Jet set disabled Vets on Space-A flights
When congress signed the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act last year,100% service connected disabled Veterans became eligible for Space Available Travel. Better known as ‘Space-A’ or military hops, Air Mobility Command (AMC) maintains an extensive network of flights throughout the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa. Supplementing this network, several Air National Guard and Naval Aviation Units have flights available.
To be eligible for Space-A flights, Veterans must have a permanent and total service-connected disability rating. These Vets must also obtain a DD Form 2765, “Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (TAN).
Capt. Ferricher prepares for flight. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jonathan Stefanko)
The Space-A Program fills surplus capacity and seating on DOD aircraft. A popular perk among retirees, now eligible Veterans can take advantage of the program and fly for free. So, whether the Veteran is looking for a getaway to Hawaii or a trip to catch-up with their Veteran brothers and sisters on the other side of the country, the Space-A travel program can fly you there.
Some things to know before flying Space-A:
- Disabled Veterans, along with retirees, are in priority group 6. This means active service members on emergency leave; post deployment respite and other important transportation needs will have priority.
- A contingency plan and resources, including commercial airfare, need to be available in case of a scheduling change or sudden unavailability.
- Dependents of disabled Veterans are not eligible for Space-A travel.
Eligible Veterans looking for flights should review schedules at AMC passenger terminals. Most AMC terminals, on military bases or at commercial airports, have a Facebook page that posts flight schedules and seat availability. Once a flight and destination are selected the Veteran can register in person at the terminal, or by email/fax.
Disabled Veterans, with a little flexibility and patience, are taking to the sky for free with Space-A travel and seeing more of the country thankful for their service and sacrifice.
For more information including: eligibility, locations, schedules, baggage, contact info, and; to register for the Space-Available Travel Email Sign-Up visit the Air Mobility Command—Space Available Travel Page.
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Are there any advocate groups who are lobbying to include dependent travel with 100% PTs?
This sounds like an ADA issue and when family pets are ranking over 100% PTs. something needs to be addressed by our leaders.
The original Bill seemed to treat all 100% pt the same as retirees, who changed it? WHy?
Thank you Congress for at least getting the ball rolling in the right direction. I’m sure this bill will be adjusted accordingly to handle additional concerns. Slowly, since that’s how Congress moves m but it will move. I am a 100% SC P&T veteran I personally will not be using this benefit as I feel that since I am still mobile those that are not are more deserving of the space. I thank you, though, for the additional benefit.
Is congress working on changing this to allow dependents? If not, how do we (veterans) get the ball rolling to start this change?
Vote them out of office! I am not sure if you know that young men and women who retire after 20yrs of active duty service do not get their retirement pay until they turn 62yrs old. This is as of FY2018. Guest who made that law? Our good ole congressman & senators! Service members life can be put on the line everyday but does our lawmakers? I am retired Army and 100% Disabled we fly a lot Space-A . NAS Norfolk Europe$23.75 on commercial & $0.00 on C-17 or C40’s Good Luck
Hey Watkins (Johnny,, great name my daddy had God rest his soul) / troop
Im new to this and was told its only contonental US for hops but its not what you’re saying so ill figure it out somehow..
totally fn agree,, it’s frkn sickening these nasty individuals in CONGRESS (Marion Webster dictionaries defininition of CONGRESS = “PACK OF BABOONS” which is such a fitting description of the nasty un-American y traitorius pukes!!) today y hopefully that fn shit changes (there we go,, “hope y change” but not tha H&C of the sick demorilizing freak show oBozo created with hiZ tranny shit) in the year 2020 so we can REGAIN OUR COUNTRY without having to go to war with antifa y tha like but if need be then ill be there..
damn i sure am looking forward to using that benefit afforded to us y shit needs to get right for our brethren still fighting the rats in the sewer of dc..
take care troop enjoy your R&R be safe brother
p.s. good possibility you will be able to put a face with a name (Sperry,,Joseph A. 4th ID y 81st ID ’87-’92) this coming Tuesday if you tune into OUR PRESIDENTS rally in Orlando,, look for a nice banner i commissioned of him hugging our flag y an eagle out of RESPECT y APPRECIATION for OUR GREAT PRESIDENT as i joined under my favorite president,, President Ronald Reagan Ft Dixx “18 March 1987”
Interesting request. Have you ever flown space A? I have flown it since 70s to present. It is not an airline service. Flights are real missions. Often planes break down, missions are cancelled or delayed, or flying as priority 6 you get bumped off the flight. As a vet flying single; yes, take advantage of it if you can. You have a better chance getting a seat flying single than with dependents. Keep in mind, you might incur costs for hotel and ground transportation and even a commercial airline ticket if the fight you want or are travelling on is delayed cancel or you are bumped. Flying space a is not a sure thing!
What is the age 65 non revocable flight? Both of us are 74, vet and spouse and service dog.
what most people on this page who are complaining do not realize is that the chance of getting a space available seat on a military aircraft is real slim, space a passengers are a category or two below the post commanders dog.
if you want your spouse travel with you then I suggest that you go to Expedia or some other travel site and book a flight or maybe try AMTRAK they have pretty reasonable rates and traveling by train is not that bad.
I see this reshaping in the near future where all your SC disabilities for 100% will be listed automatically through DoD and all those with PTSD and those with chronic sleep disorders like sleep apnea will NOT be able to fly because it will and could interrupt/jeopardize the mission of the Air Mobility Command which is a Major Command of the U.S. Air Force, and will be blacklisted otherwise as “no-fly”. I just see this coming real fast. Like caregivers and dependents not being included for 100% P&T w/no future exams currently only being amended and put into category 5 because when the bill was moved the language was changed. Strike the law. Wonder why the service organizations haven’t jumped on that yet. I am happy for the benefit though.
Anthony A Leon Guerrero… I agree that this bill is less than a benefit & more of an insult to those vets who suffer Total Disability as a result of their service to our nation. Those who passed the bill would never submit to the Red Tape involved. They obviously spent as little time investigating the details of this bill & its impact as they did when they passed Obama Care.
A brief scan of the regs regarding Space A travel would reveal that ALL PASSENGERS MUST BE ABLE TO BOARD AND DEBOARD WITHOUT ASSISTANCE… eliminating a large segment of Totally Disabled Veterans.
Once again, Congress gives us Peanuts while they dine on Steak n Tail!!!
James Almodovar, there are scheduled flights from Beaufort SC to PR and back again on a weekly basis. Check the schedule. They leave from the international airport.
Wow….I can’t believe there are any negative comments on this wonderful program. Guess if one was to go on a trip prior to hearing of this one would need to pay for self and spouse etc. Thanks to the VA medical staff of doctors and care givers I’m still here! So. Thank yoy DOD and Veterans Administration for a job well done.
I love all my brothers/sisters in arms but seeing these comments make me sick how unapreciative and entitled alot of vets think they are. We signed the oath willing to sacrafice everything at any cost even if it meant our life changing after the fact. Things happen in war and alot of guys didnt even come home and yet alot that did think the world owes you eveything and that we arent human anymore and shouldnt have to be normal responsible adults anymore. Im 100% mysepf and yes the docs said you may not be able to do the things you used to and love or be able to do this or do that ECT. When i got injured did i just lay there and give up and wait to die…no! Did i just lay there thinkin i was above anyone as a person and expect someone to come and help me..no but they did and thankful everyday they did. Now that im out and have a rating of 100% do i just sit back and not do the things the docs said id never do again and wait for everything to be handed to me….no! I fight everyday to enjoy life and prove everyone wrong and i get out and go get what i want because thats what we were trained to do was fight and go get it not sit there and expect the enemy to commit suicide we had to do it for them so why the hell is it any different in every day life. If you have a disability dont use that as a cruch use that shit as a motivation warriors and prove everyone wrong. Dont show you are weak by wanti g it all handed to you…prove you are a relentless warrior that doesnt give up and go get it yourself….ROGER!?!? Love yall and do t take this as disrespect because i meant none at all and is only motivation. I have many amputees skydiving…bullriding..mountain climbing..motorcycle riding…fishing…hiking…you name these guys are doing it when they thought it wasnt possible and tried to use it as a crutch but instead i turned it to motivarion and now things are bein givin to them without even asking because they are proving they are willing and able and arent giving up and are goin out and getting things they want and doing things they want. The government will never change so dont sit there wainting or it will be to late. Lifes to short to sit and wait on the government and its not gonna change so you have to change and go get it. AIRBORNE!!!
It is amazing how ignorant these vets are! I must agree with those who are just waking up that vets, prior to 2001 have been screwed by our last two leaders.just look at the 2110 caretakers act and the amended 2118 versions. Why are no veterans groups yelling. These regs are flagrant violations of age discrimination ,which begins at 40. With the v.a., We must never give up. The v.a. Has been known to fabricate evidence .l have an s.c. Of 300% . Plus a k factor .
Are there and Space A flights out of Newark International. Airport (Liberty International)? If so where can I get information.
What a miserable screwed up policy to not allow caregivers and or spouses who care for their 100% disabled veterans. The author together with congress to write and pass this bill should be ashamed. Even a single no dependents 100% veteran would not be able to fly without assistance. Who’s to care for them at the terminal and help them up the airplane ladder or speak on their behalf for their needs— the load master or the co-pilot or the pilot or the navigator? What a joke! I would think that the author and congress decided that the caregiver/spouse would walk the veteran to the check-in counter then depart the area for the air force to 100+% take control. What a lousy miserable policy. Another problem: Why group the 100% disabled veterans with retirees? Totally screwed up! They should be placed behind the retirees and not compete for space available seats.
I agree. How many disabled Veterans will not be able to take advantage of this since spouse or caretaker can not come along. This is a disgrace! It is as good as nothing!!
I’m a 100% disabled vet and can travel without assistance…and I’m not the only one, I’m sure.
Being as things are, would you prefer those 100% Disabled vets NOT be allowed to fly? I’m 100% and thankful that I am now going to be allowed to fly. I have a service dog. I don’t know if I can fly with her or not, but I prefer a limited benefit over none at all.
I appreciate your attitude about this, and, I agree. As congress sees associated problems (and it’ often hard to for congress to get it perfect the first go round) this may be just temporary problems. It may take a few years to fix the law, but they may! Heck I waited 30 year for this benefit, It may get better…
hey Ochoa couldn’t agree more my brother,, its what you receive not what you dont receive!!
ill gladly with appreciation take this benefit God wiling once i make my final chapter13br on the “31st of july 2019” New Orleans to see family y EAT the food i miss so damn much then i need my passport for hopefully September off to visit my amiga / tica en costa rica (i think i saw flights there!?!?)..
disfruta hermano mio
Sperry
I agree with you, before we were not able to fly Space A at all. This is a move in the right direction. Hopefully one day in the future the bill will be amended to allow 100% Vets to use Space A throughout the systems instead of limited destinations. The original bill was written to give the same privilege as retirees currently have. However it got watered down in Congress because there was some opposition to that. Overall it’s and excellent benefit.
Peace!
That was my first thought as well
How the hell would I ever make a Space A flight alone !!
Thanks for nothing Congress
Was John McCain even alive when this bill passed??
I don’t believe he would have ever agreed to have his name on a bill like this
Will this be effective on 2020 or 2019?
Best regards David
2019
I agree. I thought spouses were allowed to travel with the retired Veteran whether they were 100% disabled or not could travel with a spouse or caregiver. When did this change?
What I have found out is that if the veteran has a 100% service connected disability with a blue military identification card then his/her spouse has the privilege to fly also. But the spouse can only with with the veteran- but never can fly alone without the veteran
So those of us veterans who are 100% P&T but are not retired do not get to have our spouses/caregivers to come with us on space A travel?
August 2018
It is currently effective as of August 2018
What about permanent disability and under 100%,my wife has 90% and I have 80%,how much would we have to pay??
I wonder, Will service dogs be allowed to travel with disabled vets?
yes
I am 90% with a totally and permanently disabled rating., will I qualify? I also recieve 100% pay. I have been aproved for unemployability.
It’s pretty useless if the spouse can’t go…
I can go but my spouse can’t. Guess we’ll have to wait until I turn 65 to get my airline non-rev benefits for both of us to be able to go.
What is non-rev benefits?
Did any of you read the article and follow the provided links? Jesus H Christ……..
Thank you for this thoughtful 1st step. This benefit should not place a strain or danger upon Military Operations, so I understand the limitations and restrictions to this benefit for those not ambulatory. Addition of 1 caregiver or dependent would be nice, though.
I just got my 100% can you tell me what all is available for me. I live close to the Myrtle Beach, SC. Or tell where I can look it up. Thank you.
Ask your nearest VSO or VA Regional Office 800-827-1000 in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin or call: MyVA311 (844-698-2311)
TTY:711.
Will be very good for many, and not for some. I Can’t believe how much negative post due to care giver Not included. I’m 100 per with my wife as caregiver so I can say , yep it’s a bummer. But I understand and go on with life, if you don’t have something nice to say,,,don’t just post complaints,,,Good Lord are we never satisfied anymore… this will help many who can use it be fricken happy for them for God sake. I don’t remember any part of my VOLUNTEER contract saying the uncle Sam would accommodate my leisure travel if my noodle got rattled and now have to take a knee with no change in site. That was the risk I took. If a person was drafted and injured to me they should be high priority and spouse included. Please please let’s not ruin this ,don’t be a pain in the add when flying or booking or it will end quick trust me. Uncle Sam doesn’t owe me us anything other than proper healthcare, and loss in wages if applicable and or compensation. I have meet many vets wasting energy complaining,,I get it ,,it sucks trust me I know first hand 8 years of it. But I try to be Thankful for the good. 2 brain surgeries, lung biopsy, 13 emergency admitoins 3 icu, 63 days in hospital, plus 3 month inpatient Ptsd TBI rehabilitation. All this since 2011. Flying free with wife 0 zero, I’m ok with that, sorry if i pissed you off, but please just be a fraction more thankful, be happy for those that can use it,
What about a disabled veteran that is 70% disabled and being paid at a 100%?
Yes its the same you can travel Space A
I have a question,,,How are you at 70% getting paid for 100%? Please do tell.
Thank you,
I agree with the above comments – it is a terrific offer, but I travel with my wife. This needs to be reassessed to include spouses. Also, many Vietnam Vets have oxygen 24/7, and mobility scooters. We need to know if these are allowed. thank you!
Thank you for addressing this comment
Yes… Go get your I.D. card
Many vets have questions here about this ID (DD2765) and the benefits attached to it. First, you must be a service connected 100% totally and permanently disabled vet to obtain it. In my town, I had to go to an armory where they had an agent who issued these cards. No appointment was necessary, I just walked in, but that process may vary by locations. Call in advance to find out. The card, with photo, is issued on site, and the process took only about 20 minutes. A few of the benefits I have used it for is that you can access any military base with it, and use their PX and other facilities (saves a lot on groceries)
But the biggest saving to me was that Disney offers incredible discounts for veterans with this card, over 50% on park tickets, up to 40% on resort hotels, and nearly 50% (or more) on many other Disney related tickets and venues. With this discount, I was able to take my daughter, her husband, and my 3 beautiful grandchildren on 3 wonderful vacations to DisneyWorld, where our trips would have cost $12,000 – $15,000, but actually came in between $6,000 – $8,000. I’m not wealthy, so without this card we might have been able to take one trip, but certainly not three. I’m sure there are many other deals available for vets with this card, but these are the two that I have used, and by doing so have saved a lot of money.
Why is it only for disable vet why can’t it be available for all veterans
I am retired Army with 50% disability. Will be able to catch a Hop on a military aircraft. I look to perhaps catch a hop from a Air force Base in Spokane wash. Is there a listing as to where in Washington State where I can get a hop somewhere in the allotted area. My wife would be with me.
McQueen Varnes, mack.varnes.is@gmail.com. I don’t have a website.
it is not only disabled vets, it is 100% disabled vets in addition to active duty and retired military personal and their families which means that the chance of getting a flight to anywhere is pretty slim.
used to be that there was also a ten dollar administration fee for each passenger but I would bet that it is more than that today
Some of these comments are unbelievable!
If you were offered a million, you would complain that it wasn’t two million.
Here is a free Porsche, but I wanted a Ferrari
This dinner is free for you, but what about my Uncles son stepdaughter?
Something will always be better than nothing people. It will not always be “exactly” what we would like but it is better than before. A huge percentage of Vets will be able to use these flights and those who cannot have a caregiver with them, hopefully, this is a step in the right direction.
No they are not….The DD Form 2765 is your military ID issued to you from any military base if you are 100% disabled. You must take your DD 214 along with your proof of your 100 % rating ……medical report to the base personnel building to get your ID.
51 Years as sole caregiver to my 100% disabled Veteran of Viet Name War and you say he cann travel but not his caregiver who is his spouse with Miltary ID…Nothing ever changes since he has this benefit prior to you announcing this bill.
I hope you realize they do not respond to comments so you are wasting your time here. Flying class A is not an upgrade and was an option for me well before this. Now this law will only make it harder. Plus I promise flying on military aircraft is not enjoyable at all. This isnt all it’s cracked up to be.
If a veteran is %50 disabled, can he/she hop a flight to get half-way there?
if your veteran is retired from the military either regular or disability retirement then this program does not apply to you.
a retire, his spouse and minor children are already authorized to fly space available on military and DOD contracted flights, he cost used to be $10 per person admin fee.
if your veteran did not retire from the military then yes you cannot accompany him
Why not allow all service connected vets to fly!
Not fair why not allow all service connected to fly Space A!
Rodolfo Lejano,
My wife is my caregiver for SMC the family okay to take care esp. my wife. Do you think for flying 100% disable VET your
staff can provide comfort and dignity for each 100% disable meaning they are not okay.
mainly because with the addition of the 100% veterans you would not get a space anyway.
Why worry about something so rediculous. It’s just an attempt at showing what a great job the VA is doing. Let’s focus on important issues such as the VA to provide both medical care and our disability pay to our spouses or significant other. This would give peace to all veterans . Thanks for listening
Yep,
Had to reread it twice to get the full effect.
If you are a 100% single disabled Vet, or one that doesn’t really care about having their spouse along, it’s good.
Not a bad deal for them.. That’s cool.
Now if you are a disabled Vet with less than 100%, even though you busted your ass for our beloved Country, it totally and completely sucks. Or any 100%’er that wants to take his wife, that sucks too.
So once again only the favored few get to reap this benefit
Ya’ll are lucky..
Well done, (sarcastically written)
This makes a big difference for a lot of people like me. I see a lot of complaints on here though. If you are disabled from combat or other reasons and you are complaining, I suggest you try to remember why you took the job in the first place. And if that doesn’t work, think of the ones that didn’t come home at all. They didn’t die so we could get free flights. Be thankful for what you have or at least what you have left. God bless all the veterans and may God look over the Infantry.
you realize of course that even if those with a rating below 100% were included in this program they most likely would never be able to get a seat on a plane.
the space A traveler is a category one slot below the base commanders dog and can be bumped from the flight up until the time the plane takes off.
these are not commercial airlines you are flying on they are C-130’s, C-5a’s and other military transports designed to carry cargo,
do some research on the soldiers and sailors home in Biloxi, pretty much any veteran can stay there, it costs about 30% of our income but unless your spouse is a veteran also he or she is not allowed to live there with you.
I served for over 6 I have 50% disability why doesn’t that qualify me? And why is the V.A. giving these benefits to only 100% if anything the lower percentage veterans need the discount more, because we get reimbursed at a lower rating amount $, why aren’t 50% and even lower ratings getting these flights it’s only fair that we do.
I agree with Elton East no one is ever satisfied if you were given 200% people would want 400% be happy you made it home and have someone to care for you.If you don’t have enough money for you both to fly somewhere take a nice drive or walk and be happy your alive.
I”m a 100% Service-Connected Permanent and Total Disabled Veteran and I require a caregiver when Travel. So, in essence this form of travel for me would require for me to have my caregiver with me this is due to my severe residuals from the TBI I suffer from which is a service-connected disability. Please answer me soon.
Thank you.
Robert L. Primeaux
!00% disabled veterans should have worldwide access to Space A flights OCONUS, as well as, CONUS. We should have the same benefits as retired and their dependents, as well as, DOD employees etc. Actually 100% disabled veterans should be as important as retired veterans. The current law should have OCONUS amended to include it. I hope other 100% veterans agree.
James Almodovar; I too agree with the statement you made this is a bogus treatment of all who have served our country I have 50% and that should have some impact.
I am 90% disabled but get 100% for unemployability. Am I eligible?
My husband 100% disabled, but he passed away. Am I qualify to Apace A travel? Thank you . Please let me know.
Thanks, I live near Ft Benning, GA. Please provide me with scheduling
Such a disgrace that the Department of Defense has not corrected “their
” misunderstanding of the law. The act clearly meant to allow spouses to fly with the 100% vet that served their Country. The spouses were home waiting.
You must go through the individual base for scheduling questions.
No one cares about veterans and no one ever truly will!
…or you can do some simple research and figure it out for yourself Soldier.
UPDATE
DOD Instruction 4515.13
Change 3 (13 August 2018)
Policy update in regards to the newly signed: “John S. McCain National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2019”
This act provided eligibility for Veterans with a Permanent Service-connected Disability Rated
as Total to compete for travel aboard Space-available passenger transportation, using surplus
aircraft capacity.
Space Available Travel Priority of Category VI (6)
Authorized veterans with a permanent service-connected disability rated as total traveling in the
Continental United States (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 traveling within Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the
U.S. Virgin Islands
Space Available Travel is permitted, provided all space-required passengers and cargo have been
accommodated. Space Available transportation is allowed on a non-interference basis only. DoD
aircraft, including training missions, will not be scheduled or sized to accommodate the
movement of passengers on a space-available basis. Space-available transportation will not be
used for personal gain or for a business enterprise. No additional funds may be used or flight
hours performed to provide transportation under the space-available travel program.
Documentation Requirements and Eligibility: Veterans with a permanent service-connected
disability rated as total, must have a DD Form 2765, “Department of Defense/Uniformed
Services Identification and Privilege Card (TAN).”
Travelers should contact their local Passenger Terminal for further details and review travel
information found on the AMC Travel Website for specific details on the Space Available Travel
Program.
You can not fly out of Ft Benning,. It must be an AMC site. See their website for locations. However, you can fly to Ft Benning from am AMC site…
I’m sure a lot of disabled veterans will not be using this benefit because they will not be able to have a spouse with them. I’m one of those who needs my wife to be with me!! This needs to be changed!!
what about retired veterans with 80% disabilities? Can I get space A? And why cant a spouse fly especially with a 100 % disabled Veteran?
Retirees are already eligible to fly space A.
It’s just another great political head line that has no impact to speak of. Even active duty almost never took advantage of space-a. Now 100% disabled vets can travel alone.. How many people want to travel alone? Almost none.
Same thing with the GI bill forever thing.. Will have no impact for another decade.
Just more political headlines that over promis, and under deliver.
Im a 100% service connected disabled veteran who needs assistance and my United States registered Service dog to accompany me when ever i ho places. I appreciate this offer it would be so wonderful to even be able to go see my dad whom i hadnt seen in 11 yr and some other family. But this still would not get me there if i couldnt take an assitant my pca’s change off and on. It would be a dream come true to be able to do something other then just always trips to drs and hospital’s. But the part of no spouse or aide still leaves quite a few like me out on a limb and sometimes I feel businesses offer things to veterans knowing we can’t use them anyway just to try to make themselves look better for themselves to the public. More slaps in our faces and more hopes and dreams crushed and people wonder why veterans get depressed or angry.
Any update yet on 100% disabled veteran caregiver being allowed to fly with this totally disabled veteran?
Any update on 100% disabled caregiver/attendant allowed with helpless veteran yet?
Hello Sgt Ferguson,
First you request letter from The VA stating commissary and MWR privileges, then take said letter, state issued ID and your DD214 to any military base that issues ID cards. Go to the pass and ID office to receive your DD2765 ID card. Dependent must have marriage license, state ID and children must have birth certificate to receive their military dependent ID. I hope this helps.
Thank Our Country for this opportunity to occasionally fly when needed. I am a 100% total and permanently disabled Viet Nam combat Vet with an interest. How do I apply for a DD2765? Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sgt Dave Ferguson USMC
I am 100% disabled. How can I get a DD2765 FORM?
Sir,
just go to your local military installation ID Card section and make sure you take your paperwork stating your 100% total and permanent status and they will issue you a tan military ID Card, those cards are indefinite so you do not have to worry about getting another card.
Most cities have armories where you can walk in with your VA letter proving that you’re a service connected 100% disabled vet, and in about a half hour walk out with your photo ID DD2765 card. I got mine without an appointment, and have used it 3 times since 2014 to take my daughter, son-in-law, and 3 grandchildren to DisneyWorld. The discount rates for Disney with this ID are incredible for park tickets, hotels, and other Disney related venues, in many cases 50% and more.
Thank you for your Vietnam Combat Service Sgt Ferguson!!!!
I am a 100% Total & Permanent Disabled Veteran of the USAF and Above Knee Amputee and yes, I had it much easier than you!!! I decided a long time ago I would thank every Vietnam Veteran I met. I’m very grateful for all you did and I’m glad you made it home. I wish they would have treated you guys better when you got home!!!!
Hello Sgt Ferguson,
First you request letter from The VA stating commissary and MWR privileges, then take said letter, state issued ID and your DD214 to any military base that issues ID cards. Go to the pass and ID office to receive your DD2765 ID card. Dependent must have marriage license, state ID and children must have birth certificate to receive their military dependent ID. I hope this helps.
Do you have your TAN color Military ID. You can go to the nerest military instalation with your VA letter that you can print from VA.gov and take it to DEERS.
Take your DD 214 and your eligibility paperwork from the VA to the nearest installation that issues military ID cards.
To obtain a DD2765 (Military ID Card) you’ll need at least two of the forms of identity source documents from the list below and “in addition” to those two documents you will need a recent VA Compensation letter that shows you are 100% Total And Permanent Disabled. Check your local military base to be sure they issue ID Cards and if they also issue Base Access Decals. The list looks long but it usually only takes 15-20 minutes when you have the required documents. Once you have your ID card, your spouse can get one and any children under 18 or under 23 if enrolled in accredited college a full time. With the card you also get exchange and commissary privileges too.
Primary Identity Source Document List
US Passport or US Passport Card
US Drivers License or State-Issued ID Card, with Photo
US Military ID Card
US Military Dependent’s Card
Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form (I-551)
Foreign Passport
Employment Authorization Document, with Photo
Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Card
Secondary Identity Source Document List
The secondary identity source document may be a form of ID from the list above, provided it is not the same type. For example, you cannot use two different passports from two different countries as your form of ID.
US Social Security Card
Birth Certificate w/ Official Seal – Must be an original or certified copy issued by a state, county, municipal authority, possession, or outlying possession of the United States
ID Card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency or entity; must have photograph
Voter’s Registration Card
U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card
Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
U.S. Citizen IF Card (Form I-197)
Identification Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the United States (Form I-179)
Certifiation of Birth Abroad or Certification of Report of Birth issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350)
Temporary Resident Card (Form I-688)
Employment Authorization Card (Form I-688A)
Reentry Permit (Form I-327)
Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
Employment Authorization document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Employment Authorization Document issued by DHS with photograph (Form I-688B)
Foreign ID with photograph
Driver’s License issued by a Canadian government entity
Native American Tribunal document
I’m disabled for a reason. I can’t travel alone. Gee, thanks for nothing!
Have faith Brother, they are working on as hard as they. You know the government hurry-up and wait for m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m
I’m Viet Nam vet as well at a 100%
WELCOME HOME AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
Did you reach out to AMC and see if there’s some sort of pass for a caregiver? Or maybe write your congressman about adding an addendum to this new privilege. Probably not, it’s a lot easier to complain.
Go back to Congress and lobby for allowing military dependents and their dependent caregivers the same benefit. Rhodes individuals also sacrificed their love, time, and lives while their love one(s), sacrificed for their lives, time, and service to this nation. The fight to get deserved benefits from the government after our time-served has been more of a battle than the battles while serving on active and reserve duty. Do The Right Thing… Lobby for dependent and dependent caregivers and aids to be allowed to travel with the disabled Veterans under the guidelines of this benefit.
Thank you, this is a service that I am truly thankful for!
Now Congress can waste more time passing a law to fix what they screwed up the first time.
I am a 230% Disabled Vietnam Era Veteran my Wife and I both have the DD Form 2765 Tan ID Card just wanted to be sure, I assume that does also allow my Wife to travel Space A with me correct?
Sorry no…
correct
Good question, Mr. Bank. I’m 100% DAV. My wife and I also have DD 2765 IDs. Have you gotten a response to your question?
Thanks
I was told at Joint Base Charleston that my wife would not be allowed as dependents are not allowed on the flights. This needs to be changed.
I am 100 % service connected & my son lives in Hi . Will I be eligible to get a flight there & back ?
YES :)
I may be wrong on this matter, but we all serve to protect and preserve the integrity of this country and with all due respect to the all in this eligibility to mate this bill happen, we all deserve to use this privilege, not as a percentage factor but as service men and woman, we deserve better treatment in all of the aspect of the military matter, we sacrifice our lives as well as our family, and not by a percentage factor. I am requesting to re-evaluate this matter to all service members who are getting less than 100%, cause we all have given our 100% to this Nation. one more thing there are no flights leaving from Puerto Rico as indicated in this article
I spent 20 years active duty and retired. I have to pay for Tricare for my Wife. Many that have only served 2-4 years and are disabled get CHAMPVA free for their spouses . You get free VA help when you need it. You may or may not have some degree of disability ? You may or may not have served in Combat ? I did as a gunner on AC-130 Gunships during the Vietnam War. I won the DFC and the Air medal and 5 OLC’s. Some gave more then others. Why not give it to the guys that have the most awards , or spent the most time on active duty or most tours overseas , or have the biggest percentage of disability ?? Stupid question : they only have so much space. Can’t you understand that ??? Duh !!! That is why it is called Space A !!!! Quit your bitching, they do the best they can to be fair !!! And , yes, You are wrong on this matter !! Very Wrong !!
You need to check with the Borinquen Air Station located at old Air Force Reamy Base, They do fly out of Aguadilla Airport. However you must verify with them, or maybe wit HLS because the article stay Military Airgrafth or others. Aguadilla fall under others. I’m clarify, not an expert but had see other agences fly out.
This is great, however is it possible that the Vet can bring their mobility scooter with them?
https://www.amc.af.mil/Home/AMC-Travel-Site/AMC-Travel-FAQs/
Question 11: I am a disabled veteran, with a retiree card (DD Form 2). Can I fly Space-A?
Answer: Yes. However, there are certain restrictions you need to be aware of. If you require motorized assistance to move around, the current allowance is for mobility assistance equipment shall not to exceed 100 lbs. in weight.
no
This is great, however is it possibly for the Vet to bring their mobility scooter with them?
Mr Dwight,.. I couldn’t agree more with you! “Yes,.. “Congress should revisit to allow all honorably discharge vet to have an opportunity to see a bit of the world while we all put our life on the line to protect our constitution!
Sorry, they allow two bags 70 pounds with dimension limits. No mobility equipment allowed. It is of note, you must be able to climb stairs for most flights too. Also, no open toed or open heeled shoes on military aircraft.
Thank you!
I am an old Vietnam war veteran. I have my VA card but it doesn’t have DD Form 2765 printed on it. Are they the same thing?
The card they are talking about is the card you get when Permanent and Totally Disabled. Normally you have to go to a an aremd services base that issues ID cards.
No they are not.
Hi Stanley I’m Vietnam Army Infantryman & I know with my VA Card I still had to go onto nearest Military Base to get me & my wife the TAN(colored card) which is DD Form 2765. Hope that helps you, Kerry Good.
Unfortunately no Sir, they are not the same. IF you are 100%total and permanent disabled then you would go to a military installation and get issued a tan ID Card that is indefinite. It looks like the same ID cards the dependents are issued.
No. The DD2765 is a photo ID card that shows you are a service connected 100% totally and permanently disabled vet. It is issued through the Department of Defense, not the VA.
No, a VA card and DD Form 2765 are not the same… If you are a 100% Service connected T&P Disabled Vet you should be able to take your award letter to your nearest I.D. Card section and get a proper I.D.
I took mine to the local USAR center in Nashville TN and they did mine and my wife & dependent daughter in a matter of about 45 minutes.
I would call first to make sure you have the proper paperwork though.
Good Luck
Dave C.
BNA
PS: I actually initiated a Congressional Inquiry about flying Space-A about 2 years ago… I AM SOOOoooo glad they finally got this passed! Praise Jesus! :)
Yes, I said it… Praise Jesus! lol
Thank you for your Vietnam Combat Service Stanley J. Petrowski!!!! Just curious about your comment….
We’re you saying….
A. The Vietnam War is old.
B. You are an old Veteran.
C. Both A. and B.
I pick C., and I’m very grateful for all you did and I’m very glad you made it back home!!!!
I really hope they let us take our caregivers on the Space A flights!!!!
No… First you request letter from The VA stating commissary and MWR privileges, then take said letter, state issued ID and your DD214 to any military base that issues ID cards. Go to the pass and ID office to receive your DD2765 ID card. Dependent must have marriage license, state ID and children must have birth certificate to receive their military dependent ID. I hope this helps.
DD Form 2765 is a picture ID that gives you base privileges, PX, Commissary, MWR. All you have to do is take your DD 214 and your eligibility paperwork from VA to the nearest installation that issues ID cards.
These m******F****** don’t care about spouses. Spouses deserve much more. They are the ones who had our backs and supporting us while we were deployed. Might as well have not implemented disabled vets into the program.
Is the 100 % Disabled veteran’s caregiver allowed to accompany them on this flight? Otherwise most 100 % disabled veterans would not be capable of traveling alone. I would like to have a contact number…
Question 22: I am a disabled retiree or dependent (Other Than 100% Disabled Veteran), can I have a brother, sister, or friend accompany me to help me?
Answer: The only persons permitted to accompany you are your spouse, dependents or other persons eligible for Space-A travel. Every effort shall be made to transport passengers with disabilities who are otherwise eligible to travel. In some instances, however not required, Passenger Service personnel and Crew Members may provide assistance in boarding, seating, and deplaning passengers with special needs. NOTE: Current Space-A Privileges do not extend to 100% Disabled Veteran’s Spouse or Dependents.
https://www.amc.af.mil/Contact-Us/
We think that the veterans spouse’s of 100% should have “all the same benefits as the veteran” should have and we mean all of it we put up with a lot of stuff as the veteran it might not be the same as what the veteran went through but we go through a lot even after the veteran comes home we still are there for them physically and mentally before and after we took our vows just like they took their military oath.
I agree with the FUBAR on the companion. My husband was 100% SCD. He was blind as well as partially mobility impaired. He would never have felt comfortable flying alone, not knowing when/if/where I would have been able to meet up with him. As to your comment “Why group the 100% disabled veterans with retirees? Totally screwed up! They should be placed behind the retirees and not compete for space available seats.” are you saying that someone who gave 100% (or more) of some part of themselves and their lives should not be equal to a retiree? I truly respect long service, I have had many retirees in my family, but to consider them above the DAVs is quite narrow minded.
I totally agree with you, Sheryl.
I was not blind as was my husband from his service but I was important to him as his “eyes”. I allowed him to envision the places we went, the activities we shared and the living he could no longer “see”. He would not have been able to take advantage of this benefit with any assurance of comfort or safety. Who might have been available to assist him to the “head” (if they even have them on Space-A planes)?
Just enjoy him while you can. My sailor shipped out from mestthelioma far too soon. I miss him terribly.
Why are they requiring a DD 2765 (Tan card) ? I have VA letter stating full & permanent along with retirement ID (Green).
Sir,
if you have you retired you will just need your blue ID Card to board space A flights, you would not need a tan ID card
You have your retired card which is fine. This article was more so directed towards 100% total and permanent vets who are just now becoming eligible.
Fred, if you are a “Retiree” you already can fly Space-A using your Retiree I.D. Card
This is for the vets who are medically discharged and have a rating of 100% T&P Disabled.
Same with me! This doesn’t make any sense at all!!! Thanks for nothing!!! My spouse served along with me through all my deployments!!! Dependants should be included!!!
They require the new DD2765 or the blue card
Just take your old card to a pass and ID office for exchange. You are in the DEERS system so so your old ID is all you need. Of note, the AMC also requires the new tan card with a military ID number. The ones with a social security number will not work.
It’s easy to get one, just go down to your local base and it takes a few minutes. It gets you fully in the system
Fred, you are confusing the issue, which I understand. The bill refers only to NON RETIREES. If you have a retired ID card, blue, then you already have this privilege. This applies to Veterans who did NOT retire from the military (either from longevity or disability) and are rated 100% Permanent and Total. Most 100% P&T vets already have the TAN ID card.
However there are some who have not yet applied. Hence the instruction to apply..
If you are retired with 20 or more years of service you are alredy a qualify costomer due to your service. The article talks about 100% Disable Veterand whom did not retire due to time in service. This privalage was part of your benefit as a retiree. Space A was, Not an extendet it benefit for Disable Veterans prior to this new law.
Nothing is perfect and those who can’t travel alone may be upset but for many 100 percenters this is a very nice deal. Thank you.
To be clear, all (100%) vets with any permanent disability rating are eligible?
Yes…
Oh yeah, forgot to add that the VA sucks and isn’t getting any better at all. Suicides are happening daily yet most of you worry about free freaking flights. How pathetic. I pray if you have the opportunity to retire that you’re not treated like we are. But let’s be real, the VA DOES NOT care about your personal wellbeing.
Your comments are invalid. I have been in the VA System since 1988 and have had nothing but the best of care. Yes, there are hiccups, just like with the private sector but we have access to the care we need. On one point you made about veteran suicides, that is accurate and sad to say happens also in the private sector.
I worked with the homeless and within the SSVF Program (Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families) through St. Vincent De Paul and Catholic Charities in St. Petersburg, FL. There are so many programs available to help Veterans but the veteran needs to seek them out or go to programs hosted and get lists of what is available.
Most veterans I met or worked with always gave back to society, yet I also met several that expect everything handed to them. Be thankful for the services available, volunteer and work among fellow veterans and their families, reach outside of yourself and give back to help another.
Mike, as with your last statement, the VA as well as the private sector does care and try to help but it is not perfect. I respect your voice, but disagree with your statement the VA sucks. They help thousands upon thousands each year. The few fellow veterans that take their lives in most cases are not the blame of the VA. A few cases due to delays may be the case, but not overall.
Respectfully,
A. Sperduto
I am 100% permanent and total. I have been using the VA for 18 years and they have treated me well. I am so sorry you have had a bad experience…
What veteran wants to fly without their spouse. That eliminates most who will fly
Most 100% can afford price of ticket why only the 100%a
Wow…that’s a terrible outlook! I have had not one issue with the VA and they have done all that they said they would do to take care of me. Unfortunately, you are not going to completely stop suicides. The very best you can do is help a Veteran to make a smarter choice by showing them their worth, even then it is ultimately up to them. The VAs job is not to watch what we do 100% of the time. They are here to assist us.
I’ve received outstanding and life-saving treatment from VA hospital, Columbia MO.
Brilliant idea how these organizations allow ONLY the disabled veteran but not their spouses. Why in the world would I travel alone anywhere when I practically live in my basement due to my condition? Another joke of a program that caters to the active duty/reserves. America clearly doesn’t give two shits about veterans and retirees. Prove me wrong, I’ll be patiently waiting.
Retired Navy
100% disability
The program works for me, but, I do see how it won’t work for all 100%ers. Sorry…
John, a retired veteran, either longevity or disability, who has a retired ID, blue card, then the spouse CAN fly with the retiree. The TAN ID card mentioned in the article applies only to veterans who are NOT military retirees. The TAN ID card is the same as the one issued to dependants of Active Duty and Retirees.
This sounds like the John swogner from OK you should probably stay in the basement you whining ass.
The better question is why your wife would travel with you?!
Can an aide or caregiver be also granted a seat because some of us are not self-sufficient.
I am Retired Army and 100% can my wife fly?
No…
Very nice, and thank you very much, BUT….my wife has other feelings (ya you are welcome to fly but your wife can’t go with you). Just one more benefit that I am unable to use. All the restrictions attached to the wonderful benefits, very disappointing .
Spouse / caregiver should also be allowed!! It’s been a long time coming!!
Amen. Almost useless for 100% disabled vet to have to try to travel alone! Whew, flying is tough on old beat up body.
This is a great thing for vetrans however
retirees should not be in the same group.
Retirees should be in a preferred group, not
as they severed 20 or 30 years of service.
Once again it a great thing for combat disabled
Veterans.
How do you find 100% disabled veteran who gave body parts or scummed to terrible illness in service to his country is any less than a twenty year veteran who who never used a band-aid in service to his country….???
I will like to have more information about the fly.
Thanks
See AMC site for full info
I will like to enroll in this program.
Get with your local VA and they can tell you how to obtain the local airfield phone number to get on Space-A flights. Remember you have to be either retired military or 100% disabled veteran.
Fly to a vacation spot without my wife? You have got to be kidding. An advantage for the single person, but not for married.
Jerry, you should take the shot while you got it. I would.
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
I found this to be an advantage for married people also. There are times when it is nice to get away from the spouse
I’m in the same situation and I figure 1/2 price is still a considerable savings…
You really mean to tell me that the wife cannot go with me? Just whom is going to push my wheel chair?
An advantage none the less.
I am 100% and am I and my wife eligible?
How do I sign up?
When I flew space A on active duty you just contact whatever air terminal you want to fly out of. You’ll need you ID card showing you are disabled vet. Not the VA card.
I will like to have more information about this program.
Thank
EXACTLY! Stupidest idea the military has had yet. Oh wait, nevermind. There’s been uniform b.s., deployment b.s., a ton of b.s.
Read the article. Dependents NOT eligible.
As a 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran, I would like access to this program.
See the AMC site for full info
Is the 100 % Disabled veteran’s caregiver allowed to accompany them on this flight? Otherwise most 100 % disabled veterans would not be capable of traveling alone. For example, ALS patients. Thank you, I will look for your reply.
Not very useful to me if my wife who is by the way a Gold Star Family Sister has to take a Commercial flight, thanks for a useless benefit.
iam 80% disabled ,but get 100% paid for not being able to work. would i be able to fly on this
gary mcintyre sr. b/d 6-29-46
cindyandgary@sbcglobal.net
safari
Unfortunately from what I have heard, even though you are getting paid for UI at 100%, your overall disability rate is only 80% so, therefore, you would only be eligible to use the commissary and PX/Exchange because I believe your ID Card is red with an expiration date, not the tan ID card that’s indefinite, so the Space-A benefits would not apply to you.
I have the same question
un-employabiliy is same as 100%, so yes
Too bad they do not include Europe or Korea but I understand restrictions and possible problems with outside entities. Not complaining, it has been way too long b4 this has come to fruition. I have been asking about it for over 20 years and made several inquiries with my D.A.V. Chapter and S.E.C. Wow, where to go First ??? Thanks Y’all
I have a 90% disability rating and am unemployable. Can I take advantage of the space available flights?
Seems that now it’s finally passed how many years will it take for the VA and DOD to realize maybe a 100% disabled Veteran just may need a travel companion. Common sense people, really.
I’m a 100% permanent service disabled Veteran. What good does Space-A flights do for me if my caregiver/wife can’t fly with me?
Save money, send her commercial and you fly Space-A flights. They have a medic on every flight who can see to your needs…
This is totally awesome!!! Our service, men and women, disabled or not, who put their lives in harm’s way for our country deserve this benefit and more.
Cheers to our Government
Can dependents fly with Retired Military personnel?
It’s nice to see some one appreciate this gift instead of complain about it!
No
Joanne, if the sponsor has a Blue retired card, dependents may travel, but, only with the sponsor. Not alone…
I googled and the site said WIVES can fly space A in the CONUS. It was not clear about Hawaii though
This comment pertains to the above article concerning free military flights for 100% Service Connected Permanent Disabled Veterans. Many of these Veterans receive aid and attendance from VA because they cannot function safely alone. The article specifically states these free flights are for the Veteran only which will prohibit many of these Veterans from traveling because of the need for their caregiver to be present. In my case, my spouse is my caregiver and I receive aid and attendance funds monthly because of my service connected disabilities. I am sure that this policy will eliminate many other 100% Service Connected Veterans who are permanently disabled.
Could really use some advice getting A/A. I went through the local veterans affairs service officer for help in filing the paperwork. He “promised” I would be approved because of my circumstances and reviewed the paperwork before I mailed it to the VA. It came back quickly as denied….
This is pretty much a joke, given how the va rates disability. 100% is near impossible to get unless you can’t move on your own.
That is incorrect Christopher. You may to appeal a few times but my 100% rating was from removal of colon with Crohn’s. I’m working part time also. USMC had MAC flights in the 1990s my MSgt use to tell me about them. I would have able to take space A flight in 2011 from Lincoln, NE with my wife. It would have been to Edmindorf AFB (I know i mispelled that) for 10 days but my wife didnt want to go since we only got 3 days notice before trip. Most of the time you get little to no notice for these trips. So planning would have been minimal. Take care. Semper fi
read my comment, let me know
Hope they are a bit more reliable than the doctors at the VA, I wont hold my breath.
The good news is the VA doesn’t run the Department of Defense who actually run the Space Available program, own/contract the aircraft, and the people making it all happen are active duty & reserve service members, DoD civilians (many of whom are fellow Veterans). So please, do not call the terminals complaining about the VA because they don’t make the rules … That would be your United States Congress. They seem kind of preoccupied lately and tend to put off the big issues that concern us all. So no, the VA and it’s doctors abilities have nothing to with this program.
Can we take our minor kids with us and if so what do we need?
Can we take our minor kids with us and if so how?
Thanks from Carla B DeJesus for this privileged information for the 100 disabled Veterans.
How can I obtain a DD Form 2765 Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (TAN)? I went on the VA ebenefits website as well as I tried the search button and it directed me to a site with the DD Forms but it wouldn’t allow me to click on it. It stated that if the form I need won’t hyperlink, send an email to receive a copy but I did not know specifically who or what organization I was supposed to email.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Tameka Butler
Steven,
Thanks for letting the vets know about this. One question. Does the 100% disability also allow the vet full access to military BX/PX and Commissary stores on the bases? Thanks.
Dominic,
Negative. As a retired Navy with a 100% disability rating, you are ONLY allowed BX/PX ONLINE (They’re all called The Exchange now – https://www.shopmyexchange.com/veterans). You will not be authorized to enter a base for any services other than visiting, unless you possess an active/retired/reservist identification card.
Hi, everyone.
Please remember that it is Congress and not the VA or DOD that added this eligibility. If you want a companion to fly for free, call your representatives.
The DD 2765 that you’ll need to get to fly also gets you Exchange, MWR, and Commissary privileges. It looks like the old military IDs but orange.
Yes, 100% permanent and total are eligible for commissary and PX/BX/Exchange benefits . You can get an ID card made at your nearest base
Hey Dominic, yes it does give you access, you just need to go by personnel to get an ID card and get your info into DEERS.
If the 100% is Permanent and Total (P&T) then yes it does. The Veteran needs to apply for a DD2765 Identification and Privilege card. Spouses and dependent children of 100% P&T veterans are also entitled to this ID card.
yes it does as long as you have your tan ID Card
As already replied by someone, Yes. However, if you are married and or have dependant children they also are eligible for the TAN aka BROWN ID card. If you have dependants, take your marriage certificate and birth certificates for the dependant children. While they can shop with you though, they can’t fly with you.
Jim
If you are 100% sevice connected disabled you can get a letter from VA and take it to nearest military facility to get your ID card along with your family. Everybody can get photo taken for their military ID. That ID gives you access to base and the PX, Commissary etc…
Good Luck, Semper Fi
Senator McCain mucked it up for 100% disabled vets!
We were already eligible for space A flights ever since 1982 as Priority 1 & our spouses were included as P-1 status & our dependants under 21 could fly P-4 status with their tan cards !
Now thanks to STUPID We are now P-6 & our spouses & dependants from what I’m told can’t fly with us!
Thanks Alot John for taking benefits away & then bragging he’s the 1 that past the law to make it happen & Allow us to even fly ! ! !
Sincerely, S.N.A.F.U
Can dependents fly with veteran at cost?
Yeah…but many are too disabled to fly by themselves ….so without caregiver escourt the benefit is worthless….
Most Vets with 100% P&T need and have caregivers including spouses that assist the veterans mobility. most cannot travel alone. so it is still of no or very little use to most 100% vet who travels.
When can 100% DAV fly Space A to overseas for free?
I myself believe ALL veterans of a conflict in which life’s were lost should receive Free Health care,car insurance and registration and housing for the remainder of there life. But this is a start in that direction!
Dang Jay, that’s asking a heck of a lot from our country. So EVERY veteran that was involved in a conflict in which lives were lost should receive free healthcare, car insurance, free registration and free housing for their entire life? I’m guessing you’re a supporter of AOC, as well? Free Healthcare for a retiree or 100% disabled vet is the only thing that makes sense. I served my 21 years for this country out of a sense of duty, not for what I can get from the taxpayers for the rest of my life. I’m rated 100% disabled but I can’t see how I earned all those freebies that you mentioned. “Ask not what your country can do for you…”
This is excellent. To make it better spouses should be allowed to travel with veteran.
Grateful. Finally it makes sense. However I just stumbled apon this info. Most Veterans don’t know it’s available. Thank you again grateful.
As I understand it, my wife, who is my caregiver, would not be allowed to fly with me is that right ? Thanks anyway, it’s still a very kind offer for those who can use your offer to fly Space-A flights. Sincerely Francis X de Bourbon USMC
Why the wife’s of a disabled veteran can’t flight space A on MAC flights
I’m a 100% disable Veteran and would love to travel to SPACE!!!!!
Thanks for the news about Space A travel for 100% disabled Vets. My question is this: Will Disabled Vets who 100% includes unempolyability also be eligible? Please advise.
Thanks.
Yes
I am compensated at 100% And rate it is unemployable if I added up all of my disabilities I believe they come to about 140 or 160%. I am also federally disabled by a federal judge and just finished 45 radiation treatments for Cancer all through the VA. So I live in Yuma and I’d like to know where I go to get the special card and how I go about getting it what paperwork do I need to bring and do I qualify for the flights even though I may not have enough time left to enjoy all the benefits involved. Come on government you’re going in the right direction but you still got a ways to go.
I would like more information on the A Flight I live in Carbondale Illinois not near a major airport.
This is excellent news. I look forward to using Soace-Available Travel in the future.
It’s kinda hard for 100% Disabled veterans to catch a space A flight without having help from their spouses. Are retired veterans spouses allowed Space A?
I am not clear whether surviving spouses of recognised Agent Orange deaths can fly Space A.
Excellent..I wish they added international travel..Maybe in the future..and I hope in the future veterans can use their VA mortgage benefits to buy homes in the Philippines.
So I’m 100% disabled and also a retiree, do I need special paperwork for space A travel, and is my wife eligible to fly with me?
If you have the blue ID card your wife can travel with you but only with you.
I am a combat veteran 1965-66, Vietnam, Big Red One. 90% combat related. Anyway you can take me to 100% or make 90% work?
I wish I had better news for you, but nothing short of 100% will qualify you for the DD2765 ID. I’m also Big Red One, 1967-68 Vietnam combat vet with a 100% service related disability. I have the card and it’s worth going after for many different benefits, PX, commisary, etc. I would urge you to try to appeal your 90% rating to get it upgraded to 100%. Good luck brother.
apply for unemployablity if you are not working because of service connected disability. It is the same as 100% and you get paid at 100%, you can apply online
Welcome Home Kirby. Big Red One, Lai Khe 68-69
Terrific! 2nd 17th Artillery 1st Cav 66-67.
I have no used space A in 35 years. ACTDU then. Fee was $10. Still healthy retired. What is fee for us now?
zero unless they serve food on the aircraft…
I was excited to read this. It’s a shame that they have no provision for a companion to travel with the disabled vet because most 100% disabled vets would prefer to travel with someone.
As a United States Armed Forces Disabled Veterans I’m very grateful to God for allowing doors to be open for much needed help and support from Congress and Veterans Affairs Administration Officials to have new policies and procedures to be implemented for all United States Armed Forces Personnel., Active Duty, Inactive Duty, Disabled Veterans, and Retired Military Veterans. This U.S. Constitution has come along way to Honor the United States Armed Forces Veterans. Amen.
My grateful thanks. I’m a spouse survivor of a 100% disabled veteran. I’m happy to hear your news… Hopefully could be given a chance to fly with the Space A, to which I read and understand dependents are not eligible for. I’m leaving now in the Philippines. Thank you so much.
God Bless America !
.I find it interesting that now I am 100% disabled and retired, but why would I travel without my wife? After 33 plus years of deployments, training, etc. and being away from my family for at least 40% of that time,and now that I am retired and would like to travel space A together with my wife, only to not be able to bring her with. It seems to be a shadow benefit that cannot be used if you want to travel with a spouse
Just saying
CSM
It is a joke the way this is for 100% disabled veterans. I do need assistance because of being blind in one eye and only partial vision in the other. So my wife cannot fly with me so who assists me. I am also a diabetic, and partially paralyzed down the right from the waist down. This is ****** up and I am not the only one that needs assistance. Just another joke from DOD. Take this and shove it because it does not do any good for a lot of disabled veterans.
It is a joke the way this is for 100% disabled veterans. I do need assistance because of being blind in one eye and only partial vision in the other. So my wife cannot fly with me so who assists me. I am also a diabetic, and partially paralyzed down the right from the waist down. This is ****** up and I am not the only one that needs assistance. Just another joke from DOD. Take this and shove it because it does not do any good for a lot of disabled veterans.
This sounds exciting. I am anxious to learn more about the program availabity for Rhode Island.
Thank you
What about spouses ?
“Dependents of disabled Veterans are not eligible for Space -A travel.” THIS make no sense at all. I am not a disable veteran, but a veteran of both the US Navy (E-5 AW aircrewman VS-38; S-2), and the USAF (O-3 C-141 & C-130 FEN).
Granted there are some 100% disabled Veterans who are ambulatory, but the majority of the 100% disabled Veterans require some level of assistance. So who’s to blame, the VA or the most un-qualified Naval Academy graduate to ever wear the Golden Wings, for whom this Defense Authorization Act is named after?
Well said Steven, when it came to that last sentence! Don’t blame the VA for this one.
Now I know why he crashed his plane…
The Space-A flight eligibility for 100% P&T disabled veterans was originally suppose to include dependents. Due to my lost eye and poor vision in the other eye, this is a worthless benefit without my spouse to drive once we get to our destination. Again, another benefit screwed up by politicians and senior military staff. Let’s get excited when spouses are included.
Btalon23@aol.com – Steven I’m 100% but can my
wife fly with me?
Great for single vets who need no care or support while flying. That leaves out a lot of vets. My spouse (my caregiver) wouldnt like me jet setting without her.
Good thought poorly designed and implemented
Defendants should be eligible too.
Call you congress person
Why do retirees in Japan have to be sofa sponsored to get a space a flight?
Are veterans who are 90% combined service connected with 100% for individual unemployability qualify for Space A travel?
I understand that; Dependents of disabled Veterans are not eligible for Space-A travel. However, my wife cares for all my needs and then some. How am I supposed to travel Space-A by myself ? I use an electric wheelchair due to my weakened legs (Agent Orange) and unable to walk much without her assistance. Please advise. Thank you in advance.
Nice progress, but not allowing dependents to travel along with them is extremely limiting in many cases, as some 100% disabled veterans may need their spouse’s assistance when traveling.
problem is, veterans need to be TnP to be eligible. Something the military won’t do.
So a person that’s 100% disabled cannot bring there family with them so what’s the point. Only a military with 20 longevity retirement is eligible?
Nice thanks but does not help everyone unless your going solo.
How do I get a form to fill out for the disabled veteran and the space available program?
I am very happy for the 100% disabled veterans who are capable of traveling ALONE.
My husband was a 100% disabled veteran who would have needed my assistance to travel.
I am VERY SAD for all of the 100% disabled veterans who will not be able to utilize this benefit because their primary caretakers, their dependents, cannot travel Space-A with them.
As his surviving, unremarried spouse, my quality of life and finances would greatly benefit from the Space-A Program.
I know first hand just how much the families of 100% disabled veterans need such an opportunity…during the life of their beloved veteran and thereafter.
Especially thereafter…
This is really awesome however being married I would not take advantage of this do to families do not count. They served as well rather people want to admit it or not.
This is not exactly true. I tried to use Space A. I was told that I would have to walk onto the plane. I am wheelchair-bound. When I said I’d be willing to crawl onto the plane, or anything else to get there, I was told “no”. So, if you are 100% service-connected and in a wheelchair, you are not welcome on Space A.
Steven,
Thanks for the information on the law change. One correction to your article is needed in the first line. “When congress signed…” Congress doesn’t sign legislation into law, it passes bills that when signed by the President become law. A small but very important distinction.
Best Regards,
Tom Evans
COL (Ret)
U.S Army
Available flights at Stewart international airport NY ?
Is there any discounts for veterans that have less than 100% disability but more than 50%?
The VA has been good to me many benifits. This just raises my respect for their aid to all Disabled Vets. Larry Crane, lawrencecrane870@yahoo.com
Does this require DOD 100% rating. The DD Form 2765 requirement would seem to indicate that the VA rating and blue TDRL/PDRL ID wouldn’t be accepted for flights.
Wow. Have not been this excited for over 20yrs. I traveled once on a mac flight to Hawaii. What a priviledge. Go A.F.
Am I to understand that myself and my spouse can fly space-A. I am 100% disabled and do have an ID card. We are both retired.
Does this require DOD 100% disability rating? That’s what the DD Form 2765 requirement would seem to indicate.
Sounds great but what about the spouses/significant others that take care of these disabled veterans?
Outstanding! It’s about time for us 100% DAC retirees.
Um you DO know that you have been able to do this for over 20 years….right? And you also probably think this is a breaking news item…when you are on Vaca and you go past a military base….call them and ask for Space Available. If they have a room at the BOC or Officers Quarters they let retired Military members have it for $10. a night. A far cry from the 120. a night for Motels.
You do know this is about flights and not motels?
While I’m grateful for this benefit, why would I want to leave without my spouse?
I have my 2765 ID Card. I live near Ft Polk LA
and want to start traveling to see family while I still can. Where do I start?
My wife is my caregiver. I am totally disabled with Ms and Cidp. Does my wife have any options for flying with me if I would fly?
Only option is to call your congress person and try to get the law changed. If you are in a wheel chair forget it, you can’t go space-a
Can you fly to Alaska and check in my rifle?
This is great news, a little late, but great news.
As a 100% disabled VET, I require a caretaker to travel by air. My wife is that person. Do the rules mean she can’t fly with me?
Why are Disabled Vets Dependants not included?
Does my spouse qualify if I am 100%?
im confused…..is it all veterens with a disibilty rating or only those with a “100%” disibility rating?? For example I currently have a 60% rating from the VA. Thank you!!
The availability of Space-A travel for veterans who are 100% disabled is great. However, my husband is 100% disabled, with a traumatic brain injury. There’s no way he could travel alone. But as a dependent spouse, I can’t travel with him. So what good is this to us? Provisions must be made to allow one caregiver/dependent to travel with a veteran who is 100% disabled.
This is good for almost nobody.
How many vets want to travel alone?
Is there anyone in VA working to make it possible for your spouse to fly space available with 100% disabled veteran
congress is…
Do we have space A flights here in the Philippines?
No there is nothing going into the Philippines. Bases long gone. You could get either a hop to Kadena AFB or Osan AFB and then fly commercial to Manila or Cebu.
…except that 100% DAV are not able to take hops to Kadena or Osan.
Essentially, because there’s nothing of note left in American Samoa, PR, or USVI, it’s a benefit for travel within CONUS as well as to/within AK & HI. Oh, and Guam. If anyone has other/different information, please pass it on.
Also, I am unable to find information to show where the 2019 NDAA and 10 USC 2641b (US Code/law that implements the NDAA) “switched” from
1) “…members or former members of the Armed Forces who have a disability rated as total, if space-available travel is provided to such members on the same basis as such travel is provided to members of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay” (Notes, USC 2641b(c)(4)(e)),
to
2) “Under the new Disabled Veterans Access to Space-A Travel Act, veterans with a service-connected, permanent disability rating of 100% can hop on any scheduled or unscheduled military flight within the continental United States (and scheduled overseas flights) operated by Air Mobility Command (AMC)” (2018/09, https://amvets-ma.org/?p=17193),
to
3) “…veterans with a service-connected, permanent disability rating of 100 percent will be able to travel in the Continental United States 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 traveling within Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands on flights operated by Air Mobility Command” (2018/08, https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1616656/disabled-veterans-now-eligible-for-space-a-travel/)?
I truly do not intend to sound “complain-y.” I’ve spent a considerable amount of time researching these matters and cannot figure out how the rules morphed from #1 to #3 (above). Any responses are welcome.
Thanks,
cj
This has been available for a while anyway so what is new about this ?
Nice, but if I can’t take my wife it’s worthless. I would even pay her way.
maybe you can get her in a pet carrier?
I have a 50% disability and my eligible for these flights
Unfortunately, no
not even close, sorry