Serving in the United States military is a position that offers a number of different advantages and benefits. One of the areas that a military US Armed Forces Servicemember, their family and dependants, and Veterans can participate in is the Military Space Available travel program. It is a program that is just that- it allows people who are in the military that fall in some different broad categories to be able to fly on military aircraft, as space is available.
The military fills seats and cargo space for the military mission. If there is a seat available on a military aircraft after the mission is being accommodated, then a person in the military can fly ?Space Available.?
In the years following September 11, 2001, the Space Available program has undergone many changes. It used to be that you could find out the schedules and times and flights a long time in advance, and the Space Available program even had a web site. Well in the time of increased security that has changed. Known as the Space Available program, or Space A, eligible Servicemembers, dependants, and other eligible people can travel on Department of Defense vehicles (mostly aircraft) after all the service needs are filled. In the past, schedules of flights and mission schedules were available a long time in advance. Now, you can still find out about schedules and flights, but it is more difficult and you often have to go to a military facility and show ID in order to be able to learn about specific flights, and options.
While the availability is not as easy as it was in the past, it still can be a great program for military Servicemembers and their families. Unused or open seats are then made available to those passengers who are eligible. Accessing Space Available is still possible, but more difficult. The military Space Available system is a little confusing, but if you are willing to be patient, and to be diligent, it is possible to travel long distances for free or practically free.
Learning and being informed about the Space A system can be half the battle. There are different categories of travel, and a priorities list. Servicemembers flying under orders are the first priority, and others are able to participate based on their flying priority status, and available seating where they wish to travel.