Looking for a tropical getaway? Take a “hop” to Guam! This U.S. territory in the western Pacific makes a great getaway for military travelers who can fly Space-A right into Andersen Air Force Base (AFB) on the island’s northeastern coast. Andersen AFB is also a stopover on many missions between Japan and Hawaii or the contiguous United States (CONUS).
Here’s what you need to know about flying to or from this Space-A hub.
If you are new to Space-A flying, read this Quickstart Guide to Space-A Flights first to learn how the process works.
1. Passenger Terminal Location
The Andersen AFB passenger terminal has been in a temporary location since Typhoon Mawar destroyed the terminal building in May 2023. The “new” terminal is in multiple containerized units and is located at the end of Arc Light Blvd, across the street from the Andersen Pet Lodge.
The new location is nearly 5 miles from the Visitor Control Center at the front gate. All other distances in this article are in relation to the current location (As of this writing, many online base maps are outdated).
2. Flights To and From Guam
The two CONUS locations with regular missions to and from Andersen AFB are the Seattle Air Mobility Command (AMC) terminal and Travis AFB (California). Missions from Travis AFB are almost always via JB Pearl Harbor Hickam (Hawaii), which also has frequent flights to and from Andersen AFB.
Kadena AB and Yokota AB in Japan are the other locations with regular Space-A flights to and from Andersen. Missions to Kadena AB are more frequent.
Visit the Andersen AFB page on the AMC website to view current schedules.
| Related: How to Read Military Flight Schedules.
3. Patriot Express Route
Andersen AFB is on a Patriot Express (PE or “rotator”) route. The PE is a contracted commercial flight used primarily to transport space required passengers to and from overseas duty stations.
PE flights have standard monthly routes and schedules. The flights from Andersen are bi-weekly on Saturdays to Kadena AB and on Sundays to the Seattle AMC terminal.
Space-A passengers on the Patriot Express pay a per-person head tax of $23.40 and, for the flight from Guam to Seattle, a federal Inspection fee of $18.23. The Andersen terminal accepts card payments only.
Learn more about flying Space-A on the PE here.
4. Category 6 Eligibility
Guam is an eligible Space-A destination for many Space-A passengers in Category 6.
Some passengers in Category 6 are not eligible to fly Space-A to foreign countries but CAN fly to U.S. territories, including Guam, with their accompanying dependents. These passengers are:
- Veterans with a permanent service connected disability rated as total (100% P&T)
- Reserve component members
- Retired Reservists who are not yet receiving retired pay (“Gray Area” retirees)
This article has full details about Space-A Category 6.
5. ID Requirements
Space-A passengers traveling between the U.S and Guam must have a passport OR a State Enhanced driver’s license in addition to a Uniformed Service identification card (USID).
Dependents who are 14 years or older must have a USID dependent identification and privilege card and a passport or birth certificate to show proof of citizenship.
Dependents under age 14 must have have a printout from milConnect showing the dependent’s DoD identification and privilege number and a passport or birth certificate.
All Space-A passengers traveling to Japan, including active duty members on leave, need a passport,
6. Customs Declaration
Passengers arriving in Guam must complete an electronic customs form. You can complete this Electronic Declaration Form (EDF) up to 3 days before arrival.
7. Lodging
Andersen Gateway Inns & Suites is about 1.75 miles from terminal. They offer standard rooms and suites. You can view more information on their website, but you cannot make reservations online – you must call for availability.
The closest civilian hotel is Finest Guam Golf & Resort, about six miles from the base.
Most of the other closest hotels are in Tumon, Guam’s primary entertainment district. Tumon is on the western side of the island, approximately 11 miles southwest of the base. This is the area where you should stay if you want to visit Guam and enjoy the island.
Search here for hotels in Tumon.
8. Local Transportation
Stroll is Guam’s rideshare app and one of the easiest ways to get around without your own vehicle. Many drivers have base access, and only those who have it can receive ride requests that require entry to the base. You can also message drivers within the app to confirm details.
Miki Taxi, the largest taxi company on the island, has base access. Request a full list of taxi services and contact info at the terminal. As of this writing, the Andersen AFB passenger terminal AMC Gram is not online.
If you plan to stay and explore the island, you will want a rental car. Andersen AFB has two rental car facilities: Enterprise and National. Both are located in the Exchange mall (about 1.6 miles from the passenger terminal). They may allow you to leave your car parked at the terminal when you depart if you notify them in advance.
8. Food
There are no eateries at the terminal except a vending machine. The commissary is approximately 1 mile from the passenger terminal, and the Gecko Grill (in the bowling alley) is another quarter mile farther. Other dining options are in the Exchange mall.
9. Parking on Base
Short term parking is available for up to 14 days near the terminal. For longer-term parking (up to 30) days, park in the lot near the old passenger terminal at 17002 Arc Light Blvd.
10. Civilian Airport
Guam’s civilian airport, Won Pat International Airport, is a 25 – 30 minute drive from Andersen AFB. From there, you can catch direct flights to locations throughout the Pacific and Asia. Note that Won Pat Airport does not have direct flights to CONUS.
Ready to Go to Guam?
Now that you know what to expect, start planning your trip!
Read our Guam Guide to discover all the cool things to see and do on the island. Also, if you’ve never flown Space-A, make sure you learn the basics of how it works.
Finally, get Space-A location guides like this one for the passenger terminals that have flights to and from Guam. You can find them all here!