Space-A Travel is NOT for Wimps!

Our vacation is over and we're trying to come out of the haze that jet lag and time zones seem to leave us in. We had quite an adventure, some of it fun and enjoyable, and some of it not-so-much fun or enjoyable, but all of it was memorable and made for blog fodder.

We decided to fly space available by taking a military plane (It's referred to as "hopping" for you non-military types) to the States. My husband has been in the Air Force for more than 20 years and we'd never experienced a hop, therefore we figured we'd give it a whirl. People have been telling us for years we should try it... it's so easy... blah, blah, blah.

Well, maybe Space-A hops are easy for some people, but it didn't really go down that way for us, which is so totally predictable for our family. What were we thinking?

Let's just say it wasn't so easy, in that it took us quite some time to get on a flight going to the States (4 days), as well as quite some time to return to Spain (another 4 days). All four of us had to show up hours in advance of each flight just to see if we could get on. And of course the flights are at all times of the day and night, so we were exhausted before we ever got on a plane. It's such a gamble, and the waiting game is mentally, emotionally and physically draining...

Will we make this flight or are there too many people ahead of us on the list?

Will the plane be taking passengers or is it carrying hazardous cargo or already at max weight?

Will the maintenance issues be taken care of before the crew duty day ends?

I felt total and complete empathy for the people working in the passenger terminal as they often receive the brunt of angry, weary, emotionally distraught travelers. I'm sure they don't get paid enough. What people tend to forget is these flights are FREE for military folks and their families, and it's a privilege to be allowed to travel in this manner. We, the passengers, aren't really the priority. The plane, its mission and crew are the priority. We're just along for the ride. As painful as the process can be, we should still appreciate being given the opportunity and realize how fortunate we are.

All's well that ends well, and the actual flights were great, so no complaints there. Both crews were very accommodating and professional. The boys got to experience flying on a C-5 and see what their dad used to do on a regular basis. That was cool. Plus the C-5 has leg room, which is a HUGE bonus for me, not to mention the fact that flying Space-A meant escaping a commercial flight and having to go through Madrid's airport, another HUGE bonus for me as I find Madrid to be incredibly confusing and painful.

I'm telling you, it definitely takes patience, stamina and a keen sense of humor to roll with Space-A travel. It ain't for everybody! I'm glad for the experience, but not sure I want to do it again anytime soon.