Emergency leave? flights? First timer.

Author Message   melissa strombelline Member Username: Mlissmelissa Post Number: 15 Registered: 06-2010 Posted From: 80.148.25.170 Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 03:48 pm:    Just a tip I wasnt informed of for our first space a flight is sign up for your return now. You can do it online. It all goes by seniority and how long you have been signed up. So decide ALL the possible bases you think you might fly from in the states to get back and sign up now! You are good for 60 days so if you sign up now and fly back in a month you will have a decent amount of time on the list. Sorry for your situation and good luck! Where are you headed in the states?   Amy Schaefer New member Username: Amischae4 Post Number: 3 Registered: 06-2010 Posted From: 80.149.102.19 Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 07:41 am:    this is great! I appreciate everyone's help!! My mind is more at ease and a bit more prepared. I'm sure as we do more of these flights it'll be a pro at it! Again thank you to everyone!!   Bob-Cat 6 Intermediate Member Username: Blueball Post Number: 102 Registered: 01-2007 Posted From: 96.227.88.114 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 10:28 pm:    Don't forget snacks for the kids. Was on an 8 hour flight recently where the mother of two preschoolers had no food. She assumed there would be boxed lunches but none were sold for this flight. Eight hours of flight time, two hours pre-boarding and an hour of customs makes for a long time for a youngster to go without food. Luckily, Cat VI folks dug into their stores and fed the kids. Moral of story, never assume anything with SpaceA travel.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4640 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 07:30 pm:    Yes, strollers are allowed and booster seats too (where did you read that they were not allowed?). Don't forget, you may have to haul all that stuff around. Normally your fellow pax and the crew will assist but when you arrive they will head their respective ways and you'll need to be as self sufficient as possible. You won't know type of aircraft until a few hours prior so make sure you have layered clothing in case it's a KC-135 with varying hot/cold (fairly cold) temps.   Amy Schaefer New member Username: Amischae4 Post Number: 2 Registered: 06-2010 Posted From: 80.149.102.19 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 07:10 pm:    thank you thank you thank you. I was wondering too do they allow strollers? I'm packing ONE suitcase for all three of us, a backpack for myself with essentials, diapers juice boxes toys....dvd but a stroller would be AWESOME to have so i have my 4 year old in that and can push and pull everything else. DO they allow booster seats? I read they do not. so I'm worried about getting to the states and having to buy a new one just to travel with. SOO much worry on top of worry. We're flying out of Ramstein...and dont really know WHAT kind of aircraft to expect, if I knew ahead of time I'd mentally be more prepared but i guess that's the adventure of it!   Leanne Besachio Member Username: Lbesachio Post Number: 8 Registered: 02-2010 Posted From: 71.62.115.237 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 03:38 pm:    Hi Amy, Bring your car seat for the 5 month old to use on the plane, it helps. Bring a blanket for each. Bring something small for them to play with (book, doll, etc.). I recommend packing very lightly, especially if you are going to be with family where you can do laundry. I would say no more than 3 outfits each, that way all of it fits in one suitcase. Use a backpack as your diaper/carryon bag. Easier to transport when you need your hands for kids. Keep everything minimal as you will be busy with your kids and have to count on being able to do everything yourself. If someone offers to help carry a bag, car seat, etc. Say YES with a smile. I traveled recently alone with my 3 kids and the kindness of the other travelers was tremendous.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4636 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 03:32 pm:    Amy, Sorry you're getting your Space-A intro during an emergency leave situation. As soon as you have your letter authorizing travel you can register at your departure location (you forgot to mention), show up at the terminal, and compete for a seat on the next flight heading towards your destination. You'll need your passports (official and no-fee), ID card, and authorization letter. When a spouse is traveling with young children some folks advise that you have some written authorization (e.g. a Power of attorney) from the other spouse to travel with the children. Depending on your sponsor's unit, they may provide you with Government-funded travel on military aircraft or commercial aircraft from the nearest OCONUS international airport to CONUS. Alternatively, they'll authorize you Space-A Cat-I to CONUS and you'll probably be Cat-V returning. Hope everything works out and you get there quickly!   Amy Schaefer New member Username: Amischae4 Post Number: 1 Registered: 06-2010 Posted From: 80.149.102.19 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 01:36 pm:    Hi there I'm a first timer on Space A with 2 young children, 4 year old and 5 month old. I will travelling without our sponsor, my hubby and just wanted to know what to expect, what documents we def need (passports of course, we're OCONUS) and they're getting our 'leave' info and command letter and what not together as we speak. How soon can we depart once I have those doc.'s in hand and am I missing any other info? I'm flying from OCONUS to the East Coast...my mind is kind of racing so I appreciate any and all help I just want to get everythin squared away before we even step out the front door! Also with little ones I guess it still helps to have them suck a paci or something for the pressure in their ears(much like commercial). Again thanks to everyone!!!