What Am I Allowed to Pack For Space-A Travel?
by John W. Jackson Jr. - August 10th, 2022
Preparing for a Space-A trip is, in many ways, very similar to preparing for any trip, but there are some unique requirements and considerations. Since packing is an important part of any trip, let's discuss what you can pack for a military Space-A trip.
What am I allowed to pack for military Space-A travel?
First off, the most important things to pack are your patience, your common sense, and your honesty. These things make any trip more pleasant for everyone, but military Space-A travel can definitely be trying at times.
Besides packing for your trip, you must also pack for your flight. Although commercial flights are usually a comfortable temperature, you probably won't have a choice in your plane or accommodations with Space-A travel, if you get on a plane at all. Some planes are cold, some are hot, and some are both depending on which part of the plane you are seated in. If you are going from sunny California to sunny Florida on a freezing C-130, you should at least remember to bring a blanket, or it’s going to be a very long and miserable flight.
Keeping kids busy on a Space-A flight
If you have children, they usually get bored easily and become very restless. Bring their favorite toys, puzzles, video games, or books: anything to keep them busy and keep their mind off the long trip.
While you're at it, pack some reading material and games for yourself, too.
Military Space-A air travel guide
On some Space-A flights, there will be enough room for passengers to stretch out on the floor to sleep. Pack an air mattress or even a cheap pool float. You might want to have one that self-inflates unless you have some good lungs. On some flights, you can even hang up a hammock. Of course, not knowing the type of plane you will be on, you need to be prepared as best you can, without getting too bulky.
That leads me to the next topic.
Pack light for a military Space-A flight
Try very hard to limit your packing; bring only the essentials. If your luggage weighs less than 30 pounds per person, you can get on just about any flight that comes along. The larger planes have a limit of 70 pounds per person, but the smaller ones are very strict about their weight limit. Packing light is the best policy.
Speaking of limiting, you should only bring the electronic devices that you absolutely need for the trip. Remember to bring the correct adapters if going to a foreign country. Plus, you will probably need your charger and maybe earphones.
Limit liquids
Space-A follows TSA requirements, so do not pack excess liquids. Everything must fit into a quart-size zip lock bag. Just like at commercial airports, if you have liquids over the allowable limit, they will be confiscated.
Safety first
While military Space-A flights are generally quite safe, you will want to pack with safety in mind. Depending on your final destination, consider an under-the-shirt money belt to carry cash and important documents. Some countries are famous for pickpockets. Most pickpocket experts say to carry a decoy wallet where you normally carry your wallet. Putting your wallet in your front pocket with a rubber band around it, which causes friction when moved, is helpful.
Additionally, think about your personal health. Will you need to take medication on this trip? Take pictures of your medication bottles. Carrying excess medication in some countries is a problem, so anything that will prove the medication is yours, and necessary, will help.
Pack your patience
Remember, this is Military Space-A travel, so you could be packing for nothing. Any flight can be canceled or changed at any time. If you don’t have the extra time and get canceled, you could end up going home or flying commercial instead.
Familiarizing yourself with Space-A procedures will make your trip a bit smoother and enjoyable for all involved.
PCSgrades.com is a review platform for military and veteran families. Leave a review of your prior duty station and read the reviews of where you are PCSing to. Home is where the military sends us and together we can make a difference!
John W Jackson Jr. retired from the Air Force in 1993. He’s been married for just over 38 years. They have a son and four grandsons and have lived in the Philippines for the past seven years. John is an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, John Wayne, Hank Williams Jr, and listening to older country music. When he is not involved with the Empire Builder series games or playing dominoes, he offers sage advice on using Space A travel.
