New Law Allows Disabled Vets to Fly Space-A

Published Feb. 19, 2019
By Master Sgt. Stephen J. Caruso

WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- Recent changes to policy under the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act now allow many disabled veterans to fly Space-A on military flights. The new clause authorizes eligible disabled veterans to “hop” flights within the continental United States, as well as to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa. To be eligible for Space-A, disabled veterans must have a permanent and total service-connected disability rating from the VA as well as a DD Form 2765, DoD ID Card. Such veterans will be assigned travel priority of Category 6 for military space available flights. Dependents of disabled veterans are not eligible to fly Space-A. Space-A travelers may bring up to two pieces of luggage weighing up to 70lbs. each. Westover Air Reserve base maintains an active passenger terminal serving travelers aboard military aircraft transiting the base. For additional info about traveling Space-A from Westover Air Reserve Base, interested parties may call (413) 557-2549. To reach the Westover Passenger Terminal desk, please call (413) 557-3453 during hours of operation, or email 439aw.spacea@us.af.mil. (Story adapted from original article on Military.com, viewed on 10 Feb. 2019)