Is there any costs involved for a Veteran to participate in Honor Flight?

There is no cost to the Veteran to fly with us as an honoree. Flights are fully funded through private donations and sponsorships.

How is Honor Flight funded?

Honor Flight does not receive government grants. Our funding comes from small and large donations from individuals that recognize the great accomplishments and sacrifices of these veterans and want to help them see their memorials before it is too late! Our donors also include corporations, foundations, various groups and clubs to include military and fraternal organizations along with memorial donations.

How can I make a donation to Honor Flight?

Anyone can make a donation. All donations are tax deductible under the 501c(3) designation from the IRS. You can donate through our home page under "Support Our Mission".

What counties does Honor Flight of West Central support?

We fly Veterans from Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. To determine which Hub you need to apply to, check out the Honor Flight Network website under "Find a Hub".

How do I apply to fly on an Honor Flight as a Veteran?

Please complete your online application on our website under Veteran. You only need to submit your application once to be placed on our wait list. You can also print out the application and mail it to the PO Box noted at the bottom of the application.

How do I apply to fly on an Honor Flight as a Guardian?

Please complete your online application on our website under "Support Our Mission" and then "Become a Guardian". You only need to submit your application once to be placed on our wait list. You can also print out the application and mail it to the PO Box noted at the bottom of the application.

How do I know if I have been selected to be a Guardian?

The Guardian Scheduling Coordinator will contact you 4-6 weeks prior to a flight.

How many Missions does Honor Flight of West Central Florida fly per year?

We schedule two in the Spring and two in the Fall.

How much does it cost for a Guardian to fly with the Veteran?

Our Guardians donate $500 to cover their cost of the privilege of escorting an honored hero to Washington D.C.

What is the guardian fee? What is included?

The guardian fee is $500 and includes airfare for charter flight, all meals and refreshments, tour bus in Washington, D.C., and guardian shirt, hat and backpack to be worn on the day of the flight. It is an experience of a lifetime!

Can anyone be my Guardian?

Spouses/partners cannot be Guardians. Guardians must be physically healthy and able to assist 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 on the national mall, at a distance of up to a half mile. Guardians make a donation of $500 for the privilege of escorting a Veteran, and are required to attend a mandatory orientation session.

What if I don’t have anyone who can be my Guardian?

Honor Flight will assign a Guardian from the community.

Do I have to know a Veteran who is flying to become a Guardian?

Not at all. Most of the Guardians that participate in Honor Flight have a huge heart and want to give back to the Veteran community.

Do I have to have a Guardian?

Yes, all Veterans will have a Guardian assigned to them.

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 an extra day 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.

What is an Orientation and is it mandatory?

It is MANDATORY. Orientation is scheduled the Saturday prior to Flight Day and lasts approximately two hours. It is a presentation where Veterans and Guardians meet one another, receive their hat, shirt and bag and receive information regarding their upcoming flight.

What do I need to wear the day of the flight?

Veterans and Guardians will receive a shirt, hat and bag/backpack at Orientation that you will need to wear during your Honor Flight. Veterans are allowed to wear a hat that displays their service.

Do I need to bring any food with me?

Honor Flight will provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages throughout the day.

Will heath issues prevent a veteran from flying?

Please contact our Veteran Coordinator or your HFWCF Point of Contact if you have any health concerns.

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.

How is someone selected for a flight?

Honor Flight focuses of serving our WWII, Korean Veterans, anyone over 90 years of age or has a life-threatening illness. We will contact a Veteran in the order that applications were submitted for other applicants.

My spouse, sibling, neighbor, friend is also a Veteran. Can we fly together?

Absolutely. When you complete your application online or mail it to our PO Box, note the person in the “Buddy” section that you want to fly with. That person must also submit their application and note you want to fly together.

What airport do you fly out of?

Honor Flight of West Central Florida charters an Allegiant flight our of the St. Pete/Clearwater airport.

When flying on a Mission, is there a cost to park at the St. Pete/Clearwater airport?

The St. Pete/Clearwater Airport waives the cost of parking the day of the flight.

What airport do we fly into?

Allegiant flies into Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI).

If we have family in the Washington D.C. area, can they meet up with Honor Flight?

Yes. Veterans can provide their families with the schedule of events. Be advised that we cannot transport families on our buses and the Veteran must stay with their Guardian and follow our travel schedule. Veterans are required to fly round trip with the Honor Flight group.

How do I find out information on upcoming flights and homecoming?

Please be sure to check out our Facebook page for flight updates. The general public is always invited to welcome our returning honorees back home in the evening of the flight.

Do I need to bring my medication on the flight?

Yes, please bring a one day supply just to be safe.

I submitted my application and I want to know where I am on the wait list?

Email info@honorflightwcf.org and the scheduling team will provide you an estimate of where your names is on the wait list.

How will I know if it is my turn to be honored?

Veterans will be contacted by phone or email 4-8 weeks prior to the actual flight date inviting you for your day of honor.

How to I volunteer for Orientation, Flight Morning, or the Welcome Home event?

You can complete your online volunteer application on our website under "Support Our Mission" and then "Volunteer". You can also print out the application and mail it to the PO Box noted at the bottom of the application.