SPACE-A INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS
Current Flight Capacity
The 145th Airlift Wing currently has a limit of 15 Space-A passengers per flight. Passengers are selected based on their sign-up time and are manifested according to their travel category and priority. Please be aware that the 145th AW cannot guarantee connecting flights after you reach your initial destination.
General Information & Policies
Eligibility
Space-A air transportation is a privilege available to active-duty military members, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, retired military personnel, and their dependents. This program is governed by DoD Instruction 4515.13, Air Transportation Eligibility, and all travelers must meet the requirements outlined in this regulation.
Mission Dependency
Travel on DoD aircraft is always subject to mission requirements. Aircraft are primarily configured for official duty passengers and cargo. Any remaining seats are offered to Space-A passengers.
No Guarantee of Travel
Acceptance on a flight does not obligate the U.S. Government or the 145th AW to provide travel beyond the first destination or to return passengers to their point of origin.
Travel Categories
All individuals traveling under the Space-A program are assigned to one of six categories in accordance with DoD Instruction 4515.13.
| Category |
Description |
| I |
Emergency Leave Unfunded Travel for bona fide immediate family emergencies, as determined by DoDI 1327.06. |
| II |
Accompanied Environmental Morale Leave (EML). |
| III |
Ordinary Leave, Relatives, House Hunting Permissive Temporary Duty (TDY). |
| IV |
Unaccompanied EML. |
| V |
Permissive TDY. |
| VI |
Retired members, their dependents, Reservists, ROTC, and certain qualifying veterans and surviving spouses. |
REGISTRATION & SIGN-UP
Flight Announcements
Available Space-A missions are announced on the dedicated phone line: (704) 391-4135.
Registration Methods
Sign-Up Expiration
- Active Duty/AGR: Must be in a leave or pass status to register and travel.
- Drill Status Guardsman: Can sign up at any time; the sign-up expires after 60 days.
- Retired & All Others: Can sign up at any time; the sign-up expires 60 days from the initial date.
Note: Passenger service personnel will request to see your documents at the show time for your flight.
Required Documentation
The following are examples of the documentation required for each category. This list is not all-inclusive, refer to DoDI 4515.13.
| Category |
Required Documents |
| I |
CAC, Valid Emergency Leave Authorization |
| II |
CAC, Valid EML Authorization |
| III |
CAC, Valid Leave Authorization (e.g., AF Form 988) |
| IV |
CAC, Unaccompanied EML |
| V |
CAC, Permissive TDY Authorization |
| VI |
Varies by status (e.g., Reservist: CAC & DD Form 1853; Retiree: USID card) |
OCONUS Travel
All travelers attempting to travel outside the continental United States (OCONUS) must provide appropriate documentation for their final destination. Please refer to the Foreign Clearance Guide for country-specific requirements, including passports and visas.
Note: A military passport may not be accepted for leisure travel to some locations.
Revised Passenger Instructions
Departure Day
| Step |
Action |
| 1. Arrive at Base |
Report in person to the personnel at the Passenger Terminal (Bldg. 5). |
| 2. Check-In |
Check-in for your desired flight and drop off your baggage with a Passenger Service Agent (PSA). |
| 3. Vehicle Registration |
If you are parking a vehicle, register it with the PSA using the Parking Permit QR Code. The PSA will issue a parking permit that must be displayed on your vehicle's dashboard. |
| 4. Parking |
Park your vehicle in the gym parking lot. |
| 5. Wait for Roll Call |
Return to the Passenger Holding Area in Bldg. 5 to await flight information. |
| 6. Processing |
At the announced time, the PSA will begin roll call. When called, please come forward to the screening area with all required documentation ready for inspection. |
Important: Once roll call has begun, only passengers who are present will be considered for the flight. No additional passengers will be added.
Arrival (Returning to Charlotte)
| Step |
Action |
| 1. Baggage Claim |
You will be escorted from the flight line to the Passenger Terminal (Bldg. 5) to retrieve your baggage. |
| 2. Depart Base |
After collecting your baggage, proceed to the base gym to get your vehicle or to the front gate to depart the base. |
Note: Transportation from the flight line to the base gym or front gate is not available.
General Information & Policies
Baggage
- Allowance: Space-A passengers are allowed to bag, each not exceeding 70 pounds. All baggage must have an identification tag with your current phone number and forwarding address.
- Excess Baggage: Excess baggage is not authorized for Space-A passengers.
- Screening: As a condition of travel, all passengers and baggage are subject to search under federal law.
- Helpful Tip: Please allow yourself enough time to arrive, check in, drop off bags, and get your parking permit before roll call begins. Ensure all old destination tags are removed from your luggage.
Security
The 145th AW adheres to all Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines. For more information, please visit the official TSA website at tsa.gov. All passengers must present valid, government-issued identification. Your ID will be checked against the final passenger manifest before boarding.
Parking
Space-A passengers must park their vehicles in the fitness center parking lot. A parking permit provided by the passenger service agent, must be visible on the dashboard. The 145th AW is not liable for theft or damage to vehicles or personal items. Vehicles in unauthorized lots may be towed at the owner's expense.
Transportation taxis, etc.
- Ride-Sharing: Access to the base is prohibited for all commercial transportation services, including taxis, Uber, and Lyft.
- Ground Transport: The 145th AW does not provide ground transportation on or off the base.
- Commercial Flights: For connecting commercial flights, travelers must arrange their own transportation to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), located approximately three miles away.