Space-A Travel for Disabled Veterans

Who is eligible (Category VI)

• Veterans with a 100% permanent and total (P&T) service-connected disability rating.
• TDIU rated as permanent may qualify in practice if the VHIC is marked P&T — verify with the local Passenger Terminal before traveling.
• Non-P&T 100% veterans, lower-rated veterans, and dependents of the veteran are not covered under this expansion (dependents may be eligible under other categories if the sponsor is on orders).

Where you can fly

Under the current Air Mobility Command (AMC) policy implementing the NDAA expansion, eligible disabled veterans may fly Space-A between locations within the United States and U.S. territories — the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. International segments and overseas-to-overseas travel are not currently permitted for Category VI veteran travelers.

How priority categories work

• Category I — Emergency leave unfunded travel.
• Category II — Sponsors on Environmental Morale Leave (EML), accompanied.
• Category III — Ordinary leave, house-hunting, medical, etc.
• Category IV — Unaccompanied dependents on EML.
• Category V — Permissive TDY, students, and reserve/retiree dependents.
• Category VI — Retirees, ready reserve, and (since 2019) 100% P&T disabled veterans. Last priority — seats only available after all other categories are accommodated.

Official Space-A sources

Space-A is run by the Department of Defense and the Air Force's Air Mobility Command (AMC), not VA. Flight schedules, sign-up rules, and terminal-specific policies change, so rely on the AMC Space-A travel pages and the terminal you plan to use. Oakridge Claims does not handle Space-A questions or travel issues.

How booking generally works

• Sign up online through the AMC Passenger Terminal portal at amc.af.mil/AMC-Travel-Site or in person at the terminal. Sign-ups are valid for 60 days.
• Check the terminal's flight schedule (72 hours typically posted) — also published on each terminal's Facebook page and on the AMC mobile app.
• Arrive at the terminal early — Roll Call (when standby seats are assigned) happens 2-3 hours before departure.
• Bring required documents: VHIC marked 'Service Connected' with 'P&T' indicator, government-issued photo ID, and any required entry documents for the destination.
• Pack flexibly — Space-A is standby, and you may not get on the first flight you sign up for.

Practical tips

• Space-A is space-available — you may wait days for a seat. Always have a backup commercial ticket if travel is time-sensitive.
• Active-duty members and emergency-leave travelers have priority. Category VI veterans should not expect to displace them.
• Check the AMC Travel page for terminal-specific policies — some smaller terminals do not accept Category VI sign-ups.
• Service animals are allowed under standard ADA rules; check with the terminal in advance.
• Baggage allowance is generally two pieces, 70 pounds each.

Other Disabled American Veteran travel benefits

• Beneficiary Travel — reimbursement for travel to and from VA medical appointments under 38 CFR §70 (income or service-connected criteria apply).
• National Park Service Access Pass — free lifetime pass to federal recreation sites for veterans with permanent disabilities.
• Many airlines, Amtrak, and intercity bus services offer veteran or disability discounts — verify with the carrier.
• TSA PreCheck and TSA Cares — TSA Cares provides accommodations for travelers with disabilities (request 72 hours in advance).

Frequently Asked Questions

References & sources

1. AMC Space-Available Travel — U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command
2. DoD Instruction 4515.13 — Air Transportation Eligibility — Department of Defense