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Temporary additional Patriot Express flights from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to Kadena Air Base

  • Published
  • By Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
  • Air Mobility Command

Temporary Patriot Express flights will begin operating out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, from May 16 to September 30, 2022.  

In response to increased airlift requirements to support U.S. Forces Japan and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, service members and their families can rely on temporary Patriot Express flights out of JBLM for their Indo-Pacific travels.  

The new route will depart from JBLM three times a week at 2:20 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with flight check-in available 24 hours prior to aircraft departure. 

For those flying into the Seattle Tacoma area, a commercial charter bus will provide transportation from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA-TAC) to JBLM starting at 5 a.m. on days with a scheduled departure from JBLM. Each commercial bus will comply with Americans with Disabilities Act.  

For charter bus transport from SEA-TAC to JBLM, the pick-up location will be at 17801 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98158. 

Passengers over the age of two are required to have a negative COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours prior to their departure from JBLM. Tests can be either antigen or PCR.  Test results can be presented in either digital or hard copy.  Self-tests must meet guidelines found on the CDC Website under the "Test and Documentation Requirements" section.  

All travelers must have a valid COVID-19 test prior to boarding transportation to JBLM. 

Members on these weekly flights that are on PCS orders or with a certified Service Animal are authorized to travel with animals. Small in-cabin pets will be permitted on the charter buses, but must stay in their travel kennels. Additionally, a pet van will accompany the last charter bus and can transport up to 10 larger kennels.  

For kennels that are not considered in-cabin travel size, there will be a dedicated transport bus that will pick up pets at 8 a.m. Passengers with larger kennels have ridership priority and need to travel on the 8 a.m. bus; earlier pet transportation will only be permitted for passengers with small in-cabin size kennels. To avoid missing their flight, passengers with in-cabin pets should not wait for the final bus as space will be limited.  

The pick-up location for the bus is located outside of door number four at SEA-TAC (in the baggage arrival area) and will depart at the following staggered times. Passengers are not able to reserve seats on the bus and are urged to arrive early as seats on the buses will fill quickly.  

  • 5 a.m. (commercial 50 passenger bus)

  • 5:45 a.m. (commercial 50 passenger bus) 

  • 6:30 a.m. (commercial 50 passenger bus) 

  • 7:15 a.m. (commercial 50 passenger bus) 

  • 8 a.m. (GSA 44 passenger bus)* 

Buses will depart on time or once they are full. Passengers who do not depart on a bus will be responsible for their own transportation to JBLM and should understand the following: 

  • Drop-off location at JBLM Passenger Terminal, Bldg. 1179: 1422 Union Ave. McChord Field, WA 98438.   

  • JBLM is approximately 40 miles south of SEA-TAC with a variable travel time of 45-90 minutes. The cost of a taxi is $90.00-$125.00.  

  • Third party vendors (i.e. Uber, Lyft, etc.) are not allowed access to JBLM.  

JBLM will open check-in counters 24-hours prior to departure for those in the area or those arriving early.   

Personnel electing to travel from SEA-TAC on their own transportation may use any form of travel to travel from their hotel to the Park n’ Ride listed below. There will be two bus pick up times at the Park n’ Ride to take personnel on base.  

JBLM Ground Transportation Services 

Park n’ Ride: 10617 S. Tacoma Way, Lakewood WA 98499 

  • 1x GSA bus/1x baggage truck 

  • Pick-up times: 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. 

  • Covered waiting area and food available 

  • No pets allowed 

On-Base Shuttle Services  

  • Joint Base Lewis McChord-Go Transit “Go LewisMcChord” 

  • Free shuttle runs every 20 minutes Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 

  • Blue Line stops at Passenger Terminal 

  • Dispatch: (253) 477-3717 

Additional COVID-19 Testing Information 

King and Tacoma-Pierce Counties provide free COVID-19 testing regardless of immigration or insurance status. Operated sites are intended to serve communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 or who cannot access a test through their regular healthcare provider. Visit the following websites for more information:  

To view frequently asked questions regarding Patriot Express travel, visit https://www.amc.af.mil/AMC-Travel-Site/Frequently-Asked-Questions/ or if you need additional information about flights from JBLM you can find terminal information at https://www.mcchord.af.mil/About-Us/Space-A/