Frequently Asked Questions

Please click here to go directly to our veteran application.

There is NO COST for veterans to travel on their Honor Flight. Unless you intend to purchase souvenirs, you do not need to bring any money. Guardians are expected to pay for any incidentals like drinks or snacks but there’s usually no need for them as we keep everyone well fed and hydrated!

Each veteran is assigned a guardian who serves as his/her personal escort during the trip. The guardian is an essential part of the veteran’s adventure. Not only is the guardian a travel companion, this person provides one-on-one assistance, assuring the veteran’s comfort, safety and a positive Honor Flight experience. The guardian assists the veteran through airport security and boarding, getting meals, pushing the veteran in a wheelchair (as necessary), and accompanying them to all the memorials.
 
Guardians must be between the ages of 18 and 70, and are asked to pay a portion of the cost of their trip (transportation, lodging, meals, etc.) 
Guardians are required to attend a training session before their assigned flight. 

Yes, as long as they are between 18 and 70 years of age.  Just indicate the name of your guardian on your veteran application.
 
Guardians are asked to pay a portion of the cost of their trip (transportation, lodging, meals, etc.) 

Honor Flight Rochester has many eager volunteer guardians and we will assign one of them to escort you on your Honor Flight. 

Our Health and Safety team will review your medical history with you to be sure that we can accommodate your needs.

We have health professionals on every trip who are there to ensure the safety of veterans.  They are not there to provide medical care, so in the event of an emergency, a team member will contact local EMTs to attend to your needs.

No. Spouses are not allowed to accompany their veteran as a guardian.

Yes, we encourage you to invite friends and family members to the airport to welcome you home.  Due to limited space, only 2 family members can take part in the private ceremony which concludes each mission.

Our funding comes from our community—from patriotic individuals, corporations, and businesses that recognize the great accomplishments and sacrifices of veterans and want them to see their memorials in D.C.  We do not receive any government funding.

Our missions are an overnight trip, departing from the Greater Rochester International Airport early on Saturday, and returning home on Sunday about mid-day. We fly into Baltimore BWI Airport, and then board three deluxe charter buses.
 
Our typical tour in Washington will typically stop at the following memorials and will include lunch at one of the stops:
 
World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial
Lincoln Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Marine Corps Memorial, Women in Service Memorial
Arlington National Cemetery for Changing of the Guard
Navy Yard and Museum
 
Flight delays, traffic in DC, or other logistical issues may force us to shorten or skip some stops.
 
We spend Saturday night at the Baltimore BWI Airport Hilton. The evening’s heroes program includes a banquet and socializing with the 60 or so veterans joining you on your mission. On Sunday morning after a grand buffet breakfast, we take the short bus ride back to the BWI airport and board our flight back to Rochester to a very special Welcome Home reception and ceremony. 

Yes!  Be sure to put their names on your veteran application in response to the “Are there any other veterans you would like to travel with?” question.

Veterans fly on a first-come, first-served basis within each era (WWII, Korea, Cold War, and Viet Nam).  The only exception is veterans with a catastrophic illness who are moved to the top of the list.

Our Health and Safety team will review your medical history with you and will make a determination of whether you can safely fly with us.

You should have received an email confirming receipt of your veteran application. If you need more information, please complete our Contact Form.  Alternatively, you may leave a message by calling (585) 210-2115. Someone will get back to you either way.

Our Health and Safety team will talk to you about your mobility needs and what you can bring.  Yes, we accommodate service dogs.

We use 3 motor coaches during our trips and 2 of them are equipped with lifts for those who cannot climb a few stairs.  Our Health and Safety team will talk to you about your needs.

We bring a transport chair for every veteran on every mission.  We ask that the veterans use the chair to expedite security screening at both the ROC and BWI airports, and as a seat at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  We encourage guardians to bring the chairs along at other stops in case their veterans tire, but it’s not required.

We can accommodate food allergies and provide special meals (e.g., gluten-free) upon request.  You will be asked note your allergies on the Veteran Registration form (separate from the application form) that you will receive preceding your flight.

Yes, but they are responsible for providing their own transportation. 

Please complete our Contact form and select Speakers Bureau from the drop-down. Provide as much information as possible on the form.

Veterans should be sure to wear a belt on the trip.  
 
Effective May 7, 2025, all travelers will be required to have a REAL ID in order to travel by airplane.  Passports are valid REAL IDs.  Some older New York State driver’s licenses are NOT.  Please click here for more information.
 
You won’t need to bring any money on the trip unless you wish to purchase souvenirs or other incidentals.

Browse to the Volunteer page and click the Contact Us button or download and mail an application. Thank you for considering this service opportunity!

Please complete our Contact Form.  Someone will get back to you within 24-48 hours.