Military Legal: A Free Public Resource For Service Personnel

One of my favorite aspects of being a Reservist is the ability to travel "Space A."  Of course, if you're active duty or retired military, your options are even greater than mine are as a Reservist (dependents can accompany you, you can go OCONUS, etc.), but I've been able to take advantage of the ability to travel to several places over the years by getting to know local Air Force personnel and looking online via the links on militaryhops.com or  spacea.net

For example, I went exploring in England via a Charleston C-17 (following a deployment, so I had active duty leave), hiking in Alaska via a Knoxville KC-135, skiing in Utah via a Nashville C-130, and frolicking at the beaches of Destin via a Dobbins C-130, etc.  Like any travel with the military (on orders or off), flexibility is key. While trying to fly back to Charleston from Rota, Spain, the C-17 had a mechanical issue, so the crew disallowed space available passengers.  So, my wife and I found a Navy DV plane leaving Spain for Norfolk, VA and then rented a car to get back to our vehicle in Charleston.  Not a big deal; still saved thousands in airfare costs we didn't have to pay.   Also, try and go during times when most families aren't traveling, especially if you're a retiree (meaning you're lower on the priority "totem pole.").  Going to Florida or Hawaii in the summer will be difficult.  Going in November won't be.  

In short, do the research online, call the base the day before to confirm flights and space, and then give it a go.  Frankly, I'd rather avoid TSA and be able to lie down in the back of a C-17 than spend an hour in security to be crammed into a tiny seat on a commercial flight.  And, of course, the fare for riding aboard an  Air Force and Navy planes can't be beat!