On a military network, you can find the "Iwakuni Space A Travel Signup Request Form" and military flight information on our Intranet (https://intranet.iwakuni.nmci.usmc.mil/). Please click the "Air Transportation" button (blue aircraft) on the left on the intranet.
If you are not on a military network and need flight information or have further questions, please call the air terminal at DSN: 253-5509 / Commercial number within Japan: 0827-79-5509 / Commercial number from U.S.A : 011-81-827-79-5509. If you already have a sign-up form, please fax it to DSN: 253-4294 / Commercial number within Japan: 0827-79-4294 / Commercial number from U.S.A : 011-81-827-79-4294.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PATRIOT EXPRESS
The Patriot Express is a contracted commercial charter mission that provides support for duty travelers and their family members. These flights offer an array of in-flight amenities and operate the same as scheduled commercial airlines. The Patriot Express is also an excellent provider of troop morale by providing Space A Travel opportunities to and from the United States transiting both Kadena and Yokota Air Bases in Japan. It provides a convenience for servicemembers by landing directly at MCAS Iwakuni. This service is mandated for Space Required (Space R) PCS travelers and highly recommended for travel to the Air Station.
Procedures:
Once a servicemember receives orders to/thorugh MCAS Iwakuni Japan, they must contact their S-1 or IPAC to coordinate area clearances, port call requests, pet and dependent travel requirements and be briefed on eligibility for traveling to Iwakuni. Then S-1 or IPAC will then submit a port call for the servicemember to the Distribution Management Office (DMO) for requested booking on the Patriot Express. It is very important that the servicemember contacts their S-1 or IPAC as soon as possible for accompanied pet travel to Iwakuni, Japan. There are only 10 pet spaces per flight and only 1 Patriot Express flight per week to/from Seattle WA. Servicemembers traveling Space R to Iwakuni, Okinawa, and Yokota are authorized to utilize those limited first-come-first-serve pet spaces.
Required Paperwork:
Members must provide proper documentation to fly on the Patriot Express. Proper documentation includes a complete set of orders with all required endorsements from the DMO. Military and DOD travelers must possess government issued ID cards which includes dependents 10 year-old or older, travel orders, passports, and visas. The responsibility to obtain and maintain the required documentation lies solely with the traveler. Additional information can be found by accessing website at https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/.
Pets:
Families in PCS status are authorized to take two pets (dogs and cats only) as long as the kennels, with pets, do not exceed 150 pounds. The pet must be able to lie down, stand up, and turn around in the kennel. The kennel must be approved for air travel by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For the safety of your pet, soft-sided and collapsible kennels are not allowed. Small pets are authorized in cabin as long as the kennel fits under the seat. Soft-sided kennels are authorized for in cabin movement. Passengers are responsible for all pet shipment requirements, quarantines, and all costs associated with pet shipment.
Under 70 LBS: $112.00, 71-140 LBS: $224.00, 141-150 (max): $336.00
Luggage:
Each passenger is authorized two pieces of baggage not to exceed 70 pounds each and 62 linear inches (sum of length/height/width). Bags larger than 62 linear inches and/or heavier than 70 pounds will be counted as two pieces. BAGGAGE EXCEEDING 80 LINEAR INCHES/100 POUNDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Excess baggage is not authorized. Disposition of oversized/excess baggage is the responsibility of the owner/traveler.
Security:
Passengers and all authorized hand-carried baggage will be subject to local installation and U.S. Transportation Security Agency (TSA) screening processes. Liquids in hand-carried luggage are restricted to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) in a single 1-quart zip-lock bag removed from luggage for inspection. Additional information on authorized and prohibited items can be found at Transportation Security Administration website at http://www.tsa.gov.
MOST COMMON PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH SPACE A TRAVEL
- Showing up late for Space A call. Check with the AMC Passenger Service Section and be on time for your desired flight roll-call.
- Not travel-ready at Space Available Roll-Call.
- Missing credentials such as passports and identification cards. For dependent children, under 10, only their passport is required. Military members may not be required to have a passport for some destinations. Check with an AMC Passenger Service Agent or U.S. Department of State at http://www.state.gov.
Not having all baggage available for check-in, including carry-on luggage.
- Not having $29.10 per person to pay U.S. Federal Inspection Service Fees and Transportation Tax for AMC contract commercial flights.
- Expired passports or ID cards (passports valid for more than 6-months from date of travel).
- Unfunded Environmental and Morale Leave (EML) order not signed by sponsor.
- Sign-up before effective date of the leave authorization or EML orders.
- Excess/over-sized hand-carried baggage. Each passenger is permitted to hand carry one article (small luggage, garment bags, backpack, etc.) and one personal item (cosmetic case, purse, briefcase, small box or package, etc.) for storage in the passenger cabin area. The weight of these items shall not be considered as part of the passenger’s baggage authorization. Hand carried items shall be no larger than 45 linear inches and must fit under the passenger’s seat or in the overhead compartment.