Hidden Tinker gem: Space-A, Space-R flights Published Sept. 28, 2012 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tucked away in a nook of Tinker is a little-known military resource. The "Space Available" and "Space Reservist" passenger terminal services all branches of the military for various purposes of travel. Space-A specifically caters to passengers traveling for leisure such as active-duty members on leave, Reserve and Guard members who are at least 62 years old with a blue identification card, and retirees with their dependents. Space-R is designed for Guard and Reserve members with deployment orders. "With the economy the way it is right now, I think it's worth flying for free," said Staff Sgt. Heston Ashlock, 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Air Transportation specialist, who is one of 12 Airmen who works in the terminal. "I mean it is kind-of risky, Space-A is not guaranteed; you don't know if you are going to get on a flight or get back from a flight, but it's better than paying $1,400 to get to Hawaii." Space-A and Space-R passengers will fly on a KC-135 Stratotanker that is en route to another destination. Stopping at Tinker, the aircraft will pick up passengers if there is extra room. Yet, the seat is good for only a one-way trip. The flight is available for virtually no cost, although passengers may be subjected to taxes and like expenses. Sergeant Ashlock said Tinker Space-A and Space-R flights occur three to five times a month, with approximately 10 seats available per flight. Availabilities are known roughly two weeks in advance and posted every Monday via phone recording. Interested fliers may call 739-4360 for more information. Potential passengers are encouraged to sign up for an out-going flight when they are announced. They are also encouraged to check the flight status regularly as flights may change on a moments' notice and without warning. Passengers should pack light as a later flight might be re-routed or canceled. But, each traveler is allowed two pieces of luggage, weighing up to a total of 120 pounds. Luggage must be no more than 62 linear inches and one bag can weigh as much as 70 pounds. Carry-on bags must not weigh more than 40 pounds and can measure up to 42 linear inches. Travelers are also required to arrive sober and dress neatly. Passengers wearing cutoff shorts, ripped jeans or open-toe shoes will not be allowed to board the aircraft. On the day of the flight, travelers are advised to arrive two to three hours before their scheduled departure time. They are subject to the same security and search procedures as if they were flying on a traditional commercial airline. Food and drinks are allowed, as there are no concessions on the flight, but they are subjected to inspection. Before takeoff, passengers are briefed on safety procedures by the aircraft's boom operator. The top destination is Hawaii, although others have gone to Alaska, Florida and Travis Air Force Base, Calif. Sergeant Ashlock said in his five years working at the passenger terminal, he's only seen one mission fill up. In that case, five additional seats were released for the flight, and still passengers were turned away. "Not many people are using this service. Maybe they don't know about it or they don't want to go, I'm not exactly sure why, but we have missions once a month going to Hawaii," he said.