Airman, families prepare for peak travel season

  • Published
  • By 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron
  • passenger travel section
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Once again, peak season has arrived at Osan. There are many things to consider while preparing for your permanent change of station. Your local traffic management office can clarify all of your travel questions that may arise during this process, such as travel entitlements, routing, and Air Mobility Command and commercial travel procedures. To assist with your move, we have compiled a list of common scenarios and frequently asked questions that you may find helpful as you start on your new journey.

Scenario: "I just received my assignment notification. How do I begin making travel arrangements? "
Answer: Your journey begins when you submit your travel worksheet form to outbound assignments. Note that TMO requires a 10-day travel window to book a flight.

Scenario: "Why do I need a travel window? I know exactly what day I want to leave."
Answer: You are authorized to request a desired travel date; however, AFI 24-101, Passenger Travel, mandates the TMO to use a 10-day travel window. This allows for maximum AMC procured travel for all Department of Defense employees.

Scenario: "Why do I have to take the Patriot Express? I found a cheaper commercial ticket online."
Answer: Unfortunately, it's not that simple. We must use the DoD order of precedence to book all official travel. Basically, this means that TMO must use AMC travel first to meet mission requirements. Your online ticket may seem cheaper, but in reality the DoD has already paid for your seat on the Patriot Express. There are extenuating or rare circumstances where commercial flights may be better suited to meet travel requirements. In these cases, a negative mission critical impact letter must be signed by a colonel or above and returned to TMO. This allows you, the traveler, to arrange a commercial flight through TMO.

Scenario: "I am PCSing with a pet. How does that affect my travel arrangements?"
Answer: Travelers with pets must travel via Incheon International Airport because the Osan Terminal is not currently authorized to quarantine pets at their facility. Please include your pet information on your travel worksheet. You may also contact our commercial ticket office for more information at 784-3666.

Scenario: "I am taking leave before I go to my next base and I think I want to visit Hawaii. Is that possible? "
Answer: This is absolutely possible, under certain restrictions. TMO is not authorized to use government fares to a leave location; however, circuitous travel is an option and an entitlement. The circuitous travel process normally begins 120 days prior to departure. Members must stop by TMO Bldg. 635 to pick up a circuitous travel information sheet. TMO will then brief the member and provide a government constructive rate between the member's authorized locations. Travelers then submit the circuitous travel worksheet to the MPF for authorization and inclusion on the travel orders. This authorization is what entitles the member to reimbursement, up to the government constructive rate.

Making your travel reservations are an important part of the PCS process. Our mission is to provide you with the right information to ensure your move is as smooth as possible. If you have questions or need assistance, please visit us in Bldg. 635or call 784-6207.