Space Available (Space-A) travel allows authorized passengers to occupy Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft seats that are surplus after all Space Required (Space-R) passengers have been accommodated. Space-A travel costs nothing but is allowed only on a non-mission interference basis.
In response to COVID-19 concerns, the Department of Defense issued domestic and international travel restrictions March 13 for all Service members, DoD civilians, and their Families assigned to DoD installations, facilities and surrounding areas within the United States and its territories. While the COVID-19 pandemic still presents risk, the improving conditions warrant a more conditions-based, phased approach to personnel movement and travel, yet unless all the conditions of the memo are met, the current stop movement will remain in effect. The conditions to resume unrestricted travel rests on two overarching factors: 1) state and/or regional criteria, based on the administration’s Opening Up America Again guidelines and 2) installation-level factors based on conditions surrounding DoD installations, facilities, and locations .
As of 11 May 2020, Pillow & blanket service has been permanently terminated on all AMC Organic (e.g. C-17, C-5, etc.) Missions. Commercial charter aircraft, (i.e. Patriot Express Missions) have suspended pillow, blanket & hot towel service indefinitely. Passengers are encouraged to bring like-items in their carry-on luggage for use during air travel.
On March 15, 2021, Ms. Stacy A. Cummings signed an updated memorandum establishing Space-A travel program category limitations due to COVID-19. The limitations will remain in effect until a determination is made to safely remove them. The memorandum includes that Category I (items 1-6), IV (items 26 and 27) and VI (items 42 and 46) travelers remain eligible to seek Space-A travel. Travelers under all other Space-A categories are ineligible for travel consideration. These limitations are necessary to preserve force readiness, health and welfare, while limiting the continuing spread of COVID-19. Medical screening protocols still apply to all travelers. Some travel exceptions apply. Additional information found in DoDI 4515.13. See also this AMC article.
Please visit https://www.amc.af.mil/Home/AMC-Travel-Site/Coronavirus/ for more Coronavirus Travel Requirements & Information Advisories.
- Regular Army: Active Duty
- Regular Army: Retired
- Army National Guard: Active Duty Under Title 10 USC or Title 32 USC (Full-Time National Guard Duty)
- Army National Guard: State Active Duty
- Army National Guard: Drilling
- Army National Guard: Retired
- Army Reserve: Active Duty
- Army Reserve: Drilling
- Army Reserve: Retired

The return home from combat can often leave servicemembers feeling out of place with the most important people in their lives - their families.
"In deployment, Soldiers grow accustomed to a new lifestyle and a new 'family' - those buddies that bond together to defend each other," said Maj. Ken Williams, 14th Military Police Brigade chaplain. "This lifestyle change is prolonged and becomes familiar, i.e., the new normal."
The families also change while the Soldier is deployed.
"The family is a system," Williams said. "When one family member is absent, the whole system changes. All members of the family adapt to a new 'normal' way of life."
When the servicemember returns, the family may feel uncomfortable with each other, and the servicemember may withdraw from the family.