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Can Disabled Veterans Fly Space-A? Eligibility, Rules and How to Sign Up

By Jay · Published · 2 min read

Yes, as long as your VA rating is 100% permanent and total (P&T) for a service-connected disability. Since the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2019, P&T veterans can fly on military aircraft for free through the Space-Available ("Space-A") program, the same program retirees have used for decades.

In this guide
  1. Who qualifies
  2. What you can't do
  3. How to sign up
  4. Plan for the flight not happening
In this guide
  1. Who qualifies
  2. What you can't do
  3. How to sign up
  4. Plan for the flight not happening

There are a few catches, though, so it's worth knowing what you're signing up for before you drive to a terminal.

Who qualifies

If you're a disabled veteran and want to fly Space-A, you'll need:

  • A permanent and total service-connected disability rating from the VA. A 100% rating that isn't marked permanent doesn't count.
  • A DD Form 2765, the Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (often called the "tan" card). This is the ID you show at the terminal.

If you have both, you're eligible. You don't need to be a retiree.

What you can't do

  • Your family can't come. Dependents of disabled veterans are not eligible for Space-A. If your spouse or kids are coming, they need commercial tickets. That's the most common surprise.
  • You can't go just anywhere. P&T veterans are limited to flights within the continental US, plus Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands and the other US territories. Overseas destinations like Germany or Japan are off-limits for this category.
  • You're near the back of the line. P&T veterans fly in Category VI, the lowest priority, alongside retirees. Service members on emergency leave, post-deployment travel and other higher categories get seats first. On a popular route you can sit in the terminal all day and still not get a seat.

How to sign up

Air Mobility Command (AMC) runs Space-A. Here's how to sign up:

  1. Find a terminal and a route. Each AMC passenger terminal posts its upcoming flights, usually a 72-hour schedule, on its website or Facebook page. The terminal directory is on AMC's Space-A travel page.
  2. Sign up. AMC now has a self-signup tool. You can also use the email sign-up form or email the terminal directly. You can list up to five destinations per sign-up.
  3. Show up and mark yourself present. On the day of the flight, check in at the terminal counter before the roll call. Bring your DD 2765.
  4. Watch the baggage limits. AMC sets weight limits and a prohibited-items list, and they're enforced. Check AMC's FAQ before you pack.

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Plan for the flight not happening

You're catching a ride on a military mission, so flights can get delayed, re-routed or cancelled. Getting a seat on the way out doesn't mean you'll get one on the way back. Before you go:

  • Have the money for a commercial ticket home if you get stuck.
  • Be flexible on dates, and don't book anything at your destination you can't cancel.
  • Pick destinations that have several terminals near home, so you have more than one way back.

If you're P&T, traveling solo and have some flexibility, this is a benefit worth looking into. If you're traveling with family or need to be somewhere on a deadline, buy the ticket.

Rules change. Check AMC's official Space-A page and the VA's explainer before you travel.