Space A Flights

Space Available (Space A) travel is a military benefit available to active duty service members, certain Reserve and National Guard members, military retirees, dependents with a command-sponsored ID card, and 100% P&T disabled veterans (Category VI). Eligibility, priority categories, and dependent rules are governed by DoDI 4515.13. Category I (EML and Environmental Morale Leave) has the highest priority; Category VI (retired dependents and 100% P&T veterans) is the lowest. Space is only awarded after all higher-category passengers have been seated.

To sign up for Space A, you must register in person at the Passenger Terminal or via the Airlift Clearance Authority (ACA) system. Many terminals also accept email sign-ups — contact the specific terminal directly. Registration is valid for 60 days. You will need to show your military ID, travel orders if applicable, and any dependent documentation. Check the terminal's AFPIMS page for their specific sign-up procedures, as they vary by installation.

AMC terminals publish their 72-hour outlook manually, on a cadence that varies by terminal activity and operational tempo. Gaps of 1–6 days between updates are normal, especially at lower-traffic terminals. VeteranHQ pulls each terminal's published PDF every 15 minutes and surfaces the data within minutes of publication. The freshness indicator on each flight shows exactly when the source PDF was last published.

Space Available means you are authorized to fly on military aircraft only after all "must-move" passengers (Category I through V) have been accommodated. You are never guaranteed a seat. At roll call, the Passenger Service Agent calls names by sign-up date within category. If seats remain after all higher-priority categories are seated, Category VI passengers are called. Flights can fill up and depart without calling your name — this is normal and expected.

Required documents vary by category. At minimum, bring your current military ID or retiree card, and your Space A sign-up confirmation. For international destinations you will need a valid passport and may need a visa. Retirees traveling with dependents need the dependent's ID card and birth certificate for children. 100% P&T disabled veterans (Category VI) should bring their VA award letter confirming P&T status. Carry-on limits are typically similar to commercial airlines — check with the specific terminal. Always arrive at least 2 hours before roll call.

Yes. Veterans who are rated 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) by the VA are eligible for Space A travel as Category VI — the same priority category as retired dependents. This is one of the most significant benefits of P&T status. To travel, you will need proof of your P&T rating (VA award letter), a valid government-issued photo ID, and compliance with the destination country's entry requirements. Dependents of 100% P&T veterans are not automatically eligible unless the veteran is also a military retiree.

AMC operates a variety of aircraft on missions that may carry Space A passengers: the C-17 Globemaster III, C-5M Super Galaxy, KC-135 Stratotanker, KC-46 Pegasus, and C-130 Hercules are the most common. C-17s and C-5s typically carry the most passenger seats and are the most comfortable for long hauls. KC-135 seats are web seating facing aft — not comfortable for long flights. The aircraft type shown in this tracker is extracted from the terminal's published PDF and reflects the planned aircraft, which can change before departure.

An AMC Passenger Terminal is the physical facility on a military installation where Space A flights are coordinated. AFPIMS (Air Force Portal Information Management System) is the online directory of terminal contact information, sign-up procedures, hours of operation, and published schedules. Each terminal card on this page links directly to that terminal's AFPIMS page — the authoritative source for their specific rules and contact information. VeteranHQ's data is derived from publicly available PDFs these terminals publish on their AFPIMS pages.

No. VeteranHQ is an independent platform that parses publicly available AMC 72-hour outlook PDFs to surface flight data in a searchable format. All data shown here is sourced from unclassified, publicly accessible .mil publications. VeteranHQ is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Air Force, Air Mobility Command, or any government agency. Always confirm flight details directly with the terminal's Passenger Service Agents before traveling.