Applying to go on a Tour of Honor
Who qualifies as a veteran for a Tour of Honor?
- Anyone who served in the US military in active duty or in a reserve capacity qualifies for a trip. US Military includes Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.
I didn’t go overseas or serve in combat, am I still qualified to go?
- Yes. It doesn’t matter if you went overseas, stayed stateside, went into combat or not. Honor Flight believes that all veterans gave up their freedom for us and that’s what makes you qualified to go on your Tour of Honor.
I understand that it is free for veterans to go on the trip. Is it really free?
- Yes. All veterans go as guests of Honor Flight. All travel (air and ground), food and lodging is paid for by us. You only have to pay for any souvenirs that you may want to purchase.
How do I apply?
- There are 2 ways to apply, online and via a paper application. Both can be found at: https://www.honorflightccc.org/veteran-application/
- You can also request an application to be mailed to you. Contact us at PO Box 1750, Paso Robles CA 93447 or call us at (805) 610-0180 or email flightinformation@honorflightccc.org.
Should I apply even if I’m not sure that I’ll be able to go?
- Yes. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications are prioritized based on when you served in the US Military and the date that we receive the application.
How are veterans chosen to go on a flight?
- Veterans are chosen based on when they served in the US Military. Currently first priority is given to WWII veterans, followed by Korea War veterans. Veterans within the same war era are prioritized by the date that the application is received. Veterans serving between war eras are also eligible. The next priority will be Vietnam veterans. Veterans with a terminal illness get top priority.
Will I get any confirmation after I apply?
- Yes.
If you apply online, you will get a confirmation page indicating that your application has been received along with a follow-up email. If you find it, check your junk/spam folder.
If you mail us the application, you will receive a letter stating that your application has been received.
How will I be notified that it is my turn to go?
- We will contact you based on the contact information on your application.
How many Tours do you do a year?
- We currently, based on our fundraising efforts, do one or two Tour of Honor trips a year.
How many veterans go on a trip?
- Currently we take approximately 80 veterans on each trip.
Where I am on the wait list?
- The wait list changes often so your place will also change. Reasons for changes include veterans asking to be removed for various reasons, veterans who served in conflicts before you submitting applications, or veterans being diagnosed with serious medical conditions are the most common reasons. When you become eligible to go on a trip you will be contacted.
Once you are chosen to go on a Tour of Honor
Why do I need a guardian? I’m in good physical health and can take care of myself.
- We are a part of Honor Flight Network that sets this policy. Their policy is that every veteran is accompanied by a guardian. If a veteran is in good physical health, one guardian may be assigned more than one veteran. Guardians’ have many responsibilities, both to the veteran and to the group as a whole. The limited number Honor Flight volunteers on each trip need help with activities and rely on guardians to do them. The veterans are there to enjoy their trip, not take on these tasks. In addition the guardians are responsible keeping track of time, where the activities and memorials are for their veterans so the veterans don’t have to worry about these things.
Once I am assigned to a flight can I extend my stay or fly to somewhere else from Washington DC?
- No. All veterans leave from and return with Honor Flight as a group.
When will I get specific information about the trip?
- Once you are chosen to go on a trip you will receive a letter from us outlining the process. A couple of weeks before the trip there will be a mandatory Pre-Flight event for the veterans and their guardians where details will be given.
What if I am unable to go on that trip?
- Your name will be put back on the wait list and will be contacted for a future trip.
Will there be someone to help me on the trip?
- Yes, at this time each veteran is assigned a guardian who will be with you for the entire trip. If a family member would like to go as your guardian, we strongly encourage it. If no family member can be your guardian, we have volunteers who can do this at no cost to you. Spouses and significant others are not eligible to be your guardian. Exceptions for this can be made if there is a medical necessity that can only be filled by a spouse or significant other. Contact chair@honorflightccc.org for information on the approval process.
Can members of my family other than my guardian come too?
- No. We have limited space.
I may need some assistance; how does that work?
- The guardians are there to give you any assistance that you may need on the trip.
What is the general schedule of the trip?
- In general it is a three day trip. You are responsible for getting to the airport, usually for an early morning flight. We arrive in Washington DC area in the late afternoon. The next two days are spent visiting war memorials and other sites of interest via bus. At the end of the third day we fly home, usually arriving in the evening. Someone will need to pick you up at the airport after the return flight.
Will I have my own room or be sharing? If so, with whom?
- All rooms have double queen beds. You will most likely be staying with your guardian, unless your guardian is not a family member and is of the opposite gender. If you are not sharing with your guardian you will be sharing with another veteran.
What costs are covered by Honor Flight and what do I need to pay for?
- All your costs are covered by Honor Flight. You only will need to pay for any souvenirs that you want to purchase.
Will there be a lot of walking?
- The Tour of Honor is designed to accommodate you; we make it as easy for you as possible. We have a transport chair available for veterans who need them.
What will I need to pack?
- Pack light. You won’t check any bags for the flight. You will be given a flight bag with two t-shirts and a jacket for the trip. You will be able to bring the flight bag and one additional carry-on bag if needed. You will be given written instructions concerning packing before you leave.
What if I have special dietary or room accommodation needs?
- Please let us know when you are scheduled for a flight so we can make the necessary accommodations.
What if I have special medical needs?
- Please let us know when you are scheduled for a flight so we can make the necessary accommodations. Each trip will be accompanied by medical personnel.
What if I need a walker, cane, wheelchair, or oxygen?
- Please let us know when you are scheduled for a flight so we can make the necessary accommodations.