Pets

Pets may only travel with passengers in PCS status. A reservation through the Travel Office is required. Pets are defined as cats and/or dogs only. Passengers may only book two pets per family. The sponsor must pay an out of pocket shipping fee on a per-kennel basis.  The maximum weight (pet and kennel) cannot exceed 150 lbs.

Air Mobility Command has institute a space available pet program that now affords PCS passengers the opportunity to move more than their authorized two pets per family on AMC aircraft. Fifthteen days prior to flight departure, any pet spaces that are showing open in the Reservation System are available to passengers to move additional pets. Passengers must understand that this program is on a space available basis to CONUS destinations only, and it is not guaranteed.

The sponsor must present the pet reservation documentation at check-in. Additional documentation to be presented includes health certificates, immunization records, and other border clearance documents as required by the Country of entry. If the documentation is not complete, the passenger will be placed in a duty standby status under administrative hold until the pet is made travel-ready.

The sponsor is responsible to ensure pets are shipped only in IATA approved pet carriers. The container must provide adequate ventilation and be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down with normal posture and body movements. Pets will normally travel in the aircraft cargo hold area. Pets may be authorized to travel in the passenger cabin, but only if the cargo area is filled. Pets traveling in the passenger cabin will be in kennels not exceeding the dimensions of 20L x 16W x 8H inches. Pets are not permitted outside the kennel within the passenger cabin.

After the space is booked, the passenger must retain the confirmation, and present it to the check-in counter. Pets moved under the space available pet program will only be moved to CONUS destinations.

Baggage

Baggage Allowance. Passengers are authorized to check two pieces of baggage not to exceed 70 pounds each or 62 linear inches. Single items exceeding 70 pounds will be counted as two pieces and, therefore, fulfill the allowance for a passenger.

Passengers may be permitted to hand-carry small personal articles aboard the aircraft. These may include such items as small luggage, cosmetic cases, garment bags, briefcases, small boxes, small umbrellas, packages, etc. The weight of these items will not be considered as part of the passenger’s baggage authorization.

Hand-carried items must fit under the passenger’s seat, in the overhead rack, or the garment bag rack. Carry-on items that appear to be large or irregularly shaped will not be accepted for main cabin storage.

If the baggage is still lost after 5 days, forward AMC Form 136 to the BSC so appropriate claims action may be taken.

Attire

Each service determines their own travel uniform policies. Currently, all services except the Marine Corps permit personnel to wear appropriate civilian attire on DoD owned or controlled aircraft. When civilian clothing is worn, use common sense. Attire should be in good taste and not in conflict with accepted attire in the overseas country of departure, transit, or destination as defined by the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide. It should also be capable of keeping you warm especially on military aircraft.

Travel Tips

Plan your trip, be flexible, be patient. As a rule of thumb, military ports offer more travel opportunities than commercial gateways (i.e., travel chances are better to Europe from Dover AFB DE than Philadelphia IAP PA).

If possible, travel at off-peak Space A travel periods (i.e., peak periods are the summer months after school is dismissed and Christmas holiday season). Historically, Feb-Mar and Oct-Nov are low travel periods.

Be as flexible as possible in choosing a destination. If you want to get to Ramstein AB, Germany, consider a flight into Rhein-Main, Germany, or even RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, as an alternative. At Mildenhall, try for another flight bound for Germany.

There is a head tax on CONUS outbound or federal inspection fee on CONUS inbound international commercial charters.

When traveling Space A with young children, prepare for possible delays along the way where baby supplies may not be readily available. A good supply of games and books is also recommended. Be aware that a baby's ears, like an adult, are sensitive to altitude pressure changes.

Space A is just that-space that is available after all mission requirements are fulfilled. Military aircraft are subject at all times, first and foremost, to DoD mission response.

Each service determines their own travel uniform policies. Currently, all services except the Marine Corps permit personnel to wear appropriate civilian attire on DoD owned or controlled aircraft. When civilian clothing is worn, use common sense. Attire should be in good taste and not in conflict with accepted attire in the overseas country of departure, transit, or destination as defined by the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide. It should also be capable of keeping you warm especially on military aircraft.

Consult the AMC site for more information.