Air Carrier Moves to Show WWII Vets Europe for 80th D-Day Anniversary

American Airlines has embarked on an Honor Flight program to show World War II veterans their old battlefields in the European Theater to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings.

The charter flight will see vets brought along on a 9-day group flight, starting off from Dallas, Texas on a Boeing 787 to Paris, where the group will spend 2 nights. From there, a bus ride to Normandy will follow, allowing attendees a chance to see the pivotal battlefield with their own eyes once again.

American Airlines is "currently canvassing our different community engagement teams to solicit applicants," and has to be somewhat selective given the limited seats available. Priority is given to those who fought in the ETO during the war, particularly those who were part of the D-Day landings themselves. All veterans of WWII, WASPS, and the like are welcome to throw their hat in the ring, too. Given the average age of WWII personnel, American will station medical personnel with the trip just in case the worst happens during the tour, though Veteran health is an important metric in deciding attendance.

Medical personnel will accompany the veterans on the trip in case of emergency and to ensure their health is maintained. Each attendee can have one escort or caregiver attend with them, with priority going to family members. Escorts will be "responsible for their veteran’s immediate care and must be able to assist with medications, bathing, toileting, personal hygiene, pushing wheelchairs, etc... The two people will also be sharing hotel rooms, so both parties need to be comfortable with one another."

The trip is free to Veterans and their guardians, "with a few exceptions" per American. They will fly participants from their home port to DFW, then on to France, with lodging, airfare, transport, and meals covered for the duration. Expenses to and from the local airport, parking, passports, insurance, souvenirs, and incidentals will not be covered.

Passports must be valid for "at least six months after the end of the trip (at least Dec. 7, 2024). No exceptions."

FMI: www.commemorativeairforce.org