How does getting a seat on a military flight work? Is it even worth my time vs getting a regular flight?

SPC (Join to see) google space available travel. You'll have to call the termnals you plan to use. It's all supposed to be standardized, but here to tell you it ain't. They all have their different application of the rules. Flying alone as an AD SM on leave will up your priority but unless you have time on your hands, you can't depend on it. Some PAX terminals allow you to sign up on line and submit your DA31 to get on the list ahead of time. Then again, some won't. It really is random and capricious. You have to be financially prepared to buy a no notice ticket to get back. OBTW Air India sucks...ask me how I know.

I've taken Space A flights only once from Carson all the way to Guam. Let's just say I almost used up all my leave just waiting for a flight to Guam while in Hawaii. I ended up purchasing a tickets.
Check the AF websites nearest to you, and see where their destination is and how many seats are available. There is an online portion or a form you are supposed to fill out. Also, you will be categorized between all other Space A passengers meaning, if you are just taking regular leave, you will be bottom priority vs someone who is taking emergency leave or someone who is on R&R leave from a combat deployment. Then there is the actual seat availability. If a certain flight will have 4 seats available and you have a family of 5, you're SOL, even if there are seats available. If not, you're stuck and you will have to wait for the next flight which depends. There's also the course of the flight destinations. When I went from Carson, we flew all the way to Maryland, stayed the night for the next flight then we flew all the way to California. We went the opposite direction, which in turn, wasted a whole day.
They don't serve food but I know you do have a chance to buy a boxed lunch for like $5 before hand. So to answer your question if it works, yes. Is it worth it, if you have the time available plus it's virtually free. It's just too time consuming.

Trying to get space on a military flight is "as available" status. Meaning that you have no idea IF or even when a flight might come available. For leave it is far better for you timewise to simply book a civilian flight and be done with it. You know when and where you will depart and can similarly tell that same information of arrival to anyone meeting you on the receiving end. Plus, when scheduling there is sometimes a discount for a round trip returning flight.

Out of a dozen times I have done military space available flights, I have only lucked out timing wise with two of them failing close to the start of my leave.

If you are on a time constraint, I highly suggest you purchase your ticket. You can literally use over half, if not more of your leave days waiting to get a flight to your destination. Because you’re on ordinary leave, your priority is low and you can easily get bumped by someone who is PCSing or someone who’s on emergency leave....good luck to you...

I would avoid it. As others have said you pay for the free flight in time wasted if you get on the flight at all. Pretty sure it is also rank based meaning a flag officer can make up a reason to fly Space A and bump you if they wanted. If your looking for cheap flights, Southwest Airlines or if you buy tickets over the Internet in advance, American Airlines has some cheap fare deals.

Google "space A travel"
Best to book a civilian flight, as space A is not a guarantee.

Better off purchasing tickets. Space A is great, if you have "spare" time. AD in uniform have priority and will bump you from a flight.

Not worth less you are on a high military traveled destination and still , it worth. You’ll be on standby meaning you’ll need all of the flexibility in the world. Pay your ticket and don’t take any chances

Mac flights are decent the seating is shitty and you have to wear your uniform but if you can get the right schedule it can save you coun

I agree with all the comments, but it is a great way to travel if you; 1- have the time 20-30 days of vacation. 2- you are Retired and want to travel the states or the worlds. If you taking 15 days or lest its not worth your time unless your at a active AMC Air Forces Base like; Travis AFB, Charleston AFB and or McCord AFB (WA).