JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Virtual Roll Call, a new system implemented at the Joint Base Charleston Passenger Terminal, helps passengers who are planning on flying Space-Available.
"VRC allows a Space a customer to "virtually" compete for a Space-A seat on a particular flight," said Airman 1st Class Nicolas Hrabley, 437th Airlift Wing Aerial Port Squadron passenger service agent. "All you need is access to an email account."
Signing up for Space-A travel remains the same," said 1st Lt. Elizabeth Arrowsmith, 437th Airlift Wing passenger terminal flight commander. "Passengers must come to the terminal no more than 24-hours and no later than 5 hours prior to the scheduled flight in order to mark themselves present for their desired flight. At that time, passengers must also present all required travel documents at the time they sign-up which includes ID cards for travelers 10-years or older, passports for all travelers, and leave or emergency leave authorization paperwork for military members."
Once the passenger signs up in person, the passenger can elect to compete for a seat using Virtual Roll Call. They'll no longer have to wait around the terminal to see if they're booked on a flight because VRC allows a passenger to compete for their flight remotely. A Passenger Service Agent will now add you to the list of passengers and promptly notify you at the Virtual Roll Call time (typically 5 hours before scheduled departure) whether or not you have been selected for the flight, and your arrival time at the terminal for check in.
Passengers competing for a flight virtually, eliminate an additional trip to the Passenger Terminal in the event that they are not selected for their flight.
"Instead of sitting around and waiting at the terminal, passengers can do other things, from preparing for their flight, going back home, or even doing some shopping," said Hrabley. "Also, when they arrive at the terminal for their flight, all they need to do is check in. This cuts their time at the terminal, which also helps Airmen at the PAX terminal assist other passengers."
"passengers are still able to compete for a Space-A seat at Joint Base Charleston with whichever method they prefer, traditional or VRC. VRC simply offers a modern-day convenience to passengers as they use the Space-A program and is something that we eventually may see implemented at all AMC Passenger Terminals." said Arrowsmith.
The Space-Available program offers travel opportunities to eligible personnel after mission related cargo and passengers are accommodated at no additional cost. Although passengers understand that this service comes with some level of unpredictability and change based on mission requirements, we value their time and continually strive to find innovative ways to provide the best customer service possible.
During high-volume travel periods like summer and holiday seasons, initiatives like Virtual Roll Call are intended to ease travel stress in an inherently challenging period.
"Virtual Roll Call essentially eliminates the need for you to be physically present for the time at which you are notified if you've been selected for a flight," said Arrowsmith.
Flight information may be accessed via the "Joint Base Charleston Passenger Terminal" Facebook page or by calling the Passenger Service Center at (843) 964-3083.