Guardians are essential to the success of the Honor Flight Network Program. Without these volunteers we would not be able to carry out the dreams of so many veterans, enabling them to see the memorials built in their honor.

The veteran's safety and health are our primary concern and Honor Flight Kentucky requires applicants adhere to strict Guardian guidelines. Guardian duties include physically assisting veterans at the airport, during the flight, and at the memorials.

Guardians must be intellectually, physically, and emotionally capable of caring for their veteran. To serve as a Guardian, preferred applicants should be between 18-65 years of age. Applicants outside the preferred age range may be considered following a telephonic assessment by our team doctor. Spouses and significant others may not serve as guardians. We reserve the right to refuse any guardian application. All Guardians must agree to make a tax deductible $600 donation to Honor Flight Kentucky to help defray the costs of flying our Veterans for free.

Please note that Guardian Training is mandatory to assume the responsibilities as a qualified Guardian before participating on a mission.

By submitting your application, you are agreeing to the following statement:
As a Guardian, I agree to donate the sum of $600.00, as determined by the Honor Flight Kentucky’s Board of Directors, to offset the costs (airfare, meals, insurance, charter bus, police escort, t-shirt, and ancillary items) incurred by my participation in an Honor Flight Mission. The current $600 donation covers the cost of flights scheduled in 2025. This amount is subject to change as the cost of flights in 2026 and beyond will likely change. As a 501(c)(3) Charity as determined by the IRS, your donation is tax deductible and shall be acknowledged by the Honor Flight Kentucky hub.

Before submitting a Guardian application, please ensure you meet the requirements below:

1. Yes, I would like to fly out of Blue Grass Airport, Lexington, KY. (If not, please visit www.honorflight.org for other hubs)
2. I am not applying to be a Guardian for my spouse.

Please note: Do not use the return key until you have completed the entire application. Use your mouse cursor or the tab key to navigate between data entry fields.

Note: In the future, if any of the information you provide in your application changes, please contact us via email at info@honorflightky.org.

REAL ID enforcement went into effect on May 7th, 2025, and requires you to have a Kentucky driver’s license with a black start to present to airport security checkpoints for commercial air travel. If you do not have a Real ID, other Government issued ID's, such as military retiree issued ID cards or Passports are sufficient for airport security checkpoints.

Flight Instructions

You should arrive at the Lexington Blue Grass Airport no later than 5:00 am on Saturday morning May 9th, 2026. If you are leaving a vehicle in either the Short Term or Long Team parking lots the parking fee will be waived if you present your Honor Flight ID/lanyard when exiting the parking lot Saturday evening.

You should dress comfortably for the trip and perhaps bring a sweatshirt or jacket in case of inclement weather. The Spring and Fall trips may encounter some cool and rainy weather whereas the summer trip is typically hot and muggy. Comfortable shoes are a must! You will be doing a lot of walking throughout the day.

Be sure to bring any medicine you require throughout the day and include enough for the next day should we not return to Lexington on Saturday due to an unexpected delay. It has not happened in the past, but we want you to be prepared.

When you enter the terminal, you will be greeted by an Honor Flight staff member. They will direct you to the Registration table where you will present your REAL ID and get your bus assignment; Red, White or Blue. Keep your REAL ID safe to show again to TSA. You then receive your Honor Flight lanyard/ID and Veteran or Guardian shirt. You must wear your HFK shirts and lanyards throughout the day. Once you put them on, we will take a quick photo before you settle in for breakfast and a short welcoming briefing.

Honor Flight Kentucky charters an American Airlines A320 Airbus or similar aircraft for the day. We typically begin the boarding process around 6:30am and unless you have been assigned a seat you may sit anywhere you choose, but remember Veterans and Guardians are required to sit together. Once boarded, the flight to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is about an hour.