If you want to fly Space-A to Asia, the Air Mobility Command (AMC) terminal at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (“Seattle” or “SeaTac”) is one of the best places to start your journey.
Also called the “AMC Seattle Gateway,” this military passenger terminal truly is a gateway to the Pacific. It has multiple missions per month to Japan, Korea, and Guam.
The terminal’s location in a civilian airport makes it easy for Space-A travelers to fly commercial from other parts of the country to begin their Space-A adventure.
If you haven’t flown Space-A recently, read this Quickstart Guide to Military Space-A Flights first for a primer on how it works. Then, read on to learn everything you need to know about flying Space-A from Seattle.
1. Flight To and From the Seattle AMC Terminal
Flights service Yokota AB, Iwakuni MCAS, and Misawa AB in mainland Japan. They also fly via Kadena AB in Okinawa. Missions to Korea are to/from Osan AB.
| Related Reading: 9 Things to Know About Flying Space-A to Japan
The Seattle AMC terminal also has a mission to Andersen AFB in Guam. Guam is the only destination to which 100% disabled veterans who are not retired from the military can fly (per DoDI 4515.13, Table 3 these veterans are not eligible to fly Space-A to foreign countries).
All flights via SeaTac are Patriot Express missions, and they do not have flights to or from any other locations than the bases listed above.
View the monthly and 72-hour flight schedules on the Seattle AMC web page.
2. Location of AMC Terminal
The AMC Seattle Gateway is in the main terminal of SeaTac next to Hawaiian Airlines. The ticketing counter is on Level 5 (Concourse/Check-In). This is where you mark present for a flight and where Roll Call is conducted.
The ticketing counter is only open during flight processing hours.
The AMC terminal also has an office on Baggage Claim level, between carousels 4 and 5. If the ticketing counter is not open, you can mark present at the office.
3. Marking Yourself Present
You can mark yourself present up to 24 hours in advance of Roll Call, but you must do so at least 1 hour before Roll Call.
When marking present, you may need to wait in line, and you must fill out paperwork. If you can’t complete those steps in time, you will miss your opportunity to compete for the flight. With that in mind, you should arrive at least 2 – 3 hours prior to Roll Call to mark yourself present.
Note that you must arrive “travel-ready” to mark yourself present. That means you and any dependents traveling with you are in the terminal with your luggage and all required documents.
4. Payment of Per-Passenger Tax
Space-A travelers pay a small per-person head tax to fly on the Patriot Express from Seattle. The AMC terminal does not accept cash for this payment, so make sure you have a credit or debit card.
5. Boarding Process
All Space-A flights via Seattle board and disembark using a jetway. You will board the aircraft at SeaTac just as you would for a commercial flight.
6. Arriving from Overseas
When arriving at SeaTac from Japan or Korea, you will go through International Arrivals with commercial travelers. When you get off the plane, walk to baggage claim, and then proceed through passport control.
7. USO
SeaTac has a large USO located on the Mezzanine Level of the main terminal. It’s outside the secure area above the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. The USO is well-stocked with snacks, plenty of comfortable seating, a bunk room, luggage storage, and numerous TVs. It also has free WiFi and computers.
Active duty travelers and their families have priority use of the USO. If it’s full when a Patriot Express mission is departing or has just arrived, the USO may close to other categories of travelers.
The USO also has vouchers for a discounted rate at SureStay Hotel by Best Western, which is close to the airport.
8. Lodging
The only lodging options near SeaTac are civilian hotels.
If you stop by the USO, pick up a voucher for SureStay Hotel by Best Western, as noted above. You may also get the discount without the voucher if you show valid military ID and mention the USO at the reception.
Here are four other hotels near the airport that are highly-rated, offer free breakfast, and have an airport shuttle.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Seattle Sea-Tac Airport
Hampton Inn and Suites Seattle – Airport / 28th Avenue
Holiday Inn Express Seattle – SeaTac Airport
9. Ground Transportation
Seattle’s Link Light Rail travels between the airport and downtown Seattle. Visit their website for a list of stops and instructions on how to use the system.
The Seattle airport website lists various other ground transportation options.
Space-A travelers park in the civilian lot at SeaTac – there is no “military parking.” You can pre-book to save money compared to the drive-up rates. Visit Seattle airport’s website for more information and current rates. If you plan to park at the airport for more than 30 days, you must book your parking in advance.
10. Military Bases Nearby
If you don’t get a seat on one of the Patriot Express missions at SeaTac, two other military bases in the area have regular Space-A flights.
JB Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is about 40 – 60 minutes by car, depending on traffic (a huge factor in the Seattle area). This shuttle service will get you to a location in Tacoma, about 11 miles from the JBLM passenger terminal, but you will need to find other transportation the rest of the way.
If you take a taxi/Uber to JBLM and show your ID card at the gate, the driver can enter the base to drop you off. JBLM’s website has more detailed information about base access.
View JBLM’s 72-hour flight schedule on their AMC page.
NAS Whidbey Island (NASWI) is a 2 – 3 hour drive. This shuttle service runs between SeaTac and Whidbey Island. It is the only shuttle service that can access the base.
NASWI posts their flight schedules on their Facebook page.
Ready to Fly Space-A from Seattle?
In preparation for your trip, remember to review the details of how Space-A works so you’re familiar with the process and know how to boost your chances of getting a seat.
Also, if you’ve never flown Space-A on the Patriot Express (aka “the rotator”), here’s what you need to know.
Finally, read similar information about any military passenger terminals you might transit in our other Space-A Location Guides.
Cover photo: Josh Fields from Pexels via Canva.
During a recent Seattle > Japan adventure using delayed Patriot Express flights we found ourselves needing to find a hotel for the DAY. We discovered specialized online booking services (look for “day use hotels”) that let us easily book into a nearby “Brand H” airport hotel for a 9AM-5PM stay at a 71% discount from the normal hotel rate. “Day use” rooms could be handy for fellow travelers needing to get some quality sleep following 3AM roll calls and aircraft delays.
That’s a fantastic tip! Thank you for sharing it!