questions