Travel in the air force?

Question

im joining the air force and was wondering. if i took a vacation and wanted to travel to japan in the air force how do i do it for free? will it be possible to stay on base for free too? do you get free stuff with a military id

Answer 1

if you are not stationed in that area..korea hawaii alaska..its going to be harder than you think to just hop right over there..and nothing is free not even in the military..you will pay for a hotel room on base just like you would offbase...just not as much normally....

Answer 2

I'm not in the National Guard!

Answer 3

Your travel and lodging will not be free.  It's called Space A flights, you can check on tickets for the space available flight.  Many times it'll be on a cargo plane or tanker.  Used to run about $27 dollars to offset the additional fuel and space used.  Your best bet (cheapest) is check for availability in advance for the base hotel (can't remember what we called it).  Japan can be fairly cheap if you know where to look and gain connections.  You always want to make sure that if that return flight loses it's availability you have the money to pay your flight home on a commercial carrier.  It goes by rank, NOT by first come first serve.  I've bumped many people off based on rank and have been bumped myself.  You don't want to get stuck and then risk the chance of being considered AWOL.

Anybody can try and read about it, but if needed you really need to talk to those in your squadron who've used it.  Also, just so you know, standard airline flights booked through SATO are also HUGELY discounted for active duty.  I'm not sure what your AFSC is, but if you're a crew chief your chances are amazing if on either tanker or C17 or anyother cargo plane.  It worked for me as I knew when my plane was going somewhere and the exact time it would come back.  You just have to work with your Flight chief and things can happen.

Answer 4

You can take a HOP if the base you are stationed in happens to have flights that frequent Japan. The Lodging will not be free but it will definitely be cheaper than staying of base. Because it is never a sure thing when the HOPS will be available you have to take an extra few days of leave and call ahead of time and make reservation at lodging to ensure that they have vacancy. You might want to contact the PAX terminal on base and inquire further about how HOPS work.

Answer 5

You can fly "Space A"  on any military transport flight.   It is dependent upon space being available and those riding without orders are at the bottom of the list.  

You can also stay on base in the BAQ or BOQ for a reduced rate.   Again,  only if space is available as you are on leave and those with orders get priority.   You do not get to stay free.  

The biggest risk to taking a Space A flight somewhere,  such as Japan,  is you might not get a flight back the same way.  Regardless of how you got there,  you will have to be back on base by the end of your leave.  That means that if you can not get a hop,  you will have to buy a commercial ticket at the last minute and those can cost you a bundle of money.  

With the great reduction in the USAF and the use of so many transport planes in support of Iraq and Afghanistan,  the ending of the dedicated Nightingale flights and closure of bases,  many active duty people just avoid the probably totally by not using Space A.   However it is still popular with retirees as they do not have to worry about a schedule.  

Answer 6

only way the you get a free trip to japan is you get pcs there or deployed there...no you can't get free stuff with ids

or a hop...Idk if they go to Japan tho

Answer 7

You can fly space available, if there is space and an AirCraft is going where you want it to go.

But, getting to Japan from the US on space available, is next to impossible.

getting back is even harder.

And if you cannot get back, you have to pay for a commercial airline ticket yourself.

No, you cannot stay on base for free, most have a Guest house , think hotel that you can rent, but you need reservations.

No you do not get free stuff.