Medal of Honor Recipients: Do They Really Fly Free?

The concept that recipients of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, can fly anywhere in the United States for free has become an enduring myth. However, is there any truth behind this popular legend? To answer this question, we must delve into the history and specifics surrounding flight benefits for our nation's most decorated heroes.

The origins of these supposed 'free flights' trace back to World War I when President Woodrow Wilson signed Executive Order 2679A on March 12th, 1917. This executive order granted certain government employees - including active-duty military personnel who were also members of the National Guard or Reserve forces while serving overseas during WWI - free transportation 'between points in addition to their places of enlistment and discharge' via any mode of public conveyance (including railroads) for themselves, wives, minor children under 16 years old living at home without other means than such allowances as may be provided by law; so long as continued service remained honorable after release from active duty within one year following cessation hostilities.

However,

Fast forward to today and the reality is quite different. While Medal of Honor recipients do indeed enjoy certain perks when it comes to air travel, 'free flights' are not among them. According to a spokesperson for United Airlines - which offers discounted fares on select routes for Purple Heart and Gold Star families (including widows/widowers and dependent children) through its Heroes Flight program - these benefits only apply if the flight is booked at least 21 days in advance using specific discount codes.

To qualify, travelers must provide valid military identification or a DD Form 214 (or equivalent), which can be obtained from their local VA office. However, even then, there are plenty of restrictions and caveats that could easily trip up well-meaning heroes looking to cash-in on these supposed 'freebies.'

For example: The discounted fares only apply to certain domestic routes within the United States; international flights, upgrades, change fees, taxes/fees/taxes (TTFs), seat selection charges - you get the idea - are all still billable out-of-pocket. And don't even think about trying to use these discounts on partner airlines or codeshare partners!

So while it's nice to imagine a world where our nation's most courageous warriors can jetset across America without breaking the bank, unfortunately, that utopia remains firmly in the realm of myth and legend.

In reality, as with so many things related to military benefits and entitlements, truth often proves far more complicated than popular mythology would have us believe. So next time you hear someone waxing poetic about how Medal of Honor recipients can fly anywhere anytime for free just because they earned The Congressional Medal Of Valor - take it with a grain of salt (and maybe even offer them some actual advice on how to actually use their benefits responsibly)!

References:

1. Executive Order 2679A, March 12th, 1917

2. United Airlines Heroes Flight Program Terms & Conditions

Do medal of honor recipients fly free