Is it possible to arrange a Mac Flight/Hop from the US to Australia?

Question

Retired military officer interested in traveling to Australia

Answer 1

Yes it's possible. You'll have to go the passenger (PAX) terminal at the base to see all space available (space A) flights. Though going to Australia is probably easier to do if you live on the west coast, near Travis AFB CA, McChord AFB WA, Fairchild AFB WA or a Navy facility, you could try getting a hop out there but maybe more work than you want to invest. From Travis, I think the AF has semi-regular flights to Alice Springs (in the middle of the country) & Richmond RAFB which is about an hour away from Sydney by train & car. I would recommend going to Richmond vs Alice Springs. Alice springs is like frontier living ...its in the middle of the desert.
And sir we're now called AMC (Air Mobility Command) just a shadow of what MAC used to be and alot less fun from what the older crewmembers tell me. Good luck on your travels.

Answer 2

There used to be a regular mission out of Travis Air Base that went to Hickam for a sixteen hour crew rest, then on to Pago Pago Samoa for another rest and finally to Richmond Air Station outside of Sydney. There's also a Naval and Military Club in Melbourne which gives lodging to U.S. retired officers at rates much more favorable than civilian hotels.
Send me an e-mail via my profile and I'll try to get you some more info on how to contact Travis, etc.

Answer 3

Since the US military does not maintain a large presence in Australia there are not a large number of MAC flights there. It may be easier to get a MAC flight to the Orient and then catch commercial to Australia. Contact your closest military air station and see if you can get a list of flights.

Answer 4

AF FE seems to be updated on this info.

1997 I was in Korea & wanted to go to Australia on leave.

I did research (I was Army trying to take a hop) on it.

Things to consider- have to have immunizations to go there and you need to have a passport. Lots of people will go "WELL DUH" on the passport, but statistically speaking- only 15% of Americans have passports.

The hop seemed to ONLY take place through a specific hub (1997 mind you) which was Hickam AFB, Hawaii. That was by way of McChord or Travis. It sounds like things have changed a little.

Good luck on your trip!

Please look at the cite below...it might help.

Answer 5

stand by is all that is usually available unless you are a prioity, active mil as example.
or medal of honor winner.
Give it a shot though. If you arent in a hurry. May take a day or see to find an opening.
My dad retired Air Force before he died,
He traveled that way some.
Good luck.