Category 6 eligibility for space-available (Space-A) travel is a frequent source of confusion and misinformation, but the official policy sets the record straight.
Find out exactly who is eligible and where they can fly, as outlined in Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 4515.13 “Air Transportation Eligibility,” Sections 4.8 and 4.11.
What is Space-A Travel Category 6?
Space-A passengers are divided into six categories or “Cats” based on duty status and reason for travel. Cat 1 is the highest priority and Cat 6 is the lowest.
All Cat 6 passengers are the same priority and follow the same process when flying Space-A. But over the years, Department of Defense has created multiple sub-categories within Cat 6, and passengers within certain sub-categories have geographic restrictions.
Following is a summary of the main* sub-categories of passengers in Cat 6 and what routes they are eligible to fly. For step-by-step instructions explaining how Space-A travel works, read our Quickstart Guide to Space-A Flights.
*Category 6 includes other passengers, but the groups below are most common. Please see the DoDI for a complete list of passengers in this category.
Retirees
Who’s included:
- Service members who retired from active duty.
- Service members who were medically retired.
- Retired Reservists who are in receipt of retired pay (usually at age 60).
Where they can fly:
To and from any location that is open to Space-A passengers, including foreign countries.
ID requirement:
A U.S. uniformed services identification (USID) card that says “Retired” in the affiliation block.
* * * Important note: A retiree’s VA disability rating has no bearing on eligibility for Space-A travel. Do not mention your rating when signing up or communicating with passenger terminal staff, as doing so causes confusion. * * *
“Gray Area” Retirees
Who’s included:
Retired Reservists who are not yet receiving retired pay (usually under age 60).
Where they can fly:
To and from U.S. states and territories, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. They are NOT eligible to fly to or from foreign countries.
ID requirements:
A USID card with “Reserve Retired” in the affiliation block.
Reserve Component (RC) Members
Who’s included:
Members of the National Guard and Reserves.
Where they can fly:
To and from U.S. states and territories, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. They are NOT eligible to fly to or from foreign countries.
ID requirement:
A USID card with “Guard” or “Reserve” in the affiliation block. These travelers also need a completed DD Form 1853, “Verification of Reserve Status for Travel Eligibility.”
100% Disabled Veterans
Who’s included:
Non-retired veterans with a permanent service-connected disability rated as total (100% P&T).
Where they can fly:
To and from U.S. states and territories, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. They are NOT eligible to fly to or from foreign countries.
ID requirement:
A USID card for disabled American veterans with “100% DAV” in the affiliation block. The expiration date must say “INDEF.”
Surviving Spouses
Who’s Included:
- Spouses of service members who died while on active duty, inactive duty training, or annual training status.
- Spouses of retirees.
Where they can fly:
Within the lower 48 states.
ID requirement:
A DoD USID and privilege card with “Active Duty – DEC” or “Retired – DEC” In the affiliation block, as applicable.
| Related Reading: Learn about more travel-related benefits for surviving spouses
Important Notes for All Passengers Above
If your affiliation has changed (for example, you were a Gray Area retiree but recently turned 60 and began receiving retired pay) make sure you update your and your dependents’ ID cards with the correct affiliation before flying Space-A.
All passengers in the groups above can fly with dependents who:
- Are listed in Defense Eligibility Enrollment System (DEERS) as the sponsor’s dependent; and
- Have a valid USID dependent identification and privilege card with a “Sponsor Affiliation” block that matches the affiliation of their sponsor.
Dependents of Cat 6 passengers cannot fly Space-A without their sponsor.
Frequently Asked Questions
DoD did not provide an explanation for the geographic restrictions when publishing/updating the regulation.
I do not know of any current legislation in the works. When 100% disabled veterans became eligible to fly Space-A in 2019 they were given the same geographic eligibility as RC members and Gray Area retirees. Prior to October 2020, surviving spouses were not eligible to fly Space-A at all.
No, 100% disabled veterans are not eligible to fly Space-A to foreign countries. The Patriot Express is not an exception.
No, surviving spouses cannot fly to or from any location outside the contiguous United States (CONUS).
Visit DoD’s Common Access Card website for instructions and to find a location.
No, spouses of retirees can only fly Space-A when accompanied by their sponsor.
What’s Next?
If you’re new to flying Space-A, make sure you understand the full process before incorporating it into your travel plans.
When you have tentative travel dates, remember to sign up at every military passenger terminal from which you might fly. Read these signup tips especially for Category 6 passengers to help you understand where and when you should sign up.
Finally, make sure you have all the documents and gear you need for the flight! Use our Space-A packing list as a guide.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
What is the difference for the “gray area” if you ARE over 60 and collecting retirement pay?
“Retired Reservists who are not yet receiving retired pay (usually under age 60).”
If you are over 60, you are no longer in the “Gray Area.” See the third bullet in the Retired section.
Can the spouse of 100% disabled veteran fly with the veteran?
Yes. Please the section in the article “Important Notes for All Passengers Above” for more details.