Families of deployed personnel are now able to take greater advantage of Space "A" flights. This can mean saving thousands of dollars on travel. The new policy, which went into affect on Dec. 6, 2007, allows dependent spouses and children of personnel deployed for more than 119 days to use military transport within the continental U.S. (CONUS), in addition to overseas destinations. Family members must have a letter from the servicemembers commander verifying their eligibility.

In the past, family member’s accessibility to Space “A” flights was very limited. The new policy allows family members unlimited travel during the servicemembers deployment, regardless of where they are based. The new policy is more equitable and useful as it does not restrict the departure point or destination or the nature of the travel. And families are free to travel to and from overseas locations as well as within CONUS.

The travel option is also available to Guard and Reserve families, as well as Navy families whose military sponsor is assigned to a deployed ship with PCS orders.

This new policy applies to all passenger aircraft owned or controlled by the military. However, since this is still a relatively new policy, family members may want to print a copy of the policy and implementation rules before calling an air terminal or going to a terminal to sign up for a flight. Passengers can fly on military or military-contracted aircraft on a “Space Available” basis.

There is no guarantee that space will be available, but with the price of travel on the increase, the chance at getting a free flight could be worth the wait.

To learn more about this new Space “A” eligibility policy visit the Military.com Travel Center.