Most commonly asked questions...
Our “Flight of Honor” would not be possible without the help of our Volunteers and Guardians. An orientation & training session is held prior to the trip, but here are answers to several frequently asked questions:
How are you funded?
Queen City Honor Flight is part of the national Honor Flight Network (www.honorflight.org). While we, along with the other 100 plus regional hubs, accept the national guidance and utilize their non-financial resources, we operate our program independently and entirely on donated funds from individuals and businesses that recognize the great accomplishments and sacrifices of Veterans and want them to see their memorials before it’s too late.
As such, we hope you as an individual or any organization of which you are a member would consider this project worthy of your financial support. To donate funds, please send a check, made out to Queen City Honor Flight, Inc., 13663 Providence Road #389 Weddington, NC 28104 or visit the “Donate” page of our website (www.queencityhonorflight.org). Queen City Honor Flight, Inc.is an all-volunteer, 501(c) (3) organization and all contributions are tax-deductible.
How to Veterans and Guardian get selected and notified if they are on the flight?
Volunteers will make calls to the Veterans and Guardians; to inform them they have been selected for the flight. They will work to verify information that you put on the application so that we are in compliance with TSA regulations. Typically calls are made 5-6 weeks out from the flight, in rare cases of cancellations, we call up to the day of the flight.
What kind of ID do I need to be able to fly?
TSA is requiring all passengers to have a valid unexpired REAL ID, or passport to be able to fly.
Do I have to attend Orientation?
Yes, Orientation is where you'll learn all about the flight day and what to expect. It's an opportunity to meet other veterans and guardians. You can ask any questions of the Volunteers ahead of the flight. (*Only exception to attend in person, would be out of state guardians)
How much does it cost for Veterans? How much money do I need to bring?
Veterans selected and taking their honor flight are FREE. The veteran need not to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs. Queen City Honor Flight and its tireless volunteers raise the funds to cover the costs!
Who pays for the trip?
Our veterans have already given so much through their service to our country. All costs associated with the veteran’s trip, including airfare to and from Washington DC, are covered by Honor Flight. Guardians pay $600 each for the honor of escorting a Hero to Washington DC. There is a reduced rate for our medical team to fly. Flights are funded by donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, schools, military organizations, and other fraternal organizations who wish to be an important part of honoring these heroes and who recognize the urgent need to fly our veterans to see their memorial. No funding is received from the government.
Will a health issue prevent a vet from flying?
We frequently receive questions about the physical demands of Honor Flights. Our goal is to host as many veterans as possible to visit the memorials honoring them for their service. Honor Flight works with vendors compliant with the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but the program is physically demanding for some elderly veterans. Applicants should consider carefully whether they can endure this type of trip/ tour, including consultation with a doctor as necessary. An Honor Flight is a long day but a long time coming, and we have to be sure that the veterans who apply can handle it. The safety and dignity of our veterans is our top priority.
We are mobile all day visiting memorials during our 15+hour day, transportation provided by tour buses in Washington DC after arriving at Reagan National Airport with American Airlines and will require getting in and out of a tour bus many times (up to 14 times on the day of the trip).
What are my responsibilities as a Guardian?
Guardians play a significant role on our trips and are responsible for helping to ensure every veteran has a safe and memorable experience. Duties include physically assisting the veterans at the airport, during the flight, and at the memorials. You may also remind them to take medications; ensure they are properly dressed for the weather and that they stay hydrated throughout the day. You will also ensure they are where they need to be at the allotted times (airport, bus, etc).
Can anyone be a guardian?
No, spouses and partners do not make good guardians, we base this only on rare occasions and its case-by-case. Guardians must be physically healthy and able to assist the Veterans into or out of wheelchairs, go up and down stairs, and push a wheelchair up a slight incline such as a plane jetway, and while at the Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam Memorials can push wheelchairs up to a half mile.
How many Veterans will I be responsible for?
You will be assigned one veteran if he/she requires a wheelchair. You may be assigned up to two veterans if they are able to walk or are able to walk with assistance using a cane. Please note that while you will be assigned a specific veteran(s), we ask all Guardians to be available to assist any veteran at any time.
Can I meet my Veteran before the trip?
Yes. We encourage you to call the Veteran the week before departure and introduce yourself, exchange cell phone numbers, and answer any last-minute questions the veteran may have. But you are also free to arrange a meeting in advance of the trip if this is mutually agreeable.
How else can I help my Veteran?
Take photos. While the veterans are busy taking pictures of the memorials, it is wonderful to have the Guardians take photos of the veteran throughout the day. Photos that show the veterans enjoying the sites are the ones most cherished by family and friends.
Engage. You will have the opportunity and privilege of hearing firsthand accounts of the war to end all wars! Ask questions as appropriate and listen. Some of our veterans have fought in the Battle of the Bulge, survived Pearl Harbor, landed on the beaches of Normandy, stormed Iwo Jima, are Chosin Reservoir survivors, served in-country in Vietnam, and engaged in a multitude of notable and critical battles. The camaraderie of this trip will entice many to tell their stories.
Speak with the spouse in advance of the trip. Many of our veterans have not been separated from their spouses for quite some time. It’s nice to reassure beloved husbands and wives that the veteran is in very capable hands.
Talk to the Veteran’s family about mail call and attending the homecoming and how to follow along on the weekend. Mail Call is a special time on the flight back from DC. We prepare packets for the veterans of letters that their loved ones have sent to us. We also fill the envelopes with drawings from local students. The homecoming is the big finale to the Honor Flight, and we typically get 800-1,000 people at the airport to welcome the veteran's home. You are encouraged to let the family and friends know about it, and how to register for the event to receive a gate pass. We usually have local TV media who are doing live and recorded stories.
Will Guardians receive training?
Yes. All Guardians receive a training presentation prior to the trip. At orientation we cover all the details of the day as far as timing on when and where to be.
What do I need to bring with me on Flight Day?
Honor Flight will provide meals and beverages throughout the day. Bring a camera if you don’t have one on your cell phone, bring 3 days of medications, wear comfortable walking shoes. Depending on the weather, you may want to bring a windbreaker or jacket. Small, collapsible umbrellas are allowed if rain is predicted. Bookbags are also allowed to carry your items.
Are wheelchairs available for use?
Yes, Honor Flight provides wheelchairs for use throughout the day. Veterans can bring a cane if needed but we are unable to bring personal wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers.
What airport do you fly out of?
Queen City Honor Flight charters an American Airlines flight out of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
When flying on a Mission, is there a cost to park at the Charlotte Douglas Airport?
The CLT Airport typically waives the cost of parking for the first 100 cars (Veterans/Guardians) the day of the flight. Be sure to bring your parking ticket inside the airport to validate. Welcome Home guests will pay to park.
What airport do we fly into?
American Airlines flies into Washington Raegan National Airport (DCA).
How can I find out more information on upcoming flights and the Homecoming?
Please check our website and Facebook page periodically for flight updates. The general public is always invited to welcome our returning heroes home the evening of the flight. We do not recommend that you join us in the AM since you must have a ticket in order to clear security.
I want to attend the Welcome Home Celebration - How do I register?
All those regardless of age, must sign up on Eventbrite at least 24 hours in advance of the event to ensure you will receive a gate pass. For TSA security and to obtain a gate pass, include your LEGAL name as it appears on photo IDs and date of birth. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. You do not have to have an ID for anyone under the age of 16.
Do I need a REAL ID to attend Welcome Home?
No, at this time they will allow you through security with a gate pass and valid ID.
How are you funded?
Queen City Honor Flight is part of the national Honor Flight Network (www.honorflight.org). While we, along with the other 100 plus regional hubs, accept the national guidance and utilize their non-financial resources, we operate our program independently and entirely on donated funds from individuals and businesses that recognize the great accomplishments and sacrifices of Veterans and want them to see their memorials before it’s too late.
As such, we hope you as an individual or any organization of which you are a member would consider this project worthy of your financial support. To donate funds, please send a check, made out to Queen City Honor Flight, Inc., 13663 Providence Road #389 Weddington, NC 28104 or visit the “Donate” page of our website (www.queencityhonorflight.org). Queen City Honor Flight, Inc.is an all-volunteer, 501(c) (3) organization and all contributions are tax-deductible.
How to Veterans and Guardian get selected and notified if they are on the flight?
Volunteers will make calls to the Veterans and Guardians; to inform them they have been selected for the flight. They will work to verify information that you put on the application so that we are in compliance with TSA regulations. Typically calls are made 5-6 weeks out from the flight, in rare cases of cancellations, we call up to the day of the flight.
What kind of ID do I need to be able to fly?
TSA is requiring all passengers to have a valid unexpired REAL ID, or passport to be able to fly.
Do I have to attend Orientation?
Yes, Orientation is where you'll learn all about the flight day and what to expect. It's an opportunity to meet other veterans and guardians. You can ask any questions of the Volunteers ahead of the flight. (*Only exception to attend in person, would be out of state guardians)
How much does it cost for Veterans? How much money do I need to bring?
Veterans selected and taking their honor flight are FREE. The veteran need not to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs. Queen City Honor Flight and its tireless volunteers raise the funds to cover the costs!
Who pays for the trip?
Our veterans have already given so much through their service to our country. All costs associated with the veteran’s trip, including airfare to and from Washington DC, are covered by Honor Flight. Guardians pay $600 each for the honor of escorting a Hero to Washington DC. There is a reduced rate for our medical team to fly. Flights are funded by donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, schools, military organizations, and other fraternal organizations who wish to be an important part of honoring these heroes and who recognize the urgent need to fly our veterans to see their memorial. No funding is received from the government.
Will a health issue prevent a vet from flying?
We frequently receive questions about the physical demands of Honor Flights. Our goal is to host as many veterans as possible to visit the memorials honoring them for their service. Honor Flight works with vendors compliant with the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but the program is physically demanding for some elderly veterans. Applicants should consider carefully whether they can endure this type of trip/ tour, including consultation with a doctor as necessary. An Honor Flight is a long day but a long time coming, and we have to be sure that the veterans who apply can handle it. The safety and dignity of our veterans is our top priority.
We are mobile all day visiting memorials during our 15+hour day, transportation provided by tour buses in Washington DC after arriving at Reagan National Airport with American Airlines and will require getting in and out of a tour bus many times (up to 14 times on the day of the trip).
What are my responsibilities as a Guardian?
Guardians play a significant role on our trips and are responsible for helping to ensure every veteran has a safe and memorable experience. Duties include physically assisting the veterans at the airport, during the flight, and at the memorials. You may also remind them to take medications; ensure they are properly dressed for the weather and that they stay hydrated throughout the day. You will also ensure they are where they need to be at the allotted times (airport, bus, etc).
Can anyone be a guardian?
No, spouses and partners do not make good guardians, we base this only on rare occasions and its case-by-case. Guardians must be physically healthy and able to assist the Veterans into or out of wheelchairs, go up and down stairs, and push a wheelchair up a slight incline such as a plane jetway, and while at the Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam Memorials can push wheelchairs up to a half mile.
How many Veterans will I be responsible for?
You will be assigned one veteran if he/she requires a wheelchair. You may be assigned up to two veterans if they are able to walk or are able to walk with assistance using a cane. Please note that while you will be assigned a specific veteran(s), we ask all Guardians to be available to assist any veteran at any time.
Can I meet my Veteran before the trip?
Yes. We encourage you to call the Veteran the week before departure and introduce yourself, exchange cell phone numbers, and answer any last-minute questions the veteran may have. But you are also free to arrange a meeting in advance of the trip if this is mutually agreeable.
How else can I help my Veteran?
Take photos. While the veterans are busy taking pictures of the memorials, it is wonderful to have the Guardians take photos of the veteran throughout the day. Photos that show the veterans enjoying the sites are the ones most cherished by family and friends.
Engage. You will have the opportunity and privilege of hearing firsthand accounts of the war to end all wars! Ask questions as appropriate and listen. Some of our veterans have fought in the Battle of the Bulge, survived Pearl Harbor, landed on the beaches of Normandy, stormed Iwo Jima, are Chosin Reservoir survivors, served in-country in Vietnam, and engaged in a multitude of notable and critical battles. The camaraderie of this trip will entice many to tell their stories.
Speak with the spouse in advance of the trip. Many of our veterans have not been separated from their spouses for quite some time. It’s nice to reassure beloved husbands and wives that the veteran is in very capable hands.
Talk to the Veteran’s family about mail call and attending the homecoming and how to follow along on the weekend. Mail Call is a special time on the flight back from DC. We prepare packets for the veterans of letters that their loved ones have sent to us. We also fill the envelopes with drawings from local students. The homecoming is the big finale to the Honor Flight, and we typically get 800-1,000 people at the airport to welcome the veteran's home. You are encouraged to let the family and friends know about it, and how to register for the event to receive a gate pass. We usually have local TV media who are doing live and recorded stories.
Will Guardians receive training?
Yes. All Guardians receive a training presentation prior to the trip. At orientation we cover all the details of the day as far as timing on when and where to be.
What do I need to bring with me on Flight Day?
Honor Flight will provide meals and beverages throughout the day. Bring a camera if you don’t have one on your cell phone, bring 3 days of medications, wear comfortable walking shoes. Depending on the weather, you may want to bring a windbreaker or jacket. Small, collapsible umbrellas are allowed if rain is predicted. Bookbags are also allowed to carry your items.
Are wheelchairs available for use?
Yes, Honor Flight provides wheelchairs for use throughout the day. Veterans can bring a cane if needed but we are unable to bring personal wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers.
What airport do you fly out of?
Queen City Honor Flight charters an American Airlines flight out of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
When flying on a Mission, is there a cost to park at the Charlotte Douglas Airport?
The CLT Airport typically waives the cost of parking for the first 100 cars (Veterans/Guardians) the day of the flight. Be sure to bring your parking ticket inside the airport to validate. Welcome Home guests will pay to park.
What airport do we fly into?
American Airlines flies into Washington Raegan National Airport (DCA).
How can I find out more information on upcoming flights and the Homecoming?
Please check our website and Facebook page periodically for flight updates. The general public is always invited to welcome our returning heroes home the evening of the flight. We do not recommend that you join us in the AM since you must have a ticket in order to clear security.
I want to attend the Welcome Home Celebration - How do I register?
All those regardless of age, must sign up on Eventbrite at least 24 hours in advance of the event to ensure you will receive a gate pass. For TSA security and to obtain a gate pass, include your LEGAL name as it appears on photo IDs and date of birth. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. You do not have to have an ID for anyone under the age of 16.
Do I need a REAL ID to attend Welcome Home?
No, at this time they will allow you through security with a gate pass and valid ID.