Hero Miles
Who is eligible to receive tickets?
There are two categories of eligible recipients:
- Wounded, injured, and ill service members on ordinary leave may be given a round-trip airline ticket for a trip from the medical center to their home or to attend an authorized event, if they are not eligible for government funded airfare.
- Wounded, injured and ill service members may be given a round-trip airline ticket to enable their family or close friends to visit them while they are undergoing treatment at an authorized medical center.
Fisher House Foundation has administered the Hero Miles program since 2005, in accordance with the 2005 Defense Authorization Act. The program is specific in that wounded, injured, and ill service members and their families are eligible. One exception to this is the provision of airline tickets to family members attending the funeral or dignified transfer of remains of a service member killed in overseas post 9/11 contingency operations, when coordinated with the casualty assistance officer.
“Service member” is defined as: An active duty member of the military, to include activated National Guard and reservists receiving treatment at an authorized medical treatment facility.
How do I request a Hero Miles ticket?
The service member will submit a request through a case worker, social work staff, or service casualty offices. At some medical centers, there are established offices to assist families, such as the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, the Warrior Transition Unit, the Warrior Family Assistance Center at SAMMC, or Marine Liaisons at Naval medical centers.
Can a child (unaccompanied minor) travel on a Hero Miles ticket?
Yes, however the service member is responsible for any unaccompanied minor fees.
Does Hero Miles pay baggage fees?
No, the service member is responsible for all fees; including but not limited to: unauthorized change fees, seat upgrades, and baggage fees.
Do I get a paper ticket? What if I have to make a change to my itinerary once I receive my ticket?
All tickets are electronic. The passenger will need the record locator and confirmation number along with a government issued photo ID at the airport. Fisher House Foundation does not permit any changes that would result in the Foundation paying a change fee unless the reason is a medical necessity, and beyond the ability of the passenger to anticipate. Seats set aside for award tickets are carefully controlled by the airlines and it is not always possible to make last minute changes.
I have a three day pass; can I use a Hero Miles ticket to go home?
You must be on ordinary leave to be eligible for a Hero Miles ticket.
How many Hero Miles tickets can a family have and how often?
Generally, Fisher House Foundation does not place limits on the number or frequency of the travel as long as it is reasonable and in the best interest of the wounded, injured or ill service member. While we do what we can, please be mindful that we have many eligible service members, and our resources are limited.
Some service members will be hospitalized for extensive periods. When does the program terminate?
Generally, when the service member enters the Medical Evaluation Board process, or when permanently assigned to a duty location.
Can we use Hero Miles to attend an award ceremony for our loved one? Can the patient fly home on a Hero Miles Ticket for attend a ceremony in his or her honor?
Hero Miles was established to reunite families. It is not a program for leisure travel or to reward a service member who has been wounded or injured.
I received a Red Cross notification. Am I eligible for a Hero Miles ticket?
Unfortunately, no. Hero Miles can only provide assistance relating to the medical treatment of a service member.
Who are your airline partners?
Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines.