Don't get lost in Space A Published May 6, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- "Do you have any flights going to _____?", "that's the most common question I hear," said Staff Sgt. David Worthing, 305th Aerial Port Squadron passenger services supervisor. If the question 'where's my next get away?' comes up, a great place to start looking is space-available, most known as Space A travel. A common perception among military members is that Space A is confusing or difficult to be a viable option for travel. Not true, according to Lt. Col. Doug McClain, 305th Aerial Port Squadron commander, if you use it right and plan accordingly it is a very effective way to travel. Space A is a mode of travel and a Department of Defense-mandated benefit for military members and veterans. Rules and regulations, as well as a categorized priority list, provide a structure for all passengers looking to take advantage of this benefit. Category I is for emergency travel on a round-trip basis for serious illness, death or impending death of an immediate family member. Category II is for environmental morale leave for servicemembers assigned to an overseas duty location that includes extraordinarily difficult living conditions or adverse environmental conditions that would offset the full benefits of their annual leave program. Category III is for all servicemembers taking ordinary leave, but this privilege does not apply for traveler's family members. Category IV is for family members 18 years or older and accompanied minors on environmental morale leave . Category V is for permissive temporary duty and students whose sponsor station is in Alaska or Hawaii. Last but not least, Category VI is for retirees. Each category has specific rules and documents for travel. Travelers should ensure they meet requirements prior to arriving at the passenger terminal to signup and begin the process. Refer to the box attached with this article for a quick checklist before arriving at the passenger terminal. When an aircraft is headed to a desirable overseas or continental United States location, seats may become available on a first-come, first-served basis in their respective categories. Flights are posted 72 hours in advance at www.amc.af.mil/amctravel/index.asp. This site also features a Space A email sign up as well as information on travel eligibility, proper documents, registration and check-in procedures. "Most people ask for flights to Europe - Germany specifically - but we have flights going anywhere from Joint Base Andrews to Spain," said Worthing. "Space A allows a servicemember to take his or her family of five to Europe for free, instead of flying commercial for thousands of dollars." The aircraft loadmaster specializes in maximizing every inch of space to serve the mission while taking care of those who fly Space A as well. The terminal servicemembers internalize the goal of filling every extra space on the aircraft. They work 24/7, rain or shine, on the flightline completing the mission. "Our number-one job is to provide servicemembers, retirees and their family members with the benefits they've earned," said McClain. "If you're on a short time-constrained schedule, space available travel is possibly not the preferred means of travel." Missions may leave early, late or be canceled, so traveling with Space A is not always the most time-effective way to use your leave. It is, however, cost effective. "Space A is a great program but it can be a hassle if you're on a time-sensitive schedule," said Worthing. "One retiree has been waiting in the terminal for three days trying to get to California." The McGuire Passenger Terminal houses an array of services and amenities for passengers and visitors. Passengers can visit the USO or the Sesame Room, while also taking advantage of the various vending machines, lounges and televisions. "The family lounge here is better than most playrooms at daycares," said Worthing. Whether your travel takes a couple of hours or a couple of days, following a few simple rules can help prevent you from getting lost in Space A. Call 754-5023 for more information on Space A travel and available flights or visit www.amc.af.mil/amctravel/index.asp. Checklist before you arrive at the terminal Proper documents Ex: Military leave papers Leave Travel documents Ex: Passport, visa etc. Luggage regulations Lodging/travel arrangements Prepare for delays Ex: Snacks, food, child entertainment etc.