Frequently Asked Questions

** New CDC U.S. Pet Entry Requirements for Dogs Starting 1 August 2024 - Click here for CDC website **

The Passenger Terminal said my flight is canceled. Who do I contact to be re-booked?
There are a few resources available to you. You may contact the booking agency that originally made your reservation. If you are in PCS status, this is normally the Travel Office at your last duty station. There may also be contact information on the back or your Travel Orders specifying necessary steps with travel delays. The DTMO website also provides 24/7 assistance to travelers experiencing difficulties.
How do AMC Passenger Service Agents determine travel eligibility to foreign countries?
Passenger Service Agents utilize many different regulations to determine travel eligibility. There is not a single overall authoritative source for determining travel eligibility and country clearance requirements. The Installation Transportation Office can assist by identifying travel requirements before travelers depart their location. AMC Passengers may review information at the following websites: The Electronic Foreign Clearance Guide (CAC/PIV-required), DoDI 4515.13, Air Transportation Eligibility, Personal Property Consignment Instruction Guide, and Travel.State.Gov.
I am flying on two separate AMC flights during my PCS. Will I have to pay two separate fees for my pet(s)/baggage?
If you are traveling on more than one mission, than you will be charged separate pet/baggage fees for each mission. Your TMO/booking agency will be able to inform you of your routing and if it will be identified as more than one mission.
WHAT ARE THE BAGGAGE POLICIES (PERMITTED/PROHIBITED ITEMS)?
Each passenger may check two pieces of luggage up to 70 pounds and 62 linear (length+width+height) inches each. Motorized assistance equipment may not exceed 100 pounds in weight.

Luggage allowances may be combined per family, e.g. 4 checked items are allowed for a 2-passenger family (Pooling baggage). Passengers should include their name and current address on or inside checked luggage. It is also advisable to place a copy of appropriate leave paperwork in checked luggage.

Passengers are also permitted one, 45-linear inch, hand-carried item, e.g. small suitcase, garment bag, backpack. This item must fit under the seat or in available overhead compartments in the cabin area. Items that are too large must be checked and will count against the passenger's checked luggage limit and One hand-carried, personal item, e.g. cosmetic case, purse, briefcase, is also permitted. Note: Luggage allowances may be limited by smaller-size aircraft or other factors. Check with passenger service agents for more information.

AMC adheres to all TSA baggage screening guidelines found at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening. A complete list of permitted and prohibited items in checked and/or hand-carried items can be found at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all.
Should I pack my expensive gaming system, computer, or other valuable/irreplaceable items in my checked bags?
AMC recommends packing valuable/non-replaceable items in your carry-on bags, if possible. Most contracted-carriers used for Patriot Express flights have a Contract of Carriage describing baggage liabilities (lost, damaged, pilfered, delayed, etc.). Traveling on that airline is an acceptance by the passenger on the conditions set forth in the Contract of Carriage. Before your flight, it is recommended to check your airline's website and/or Contract of Carriage for specific baggage questions.

What is Space-A travel?
Space-available passenger transportation is utilizing surplus aircraft seats and making them available to eligible passengers provided all space-required passengers and cargo have been accommodated.
Who can travel on Space-A flights?
Active duty service members, Guard/Reserve members, retirees, and disabled veterans (with a blue DD Form 2 ID), accompanied by their dependents, may fly Space-A. Dependents of individuals with a red DD Form 2 ID cannot fly Space-A. Some travel restrictions apply. Contact your nearest AMC passenger terminal for more information
When is the best time of the year for Space-A travel?
Any time other than peak PCS, travel and holiday periods (December to January and June to August) is ideal for Space-A travel
Where can I travel on Space-A flights?
Eligible dependents may travel to/from and between overseas locations and within the Continental United States (CONUS).

Dependents of active duty members may travel within the CONUS with their sponsor

Dependents may accompany the sponsor on permissive house-hunting trips related to a permanent change of station.

Command-sponsored dependents stationed overseas are allowed unaccompanied travel to/from and within the overseas theater, with written commander approval valid for one round trip from the sponsor's duty location. Dependents under 18 years old must be accompanied by an eligible parent/guardian.
What restrictions/requirements apply for Space-A travel?
Space-A travel privileges cannot be used for personal gain or in connection with business enterprises or employment. Space-A travel also cannot be used to establish a home, to transport dependents to a permanent duty station where their service member is or will be serving an unaccompanied tour, to transport dependents to a temporary duty station, or when international or theater restrictions prohibit such travel.

Service members should check with their respective service to determine if uniform wear is required for travel. When worn, civilian clothing should be in good taste and not in conflict with accepted attire in the overseas country of departure, transit or destination, as defined by the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide. High-heeled, open-toed, open-heeled and five-finger style shoes may not be worn on military aircraft.
What immigration requirements apply?
The following customs and immigration clearance list is not all-inclusive, but provides information for countries AMC serves on a regular basis.

Argentina (2)(3)(4)(5)
Australia (2)(3)(4)
Azores Islands (2)(4)(6)
Bahrain (2)(3)(4)
Bermuda (1)
Bolivia (2)(4)(7)
Brazil (2)(3)(4)
Chile (2)(4)
Colombia (2)(3)(4)(8)
Ecuador (2)(4)
Egypt (2)(3)(4)(5)
Germany (2)(A)
Israel (2)(3)
Italy (2)(5)(A)
Japan (2)(3)(A)(B)
New Zealand (2)
Panama (2)(3)(4)(5)
Paraguay (2)(3)(4)
Peru (2)(4)
Republic of Korea (2)(3)(5)(A)
Saudi Arabia (2)(3)(4)
Singapore (2)
Spain (2)(4)(9)
Thailand (2)(3)
Turkey (2)(4)
United Kingdom (2)(A)
Uruguay (2)(4)
Venezuela (2)(3)(4)

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(1) Proof of United States citizenship.
(2) Passport.
(3) Visa.
(4) Yellow fever vaccination required if entering from an infected area.
(5) Cholera immunization required if entering from an infected area.
(6) Bilingual leave authorization in Portuguese and English or French and English may be used in lieu of passport for military personnel.
(7) Tourist card recommended instead of visa.
(8) Preclearance from United States Defense Attaché Office (USDAO).
(9) Leave authorization containing the following statement may be used in lieu of passport for military personnel:
"La persona a quien esta orden pertenezca esta autorizada por las autoridades militares competentes de los Estados Unidos de America para entrar o salir de Espana en mision oficial vestido de civil o militar."

(A) Passport or visa requirement does not apply for active duty military personnel. (B) When traveling to Japan for tourist purposes, a visa is not required if length of stay is 90 days or less.

Note: These requirements are subject to change at any time by any country. Verify destination requirements with your servicing passenger travel agent.
How much does Space-A travel cost?
Space-A airfare is extremely low cost. Passengers are often only assessed a federal inspection fee and head tax. Other costs sometimes associated with travel include phone calls, hotel/lodging, bus/taxi fares and meals (meal service on AMC Category B flights is complimentary). Note: The government travel card and personal credit cards are accepted at most AMC passenger terminals; however, the GTC is for official use only.
How do I sign up for Space-A travel?
Individuals can sign up for Space-A travel in-person or remotely. Active duty personnel may not sign up earlier than the effective date of leave. To sign up in-person, individuals can speak with the passenger service agent at the check-in or customer service counter, or utilize a self-service terminal (if present at the passenger terminal location).

To sign up remotely, individuals can email, fax or mail copies of their proper service documentation, up to five desired country destinations and dependent's first names to the passenger terminal (contact the terminal for appropriate contact information). The date and time of any entry will establish the date and time of sign up. This determines the passenger's roll call category.

Individuals can check their sign-up status by contacting the passenger terminal through which they signed up. All travelers remain on the Space-A list for 60 days after registration, for the duration of their travel authorization, or until they are selected for travel.

Upon reaching your destination and if desiring to return to your originating location, the passenger may again sign up for Space-A travel to return to home station.

If traveling to a foreign country, border clearance documentation must be up to date (contact a passenger service agent if unsure of country-specific requirements).
When can I mark myself present for a flight?
Passengers may see a passenger service agent at the check-in or customer service counter to be marked present for their flight up to 24 hours prior to their flight's scheduled roll call. You must be marked present to be included in the roll call.
What documents are needed for dependents without an ID card and children younger than 14 years old?
Dependents without an ID card and children younger than 14 years old must have a birth certificate, passport or other government-issued document to prove their age.
Can a uniformed service member's command-sponsored dependents travel unaccompanied?
Yes, if they are 18 years of age or older. However, the intent of this program is to afford command-sponsored dependents relief from their overseas duty location. Overseas to the continental United States, CONUS to overseas, and overseas to overseas travel, within the same theater, is authorized. Once the dependent lands in the CONUS, they are not authorized to travel Space-A to another destination unless they are manifested on an aircraft that is transiting en-route to another CONUS location.
My spouse is stationed in Korea. Can I fly Space-A to visit them?
Travel is authorized to the sponsor's unaccompanied permanent PCS location. Travel is not authorized when the sponsor is on TDY or TAD orders. Travel is authorized Overseas to CONUS, CONUS to Overseas, and Overseas to Overseas; however, CONUS to CONUS travel is not authorized unless the traveler is manifested on an aircraft transiting the en route CONUS location. The sponsor must obtain unit commander-signed, letter documentation verifying authorized travel.
My sponsor was retired & is now deceased. Can I still fly Space-A?
Space-A travel privileges, granted to the service member, do not carry over to their dependents after death, with one exception: Dependents of retired Uniformed Services members who die overseas may travel OCONUS to CONUS for the purpose of accompanying the deceased retirees' remains. Return travel is authorized if accomplished within one year of arrival in the CONUS. DOD mortuary affairs-certified documentation must be presented to the air terminal passenger service agent, and in the dependent's possession during travel.

Additionally, surviving spouses of retired military members and their dependents (when accompanied by the surviving spouse) are allowed to travel CONUS to CONUS
Can non command-sponsored dependents travel unaccompanied?
Those 18 years or older are authorized travel to the sponsor's unaccompanied permanent PCS location. Travel is not authorized to meet up at another location. Travel under this program is not authorized when the sponsor is on TDY or TAD orders. Travel is authorized CONUS to OCONUS, OCONUS to CONUS and OCONUS to OCONUS. Once the dependent lands in the CONUS, they are no longer authorized to travel Space-A to another destination. CONUS to CONUS travel is not authorized unless they are manifested on an aircraft that is only transiting the en route CONUS location.
Can I travel unaccompanied Space-A if my spouse is deployed?
Unaccompanied dependents of deployed uniformed service members, when the deployment orders indicate the deployment is between 30 and 365 consecutive days, are authorized to travel Space-A unaccompanied in Category IV. If the deployment period exceeds 365 consecutive days, the unaccompanied dependents are authorized Category III travel. However, you will only be eligible to move in this category after every other Category III member has been selected.
Can I have family members travel with another military member if given power of attorney, or other releases or authority?
No. Family members may only travel when accompanied by their sponsor.
I am retired & traveling on a passport. My flight originated overseas. Where in the CONUS can I fly into?
When traveling on a passport, all family members, retired uniform service, reserve, and others may return to the CONUS only through authorized ports of entry where customs and immigration clearance is available. While you may depart the CONUS from any military airfield, reentry locations for passport holders are limited. Active duty passengers who do not require immigration clearance have more reentry options available.
CAN I FLY SPACE-A WITH MY PET?
Passengers traveling in a space-available status are not permitted to ship pets.

When and Where can guard, reserve members fly Space-A?
When on active duty for more than 30 consecutive days, Guard and Reserve members may travel Space-A to any location authorized for Space-A travel. Individuals must presentation their military ID, activation orders, and valid leave authorization or evidence of pass status, as required by their service. Dependents may accompany the sponsor.

When not on active duty, authorized RC members and authorized RC members entitled to retired pay at age 60 (i.e., “gray area retirees”) and their dependents (when accompanied by their sponsor) may travel in the CONUS or directly 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); or may travel within Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Updated: 15 Feb 2023)

In order to fly Space-A, Guard and Reserve members of the Standby Reserve who are on the active status list, must present a military ID card and DD Form 1853. The same is true of retired Guard and Reserve personnel entitled to pay at age 60, but have not reached retirement age 60. Dependents of these retirees are authorized to travel Space-A when accompanied by their service member sponsor. This retirement-eligible group must present their red ID card and retirement-eligibility notice or possess a DEERS-generated, red DD Form 2.
Travel for Inactive Duty Training
Guard and Reserve members may travel in a space-required, or duty status, on DoD-controlled aircraft for attendance at IDT assemblies within/between the CONUS and OCONUS.

Official travel authorization documents must be presented to passenger service agents to be considered/selected for travel during the Space-R travel selection process. Approved, written authorization may include a memorandum letter or appropriate service form, directing a member to perform IDT. This document must also indicate the training dates and location(s) and be signed by an approving authority other than the member. Applicable fees, meal charges and excess baggage fees will be charged at check-in.

All travelers must have a valid ID card and all other required travel documents, (e.g. passport, visa, country clearance, as indicated by the Foreign Clearance Guide.
What documents are required for travel?
In order to fly Space-A, Guard and Reserve members of the Standby Reserve who are on the active status list, must present a military ID card and DD Form 1853. The same is true of retired Guard and Reserve personnel entitled to pay at age 60, but have not reached retirement age 60. Dependents of these retirees are authorized to travel Space-A when accompanied by their service member sponsor. This retirement-eligible group must present their red ID card and retirement-eligibility notice or possess a DEERS-generated, red DD Form 2.

What is the EML program?
The EML program is offered to all active duty service members, DoD civilians with travel agreements, command-sponsored dependents, and those categories of personnel who are designated by the combatant commanders. Designated/authorized EML destinations are also the responsibility of the combatant commanders. There are two types of EML, unfunded and funded. EML orders are good for 90 days from the date issued.
What is funded EML?
Funded EML allows travelers to travel in a duty status and utilize either scheduled commercial or military aircraft to a designated/authorized EML destination.
What is unfunded EML?
Unfunded EML allows travelers to travel in a Space-A status aboard military aircraft or commercially contracted missions to a designated/authorized EML destination. When traveling with the military sponsor, the travel category is Cat II.
What are the EML travel categories?
Category II applies to sponsors on environmental and morale leave and accompanied dependents. Military personnel must be on ordinary leave. Any other leave type, e.g. convalescent or overseas tour extension incentive program, is not authorized with EML. This category also applies to DoD Dependent School teachers and their accompanied dependents in EML status during school year holiday or vacation periods.

Category IV applies to unaccompanied dependents (18 years or older) traveling on EML orders. Dependents under 18 must be accompanied by an adult family member who is traveling EML. This category also applies to DoDDS teachers or dependents (accompanied or unaccompanied) in an EML status year round.
Do any restrictions apply?
Only one EML location is authorized per trip. Only two EML trips are authorized per year. EML passengers may remain on the Space-A register for 60 days or until leave expires, whichever occurs first. Civilian DoD employees must be in a non-duty status to register and remain in this status for as long as they are signed up. Units publish EML orders using applicable directives.

Can I travel with my pet?

Pet travel is only permitted for passengers on PCS orders. A maximum of 2 pets per family is authorized. Due to the demand for pet travel, booking through your local Transportation Office or booking agency is recommended as early as possible. For additional information please visit our Pet Travel Page.
Are there certain times of year that I cannot ship my snub or pug nosed pet?

The Patriot Express accepts snub and pug nosed pets all year round. All pets are susceptible to the risk of heat stroke, respiratory problems, and the possibility of death during travel. The risk is increased for snub or pug nosed pets. For health and safety concerns, we recommend pet owners discuss their pet’s susceptibility to these or other complications with a veterinarian prior to air transport, and ensure your kennel has adequate ventilation. Travel is at the owner’s risk.
Why is there not enough space on the Patriot Express for my pet?

Seats are allocated as directed by the Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR) in order to operate Patriot Express missions and meet validated Combatant Command (CCMD) requirements. The ability to meet every passenger’s unique travel needs are limited as CCMD validations for airlift do not include requirements for pets. To assist as many members as possible, seat and pet release dates are normally published 90-120 days prior to execution to component Headquarters to ensure a fair and equitable opportunity for booking. During peak PCS season, pet spaces can book full with in the first 24 hours of mission release. It is imperative to plan as early as possible.
How many pets is the Patriot Express capable of handling?
This number will vary due to the type of aircraft used and the number defined in contract with the commercial carrier.
It seems like there isn’t many pets on a certain flight, why can’t there be more?

Pet spaces are determined by many factors including aircraft limitations, how many spaces are allowed under the contract, and oxygen availability to pets in the baggage compartment.
CAN THE DOOR ON MY PET KENNEL BE ON THE TOP OF THE CONTAINER?
No, The roof of the kennel must be solid, but ventilation holes are allowed over the whole surface provided that they do not reduce the integrity of the strength of the roof itself.
If a member starts their PCS in CY 23 and checks in to their new Permanent Duty Station (PDS) after 1 January 2024, can they be reimbursed for pet expenses?
No, payment of the pet relocation allowance is based on the departure date from the previous PDS location.
Do the pet expenses themselves need to be incurred after 1 January 2024, regardless of when the PCS started?
If the Service member departs the PDS on a PCS order on or after 1 January 2024, then authorized reimbursement for the costs related to the relocation of one household pet incurred prior to the departure date may be reimbursable. For example, if traveling to Japan there are many requirements that the Service member must accomplish to prepare for the transportation to the overseas location. The only determining factor for eligibility for the pet relocation allowance is that the Service member departs from the current PDS on or after 1 January 2024 and the authorized expense is related to that PCS move per the Joint Travel Regulations.
Will Dual-Military families be allowed to ship more than one pet and receive reimbursement?
Yes. Each member of a dual-military couple who is issued PCS Orders that authorize the relocation of their household at government expense, may be authorized reimbursement of pet expenses for one pet per each military member who is issued such orders. Authorization may depend on specific circumstances, therefore routing questions are encouraged to their supporting finance, administrative, or Traffic Management Office’s Passenger Travel Office.
What is the maximum reimbursable amount for pet transportation during a PCS Move on or after 1 Jan 2024?
CONUS. Reimbursement for the actual cost of all expenses is limited to $550 per PCS move.

OCONUS. Reimbursement for the actual cost of all expenses is limited to $2,000 per PCS move.
What are authorized pet expenses for PCS moves?
CONUS. A Service member may be authorized the reasonable and substantiated cost of mandatory microchipping, boarding fees, hotel service charges, licensing fees at the new PDS, and pet shipping fees if the member flies rather than drives, or the pet is shipped separately from the member. Reimbursement for the actual cost of all expenses is limited to $550 per PCS move.

OCONUS. A Service member may be authorized the reasonable and substantiated cost of mandatory microchipping, quarantine fees, boarding fees, hotel service charges, licensing fees at the new PDS, testing titer levels for entry, and pet shipping fees if the member flies rather than drives, or the pet is shipped separately from the member. For transoceanic travel, use of Government or Government-procured transportation must be used if available or reimbursement for transportation costs is not authorized. Reimbursement for the actual cost of all necessary expenses described above in connection with the movement of a pet is limited to $2,000 per PCS move.
What pets are eligible for pet transportation entitlement?
Relocation of one household pet that arises from a PCS move. A household pet is a cat or a dog, owned for personal companionship.

General Travel Questions

Space-Available Travel

Travel for Guard, Reserve Members

Environmental Morale Leave Program

PET TRAVEL