Space A saves money for flexible travelers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Edward Drescher
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  A typical roundtrip ticket from Germany to the United States can cost anywhere from $600 to $800. A typical roundtrip space-available flight to the United States can cost less than $30.

What’s the catch? -- Only a little flexibility and patience.

Space-A traveling is open to most Department of Defense ID cardholders, and the name means exactly what it says: If there is space available on an aircraft, passengers will be accommodated accordingly.

Space A isn’t a flawless substitute for commercial flying, said Capt. Brian Mitchell, 723rd Air Mobility Squadron officer in charge of the Ramstein passenger terminal. But, it can be perfect for people with flexible schedules.

“If you have to be at a certain place at a certain time, Space A might not be for you, but if you are flexible and have the resources, Space-A travel can be a pleasurable experience,” he said.

Space A out of Ramstein will soon receive some consistency with the Rhein-Main Transition Project. Rhein-Main Air Base currently has contracted commercial aircraft, which make weekly trips to and from Baltimore. These flights are scheduled to start coming through Ramstein Oct. 1.

People wishing to sign up for Space A must be leave, said Captain Mitchell. Once signed up, members are placed into one of six categories with Category I being the highest. This category is reserved for travelers on emergency leave. The other categories include: category II -- for passengers on environmental morale leave; category III -- for active duty on ordinary leave or house hunting; category IV is unaccompanied dependants; category V is for passengers on permissive TDYs; and category VI is for retired military and ROTC cadets.

In order for SpaceA to work, there are a few guidelines in which travelers should adhere to, said Airman 1st Class Kenneth Cumbie, 723rd AMS passenger specialist. Travelers should always carry the required paperwork, remember that all flights are subject to change and they should be travel ready. All flights may change because they are based on mission requirements.

“You may have to wait for a day or you may have to wait for weeks, said Airman Cumbie. “It all depends on the mission.”

Most Space-A locations also offer various amenities that can help travelers and their families stay comfortable. Places such as United Service Organizations areas, base exchanges and food courts can help alleviate some of the stress of waiting.

“I absolutely love Space A and I haven’t had a problem with it yet,” said Senior Airman Melissa Maraj, who has flown Space A out of Ramstein for more than two years and has caught more than 10 flights with her 5-year-old daughter.

“I believe I have saved more than $10,000 by traveling Space-A,” she said.

Airman Maraj also gave a helpful tip by suggesting that passengers bring along some cold weather clothing.

“I always carry a hat and a pair of mittens, because depending on the plane you might be dealing with some cooler temperatures,” said Airman Maraj.

Travelers just need to remember that traveling Space A is not a perfect replacement for flying commercial.

“There will be waits and there will probably be some changes,” said Airman Maraj. “Flexibility and patience are the key, but a little bit of luck doesn’t hurt either.”

More information about Space-A travel can be found at: http://spacea.info/.