(This article by Stephanie Montague first appeared in the August 2024 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

Do you want to take advantage of traveling space-available (Space-A) on military flights? The keys to making this work are keeping your options open and staying flexible.

To learn about the process, visit the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Travel Site. Then, follow these tips to maximize your chances for a successful adventure.

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Stay Flexible With Your Signups

Sign up at every military passenger terminal from which you might originate travel. Notify all terminals that you might fly from their location sometime within the next 60 days, which is the maximum validity of your signup. This gives you flexibility to fly from whatever base has a flight on the day you want to travel.

There is no penalty for signing up at a terminal that you never depart.

Don’t Rely on Patriot Express

The Patriot Express (“PE” or “rotator”) is the commercial charter flight used primarily to transport PCSing servicemembers to/from overseas duty stations. Extra seats on the rotator are open to Space-A passengers. Many Space-A passengers prefer the PE because it’s a regular plane with in-flight service, and unlike most other missions, the schedule is available for one calendar month at a time.

But, like other missions, the tentative Space-A seat release is not published until a maximum of 72 hours in advance. Also, competition for the PE is often stiff, especially during summer PCS season. 

[MORE FROM THE AUTHOR: How to Save By Flying Space-A]

Prepare for Any Aircraft

Bring the right clothing and gear to travel comfortably on any aircraft, including cargo flights.

Aside from the PE, most military planes get very cold, so pack warm layers of clothing. Also, on certain aircraft, you can lie on the floor or across the seats when the plane reaches altitude, so bring a small inflatable mattress.

Keep Your Departure Options Open

If you’re not successful getting a flight out of the first location you try, keep your eye on flight schedules at nearby bases. For example, from Baltimore/ Washington international airport, consider making your way to Dover AFB, Del., or Joint Base Andrews, Md., instead.

Take the First Thing Smokin’

Don’t wait for a flight to your exact destination. Take any flight going in your direction, especially when traveling overseas.

For example, if you are in Japan hoping to take the PE to Seattle tomorrow, and a C-17 to Travis AFB, Calif., has open seats today, take it. You might not get a seat on the PE, so do not risk getting stuck in Japan

Stephanie Montague is the founder of Poppin' Smoke, a military travel website.