Flying Space-A? Don’t board without this.
This military family approved packing list has everything you need! Download your free printable or mobile checklist + get our full Space-A guide for stress free travel.
saltyvagabonds
Destinations
Travel Tips
Planning
About us
Saltyvagabonds
Whether you’re hopping across the country or heading overseas, this packing list was made for military families who want to keep things smooth and stress free.
We’ve used this exact list for everything! From weekend hops to international Space-A flights with our kids and it’s been a total sanity saver.
Here’s what you don’t want to forget:
✅ Military ID for everyone flying (for kids without IDs, bring a MilConnect printout) ✅ Leave form or orders (active duty requirement) ✅ Spouse flying solo? Bring your command-sponsored or deployed verification letter ✅ Passports (yes, even for babies if you’re going OCONUS) ✅ Screenshot or printed copy of your sign-up email ✅ Space-A Gear: water, snacks, blanket or hoodie (those planes are cold), sleeping mat or hammock, etc. ✅ CLOSED-TOE SHOES – required to board any military aircraft 👟 ✅ And above all… patience 😅 because Space-A doesn’t care about your itinerary
Two free checklists to help you pack like a pro:
We created two versions:
📄 Standard Printable Packing List – great for printing and checking off by hand
📱 Mobile-Friendly Packing List – perfect for keeping on your phone while you pack
Both include: ✔️ Carry on must haves ✔️ Checked luggage basics ✔️ Travel day comfort items ✔️ Family & kid friendly extras ✔️ Essentials you don’t want to forget
🛍 And if you want to peek at what we personally use to make Space-A easier: Check out our Amazon Comfort & Go List – includes the camping pads, noise-canceling headphones, and little extras we always travel with. (No pressure to buy—use it more as inspo to pack from what you already have at home!)
🎥 I’ll be sharing a video soon showing exactly what we carry on and why!