SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Mobility Command officials here, recently unveiled the first official, command-level AMC Travel Web site. The Web site can answer questions Reservists and others have about space-available flights and how they and their families can use the program.
 
Reservists planning to travel the AMC military travel system can now point their Web browsers to http://www.amc.af.mil/amctravel/index.asp for the latest in AMC travel information. If you're a frequent traveler, don't forget to save the Web site to your favorites folder on your Web browser. 

The Web site officially went live July 24, and offers prospective Space-A travelers a wealth of information, including an updated AMC passenger terminal contact list and more than a dozen travel documents, example letters and brochures. 

Every day around the world, hundreds of military and military-contracted commercial aircraft travel the world delivering troops and cargo. And each year, hundreds of thousands of military personnel, retirees, and their family members go along for the ride, courtesy of the AMC Space-A travel program. 

Space-A flights, also known as "military hops," are a unique benefit to U.S. servicemembers, retirees and their families. Under the AMC travel program, unused seats on U.S. military and military-contracted aircraft are made available to non-duty passengers on a space-available basis. 

Reserve and members of the Standby Reserve who are on the active status list must present a Military ID Card and DD Form 1853, Authentication of Reserve Status for Travel Eligibility. 

"If a (Reservist) does an internet search for DD Form 1853 it (usually) pops up as the first item in the search results," said Chief Master Sgt. Chris Dietz, 86th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation manager. 

Many of the DD forms can be found by conducting an online search, he said.
 
The McChord Passenger terminal also has the form available for Reservists to pick up. 

"The DD form will need to be filled out and shown at the PAX terminal in order to sign up for a Space-A flight," said Chief Dietz. "The form requires the signature of a verifying official. who could be the Reservist's squadron commander. Also, a valid military ID is still required to be shown as well before signing up for a hop. Once you have the form filled out and signed, you are good to go for six months," said the Chief. 

When the form expires, after six months have passed, another must be filled out in order to be valid to fly on Space-A flights. 

According to one AMC travel expert, the AMC Travel Web site was created simply because "AMC customers deserve it." 

"(The AMC Travel) site was created to provide our customers a wealth of AMC travel information, which can be counted on to contain the most accurate and up-to-date travel information available," said Tech. Sgt. Steve Katsonis of the AMC passenger policy branch. "Our customers deserved a Web site where they can obtain travel information that is correct, up to date and validated by AMC. This Web site will give them that."
Sergeant Katsonis said AMC officials understand the massive amount of anxiety and stress felt by space-required and Space-A travelers. 

"Our goal is that this site will answer any questions the passengers will have, therefore minimizing their stress before they leave their homes," he said. 

When not on active duty, authorized Reservists may fly within the continental United States and within and between the CONUS and Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. Guam and American Samoa travelers may transit Hawaii or Alaska. However, dependents are not authorized to travel Space-A with these members, according to the information in the "AMC Reserve and Guard Travel" section of the Web site. 

Reserve dependents are authorized to travel when accompanied by Reservists on active duty in excess of 30 days. 

A long-awaited change, made last year by DOD officials, allows dependents of dual military couples the ability to travel with either parent, with the appropriate documentation. Prior to this, dependents were only authorized to travel with the sponsor listed on their identification card. 

Sergeant Katsonis said he wants people to know that Space-A is a great benefit, but it can be a stressful experience without the proper planning. 

"AMC never guarantees travel, and passengers need to be prepared for their (Space-A) trip to take more time than it would were they traveling commercial," the sergeant said.
He added that not every base is equipped with facilities or lodging capable of handling passengers stranded by a broken or rerouted aircraft. 

"The most important thing to remember when traveling Space-A is be prepared to fly commercial if problems are encountered" Sergeant Katsonis said. "The key to a stress-free trip is to have a plan. Have enough money for all contingencies, and be mentally prepared for disappointment when plans don't come together." 

The AMC Travel site cannot predict problems that may arise, but the sergeant said it should be a huge benefit in the planning phase. 

(Senior Airman Patrick Cabellon, 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., contributed to this story)