The Patriot Express is the military flight that takes service members and families to and from their overseas duty stations. It is a very long flight with minimal amenities, so you will want to pack your suitcases for the Patriot Express with all the essentials. These are regular airlines, but usually not ones you have heard of or that are very popular- the government isn’t shelling out the money for Delta Airlines, here. Many times the planes are much older, so you’ll want to prepare yourself and your families to have everything you need for your long flight.
How long is the flight to Okinawa?
Your flight from Seattle to Okinawa will depend on your itinerary. Your potential itinerary will be posted 72 hours before your flight- but as with all things military, this can change so be sure to continue checking the AMC website for any updates. You could have a direct flight to Kadena Air Base (about 10 hour flight time) or have several stops ahead of that to total about 18 hours of total travel time.
What are the planes like?
The airlines contracted to fly the Patriot Express are not commonly known airlines. The planes are often very old (we’re talking one tv in the middle of the aisle old) and they don’t usually have amenities like personal tv’s in the headrest or charging ports.
You will receive meals and snacks during your flight, and they will sometimes provide headphones, and a blanket and pillow set. Other than the meals, nothing is really guaranteed so you will want to ensure you have additional items packed in your suitcases for easy access during your long flight.
What should we pack in our suitcases for the Patriot Express?
Each person is allotted five large suitcases up to 70lbs each, a rolling suitcase or bag for overhead compartment, and an under the seat bag on the Patriot Express. However, some civilian airlines won’t allow that much luggage, even on orders, so you may be paying out of pocket before you get to SeaTac for travel on the Patriot Express.
To limit our haul and issues on the other side, we stuck with one large suitcase each, one rolling carry-on each, and one backpack each. Be sure to pack any uniforms you might need immediately into your checked bags.
Here are some suggestions to pack in your backpack or carry-on :
- Snacks for kids and adults
- They do have meals on the flights, and you can get food at the USO ahead of time if it’s open. But I’d still bring snacks! Delays happen, both at SeaTac and on stops throughout your flight itinerary. In fact, in Iwakuni you do not deplane so you will want to have extra snacks in case you are delayed there!
- AT LEAST two changes of clothes per person – more if you can!
- These aren’t the best of airlines that are contracted out for military flights, so you may be delayed in SeaTac or one of the other locations. Bring a change of clothes because sometimes they don’t allow you to get your bags off the plane if you are delayed…even if it’s for days.
- Stuff for kids:
- iPads
- Books
- Coloring
- Window clings
- Playdoh
- Kinetic Sand
- Extra chargers – plugs and portable. Each plane is different and sometimes you’ll have plugs to charge and sometimes you won’t.
- Blankets
- Neck pillows
- Regular headphones that plug in for the adults and the kids
- Sweaters- it does get cold on the plane sometimes!
Wondering what it’s like once you land in Okinawa? Check out this article on what to expect once you arrive in Okinawa.
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