AF Form 1546: Passenger Reservation Request Guide & Download – If you’re an active-duty Air Force member, dependent, or authorized traveler preparing for official travel—especially a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move—AF Form 1546 (Passenger Reservation Request) is a critical document. This form helps the Transportation Management Office (TMO) or Traffic Management Office arrange passenger reservations on Air Mobility Command (AMC) contracted or organic aircraft, including Patriot Express flights.
Accurate completion of AF Form 1546 ensures smooth processing of your travel, pet shipments, vehicle transport, and any routing deviations. The current version (AF IMT 1546, dated 20180828) is available as a free official PDF download from the Air Force e-Publishing site.
What Is AF Form 1546 and Why Is It Used?
AF Form 1546, titled PASSENGER RESERVATION REQUEST, collects essential identifying information for passenger manifesting. It supports compliance with:
- DoDD 4500.09E (Transportation and Traffic Management)
- Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR) 4500.9-R, Part I
- Air Force Instruction (AFI) 24-602 V1, Passenger Movement
- Relevant U.S. Code sections on passenger manifesting and emergency contact data
The primary purpose is to provide the U.S. government with prompt, adequate information in the event of an aviation incident on covered flights. Data also enables the Commercial Travel Office (CTO) and USTRANSCOM to book flights efficiently.
Key uses include:
- Requesting reservations for official PCS, TDY, or other authorized travel
- Providing port call information (arrival window at the port of embarkation)
- Requesting deviations from standard routing
- Shipping pets (dogs/cats only, with strict limits)
- Shipping a Privately Owned Vehicle (POV)
- Supplying emergency contact details for manifesting
Note: Submission is voluntary, but incomplete information may prevent you from being manifested on a flight, potentially impacting your mission or move.
Who Uses AF Form 1546?
- Active-duty Air Force members and other uniformed service members with official travel orders
- Authorized dependents traveling with the sponsor
- DoD civilians or non-DoD personnel when travel is government-funded and authorized
- Anyone requiring reservations on AMC or contracted commercial flights for official movement
Local TMO/Passenger Services offices typically handle submissions. For PCS moves, coordinate early with your Military Personnel Flight (MPF) Outbound Assignments and TMO.
How to Download the Official AF Form 1546?
Official download link:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/af1546/af1546.pdf
Always use the version from the Air Force e-Publishing website for the most current form. Some bases provide locally adapted versions or port call sheets, but the core requirements remain consistent.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out AF Form 1546?
Fill out the form completely and legibly. Submit it (often via email with copies of orders) to your local TMO/Passenger Services. Many bases recommend submitting 90+ days in advance for OCONUS PCS moves.
Part I – Port Call Information
- Service Member’s Name, Grade, DoD ID, DOB — Use full legal name (Last, First, MI), rank/grade, DoD ID number (preferred over SSN per DoDI 1000.30), and date of birth.
- Contact Phone Number — Provide a reliable number.
- Government Travel Card — Indicate Yes/No if you have an active GTCC.
- Official and Personal Email Addresses — Both are often requested.
- PCS To / Port Call Window — Enter destination and preferred arrival window (standard: 10-day window; 20-day window if traveling with pets).
- Requested Date of Travel — Provide your preferred travel date.
- Family Members Traveling With Member — List each dependent (name, DoD ID or DOB). Use the reverse side for additional family members. Ensure passport/visa info matches if required.
RNLTD (Report No Later Than Date) may also appear depending on the base version.
Part II – Deviation from Normal Routing
- Indicate if you are requesting a deviation (Yes/No).
- Specify any leave enroute, TDY enroute (with dates and locations), or Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT) leave.
- Important: Reimbursement is limited to the cost of the normal direct routing. Deviations may result in you paying the difference.
Part III – Pet Information
- Indicate if shipping pets (dogs or cats only; max 2).
- For each pet: Type, age, weight, container weight, and dimensions (L x W x H).
- Limit: Combined pet + crate weight cannot exceed 150 lbs. Provide a 20-day port call window when pets are involved.
Part IV – Privately Owned Vehicle (POV)
- Indicate if shipping a POV (Yes/No).
- Specify if shipping from a Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) to the destination port and select the VPC location (e.g., Baltimore, Norfolk, Los Angeles, etc.).
- Note any government storage location if applicable.
Part V – Emergency Contact Information
- Confirm if your Record of Emergency Data (DD Form 93) is current.
- Provide an additional emergency contact name and phone number (optional but recommended for manifesting compliance with 14 CFR Part 243).
Privacy Act Note: Information is protected under applicable SORNs (e.g., DHRA 08 DoD Defense Travel System). Routine use includes sharing with CTO and USTRANSCOM for booking.
Tips for a Successful Submission
- Submit early: 90–120 days for international PCS moves; earlier if pets or POVs are involved.
- Attach required supporting documents (travel orders, passports for dependents, pet health certificates, etc.).
- Contact your local TMO/Passenger Terminal for base-specific instructions or email templates. Many bases list dedicated emails (e.g., for port calls).
- For Space-A (Space Available) travel, a different process applies—use AMC Form 140 instead.
- Double-check all DoD IDs, dates, and measurements to avoid delays.
Common Questions About AF Form 1546
Is AF Form 1546 required for all official travel?
It is primarily for AMC/passenger reservation requests, especially PCS port calls. Commercial travel arranged via Defense Travel System (DTS) or CTO may not always need it.
Can I fill it out online?
The PDF is fillable in most PDF viewers. Some bases offer local digital versions.
What if I have more than a few dependents?
Use the reverse side of the form for additional family member information.
Where do I submit it?
To your installation’s Transportation Management Office (TMO) or Passenger Services. Check your base website or contact the Logistics Readiness Squadron.
Need the Form Right Now?
Official AF Form 1546 PDF Download:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/af1546/af1546.pdf
For the latest guidance on passenger movement, refer to AFI 24-602 V1 on the Air Force e-Publishing site.
Proper use of AF Form 1546 helps ensure your official travel—whether a PCS move across the globe, accompanied by family and pets, or including a vehicle—goes as smoothly as possible. Contact your local TMO early in the process for personalized assistance.
This guide is for informational purposes and is based on official Air Force publications and form instructions. Always verify current requirements with your servicing Transportation Office, as base procedures may vary.