Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you decide which veterans get to go? Veterans are flown on a "first-come, first-served basis." Within the applicants, top priority is currently given to World War II veterans and all other veterans with terminal illness. Our second priority is to Korean War veterans and then Vietnam War veterans.
- Are terminally ill World War II veterans given any special priority? YES! Such veterans go to the top of the list for the next flight departing to Washington D.C.. Not only are World War II veterans given this top priority, but any terminally ill veteran, who has never been able to visit their memorial, is given the same priority.
- Can I go more than once?
Unfortunately, due to limited funding and resources, veterans are limited to a single trip. Honor Flight Hubs exist solely by fundraisers and donations. It is our mission and responsibility to ensure that those monies are utilized to transport as many of those veterans as possible that have not already had the opportunity to visit their memorials.
- Can my spouse go with me?
The only spouses who are permitted to go are those who are veterans themselves. We do not have the resources, funding, or seating available to transport all the veterans who are presently on our waiting list. Regretfully, adding spouses simply isn't an option for our program.
- I am the widow of a veteran. Can I go?
Sadly, the answer is "no". Due to limited funding, resources and available seating, we must focus our efforts on those veterans wishing to go.
- How much does it cost? How much money do I need to bring?
The cost is FREE for all Veterans. You do not need to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs. Cost for a Guardian is $350.00 which covers all transportation and meals.
- Can my son, daughter, grandson, etc. go as a Guardian?
Guardians must be able-bodied between the ages of 18 & 70, and generally a minimum of one generation removed from the veteran. Our TOP priority is the safe travel of ALL the veterans. Who will or will not serve as a Guardian, and how many Guardians will be needed, is the sole responsibility of the Hub Director. That decision is based upon many factors, such as:
- How many disabled veterans are scheduled to go? Of the disabled veterans going, how many will have to be physically assisted getting on and off the bus? Which Guardian applicants are most qualified?
- Medically trained, active duty military personnel and able-bodied veterans who have previously participated in a flight are given top priority to act as Guardians, and may also serve as leadership members. Applicants physically capable of assisting in the lifting of veterans are also a top priority. Once the director feels enough of those positions have been filled, other applicants are then considered. Again, these decisions rest solely with the Hub Director.
- Can I make a donation to Connecticut Honor Flight?
The Honor Flight Connecticut gratefully accepts donations from anyone EXCEPT World War II Veterans who have not benefited from the experience of an Honor Flight Tour. We feel that these veterans have given enough. This is our way of saying "Thank You"! For more information, click on the DONATE button at the top of any page.
- What if I live outside the State of Connecticut?
In order to find your local Honor Flight hub, click on the regional hubs link in the national honor flight website, www.honorflight.org . Scroll down and click on the state in which the veteran lives and click on the nearest hub. The Honor Flight National web site also includes information on the the Lone Eagles program to serve those that are not within 150 miles of a regional hub.
- How are you funded?
Funding for Honor Flight hubs comes primarily from donations made by individuals who recognize the great accomplishments and sacrifices of veterans and want them to see their memorial before it's too late. Other significant contributors have been fraternal organizations such as local American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Am Vets, Disabled American Veterans, and Military Order of Purple Heart posts and chapters, as well as various businesses and corporations on a local level. If you would like to help support the Connecticut Honor Flight, click on the DONATE button on the top of any page.
- What if the veteran is on oxygen or will need a wheelchair?
WHEELCHAIRS -- Typically, about 50% of the veterans that are transported will require wheelchairs. Unless the veteran has a special wheelchair that he/she requires, Connecticut Honor Flight can provide a travel style (lightweight) wheelchair for the tour.
OXYGEN -- If the veteran requires oxygen, a prescription for the oxygen must be provided by the veteran's healthcare provider, identifying the delivery method (mask or nasal cannula), frequency (as needed or continuously), and the rate of delivery (2-3 liters per minute). Any oxygen concentrator devices must be FAA-approved for use during the trip if local oxygen equipment is not available. We may also provide oxygen cylinders to be used at the memorials. No oxygen cylinders are permitted to be used on the aircraft. If the veteran requires oxygen during the trip, please call us to discuss arrangements.