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Show November a Ummm b different Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) airmen and you'll Talk to 10 probably get 10 different opinions about traveling "space available" on Military Airlift Command (MAC) aircraft. "Great!" says one. "Don't pay your money; take your chances," says another. Still another might exclaim, "If you can afford sitting around the terminal for days, it's fine." When you get right down to it, they're all a little right. Space available travel can be, and in fact is, a serviceman's right-f- or greatest benefit-n- ot seeing the world. For some, however, it has been the frustrating experience of waiting inside a MAC passenger terminal for hours and days, prior to getting a Starlifter to seat on a exotic ports or just plain ol' "home." For those who understand the system, the experience can be significantly less because they frustrating-n- ot know "how to get on a flight," but because they realize that there are no promises, fewer C-1- 41 flights these days, and continued attention being given to efficient use of MAC aircraft, The fact is that MAC runs scheduled and unscheduled you may wait, and wait, and end up without the free trip. The key to space "A" travel military flights, and charters commercial airlines for transporting personnel and cargo. After cargo and all military passengers on official orders are on board, if any available space is left over, space available hitchhikers get their chance. Most flights depart from Charleston S.C.; AFB, McGuire AFB, N.J.; Travis AFB, Calif.; Norton AFB, is flexibility. Keep your options open. Plan for a of means backup commercial transportation. airlines, for example-- if space "A" falls through. Here are a few tips that MAC offers to provide you a - little flexibility if you're to fly space planning available: 1. Plan your trip during other than peak permanent change of station (PCS) (May periods through and McChord AFB, From these MAC terminals it is possible to fly to Calif.; Wash. nearly anywhere the big MAC aircraft visit including England, Alaska, Australia, Germany, Hawaii, Okinawa and Japan. Such a deal-b- ut is this deal too good to be true? The answer is a firm yes and no. It is true that the flights are free, but the rub is that you take your chances whether or not you will fly. That is, you could end up waiting in a terminal burning up leave time from one day to 10 days or longer. The cold fact is that space "A" is a military benefit-n- ot a right. It comes about as a byproduct of MAC'S military mission. If space is left over after all mission requirements are met, then, and only then, can you get in line for a free seat. On the other hand, MAC mission requirements may keep filling up airplanes and area, commercial. It is important to remember that dependents, on leave, cannot fly space available unless accompanied your dependents are authorized to travel with you. If they do, you should remember that the more people in a group or family, the smaller the chances of staying together. If you're traveling with your family, consider splitting up with the sponsor taking as many in the family as he or she can with the rst. trnvplino ZZ7 by their sponsor. 5. Bring along enough money to buy a commercial ticket home, if you cannot afford to wait for a chance at space "A" travel. It is important to keep in mind that flights do not exist to take leave status Z7 77 possible. 2. Make sure you have the documents required to travel to your destination (s). If passports, immunization visas and 0 are required, ore your obtain them arrival at the pert. . Ya may wish to contact the MAC terminal nearest you, or the one from which you plan to begin your travel, relative to the documents required. Another soitoce of this information is your local - personnel office. 3. You can sign up for a maximum of five destinations, and it is advisable that you take the first flight for which you're called. If you elect not to travel on a scheduled flight or you are not in the terminal at the time the seat is available, your name will be removed from the list and you will have to start over at the Red Cross blood drive next week The Red Cross has scheduled its monthly blood drive for base employes next Wednesday and Thursday at Thornton Recreation Center, Bldg. 460, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For further information call the Red Cross office, ext. 3213. HP1RES liOV. 20, W76 11 A, .1 S MillHSERVICE COUPON DNSPECTOOW 88 rv-- HOV. um. L II fNl A'AIA'AIAIA'A'AI HMy Cofl MONTH A iWiVMViViV.ViV.ViVi PtrfornwfJ DUE 11 1 ... Wl EXPIRES V WITH THIS COUPON AMItlCAN MADE CARS ONIYI W. BOUNTIFUL ' -- II MSc bottom of the space "A" waiting list. 4. If you are traveling to an Insurance Agency a&ii wnL bf FirciUiit'i SkilWfJ Fr 20 fttP d Mtchonki p L ft , A;A'A A'A'A' JiViV.V.V.VIViViVlYi mnnnnrinmui 1 IN THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION BLDG. We encourage members In the Bountiful Salt Lake Area to do - estrone business at this address. Payroll Deduction available at that office for Insurance. OFFICE HOURS: 10 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. Tuesday through Friday 10 A.M. Saturdays to 3 P.M. Closed on Mondays and Holidays DISCONTINUED TREAD DESIGNS N 15" r William D. Shclton, I (o)9S Office Manager CASH AND CARRY Plus Recappable Casing Exch. Add $2 If Not Recappable inqulro About Low Cost o AUTO O MOTORCYCLE o o HOUSE o LIFE INSURANCE o SR-2- 2 FILLINGS D0ATS N 3650 WALL AVE. Ftdcral Employttt Credit 399-334- 9 Union Building FIRESTONE 0GDEH 1757 Washington Blvd 3260 WALL AVE. 621-696- 1 ST(M NEW LOCATION ONLY TWO 0GDEN LOCATIONS K 27 passengers on vacations. Hiey have a militai mission. Space "A" is a benefit of the system, a privilege available to military personnel. Is space "A" such a deal? It is a gamble and there is no guarantee you'll win every time, but if you bet cautiously and familiarize yourself with the system, your chances for success are bound to improve. (LOGNEWa from MNS) whenever September), -- 105 S. 500 Page fh off overseas area or within an overseas HILL TOP TIMES 12, 1976 399-584- 8 |