- This is probably the #1 question asked by folks new to Space-A. Your specific"chances" depend on two key variables: the number of available seats versus the number of folks competing for available seats on a particular flight. Those two key variables are not known until "the "roll call" so anybody that predicts one's specific"chances" in advance is only guessing.
- The only prediction of "chances" one can make is your relative "chances." A higher Category traveler (e.g. Cat-I) has better "chances" than a lower Category (e.g. Cat-VI) and the longer you are signed up gives you better "chances" than someone signed up less days within your Category.
- Your chances are Zero if you are not "travel ready" at the terminal. Your chances are Zero if you are spending down-time between "scheduled" flights at home, billeting, the BX, Burger King, library, bowling alley or some other location. Your chances increase when kids are in school versus when kids are out of school and traveling with their families. Your chances increase if you are "travel ready" at the terminal and wait for a flight. Your chances are better if you travel light (baggage under 30 lbs) as it makes you eligible for ALL types of aircraft.
- So, in summary, your chances are affected by the following variables:
- number of flights to your destination
- number of Space-A seats on those flights
- number of people ahead of you trying for the flight
- number of seats you need (1 is better than 6!)
- seniority of your signup date in your particular category
- time of year (summer and non-school periods are the worst)
- amount of time you're prepared to tolerate (i.e. burning leave) waiting for a flight in the terminal (and not at Burger King!)
- amount of legs (different flights) you're willing to take to get from A to B
- type of aircraft you're willing to fly on
- weight of your baggage (under 30lbs enables you to compete for more types of aircraft)
- your willingness to take a flight to a less popular location e.g. McConnell versus Dover
- Your chances will improve the more you know the rules, methods and timing of sign-up, perseverance, patience and timing or travel. Bottom line, the best chances of a Space-A seat is to ensure you are in the Terminal BEFORE (I recommend an hour) the posted Roll Call time and hang around the Terminal until the Aircraft departs (as seats can change at any time).
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