Space-A Military Travel Guide
Eligible veterans and their families can fly on military aircraft on a space-available basis — often at little to no cost — to domestic and international destinations.
All VeteransWho Qualifies for Space-A Travel?
Space-Available (Space-A) travel allows eligible passengers to fly on Department of Defense aircraft when seats are not needed for official military purposes. Eligibility is divided into priority categories, with active-duty personnel taking precedence.
100% P&T Veterans
Veterans with a VA disability rating of 100% Permanent & Total are eligible for Space-A travel, including international flights. This is one of the most significant travel benefits available to P&T veterans.
Military Retirees
Retired service members (20+ years of qualifying service) and their dependents are eligible for Space-A travel worldwide, including international destinations.
Active-Duty Members
Active-duty service members on leave or pass status are eligible. They receive higher priority categories than retirees and veterans.
Family & Dependents
Dependents of eligible sponsors may travel Space-A when accompanying the sponsor. Rules vary by category — retiree dependents can travel unaccompanied on some routes.
Space-A Priority Categories
Space-A passengers are assigned to one of six categories. Category I has the highest priority; Category VI is the lowest. Seats are filled in category order, then by sign-up date within each category.
Required Identification & Documents
- Valid military ID (Uniformed Services ID card)
- VA letter confirming 100% P&T status (for P&T veterans)
- Passport (required for international travel)
- Dependent ID cards for family members
- Completed Space-A sign-up form (AMC Form 140)
How to Find Available Flights
Flight availability changes daily. The best ways to find current Space-A flights include:
- Check the AMC Travel Site for 72-hour flight schedules at major terminals
- Follow official military air terminal Facebook pages for real-time updates
- Call the passenger terminal directly at your nearest military installation
- Sign up at multiple terminals simultaneously to maximize your chances
- Be flexible — Space-A requires patience and schedule flexibility
Tips for First-Time Space-A Travelers
- Sign up as early as possible — your sign-up date determines priority within your category.
- Pack light and be ready to move quickly when your name is called.
- Have a backup plan — flights can be cancelled or filled at any time.
- Bring enough cash or cards for lodging and meals at your destination.
- International travel requires a valid passport for all travelers, including children.
- Terminal Facebook pages are often the fastest source of real-time flight information.
- Consider traveling mid-week — weekends tend to be more competitive.
Official Space-A Resources
Space-A Passenger Terminal Resources
Check each terminal's official page for current terminal information, schedules and roll calls when published, and passenger updates.
Check for current terminal information, schedules and roll calls when published, and passenger updates for NAS North Island.
Check for current terminal information, schedules and roll calls when published, and passenger updates for Travis AFB.
Check for current terminal information, schedules and roll calls when published, and passenger updates for Joint Base Charleston.
Check for current terminal information, schedules and roll calls when published, and passenger updates for Ramstein AB.
Check for current terminal information, schedules and roll calls when published, and passenger updates for Yokota AB.
Explore more benefits and privileges available to veterans.