Space A or space available traveling is a fantastic perk of being in the military. There are tons of people who use it every day to fly all over the world. I never heard of it before we moved to Germany but quickly found out that it is an amazing way to travel, but you need to be very flexible with your plans. We tried to fly Space A last year but after 4 failed attempts, we caved and just bought a commercial flight. This year, I got the first flight out that we tried... but flying back home took 5 days. It is a lot of waiting around at the terminal and hoping they have seats and will call your name.
Rand and I recently got back from the States from a last minute trip because of my Nana's passing. The price of last minute plane tickets were insane so we decided to try again with Space A flights.
Though it is an amazing perk to fly Space A, not many people like doing so because many times, you will be on a cargo plane and you need to be prepared in doing so. We took a C-5 on the way out of Germany and took a C-17 on the way back home. They were both very interesting experiences, nothing like a commercial flight. It is very loud, very dark and very cold. You could tell looking around on the flight who has done this before. A few had hammocks they fastened to the walls of the plane and vehicles on the plane to relax in during the flight. Others pulled out sleeping bags or blow up mattresses.
My parents live close to McGuire AFB so I started the hunt on a flight from Ramstein AFB to McGuire AFB. You can call the terminal or follow their Facebook page to see what flights are available. Flights change times and cancel all the time so keep an eye and be prepared! Originally out flight's roll call was at 13:15, we got there a few hours early to check-in and grabbed a bite to eat and so happen to be back an hour early and thankfully so bc thy moved up roll-call an hour, so we made it! Also, at first they released 73 seats but during roll call changed it to 19! I was so nervous but we made the list and got on the flight! We took a C-5 and what an experience. After walking up the tallest flight of stairs to board the plane, I realized the plane had no windows. We also were sitting backwards on the flight. The seats were similar to ones on a commercial flight but were a bit wider. Rand and I had a row of 3 seats to ourselves. I heard to dress in layers because the flights can get very cold but we ended up stripping down to our t-shirts because it was so hot. The flight had some overhead lamps but most of the other passengers were sleeping so I just used my (my husband's) headlamp. I had two iPads charged and ready with movies, music and games. Rand didn't sleep at all during the 9 hour flight. He did have a few meltdowns but no one noticed because it was very noisy. They gave us all ear plugs but Rand wouldn't wear his. Luckily, I had some earphones for the iPad that worked just as well. You can pay $6 for a boxed lunch for the flight but I packed plenty of snacks and sandwiches to hold us over till we arrived in the US.
Trying to catch a flight back to Germany was much more difficult than coming here. We drove out to McGuire twice and both times were failed attempts. I called the terminal constantly to get more info on flights and seats and luckily I found a last minute flight with a roll call in 15 minutes! I quickly threw everything in our suitcases and my Mom booked it to McGuire. We got there just in time to get on the flight and head home.
Now, flying on a C-17 was very interesting. First, we sat in jump seats that were backed up to the walls of the plane. They were not very comfortable but once we got to a safe distance, we were able to walk around and move. Many slept on the floor. Some even had a hammock they attached to the walls of the plane and the cargo to sleep in that. I was not as prepared as everyone else... plus I had a very tired toddler. Rand wasn't even interested in the giant tanks and other vehicles in the plane. I strapped him in my DIY toddler carrier and walked all over the plane to get him to fall asleep. He slept for about 4 or 5 hours. The rest of the time we watched movies and played games on the iPad. I brought my own food and water but you can buy a "meal box" for about $6. We flew with about 15 other passengers and they all were very sweet and offered to help me with Rand.
