Patriot Express

The Patriot Express, also known as the “Rotator” or “Cat B flight”, is a Department of Defense (DoD) contracted commercial charter flight which provides international support to travelers on official duty and their families. The PE also provides Space-Available travel opportunities. The 618th Air Operations Center at Scott AFB, IL., schedules these flights on a recurring basis both to and from AMC commercial airports and military passenger terminals. These flights offer inflight amenities and operate similar to commercial airlines.

Passenger Movement

Amenities may vary between carriers. Available meals and beverages are comparable to those offered in commercial airline business class. Special meals such as kosher, diabetic, vegetarian, and meals for children may be available when requested 48 hours in advance. Patriot Express flights may show current box office movies and provide headsets free of charge. Some flights offer 34 inches of legroom, compared to 31-32 inches on most commercial airlines.

Passengers traveling in conjunction with a PCS or official travel must have in their possession a travel order or similar authorization issued by an appropriate authority, and an official identification card issued by a DoD Component, federal, State, or local government authority. In addition, passengers may be required to carry passports, visas, and immunization records etc. when applicable.

Responsibility to obtain required documentation lies solely with you, the traveler. Additional information can be found by accessing https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/.

Passenger check-in opens 6 hours prior to departure at AMC commercial airport locations. If passengers do not elect to check-in early, the required show time is no later than 2 hours and 20 minutes prior to departure at BWI Airport, and 3 hours and 20 minutes prior to departure at SEA-TAC Airport. If you are departing from a military installation, please check with the passenger terminal personnel for specific check-in times. These times are designed to ensure on-time departures.

OFFICIAL TRAVEL

100LRS.PAX@US.AF.MIL

SPACE AVAILABLE TRAVEL

AMC 727 AIR MOBILITY SQUADRON

RAF Mildenhall Passenger Terminal,
Bury St. Edmunds,
Suffolk, IP28 8NF

24 Hour Flight Recording
Comm: 44-1638-54-2248 Option 3
DSN: (314) 238-2248 Option 3

Service Counter
Comm: 44-1638-54-2248 Option 2
DSN: (314) 238-2248 Option 2
Fax: 44-1638-54-7426
Email:
727ams.spacea@us.af.mil

Hours of operation: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Each passenger is authorized two pieces of checked baggage not to exceed 70 pounds and 62 linear inches (sum of length + width + height) each. Bags heavier than 70 pounds or larger than 62 linear inches will be counted as two pieces and an excess baggage fee may apply. Excess baggage rates vary but will not exceed $125 per piece.

Baggage Exceeding 80 Linear Inches and/or 100 pounds WILL NOT be Accepted. Excess Baggage is Not Authorized for Space-Available Passengers.

Carry-on Baggage
Carry-ons must fit under the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin. Approximate dimensions are 9” x 14” x 22” for a total of 45 linear inches.

Prohibited Items
AMC flights adhere to TSA baggage screening guidelines. A full list of prohibited items can be found on the TSA site: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/securityscreening/whatcanibring/all

*Pet Travel is only available for members on orders. Pet Travel is unauthorized for Space-A Travel.*

More information in the AMC Pet Brochure

Initiating Pet Travel

Pet space is very limited on AMC PE flights due to pressurized cargo hold limits and is booked on a first come, first serve basis. Spaces are available for booking 90 days prior to departure and must be reserved through your local transportation office (PCS orders are not required to make travel reservation). Passengers may request up to two (2) pet reservations per family. Pet transportation is at owner’s expense. Pets must be accompanied by their owner. Note – Pet movement aboard DoD organic aircraft is authorized for PCS moves only when such aircraft provide the only service to a location.

Kennel & Carrier Requirements

Your pet’s health and well being is our utmost concern. In accordance with FAA & AMC pet travel policy, in‐cabin pet kennels/carriers are treated like carry‐on baggage and will be stowed under the passenger seat and pets must remain in the container for the duration of the flight. You are responsible for providing an authorized kennel/carrier and ensuring your pet is transported in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines. In‐cabin kennel/carrier size must not exceed 20” L x 16” W x 8.5” H to ensure it will fit under the seat in front of you. Kennels/carriers must be large enough for your pet to stand‐up, turn around, and lie down with normal posture and body movement. Pets will not be accepted in containers that are too small. Kennels must provide adequate ventilation on at least three sides. Soft‐sided carriers should be constructed of leak‐proof/water repellent padded nylon with mesh ventilation on at least two sides.

For more information, refer to the AMC Pet Travel Brochure linked below.

Pet Immigration

All pets, including service animals are subject to country quarantine procedures. Contact your local transportation office for specific immigration requirements to include pet quarantine and detention. Additional information is available in the “OCONUS Country Instructions” link located on the following website: https://move.mil/sme under the “Pets/Quarantine” section your destination country. When it is necessary
to detain an animal, pending a determination of admissibility, the traveler will provide detention facilities that are satisfactory to the quarantine officer. The passenger will bear the expense of such detention, including necessary examinations, vaccinations, and other expenses.

Travel Risks

All pets are susceptible to the risk of heat stroke, respiratory problems, hypoxia, and the possibility of death during travel. Pets traveling in larger
kennels must be loaded in the pressurized, temperature controlled cargo hold, which limits the number of pets on each aircraft to 4 to 10
depending on the type of aircraft and kennel sizes. The risk is increased for snub or pug nosed pets. For health and safety concerns, we recommend
pet owners discuss their pet’s susceptibility to these or other complications with a veterinarian prior to air transport and ensure pet kennels
have adequate ventilation.

Welcome to RAF Mildenhall, the Gateway to the United Kingdom! The men and women of the 727th Air Mobility Squadron want to ensure your Air Mobility Command (AMC) experience is a favorable one. Our passenger service representatives are available to help if you have questions or problems during your travel. We take pride in offering exceptional customer service to all of our visitors. Please make any suggestions or comments on the Passenger Terminal Survey form found in the main lobby and place it in the box provided. On behalf of Air mobility Command, we hope you have an enjoyable travel experience and look forward to serving you now and in the future!

ACCOMMODATION

This does not constitute endorsement by the Air Mobility Command or the United States Air Force.

Military Lodging
Gateway Lodge, RAF Mildenhall DSN 314-238-6001
Liberty Lodge, RAF Lakenheath DSN 314-226-6700

Civilian Hotel Listing (within 10 mins to base)
The Bird in Hand Motel, Beck Row COMM +44 1638-713247
The Bell Hotel, Mildenhall COMM +44 1638-583511
The Riverside Hotel, Mildenhall COMM +44 1638-717274
The Forte Travelodge, Barton Mills COMM +44 8719-846006

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

This does not constitute endorsement by the Air Mobility Command or the United States Air Force.

Car Rental
AAFES Concession COMM +44 1638-532699
Mildenhire COMM +44 1638-718288
Low Cost Car Rental COMM +44 1638-510123
Enterprise COMM +44 1842-763766
Hertz COMM +44 8433-093015

Taxis
M&L Taxi COMM +44 1638-712261
Phoenix Taxi COMM +44 1638-533060
Town and Country +44 7579-811375
Moreton Heights +44 1284-700523

Welcome to Air Mobility Command’s (AMC) passenger terminal at RAF Mildenhall, Gateway to the United Kingdom. The passenger service personnel are dedicated professionals that take great pride in providing you the very best service. If you have questions or problems during your travel, contact any of our quality passenger service representatives. Your comments help improve our customer service, please supply feedback on our performance by using an ICE comment card or the Passenger Terminal Survey form found in the main lobby and place in the box provided.

There is no base transportation service at RAF Mildenhall. A Taxi service is available on base, rental car and bus services are available off base. See our AMC Gram for further details. Additionally, lodging on and off-base has limited capacity.

On behalf of the 727th Air Mobility Squadron, we look forward to serving you now and in the future! Fly AMC!

Check out the AMC RAFM Mildenhall Passenger Terminal website here.

The 72-hour Schedule and 30-day Outlook are available here.

Sign-up for Space Available here.

What is the schedule?
Effective 21 September, AMC will begin the rollout of the Patriot Express (PE) government-contracted flight, at RAF Mildenhall, servicing Baltimore - Mildenhall and return, twice a month. The rotator will leave twice a month however, the first flight in September will be the only flight for that month. After September it will be bi-weekly.
WHAT IS THE ROUTE?
The rotator will fly from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to RAF Mildenhall and then back to Baltimore Washington International (BWI). Passengers will fly via commercial carrier the following day after the rotator lands in BWI.
Will pets be allowed on the Patriot Express?
Yes! We have coordinated with Department of Environmental and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), as well as the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to ensure RAF Mildenhall abides by all UK regulations. We've been fortunate enough to have great support from our local community and will be serviced by a Pet Certifying Agency out of Cambridge.

For more details on the Patriot Express, please read through the Defense Travel Regulation (DTR) 4500.9-R Part 1, sections A & K.
How many seats are available?
This aircraft will have a seating capacity to host 240 travelers.
How many pet spots are available?
This aircraft will have 10 in-cabin pets (NTE 20"Lx16"Wx8.5"H transport kennel dimensions) and will accommodate up to 10 pets in the aircraft belly.
Will everyone PCSing be required to take the Patriot Express?
Ridership on the PE is mandatory for ALL personnel in a PCS status, regardless of grade/status/agency, and encouraged for all other types of travel, providing it does not negatively impact mission requirements, IAW AFI 24-602v1, the DTR 4500.9-R Part 1, and DoDI 4500.57. Therefore, to ensure governing requirements are met, all personnel in a PCS status, which have already or will submit requests for travel arrangements, will be closely analyzed for potential booking on the PE, guaranteeing the utmost utilization possible.
Who is the waiver authority if PCS dates don't line up with Patriot Express dates?
The waiver authority when completing a mission impact statement memo will be your respective Installation Transportation Officer, within your Logistics Readiness Squadron's Transportation Movement Office (TMO). Each memo will need to be signed by member's unit Commander, and then submitted to your local TMO.
Can Patriot Express be used as a rotator for personal travel to and from the States?
The Patriot Express will be for members/families that are on official orders, as well as space available travel when there are leftover seats. The route does end at Baltimore Washington International, and any on-ward travel via space available will need to be personally procured.
Which UK bases are required to use Patriot Express?
RAF Mildenhall, Lakenheath, Alconbury, Feltwell and Molesworth will be required to utilize the rotator starting 21 September, 2022. Other bases within the UK still have the option to utilize it if they wish.
What happens if there is not enough space available for my dependents or pets?
Instances where the sponsor, dependents and/or family pet(s) cannot be accommodated on the same AMC-PE flight are considered a valid negative critical mission impact as authorized in Service regulations/policy, allowing transportation via commercial air. Transportation Officers will document the non-availability within the passenger record justifying non-usage of AMC PE for auditability purposes. Any excess cost incurred above the government constructed cost is the responsibility of the sponsor.
Are dependents required to use Patriot Express?
All members (to include dependents) for official travel (PCS, TDY, etc.) need to utilize the rotator, unless there is no availability. A mission impact statement memo is required and must be signed by the member's unit commander, and approved by your local Transportation Officer for members/dependents to not utilize the rotator. Dependents have the option to utilize space available travel (not in conjunction with TDY/PCS travel) if there are open seats without the sponsor/active duty member.
If I take leave enroute, will I need to adjust my leave to match with an available Patriot Express flight?
All members in PCS status will be required to use the Patriot Express. With leave being the issue here, it depends on if it is approved circuitous travel or just regular leave before departing. For circuitous travel, reimbursement of commercial travel will be limited to the official government fares, thus, any excess cost incurred above the government fare will be the responsibility of the member. For regular leave before departing, members will still be mandated to use the Patriot Express.
How soon can you start booking your Patriot Express flight?
Members can start utilizing the Patriot Express in September and bi-weekly after that (2x a month). Your local Transportation Movement Office (TMO) will be able to pull up all available (2-3 months prior to departure) Patriot Express missions for PCS travel.

The AMC Passenger Terminal will display the Space Available tentative seats within our website below usually 24-48 hours prior.

https://www.amc.af.mil/AMC-Travel-Site/Terminals/EUCOM-Terminals/RAF-Mildenhall-Passenger-Terminal
To clarify, is PE ridership mandatory for DoD Civilians in PCS status assigned to the Defense Contract Management Agency. As I'm not assigned to one of the listed bases, I understand it as an option.
Yes, DoD Civilians must follow the order of precedence. Civilian and military members not assigned to the bases on the require PE ridership list may still request to travel using the PE.
How early can we sign up for the PE?
Members should send port call worksheets NLT than 90 days prior to the projected departure date. Rotator dates usually populate approximately 90-120 days in advance.
Where do we sign up for the PE?
Email request to 100lrs.pax@us.af.mil.
Will civilians be able to travel on the rotator, and will we be required to use it for PCS moves? If so, how does that relate to AFMAN 36-204, para 7.6.2. that requires us to travel on a Thursday or Friday when PCSing to the CONUS from OCONUS?
Yes, DoD civilians could utilize the PE, if it correlates with the requirement to depart on a Thursday or Friday. However, we could not otherwise mandate them on the PE, left or right, as either they will already belong to their gaining unit or would be forced early departure in a personal leave status that isn't covered under travel time restrictions.

I am a civilian contractor and allowed gov travel per my LOA/contract. Am I eligible for the Patriot Express?
Yes! If your LOA authorizes government travel, you are authorized to use the PE.
I arranged for transportation back to CONUS in our DEROS month, what documentation will be necessary to provide to not take the PE?
The documentation required to exempt you from riding the Patriot Express is a Mission Impact Statement approved by your installation Transportation Office, but requires a squadron commander signature. Reach out to the Passenger Travel Office regarding already purchasing your tickets. This arrangements are typically completed through TMO.
Is there going to be a shuttle to take people to TLF or do we need to arrange a ride?
Transportation means from the terminal for arrival is going to heavily rely on the Sponsorship program. This includes helping incoming families and their pets arrive safely at their destination. We are currently working a transportation plan that would utilize a bus system to transport them to lodging or dorms.
What will the process look like for pets after landing, will they have to go through a custom check similar if they were to fly to Heathrow?
The checks have been approved by the UK government. It is no different than going through London Heathrow. All the same documents are required and are available on the MILDENHALL.AF.MIL site with UK government pet requirements and resources. Our local partners will be coming to the base and conducting all customs and health checks on the installation.
Do we know what airline is going to be chartered for the flights?
For first flight on 20/21 September, Eastern. Starting 1 October 2022, Omni airlines will be the provider.
Will there be a early pre-check available?
Yes! Hours are currently being finalized, but there will be an Early Bird Check-in.
Will there be amenities after going through security (such as vending machines, booster club selling food and water or some sort of mini mart)? If not, will passengers be able to bring items purchased from another store?
There are limited vending options once through security. However, similar to a commericial airport, you are are to bring food through security. Fluids are restricted by TSA regulations.
Will food and entertainment be provided on the flight?
Yes, meals are available on the flight.
All official travel? So if we PCS to California, do we still use the PE, then get on a domestic flight?
Yes, if you are PCSing to CONUS you will fly on the Patriot Express to BWI and then the Transportation Office will book you a commercial ticket from BWI to your final destination.
What is the amount of baggage allowed per person?
These details are provided on your orders. Standard AMC guidance is two bags at 70lbs each. Anything additional is considered excess baggage.
How far in advance are these flight dates going to be put out?
The Traffic Management Office will provide a 90 day forecast. If you are 90 days out from your departure date, they will provide you available dates.
Will retirees be able to use the service?
Yes, as Space A.
Will there be automatic exemptions for members in certain categories?
Exemptions are subjective and depend on your special circumstance. Please work the Mission Impact Statement through your squadron commander.
How much will it cost to fly pets?
Flying pets into the UK will depend on the pet's weight. There will be a Patriot Express cost from $125-$300 depending on animal size. The second cost is the UK entry fee. It is much cheaper than flying it via commercial means.
What is the process if you plan on taking leave enroute to your next station?
Make contact with the Passenger Travel Office so we can get a better understanding of your plans, 100LRS.PAX@us.af.mil
If the Patriot Express only flies twice a month and we are supposed to leave at the end of the month, will we be required to leave sooner?
The Patriot Express is bi-weekly. As the traveller, you are required to provide a 10 day travel window. If the Patriot Express falls within that 10 day window, you will be booked.
Where does my dog go? Up in the cabin with me? Down in the cargo area?
Depends on the pet's size. There are 10 cabin spots and 10 cargo spots.
How soon should I start preparing my dog for the flight if we are leaving in January?
Start as early as possible. There are a lot of different requirements based on your next location.
Is it necessary to have families arrive 6 hours before the flight?
We highly encourage you use the Early Bird check in the day before, this will expedite the process.
For mil to mil couples. Is it 2 dogs per service member/set of orders or 2 dogs per family?
Two dogs per family.
Will it run like a regular flight with food and drinks provided?
Yes.
Due to our large PCS seasons, how many seats will be available on each PE and what happens if we have more PCS individuals than seats available? How will they be authorized to travel?
Patriot Express is booked on first come, first serve basis. There are 240 seats both ways. If the PE is booked, members will be authorized to fly commerical.
Do we need orders to bring our pets? I got here in May when this service wasn’t available. I want to bring my pets, and read that you needed to be PCSing to use this service.
You do not need orders to make a reservation for PCS travel. You will need orders to fly out. You cannot fly pets Space A, you do have to be on PCS orders. If you have already PCS'd here, you can no longer bring your pets over on the PE.
What is the process for pets leaving Mildenhall?
Make sure rabies vaccine is updated prior to flying to CONUS. One individual will remain with the pet 45 mins - 1 hour prior to the flight. Pet relief areas will be available.
For members PCS’ing to/from UK that are non-mandatory patriot express users, how are they considered/prioritized for flight seats and pet spaces?
PCS members are required for the Patriot Express. Five bases are mandatory: Mildenhall, Lakenheath, Feltwell, Molesworth and Alconbury. Bases not mandated, you are still able to use the PE on first come, first serve basis.
Will RAF Croughton be able to use the Patriot Express with their pets?
Yes! Even though you are not mandated, the PE is on a first come, first serve basis if you rather fly PE.
For members separating members with DOS between rotator dates, will they be able to depart commercial?
The Patriot Express is bi-weekly. As the traveler, you are required to provide a 10 day travel window. If the Patriot Express falls within that 10 day window, you will be booked.
How about pet fees leaving Mildenhall?
Passengers will only be required to pay the AMC fee.
Is the cargo space for pets climatized and pressurized for their safety?
The cargo hold is sealed, like the upper deck of the aircraft. It is not climatized. It's not freezing, but it is cold. On the inbound on the ground, there is no air conditioning to keep it cool. We as an installation we are going to take every step posisble to keep our pets safe.
Are there any fees associated with flying Space-A such as taxes or similar?
Yes, there for fees to include a Head Tax and International Tax. Approximately $35 for Space A on the Patriot Express per person.
Can you clarify the 72hr COVID test requirement. Is it 72hr or less, and is a certain test type needed?
There is currently no COVID test requirement. The only COVID requirement at this time (8 September 2022) is a mask in the terminal and while on the aircraft.
As service members do we need passports to travel back to the USA with Space-A travel? Or are we still allowed to travel on our military orders?
Please contact Space A travel at 727AMS.SPACEA@US.AF.MIL
If a mil-to-mil couple has more than 2 animals can they still bring the extra animals and just pay the extra animals?
The Patriot Express is restricted to two animals per family.
Wouldn't the pet vaccinations need to be in correspondence with the arrival location?
Pet requirements depend on the arrival location.
Do you have the same dog crate requirements as international flights?
Yes. For more information, visit MILDENHALL.AF.MIL.
Are you allowed to ship dogs in metal crates?
All pet requirements can be found on MILDENHALL.AF.MIL
If I have a small snub nose dog flying out in January will he be able to fly in cabin?
In-cabin pets depend on the animal and kennel size. All pet requirements and kennel restrictional can be found on MILDENHALL.AF.MIL
For PCS purposes, can we use the rotator to ship our pet back early without a member being on the flight?
A member must accompany a pet.
Is the PE required for COT leave? Particularly for members going to the PACAF AOR?
This depends on your COT location and next duty station. Please contact your local Transportation Management Office.
Are there any plans for shuttle services to outlying locations? Like a NAF contract paid by the travelers as a reimbursable expense? This is done at other locations, just wondering if it is being considered?
Yes, we are currently looking at this option. For those bases, we are working with those installation leaders.
Since the RAF Mildenhall pet allowances are half of other locations and the UK has high pet cargo fees, has any discussion been made to supply the UK with more PE flights?
At this time, the Patriot Express is available twice a month.
Will there be an extra safety precautions for snub nose animals ?
Please contact your veterinarian for travel advice.
If the sponsor has orders going overseas, but helping the dependent and pet with the move back to the States, are they able to utilize Patriot Express?
Dependents are authorized to use the Patriot Express.
If we have 3 dogs will I be able to fly commercial with one dog while my husband (SM) flies the rotator with the other 2?
Please contact your local Traffic Management Office.
If PCSing (out) can you send your pet ahead (a month or two) if a family or friend receives them on the other side?
You can send your pet early via commercial travel.
Are children on travel also allowed 2 bags each at 70 pounds?
Yes.
What happens if there is not enough space for me and my dependents on the same Patriot Express Flight?
Your family will be able to fly commercial out of London Heathrow with the approved waiver.
If I take leave enroute, will I need to adjust my leave to match up with a Patriot Express?
No, you will not need to adjust your leave. However, contact your local Traffic Management Office for details regarding your specific circumstance.
How soon can you book flights?
PCS travel should be reserved no later than 90 days prior to projected departure day. Contact 100LRS.PAX@US.AF.MIL. You do not need orders to make a reservation.
How do I sign up for Space A travel?
Please email 727AMS.SPACEA@US.AF.MIL or visit our website at MILDENHALL.AF.MIL
For the Early Bird check in, if the day before the flight is a Federal Holiday how will the schedule change?
The Early Bird check in will still be available, we will not close our early check-in for a Federal Holiday.
I have a dietary restraint, how do I book a meal?
Contact the Passenger Terminal at least 24hrs in advance.
Heat bans for animal travel?
PE doesn't have any heat bans, so be cognizant for when you plan to ship your pets.
If a sponsor is deployed, are dependents able to travel via PE?
Command sponsor letters are available through CSS.

Dependents are allowed to fly on the Patriot Express with their Sponsor for Space A. They cannot fly by themselves. For more information, contact the Space A terminal 238-2248, option 2.
If members are going TDY, will they utilize PE?
PE can be an option, however TDY dates aren't fluid so commercial may be the best option.
Many Airmen don't have the vehicle to transport luggage, how are we going to help with transportation?
Yes, we are looking how we can best assist our Airmen to transport their families and luggage to the terminal. We are looking to see what official options we have to provide this support. More to come.
Do children need a passport?
All dependents are required to have a passport.
What are the excess baggage costs?
You do get a carry-on in addition to the two checked bags. There are excess baggage fees. You may be reimbursed based on what your orders dictate
Does a kennel in-cabin count as a carry on?
No, a kennel counts as a kennel.

Patriot Express & Space Available Travel

About

Defense Travel Regulation

Amenities

Required Documentation

Checking In

CONTACT INFORMATION

Baggage Allowance

Pets

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Space Available Travel

Frequently Asked Questions

TOWN HALL Q&A