Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honor Flight?
The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices. We transport our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials.
Who qualifies for the program?
Big Sky Honor Flight is accepting applications from World War II Veterans living within the state of Montana to participate in this program. Applications will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
What if you need assistance to help take the trip?
Big Sky Honor Flight realizes the veterans may need assistance for such things as wheelchairs, medications etc. You may bring your own escort to assist you on the trip. There is a fee of $700.00 for an escort to travel with you. You may choose your own escort to go with you, however this escort MUST be capable of handling all luggage and able to push your wheelchair if needed. The escort will be asked to complete an application to assess their ability to perform the duties required of an escort. You will be sharing a hotel room with your escort. We strongly recommend that you have an escort if you feel you need to as we want this to be a wonderful and meaningful experience for you. Please think hard about this need and do not bring an escort if you do not need one. We are trying very hard to have as many veterans participate as possible and we do not want to take the seat of a veteran away for an escort unless needed.
Can my spouse fly with me?
Unfortunately, no. Honor Flight recommends that your escort, if you need one, be one or two generations younger than the veteran. Spouses and families may purchase tickets on a commercial flight during the scheduled Honor Flights to meet their veteran in Washington D.C., DO NOT BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOMS OR FLIGHT UNTIL YOUR LOVED ONE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED ON THE TRIP. Spouses and family members should be able to join us at most activities in Washington . However, space limitations might mandate exclusion from some events.
Do I need an escort?
No, you do not. Our top priority is the safe travel of all veterans. There will be escorts available on the trip to aid those veterans who may need a little extra help getting around. Choosing not to have an escort will not harm your chances of being selected for the flight.
If I don’t have an escort will I room alone?
No, you will be paired with another veteran.
What are the expenses associated with the flight?
There is no cost for World War II Veterans for their flight, accommodations and meals from the time they leave Billings for Washington D.C. until their return. All travel costs to and from Billings before and after the flight are the responsibility of the veteran. You do not need to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs. Fees for escorts are $700.
How can I donate?
Donations are accepted by mail and online. Visit our donation page for more information.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. All donations are tax deductible.
What will the trip consist of?
Please remember this is a tentative schedule and is subject to change. We will leave Billings around 8:00am on a chartered flight, flying nonstop to Washington Dulles Airport where we will be met by our tour buses that will take us to see various memorials in the Washington DC area. Memorials will likely include the Vietnam Memorial, Korean Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. We will then be checking into our hotel and a banquet will be served. The balance of the evening will be on your own, but we recommend a good night sleep. In the morning we will have breakfast at the hotel and board our buses. We will then go to Arlington National Cemetery for a tour and see the changing of the guard. You will then have your deserved visit to the World War II Memorial built in your honor. We will have lunch at the World War II Memorial and then back to the airport for your departure home. We will arrive back in Billings at approximately 9:00pm.
How many flights are scheduled from Montana?
At this time, one flight is currently scheduled to depart from Billings. Future flights will depend upon available funding.
Is somebody making money from this?
No one involved with Big Sky Honor Flight is making a profit from this project. Everyone involved with the project has generously donated their time and talents to make this dream a reality. We are doing this solely to honor our World War II Veterans.
If I donate, can I sponsor a specific veteran to go on the trip?
No. Donations are completely separate from the application process. Funding received from a veteran's family will not be a factor in determining eligibility for the trip. This helps avoid the impression someone can buy their way onto this trip. If you are interested in providing funding for a veteran to take the trip, you can participate in the Adopt-a-Vet Program. This program allows service groups, businesses, schools and individuals the opportunity to raise funds to send a veteran on the trip. All Adopt-a-Vet donations can be made to honor or memorialize a specific veteran, but the funds are not payment for a particular veteran to participate in the trip.
What is Honor Flight?
The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices. We transport our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials.
Who qualifies for the program?
Big Sky Honor Flight is accepting applications from World War II Veterans living within the state of Montana to participate in this program. Applications will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
What if you need assistance to help take the trip?
Big Sky Honor Flight realizes the veterans may need assistance for such things as wheelchairs, medications etc. You may bring your own escort to assist you on the trip. There is a fee of $700.00 for an escort to travel with you. You may choose your own escort to go with you, however this escort MUST be capable of handling all luggage and able to push your wheelchair if needed. The escort will be asked to complete an application to assess their ability to perform the duties required of an escort. You will be sharing a hotel room with your escort. We strongly recommend that you have an escort if you feel you need to as we want this to be a wonderful and meaningful experience for you. Please think hard about this need and do not bring an escort if you do not need one. We are trying very hard to have as many veterans participate as possible and we do not want to take the seat of a veteran away for an escort unless needed.
Can my spouse fly with me?
Unfortunately, no. Honor Flight recommends that your escort, if you need one, be one or two generations younger than the veteran. Spouses and families may purchase tickets on a commercial flight during the scheduled Honor Flights to meet their veteran in Washington D.C., DO NOT BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOMS OR FLIGHT UNTIL YOUR LOVED ONE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED ON THE TRIP. Spouses and family members should be able to join us at most activities in Washington . However, space limitations might mandate exclusion from some events.
Do I need an escort?
No, you do not. Our top priority is the safe travel of all veterans. There will be escorts available on the trip to aid those veterans who may need a little extra help getting around. Choosing not to have an escort will not harm your chances of being selected for the flight.
If I don’t have an escort will I room alone?
No, you will be paired with another veteran.
What are the expenses associated with the flight?
There is no cost for World War II Veterans for their flight, accommodations and meals from the time they leave Billings for Washington D.C. until their return. All travel costs to and from Billings before and after the flight are the responsibility of the veteran. You do not need to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs. Fees for escorts are $700.
How can I donate?
Donations are accepted by mail and online. Visit our donation page for more information.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. All donations are tax deductible.
What will the trip consist of?
Please remember this is a tentative schedule and is subject to change. We will leave Billings around 8:00am on a chartered flight, flying nonstop to Washington Dulles Airport where we will be met by our tour buses that will take us to see various memorials in the Washington DC area. Memorials will likely include the Vietnam Memorial, Korean Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. We will then be checking into our hotel and a banquet will be served. The balance of the evening will be on your own, but we recommend a good night sleep. In the morning we will have breakfast at the hotel and board our buses. We will then go to Arlington National Cemetery for a tour and see the changing of the guard. You will then have your deserved visit to the World War II Memorial built in your honor. We will have lunch at the World War II Memorial and then back to the airport for your departure home. We will arrive back in Billings at approximately 9:00pm.
How many flights are scheduled from Montana?
At this time, one flight is currently scheduled to depart from Billings. Future flights will depend upon available funding.
Is somebody making money from this?
No one involved with Big Sky Honor Flight is making a profit from this project. Everyone involved with the project has generously donated their time and talents to make this dream a reality. We are doing this solely to honor our World War II Veterans.
If I donate, can I sponsor a specific veteran to go on the trip?
No. Donations are completely separate from the application process. Funding received from a veteran's family will not be a factor in determining eligibility for the trip. This helps avoid the impression someone can buy their way onto this trip. If you are interested in providing funding for a veteran to take the trip, you can participate in the Adopt-a-Vet Program. This program allows service groups, businesses, schools and individuals the opportunity to raise funds to send a veteran on the trip. All Adopt-a-Vet donations can be made to honor or memorialize a specific veteran, but the funds are not payment for a particular veteran to participate in the trip.
Funds raised for the Big Sky Honor Flight Project will be added to the Big Sky Honor Flight fund at the Montana Community Foundation,
a Section 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation. All checks should be made payable to Big Sky Honor Flight Fund of the Montana Community Foundation.
a Section 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation. All checks should be made payable to Big Sky Honor Flight Fund of the Montana Community Foundation.
