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Fly Smarter: Your Ultimate Guide to the Military’s Patriot Express
Tired of unpredictable military travel? The Patriot Express might just be your new favorite way to fly. Often misunderstood, this unique service offers a far more comfortable and reliable travel experience for military personnel and their families. Let’s break down everything you need to know about flying the PE!
What Exactly Is the Patriot Express?
First things first: The Patriot Express, or PE, is not a military cargo plane. Forget those chilly, seat-less flights on a C7. The PE is actually a contracted commercial aircraft. This means you get all the comforts you’d expect from a standard airline flight: assigned seats, in-flight meals, and movies. It’s significantly more comfortable and warmer than a typical military cargo plane.
Signing Up and Fees: What to Expect
Signing up for the Patriot Express works just like any other Space A flight. You don’t sign up for a specific aircraft, but rather for departures from a particular terminal. So, if you sign up at, say, Travis Air Force Base, you could potentially end up on a PE or a military cargo jet, depending on what’s flying and what seats are available.
There’s a small fee on the Patriot Express, usually under $40, which covers head tax and inspection fees. A crucial tip: make sure you have both cash and a card, as some terminals can be particular about payment types.
Navigating Schedules and Routes
Patience and planning are key when it comes to the PE. While PE routes are typically standard and don’t change much unless there’s weather, maintenance, or peak season moves, their schedules are posted monthly, often only a few days or a week in advance. Even then, you won’t know how many Space A seats are available until about 72 hours before departure.
Some common and popular routes include Travis to Hawaii, often every other Saturday, and Norfolk to Europe and beyond, with some interesting stops along the way.
Boarding and Travel Hacks
Show up early! The golden rule for the Patriot Express is to arrive 3 hours before roll call, especially during busy PCS seasons when lines can be brutal.
One huge advantage of the PE is that it allows you to stay on the plane to its final destination. This saves you the hassle of having to re-manifest or fight for a seat again at an intermediate stop, which can be a significant benefit in places that are difficult to manifest through.
For anyone with mobility issues, the PE can be a lifesaver. You’ll typically use a regular boarding jetway, avoiding ladders or cargo holds. However, always double-check in advance, as not every location has jetways and some may still use stairs.
Important Restrictions: No Pets (Mostly!)
Here’s a big one that often catches people off guard: no pets are allowed on Space A flights, even on the Patriot Express, unless it’s a registered service animal. Emotional support pets are not permitted. It’s crucial to know this upfront to avoid disappointment.
When to Avoid the PE
If possible, try to avoid flying the Patriot Express during PCS season, typically July and August. These flights fill up extremely fast, as families on official orders take priority, dramatically dropping the chances for Space A travelers. While some terminals might have other military flights you could catch instead, CATC is Patriot Express only, meaning no other Space A options there.
Is This Your Year to Fly Patriot Express?
The Patriot Express offers a unique and generally much more comfortable travel experience for military personnel and their families. Knowing the system and planning smart will definitely improve your chances. Just remember to bring snacks – even commercial-style flights can run out of cookies!
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