Want to fly for free? Here’s the complete Space A travel guide

The military's best-kept travel secret
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By Jessica Evans

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Airmen from the 721st Aerial Port Squadron load cargo into a Boeing 767 Jan. 27, 2016, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Once a plane arrives, Airmen unload the cargo belonging to passengers on the inbound flight and quickly fill the storage with the containers full of the outbound flight passengers’ belongings.
Airmen from the 721st Aerial Port Squadron load cargo into a Boeing 767 Jan. 27, 2016, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Once a plane arrives, Airmen unload the cargo belonging to passengers on the inbound flight and quickly fill the storage with the containers full of the outbound flight passengers’ belongings. USAF Photo.

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If you’ve ever dreamed of flying for free, Space-A travel might be your best shot. Space-Available travel, as it’s known, is one of the biggest perks of military life, giving service members, dependents, and retirees access to military flights for little to no cost.

But here’s the deal: Space-A travel isn’t as easy as booking a commercial flight. Seats aren’t guaranteed, schedules change without warning, and some travelers get priority over others. If you’re flexible and know how the system works, though, you can use Space-A to travel the world for next to nothing.

What Is Space-A travel?

Space-A flights let eligible passengers fill empty seats on military aircraft. These flights are mission-based, which means the schedule depends on military needs—not on getting you to your destination. When extra seats are available, they’re offered to Space-A travelers for free or a minimal fee.

  • Space-A flights are standby only—nothing is guaranteed.
  • You could end up on a comfortable chartered plane or a bare-bones cargo aircraft.
  • Passengers are assigned priority categories—some people get seats before others.
  • Flights can be delayed or canceled without notice.

Bottom line: If you have time and patience, Space-A is an unbeatable way to travel. If you need a guaranteed flight, it’s not for you.

Who can fly Space-A?

Not everyone can hop on a Space-A flight. Only certain military-affiliated travelers qualify, and your priority level determines how likely you are to get a seat.

Eligible Travelers:

  • Active duty service members (must be on leave status)
  • Military dependents (when traveling with their sponsor or under command sponsorship)
  • Retired military personnel
  • National Guard and Reserve members
  • 100% disabled veterans (with a VA service-connected disability rating)

Can milspouses fly alone?

Yes—but only under certain conditions:

  • You need a Command Sponsorship Letter (valid for 90 days).
  • Spouses traveling alone are in lower-priority categories—meaning fewer available seats.

Travel categories: who gets priority?

Space-A isn’t first-come, first-served. Travelers are assigned to one of six categories, with seats given out in order of priority.

Space-A categories (highest to lowest):

  1. Emergency Leave – Active-duty members and dependents on emergency leave.
  2. Environmental and Morale Leave (EML) – Command-sponsored service members traveling for rest and recuperation.
  3. Active-Duty on Ordinary Leave – Includes house-hunting leave (dependents must travel with their sponsor).
  4. Unaccompanied Dependents on EML – Dependents traveling alone under approved EML.
  5. Unaccompanied Dependents (Non-EML), Students, and Others – Dependents traveling alone for non-emergency reasons.
  6. Retirees, Reservists, and Veterans – The lowest-priority group with the hardest time getting seats.

What this means for you:

  • If you’re traveling with your service member, you have a much better chance of getting a seat.
  • If you’re a military spouse traveling alone, expect a longer wait.
  • Retirees and reservists should always have a backup plan—seats are limited.

How to get on a Space-A flight

Step 1: Find a military passenger terminal

Space-A flights depart from military bases worldwide. To check for available flights:

  • Look at your installation’s passenger terminal Facebook page (many post 72-hour schedules).
  • Call the terminal directly.
  • Check the Air Mobility Command (AMC) website for official info.

Pro Tip: Some bases have more frequent Space-A flights than others. Major hubs include:

Step 2: Register for Space-A

You need to sign up at each terminal where you want to fly. Registration can be done:

  • In person
  • By email
  • By fax

What to include:

  • Full name (as shown on your military ID)
  • Rank or dependent status
  • Branch of service
  • Number of seats requested
  • Desired destinations
  • Contact information

Sign up as early as possible—your sign-up date determines your priority within your category.

Step 3: Be there for roll call

You must be physically present at the terminal for roll call. If your name isn’t called, you’ll have to wait for the next available flight.

Flights can leave with little notice, so be ready to go if your name is called.

What to expect on a Space-A flight

Flying Space-A isn’t like a commercial airline experience. Depending on the aircraft, you may be on:

  • Chartered military flights (similar to a standard airline experience).
  • Cargo planes (C-17s or C-130s) – No windows, no flight attendants, and very basic seating.

Pro Tips for cargo flights:

  • Dress in layers (cargo planes can be freezing).
  • Bring snacks and water (there’s no food service).
  • Pack light (luggage limits vary by aircraft).

Is Space-A worth it?

Yes, if you’re flexible. Space-A travel is one of the best military benefits out there, but it’s not for everyone.

Good for:

  • Travelers with open-ended schedules.
  • Retirees looking for adventure.
  • Families who don’t mind waiting.

Not great for:

  • People on tight schedules.
  • Anyone who needs guaranteed flights.
  • Those who don’t like uncertainty.

If you’re planning to fly Space-A, sign up early, stay flexible, and always have a Plan B.

For the latest schedules and availability, check your local military passenger terminal’s website or Facebook page.