Military service members and their dependents have unique travel opportunities through the utilizati

Military service members and their dependents have unique travel opportunities through car rental agencies in the orlando international airport the utilization of Space A (short for space available) travel. The Department of Defense allows eligible passengers to fill unused space on military transport flights that literally cross the globe.
car rental agencies in the orlando international airport In 2010, I wrote about our first experience in, “ Space A Adventure ” and since then we have enjoyed a follow-on car rental agencies in the orlando international airport trip to Spain and are in the midst of planning another adventure to Italy, all courtesy of military transport flights. Along the way we have learned a few things that may help other military families debating car rental agencies in the orlando international airport on whether or not to embark on this adventure.
car rental agencies in the orlando international airport Most of the flights that are available for Space A travel are offered through the Air Force Air Mobility Command or Navy Air Terminal, so if you have an Air Force or Navy base near you, chances are they offer Space A flights to a variety of destinations. car rental agencies in the orlando international airport Because these flights are military missions, there is no guarantee car rental agencies in the orlando international airport when it comes to destination or seat availability. (Find an Air Mobility Command near you.)
The best place to start when entertaining this type of transportation is to do your research. Thanks to social media, many of the Passenger Air Terminals on the various bases offering Space A, have Facebook pages where they post their flight schedule. Frequently viewing these schedules will quickly give you a sense of where they fly to and how frequently. While the schedule is always in a constant state of flux, you will be able to come up with a general plan based on the typical schedules they post.
When reviewing car rental agencies in the orlando international airport the Passenger Air Terminal schedules, many of them will post how many seats were available on the flights and the lowest Category that the seats were offered to. Again, this will give you a sense of your chances of securing a seat on a flight based upon your Category and those seats being released.
Once you have decided that this type of travel is for you, and you are on leave, be sure to contact any and all Passenger Air Terminals in your area and get your name placed on the list of those individuals interested in Space A travel. The sooner you sign up once you are on leave, the higher you will be within your designated category. This can make the difference between securing a seat and being left behind at the passenger terminal, so move quickly. If you have several terminals in your area, place your name on the list at each of them, this way you can adjust car rental agencies in the orlando international airport your plans if seats are not available at one of the terminals.
car rental agencies in the orlando international airport The key to Space A travel car rental agencies in the orlando international airport is flexibility! It is a roll of the dice and an adventure that requires car rental agencies in the orlando international airport the proper mind set from the beginning. Plan, but stay flexible in case there is a flight to a different destination that has seats available. car rental agencies in the orlando international airport If the AMC flies to both Germany and Spain, consider putting your name in for both destinations and create a plan for your time in each location.
Ensure that you have the proper car rental agencies in the orlando international airport documentation with you when you arrive at the terminal, to include: military ID card, valid passport, social security numbers and emergency contact information. If you are traveling overseas, all members of your party regardless of age must have a valid passport. Once you arrive at the terminal, sign in and present your documents to the service member at the Passenger Service Desk. Now you are all set to wait! Flight information will be displayed on boards or overhead monitors, so you will want to view those on a regular basis to adjust for changes that may occur.
Once a flight has determined how many seats it has available, there will be a “roll call” performed to offer open seats to eligible passengers. Be attentive to when these announcements are made as to not miss out on your golden opportunity. If you are selected for a flight, car rental agencies in the orlando international airport personnel will take your paperwork, check your luggage and notify you as to when you are likely to board. Again, keep in mind that these are military missions and the status of the aircraft or time of departure can change in a moments notice.
While most flights allow you to check up to two suitcases, it is advisable to travel light. This is not only because weight limits can change, but also because it will be easier to get around once you reach your destination. If you are traveling to Europe car rental agencies in the orlando international airport many of the cars and hotel rooms are considerably smaller than we have become accustomed to here in the United States and large suitcases can become quite burdensome.
Most Space A flights offer passengers the choice to purchase a boxed lunch which will be delivered once on board. My advice – BUY IT! It will run you approximately $4 and it is money well spent. They only accept cash, so be prepared before you are called to roll call. The meal includes a sandwich, chips, drink, condiments and a candy bar. Unless you have packed your own meal, this may be the only opportunity you have to eat for several hours.
Keep in mind that open-toed shoes are not allowed on the flight line, so if you are wearing sandals when you arrive at the terminal, be sure that you have a pair of closed-toe shoes accessible or you will not be allowed on the flight. This would be an unfortunate reason to miss your flight!
Traveling on a military transport plane is vastly different from that of commercial airliners. Military aircraft are not insulated, resulting in planes with extreme internal temperatures. Being prepared is the best way to ensure your comfort. Dressing in layers and bringing blankets, sleeping bags and inflatable sleeping car rental agencies in the orlando international airport pads can help keep you warm and comfortable, as on many flights you are allowed to lay out on the cabin floor. Lack of insulation also means that it is loud inside the cabin, so earplugs (which they provide) are essential to your comfort and safety.
Many terminals have a USO lounge where you can grab a snack, watch television or play games. I cannot say enough about how amazing the USO lounges and volunteers are. They can make the endless hours at the air terminal enjoyable and entertaining particularly if you are traveling with children. The USO is a non-profit organization that provides programs that assist military service members and their families car rental agencies in the orlando international airport and most lounges will have a jar where you can make a monetary contribution. Please consider making a donation that would cover the cost of the services that you and your family take advantage of and a word of thanks for the volunteers certainly goes a long way as well.