AMC Space-A Web site consolidates travel information

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss
  • Ramstein Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Space-available travel is one of the benefits of a military life, each year servicemembers active and reserve as well as retirees and dependents use it as a viable option to commercial travel.

For many servicemembers throughout Europe Space-A is not only a benefit, but their only way to travel back to the states visiting friends and family. Space-A offers them a way to get from Ramstein to places like Baltimore, Md., Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. and McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., but up until now, there was no consolidated location where users could get information about the process.

Although some Air Mobility Command terminals like Baltimore Washington International Airport have toll-free numbers travelers can call to get flight arrival and departure times, AMC decided this was not enough and created a Web site specifically for Space-A travel.
Launched July 24, http://www.amc.af.mil/amctravel/index.asp offers prospective Space-A travelers a wealth of information, including an updated AMC passenger terminal contact list (complete with phone, e-mail and Web links), and more than a dozen travel documents, example letters and brochures.

Trained passenger service agents at AMC terminals around the globe are standing by to assist.

Though Ramstein travelers have had information available through the Ramstein.af.mil Web site, the new AMC travel site will enable them to view terminals throughout the world.

"I think the Web-site will be helpful. Space-A is a great benefit, and without it we would not be able to travel to the states as often," said Capt. Angelique Nelson, 17th Air Force. 

Captain Nelson said, she has saved more than a thousand dollars using Space-A over a commercial airline, but it was a small headache. She is not alone; in fact, Ramstein's passenger terminal handles more than 286,000 passengers each year.

"This was a last minute flight. We walked over here a couple days ago, found out what flights were scheduled and then continued to check on them each day," she said. "I did have to take a little time off of work to keep tabs on the schedule, a web-site that offers this information I could check from home or my office would be an improvement."

"We will still get travel related questions, which we don't mind answering, but this AMC site does have a considerable amount of information that can help clear things up for travelers," said Karin Sylvas, 721st Aerial Port Squadron passenger service agent.

Mrs. Sylvas said the new Web site will be a definite benefit for the first time travelers as well.

"This is my first time taking a Space-A flight," explained Makaila Berthram, a 15-year-old potential traveler heading to Baltimore. "I am a little nervous, but without this flight it would be very difficult to go back to the states."

People searching for up-to-the-minute AMC travel information are encouraged to contact their nearest AMC passenger terminal.

"There is a lot of information and the ability to not only get it in one central location but to be able to talk to a passenger service representative will help calm those first-time Space-A travel concerns, " Mrs. Sylvas said.

Prospective travelers through Ramstein looking for Space-A travel information can also check the Ramstein.af.mil Web site or call the 721st APS at 314-479-4440.