Veteran FAQ
Nothing is FREE! What’s the catch?
There is no catch, we promise. As a nation, the freedoms we enjoy every day are due to the devoted service and sacrifice of our military. Honor Flight is an opportunity to finally say a proper ‘Thank you’ to our most treasured veterans for their sacrifices and service to our country. Veterans travel for free. Their expenses are paid in full through donations from individuals, civic groups, and corporations that sponsor Honor Flight Savannah. There is no charge to Veterans for their trip to Washington D.C.
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I am not a hero – those who paid the ultimate price are the real heroes. Why should I receive this gift?
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We understand your reluctance to be called a hero, but anyone who was drafted or volunteered to serve our country is a hero to us. We honor those that did not return as part of the Honor Flight Tour. We view the Changing of the Guard at Arlington and often are privileged to meet and talk with an Off-Duty Tomb Sentry or Sentry Supervisor. Please join us to honor those who did not return as well as those of you that did. You are all heroes in our eyes.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHICH VETERANS GET TO GO?
Selection of Veterans is on a first-come, first-served basis. Within the applicants, WWII Veterans (our most senior heroes) and any veterans with terminal illnesses receive top priority. We are also taking Korean War and Vietnam War Veterans.
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Are terminally ill Veterans given any special priority?
Yes. Veterans that are terminally ill receive top priority for the next Honor Flight Savannah trip to Washington, DC.
WHAT IF A VETERAN HAS ALREADY BEEN ON AN HONOR FLIGHT SAVANNAH TRIP? CAN YOU GO AGAIN?
No. Unfortunately, we are unable to take Veterans on more than one trip. It is necessary to reserve the limited space and donated funds for Veterans who have not travelled with Honor Flight.
WHEN DO HONOR FLIGHT SAVANNAH TRIPS TAKE PLACE?
Schedules vary from year to year. We always have two trips — one in spring and one in fall.
CAN I BRING MY WHEELCHAIR OR SCOOTER ON THE TRIP?
Yes you may bring your wheelchair or scooter on the trip or we can provide one for you given advance notice. Honor Flight Savannah is very prepared; we provide a wheelchair for every Veteran in need of one for the duration of the trip. If a Veteran is unable to ambulate the bus stairs or transfer from a wheelchair to a bus seat, please be sure to include this information on the application form. Veterans are encouraged to bring their cane or walker to use on the trip.
IS THERE MEDICAL SUPERVISION ON THE TRIP?
Yes. Honor Flight Savannah travels with a wide variety of medical professionals. Physicians, Nurses, and Paramedics are on every trip. Typically, the Physician on each trip is a Board Certified Emergency Medicine Specialist. Additionally, some of our Guardians are medical professionals in our community.
DO YOU PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO THE BUS DEPARTURE LOCATION?
No. It is the responsibility of Veterans and Guardians to secure transportation to and from the bus departure location. Before departure, you will receive comprehensive details regarding trip requirements and the weekend itinerary.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE DAY OF THE TRIP?
We travel by chartered motor coach bus leaving early in the morning from Savannah, GA. We depart from a predetermined location in the Savannah area and drive directly to our Hotel in the Washington D.C. area. Each Veteran has a Guardian assigned to accompany him or her. The Guardian's solitary duty is assuring the enjoyment and safety of each Veteran. Before leaving Savannah, you will enjoy breakfast during our departure ceremony. During the drive to Washington D.C., the itinerary includes scheduled stops along the way for meals, snacks and at rest areas. Finally, the first part of the trip concludes with a night of rest in the hotel before we embark on visiting the memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.
CAN MY SPOUSE COME ON THE TRIP?
Generally, no. While this is always a difficult and sometimes emotional question to answer, it is the policy of Honor Flight Savannah to exclude spouses unless they are also Veterans, even if they are willing and able to pay their own expenses. With limited space and resources, we must ensure that every available resource goes to accommodating our Veterans.  The only exception to this is if the spouse is a trained caregiver and necessary for the safety and well-being of the Veteran. If the Veteran and spouse believe that this is the case, our Medical Director will discuss the possibility of the spouse going with the Veteran and spouse.
CAN MY SON/DAUGHTER/FAMILY MEMBER BE MY GUARDIAN?
Yes. Family members are eligible to be Guardians if they are physically capable of assisting the Veteran during the entire trip, at least one generation younger than the veteran and not the Veteran's spouse. Also, a completed Guardian Application and Covenant not to Sue form, and the $500 donation to cover the cost of their meals, charter bus seat, two (2) night lodging in Washington, name tag, and Honor Flight Savannah shirt must be submitted. Our top priority is the safe travel of all the Veterans. Our ratio is one Guardian for each Veteran. Being physically qualified means the person can push a wheelchair all day if needed or assist in the lifting of a Veteran.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Comfortable walking shoes and clothing in layers is an ideal travel strategy. We will be travelling on the same motor coach throughout the entire trip and items not worn can be securely stored in the bus. Guardians will monitor local weather conditions and advise Veterans accordingly. Some Veterans have worn their military uniform and we encourage that if the uniform is appropriate for the expected weather and comfortable. We encourage all Veterans to wear a military cap that showcases their branch of service, field of battle, or military station. We also encourage Veterans to bring photographs, medals, or any memorabilia they would like to share with their Guardian or comrades on the trip.
SHOULD I BRING MY CAMERA?
Yes! Please make sure you have fresh batteries and film or available memory on the SD card and your camera is fully charged if using a digital camera. It also helps to practice with new cameras in advance of the trip so that you understand how they work well before you need them. Guardians will also be happy to assist you and take pictures for you.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO BRING?
The cost is FREE for everything, for selected Veterans. You do not need to bring any money unless you intend to purchase souvenirs.
I AM A FEMALE VETERAN. WILL WE BE STOPPING AT THE WOMEN’S MEMORIAL?
Yes. Honor Flight Savannah recognizes and respects the desire of our female Veterans to see their own Memorial and will include that venue whenever a female Veteran is on a scheduled trip.
Should you have any questions that were not covered in the FAQ please do not hesitate to contact us.