Dont Try To Fly Space
PCS season is a bad time to fly Space-A in general, especially to/from OCONUS locations. Getting a seat on a PE is even more difficult at this time, because the PEs are full of families PCSing on orders.
Most AMC passenger terminals that are part of a PE route also have other Space-A flights , so if you are traveling from one of those terminals, you may have multiple options.
One notable exception is Seatac, which does not have any other Space-A flights besides the PE. If you are in the Seattle area during PCS season and want to fly Space-A, its best to try JB Lewis-McChord or Whidbey Island.
Departing South Korea Via Patriot Express At Osan Air Base South Korea
Passenger service agents are available to assist and can be contacted at DSN 784-6883 if travelers have additional questions.
This information is updated as of Oct. 14, 2022.
For more Osan Patriot Express information and schedules, visit:
You Will Pay A Small Fee To Fly Space
This fee is charged per passenger and covers head tax and inspection fees. The amount varies depending on where youre traveling to/from but maxes out at around $36 for flights from outside the continental U.S. to within the continental U.S. .
Make sure you have cash in U.S. dollars the passenger terminal may not accept credit cards.
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The Cons: What Are The Disadvantages Of Space
Space-A travel is less predictable than flying commercially. Passenger terminals post flight schedules only 72 hours in advance, and you wont know if you got a seat until the last minute.
Peak travel times, including summer, winter holidays and even spring break, are even more competitive. You may need to be more flexible about when you travel and even where youll go.
You may incur other costs with Space-A travel, such as transportation to the base youll be flying from. You may need to wait for a flight homepossibly for daysand the costs of lodging and meals can quickly add up.
Finally, Space-A travel, unless youre on a Patriot Express flight, is bare bones. You may find it cold, loud and uncomfortable.
Patriot Express Departures And Arrivals
Which Patriot Express you fly depends greatly on where you are headed. Those departing the United States for overseas bases in the Pacific will depart from Seattle, Washingtons Air Mobility Command terminal to the following destinationswhat are listed here can safely be assumed to be round-trip flights, though mission requirements and other factors may change that on individual flights:
- Misawa AB, Japan
- Souda Bay NSA, Greece
Some flights may or may not have stops along the way much depends on variables including mission requirements, ops tempo, threat levels, and other concerns.
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Patriot Express Flights Have Standard Routes And Schedules
PE routes and schedules generally dont change month-to-month except in the case of delays, maintenance, or weather issues. Some missions may also change or run less frequently during the year-end holidays.
Following are the current schedules for PE flights originating in CONUS. Check the OCONUS terminals respective pages to see what day of the week the rotator departs from that location.
Flight destinations are listed in order. The return flight simply reverses course.
Some destinations are not accessible to all Space-A passengers. Restrictions are noted with asterisks.
NOTE: Some schedules may differ due to PCS season adjustments. Please check with the terminals for their most recent schedules by clicking on the passenger terminal name.
- Misawa AB, Japan and Osan AB, Korea
- Yokota AB, Japan and Osan AB, Korea
- Yokota AB, Japan, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, and Kadena AB, Japan
- Kadena AB, Japan
- Andersen AFB, Guam, Kadena AB, Japan
Note:AMC temporarily added PE missions from JB Lewis-McChord to Kadena AB. These missions will operate between 16 May and 30 September 2022. Flights will depart JBLM weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Visit the JBLM AMC web page to view the latest 30-day schedule.
*Access limited to duty personnel stationed in that location**Access limited to duty personnel and sponsored guests***No Space-A passengers allowed
Ramstein Is On The Patriot Express Route Originating At The Bwi Air Mobility Command Terminal
There are multiple flights per week from BWI to Ramstein. Despite the frequency of flights to Ramstein, BWI is not necessarily the best place to fly Space-A. Particularly during summer PCS season, Patriot Express flights tend to be full of active duty passengers, and BWI does not have other military flights to Europe besides the PE.
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Temporary Additional Patriot Express Flights From Jblm To Kadena Air Base
By Air Mobility Command Public Affairs on April 15, 2022
Passengers disembark from a Patriot Express passenger jet on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Aug. 23, 2021. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Maeson L. Elleman
Temporary Patriot Express flights will begin operating out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, from May 16 to Sept. 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 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.
All travelers must have a valid COVID-19 test prior to boarding transportation to JBLM.
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:
Air Force Confirms Two More Patriot Express Dog Deaths
French bulldogs, like this one in an undated photo, are at a higher health risk during flights, according to the Air Force Air Mobility Command.
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan The Air Force has expressed condolences a second time for the death of a family dog at a military passenger terminal in the Pacific.
A transportation specialist discovered a French bulldog dead in its travel crate Thursday at the Kadena Air Base terminal on Okinawa, Col. Damien Pickart, a spokesman for Air Mobility Command told Stars and Stripes by email Friday.
Overnight Air Mobility Command leadership learned of a new pet death on an AMC Patriot Express mission, the command said in a post Friday on its official Facebook page. We extend our deepest condolences to the family.
The dog is the fourth family pet found dead in connection with a Patriot Express flight in the Pacific since June 5. The July 1 death of a Pomeranian mix prompted the command to express condolences and make a series of changes to ensure its passengers pets are handled safely during flights in the summer heat.
The Air Force general in charge of Air Mobility Command wrote an alert Friday to say he ordered a review of every aspect of Patriot Express pet travel following the deaths of three dogs in the past two weeks.
As a pet owner with five overseas tours, Im intimately aware of the risk, expense, and extreme concern when it comes to these important members of our families, wrote Gen. Michael Minihan.
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Signing Up For Patriot Express Travel
Those who are traveling on official business are not required to sign up for Space A travel, their seats are reserved and they will register for their flights as directed by the local command.
Those who are not traveling on official business but are flying with leave paperwork are required to sign up for Space A travel from a specific passenger terminal and may or may not be assigned a seat on a Patriot Express aircraftit could be any departing flight that is going to the travelers destination.
Those flying on orders do not pay a fee as opposed to those flying Space A, who will be charged a small fee for travel. This fee is usually charged in cash onlyask before you rely on a different form of payment.
What Are The Patriot Express Schedule/routes
- BWI-Ramstein-BWI
- BWI-Ramstein-Incirlik-Ramstein-BWI
- Seattle-Andersen AFB Guam-Kadena-Seattle
- SeattleMisawa-Osan-MisawaSeattle
- SeattleYokota-Osan-YokotaSeattle
- SeattleYokota-Iwakuni-KadenaIwakuni-YokotaSeattle
- Seattle Patriot Express Schedule Sheet
- Norfolk NASJacksonville NASGuantanamoJacksonville NASNorfolk NAS
- Norfolk NAS-Rota-Naples-Souda Bay-Bahrain-Downrange-Bahrain-Souda Bay-Naples-Rota-Norfolk NAS
- Norfolk NAS-Rota-SigonellaBahrainDjiboutiBahrainSigonellaRotaNorfolk NAS
Lesser known Commercial-contract Missions:
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What To Expect On A Space
Patriot Express flights offer amenities, including meals and in-flight movies.
Other Space-A flights do not. Snacks and water may be available, but its best to be prepared and bring your own.
Seating depends on the type of aircraft. Some have seats that are comparable to commercial airlines. Others have web seating along the sides of the plane. If this is the case, you can stretch out if theres room.
Patriot Express flights are climate-controlled, but other military aircraft are not. They are often cold or hot, so dress in layers. They can also be loud. The crew will usually provide foam earplugs, but its a good idea to bring your own.
Frankfurt Airport Is Easily Accessible By Train Bus Or Commercial Shuttle
To reach Frankfurt airport by train, take a taxi to Landstuhl station . From Landstuhl, you can take a train to the Frankfurt am Mein Flughafen station. Note that you will transfer at least once along the way.
Ticket prices for the train vary based on the fare class, whether you take an InterCity or high-speed train, and if you purchase a reserved seat. The trip duration ranges from 1 hr 50 min to nearly 3 hours, depending on which train you take.
You can also take the bus between downtown Kaiserslautern and Frankfurt airport. The trip takes less than 2 hours and you purchase your tickets in advance or on the bus .
to compare schedules and pricing for the train and bus and to purchase tickets.
Several commercial shuttles also provide service to the Frankfurt airport. The Ramstein AMC Gram has a list of providers. The drive takes about 90 minutes, but keep in mind that the shuttles may also pick up other passengers.
If you need a hotel room close to the airport, we had a great experience at the Hampton by Hilton Frankfurt Airport. It was clean, modern, and had one of the best free breakfast buffets weve seen. At well under $100/night, it was a great deal. for the latest pricing.
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Tips From Personal Experience
After a rather eventful experience with Patriot Express and commercial flights, Megan shared her tips with us!
Double triple check your flights: theres no such thing as being too cautious! Patriot Express flights are posted one calendar month at a time on a standard set schedule. If youre taking a Patriot Express flight, you can for updates. If youre flying commercial, stay up-to-date on the airline itself as well as your destination.
Roll Call: Depending on which Patriot Express flight youre on, you may have a roll call. Be present during possible roll calls when your plane arrives and/or when its time to check in for departure. Get to the airport early and ask the Patriot Express ticket agent about roll call procedures.
Prepare to wait: The Patriot Express has a reputation for departing late. The shops and restaurants will not stay open, so make sure you have enough snacks and entertainment!
Plan ASAP for pets: There are limited spots if you take the Patriot Express. Call to reserve one as soon as you know which flight youre on! Your pets can also fly commercial or with a pet shipper. But regardless of how they travel, get started on the process ASAP. Also remember that if you fly with the Patriot Express and then take the bus to your duty station, you will have to put your pet in its crate under the bus for the whole ride per German law.
If pet slots are NOT available for your Patriot Express flight, you have a couple options.
The British And Canadian Forces Have Dining And Retail Facilities On Base That Us Service Members Dependents And Retirees Can Use
These facilities offer excellent quality food at highly discounted prices . The retail stores are especially convenient for travelers who are not eligible to make purchases at the BX/Shoppette. Retirees and others not stationed in Europe can purchase any non-rationed items.
- BritCafé serves traditional British fare for breakfast, lunch, and tea daily. They are located on the ground floor of building 539.
- The Brit Shop is a small store that sells British goods, primarily food , alcohol, and tobacco, including cigars. They also have a few pharmacy items, such as cold medicine. They are located next to BritCafé.
- The Canadian Canteen is on the second floor above the BritCafe in building 539. They sell alcohol and tobacco, including cigars, along with a few Canadian specialty items.
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Identify Your Destination And Possible Routes
1. Identify Your Destination and Possible Routes
The first step is to learn which bases have regular flights to where you want to travel. This list of worldwide destinations where Space-A travel may be available includes profiles of some of the terminals and information about typical flight destinations. Youll want to begin following some of their Space-A flight schedules, which well discuss in the next step.
You may find several possible routes to your desired destination. For example, if you are on the East Coast and want to fly to one of the common destinations, including Spain or Germany, you will likely be able to travel from several nearby bases. Travelers from other parts of the U.S. may need to take two or more hops to get there.
The can help you put together a flight plan to your destination. You can ask questions and find information about flying to and from specific locations.
You may have to combine Space-A travel with other transportation. For example, you may need to fly or drive to a base with regular Space-A flights to your desired destination. Or you may need to take a train or flight from an overseas base to your final destination.
Fly In The Highest Priority Category Possible
Space-A travelers are divided into six categories based on priority. Category 1 is the highest . Active duty on Environmental and Morale Leave are in Category 2, while active duty service members on regular leave are considered Category 3. Unaccompanied dependents on unfunded EML or whose sponsor is deployed are Category 4. Other eligible unaccompanied dependents are Category 5.
If youre in an EML-eligible location, this is an excellent time to use that leave!
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The Ramstein Inn Is The Central Reservations Office For Lodging Throughout The Kmc
The Ramstein Inn is located across the street from the passenger terminal in the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center . The KMCC also houses the AAFES Exchange, a movie theater, and other MWR activities, along with various restaurants and eateries.
The main building of the Ramstein Inn is the most convenient lodging for Space-A travelers. Depending on where your room is located, you may be able to see the flight line from your window.
The Ramstein Inn also has several other buildings on Ramstein Air Base as well as on nearby bases Vogelweh and Landstuhl.
If you are staying at one of the other buildings on Ramstein, the Ramstein Inn provides a shuttle for check-in and check-out only. They do not have a shuttle to the lodging at Vogelweh or Landstuhl. You will want a rental car if staying on either of those bases, which are both a 15 or 20-minute drive from Ramstein.
The 86th Force Support Squadron website has everything else you need to know about locations, rates, and policies for lodging in the KMC.
Space-A travelers can request a room at the Ramstein Inn up to 24 hours in advance of arrival for a maximum of 3 days at a time using the online form on the 86th FSS website or by calling directly. You can also simply walk across the street when you land in Ramstein and request a room in person.
You Have One Option For Car Rental On Base And Numerous Other Agencies Very Close To The Gate
Hertz, located in the Community Center , is the only car rental agency on base from which retirees and active duty travelers stationed outside of Europe can rent a car.
Agencies that have a location in the KMCC cannot rent to you, but they may offer to drive you to their rental office off base. There are also several other rental car agencies that are a short distance from the gate.
to search for other rental car agencies near Ramstein.
Important Note: Rental car agencies on and off base are generally closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
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You Can Take A Free Shuttle To Vicenza Italy
The Medevac shuttle transports patients between Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and U.S Army Health Center in Vicenza. All military ID card-holders can use unoccupied seats on a space-available basis.
Its a scenic 12-hour ride aboard a comfortable tour bus with 2 4 rest stops along the way. The shuttle departs from the bus stop outside the Landstuhl Hospital emergency room entrance on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1000.
The shuttle returns from Vicenza on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It departs from the health clinic at 0700.
You should arrive at least 20 minutes before scheduled departure at both locations.
**It is highly recommended to confirm the current schedule before making travel plans. Contact the Vicenza Health Center at +39 0444 61 9050 or LRMC at +49 6371 9464 5899.**
