The Charlotte Air National Guard Base is set to resume its Space-Available (Space-A) travel program on February 1, 2026, offering service members, veterans, and their families the opportunity to fly on military aircraft with excess capacity. The reopening marks the end of a multi-year halt in passenger processing caused by a significant terminal reconstruction and an aircraft fleet upgrade.
This development restores a valuable travel benefit to the military community in the region, which has been without local outbound Space-A options since 2017. The 145th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) will manage the operations from the newly renovated David Small Air Terminal.
Key Takeaways
- Program Resumes: The Space-A passenger terminal at Charlotte Air National Guard Base will officially reopen on February 1, 2026.
- Long Hiatus: Outbound passenger processing was paused for over five years due to terminal reconstruction and the base's transition to the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
- Eligibility: The program is open to uniformed service members, veterans, and their dependents, who can travel on military aircraft when space is available.
- How to Register: Eligible individuals can sign up for flights up to 60 days in advance. Flight information will be updated weekly.
A Long-Awaited Return to Service
The resumption of Space-A travel from Charlotte follows a lengthy period of upgrades at the base. Operations were initially impacted by the 2017 conversion from the C-130 Hercules to the larger C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. This transition necessitated a comprehensive, five-year reconstruction of the passenger terminal to accommodate the new fleet and its logistical requirements.
With the construction now complete, the 145th Logistics Readiness Squadron is prepared to manage outbound passenger traffic once again. This restoration is seen as a significant boost for the local military community, providing access to a unique travel opportunity that has been unavailable for years.
What is Space-Available Travel?
The Space-Available, or Space-A, program allows authorized passengers, primarily U.S. military members, retirees, and their families, to occupy surplus seats on Department of Defense aircraft. Travel is not guaranteed and is subject to mission requirements, cargo loads, and space availability. It offers a low-cost, flexible way to travel domestically and internationally.
How the Program Works in Charlotte
Officials have outlined a clear process for those interested in using the service. Prospective passengers can register for travel up to 60 days before their desired departure window. This places them on a standby list for potential flights.
Chief Master Sgt. Raymond Graves, the senior enlisted leader for the 145th LRS and superintendent of the air terminal, explained the procedure for checking flight status. “People can sign up 60 days in advance and flight information will be updated once a week, typically on Mondays,” he stated. “Passengers will have to call our phone number to access that information.”
Understanding Priority and Availability
It is crucial for travelers to understand that Space-A flights are not a guaranteed mode of transportation. The primary purpose of military aircraft is to transport cargo and personnel for official missions. Space-A passengers are only accommodated if extra seats are available after all mission-critical needs are met.
“Cargo and required troop movements come first. If there is space remaining on the aircraft and the operations group approves it, we can then accept Space-A passengers—but not every flight will have availability.”
Passengers are assigned to one of six travel categories based on their status, such as active duty on emergency leave (Category I) or retired military members (Category VI). Higher categories receive greater priority. All travelers must also comply with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening standards, similar to civilian airports.
Important Information
- Contact Number: (704) 391-4135 for flight schedules.
- Official Guidance: Travelers are encouraged to review Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 4515.13, Air Transportation Eligibility, for detailed rules.
- Website: More information can be found at https://www.145aw.ang.af.mil/Space-A/
Strengthening Community Connections
The return of the Space-A program is more than a logistical update; it represents a renewed commitment to the military community. Officials see it as a way to give back to those who have served and to strengthen the bond between the North Carolina Air National Guard and the broader military family.
Tech. Sgt. Kyle Hamrick of the 145th LRS air transportation function emphasized the importance of preparation. “The best way to understand how the program works is to keep up to date with the website and familiarize yourself with DoDI 4515.13, Air Transportation Eligibility,” Hamrick advised.
For Chief Master Sgt. Graves, the program's value is deeply personal. He views it as a bridge connecting the base with the people it serves, offering them chances to create new memories or revisit significant places from their past.
“We’re excited to provide them an opportunity to experience new places, visit locations they once served at, or take their families somewhere special,” Graves said. “This program lets us give back, hear their stories, and continue serving those who have served our nation.”