2014 holiday mailing dates set Published Nov. 18, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Krystal Ardrey 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The 2014 holiday season mailing dates for postal customers assigned to the European theater have been set. These dates are for mail originating in Europe and destined to locations in the United States. Mail originating in the U.S. and sent to European APO/FPO/DPO addresses use similar mailing dates. U.S. Air Forces Europe postal patrons should plan ahead and mail early to ensure letters, cards, and packages arrive at intended U.S. destinations in time for the holidays. "It takes a long time for mail coming from overseas to arrive," said Staff Sgt. Samuel McDonald, 39th Communications Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of the official document center. "If you go past the dates, your package won't make it in time for the holidays because of the influx of mail." The 2014 holiday season mailing dates for postal customers assigned to the European theater are: Space Available Mail - Nov. 26, 2014 Parcel Airlift - Dec. 3, 2014 First Class/Priority Mail - Dec. 10, 2014 Priority Mail Express - Dec. 17, 2014 Customers can avoid long lines at the post office when they mail early and can take advantage of using the cheaper, although slower, SAM service that military post offices offer in Europe. SAM service takes longer to arrive at end destinations and moves on a space available basis once it arrives in the states. If customers want faster service, they should consider using priority mail or priority mail express service. It costs more, but these classes of mail get expedited service. Most mail accepted at military post offices in Europe is flown to the U.S. on commercial aircraft. Customers should keep in mind packages transiting through the mail system are handled numerous times and therefore proper packaging is important. The following United States Postal Service mailing tips are provided to help ensure packages arrive safely and undamaged: The Box Choose a box with enough room for cushioning material around the contents. When reusing a box, cover up or black out any old labels and markings. Cushioning Place cushioning around all items. Close and gently shake the box to determine whether there is enough padding. Sealing Tape the box shut and reinforce the seams with two-inch-wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape, or paper tape. Size The weight of a package cannot exceed 70 lbs. When using Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail services for faster delivery, length plus girth, the distance around the thickest part of the package, cannot exceed 108 inches. When using SAM, the total cannot be more than 130 inches. PAL mail is a service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis. It is available for Parcel Post items not exceeding 30 pounds in weight or 60 inches in combined length and girth. Correct Address Using a complete and correct address is critical for correct and timely delivery. For more information you can call the Incirlik AB Official Document Center at DSN 676-6301 or commercial 90-322-316-6301.