Okay Jeff, here's the scoop. You can try Ramstein if it's closer to you, or Rhein-Main, which is where we flew out of. Or, both. *Before* you decide where to fly from, call the terminals to see when they fly out, and exactly where they are going. Space-A flights will take you to the East coast of the U.S. Unless you are TDY, I don't think it is possible for you fly Space-A within the CONUS. I really think the closest you'll be able to get to Michigan is Baltimore/Washington, which is a Rhein-Main destination. You might have to buy a commercial ticket from BWI to Michigan. So, as soon as you go on leave, like at 00:01, fax the terminals your leave form (Ramstein fax: DSN 480-2364, CIV 06371-47-2364, Rhein-Main fax: DSN 330-6309, CIV 069-699-6309). The longer your leave form is in before you actually try to fly, the higher up on the list you will be for a seat. Okay, got all that? If you are taking dependents, their information needs to be at the bottom of your leave form, and they might need proof of command sponsorship. Call the terminals to be sure (Ramstein DSN 480-2120/5364/2433 CIV 06371-47-2120/5364/2433, Rhein-Main DSN 330-6567/7746 <recording>, CIV 069-699-6567/7746). Here's the bad news: you'll probably be able to get to the States, but you might not be able to find a seat on the return flight. Summertime is when the gov't PCS's families with school-aged children, so seats become pretty scarce. If you're traveling alone, you might have some luck, but be prepared to pay for a return ticket just in case. If you do take a Space-A flight home, AS SOON as you land, sign up for your return flight. It will put you that farther ahead on the list than people who walk up and want a seat the day the flight leaves. If you fly into a civilian airport, you'll pay an airport tax, but there shouldn't be one if you fly into a military terminal. As if this wasn't long-winded enough, here's a little more:
http://www.ramstein.af.mil,
http://spacea.info. Try those sites...the second one links you up with individual terminals, and you can see exactly where they fly. Because of force protection, you may have to call to find out. Whatever you do, best of luck to you. I hope this has helped. If you have any questions, feel free to email me. My fingers hurt now.
Paula : )
Official travel guru of FBE
