With the average cost of airline tickets on a constant rise, the military offers service members a money-saving option to avoid paying the high prices of commercial airlines.

Space available flights, also know as “Space A” flights, depart from every American military air strip around the world. These flights are free to active-duty service members, retirees, activated reservists and military dependants. Passengers may incur a small fee if the flight lands on a civilian airstrip.

“Space A flights are great because they can take our service members nearly anywhere in the world for free,” said Harlan Woods, a transportation clerk at Naval Air Station North Island.

When scheduling a Space A flight, service members should know which of the six categories they fall under, explained Staff Sgt. Ian Hess, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of Miramar’s visiting aircraft line.

Category one includes service members or dependents on emergency leave, and is the highest priority.

“The most common passengers we get are category two and three,” said Hess. “This consists of active-duty service members, their families and military personnel on temporary additional duty orders.”

Category four generally consists of unaccompanied family members with a command-sponsored letter. Category five passengers are students whose military sponsor is based in either Hawaii or Alaska. The program reserves category six for retired military members or medically discharged service members.

“Rank is not considered when booking space for a flight,” said Woods. “The category of the passenger establishes priority. After that, it is first come, first serve.”

These flights could save money for those able to take them. However, Space A flights may require more time and effort to plan.

“Travelers must be flexible when using space available flights,” said Woods. “The main difference between Space A flights and commercial flights is that Space A flight schedules frequently change.”

Miramar and NAS North Island both offer Space A flights.

Miramar's flights leave about three times each week and typically travel to Travis Air Force Base, March Air Force Base and Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., explained Hess. Once service members reach and Air Force base, they may board another flight to just about anywhere in the world.

North Island's flights depart daily and travel to various destinations. For information on their flights, passengers may call the North Island passenger terminal at 619-545-9567.

Those interested in departing from Miramar may contact the passenger terminal at 858-577-4283.

Whether flying to Germany or Los Angeles, Space A flights will save some hard earned cash for service members and their dependents.