
FAQs & Resources
Click below to find answers to some frequently asked questions about flying with Children’s Flight of Hope.
FAQs
How do I check in for my flight if CFOH books it?
We will provide you with all reservation details, including confirmation and ticket numbers. You can often check in online 24 hours before the flight. To check in at the airport, go to the airline’s ticketing counter. You will need your confirmation number and valid form of identification (State ID, License, or Passport).
What is it like going through the security check point?
At the security check point, you will be ask to show your boarding pass and adults will need to present a valid photo ID (state ID, license or passport). You will be directed to place your carry-on luggage on a moving belt to be screened. Follow instructions from TSA agents. You may need to remove large electronics from your bag, take off your shoes or other security measures. Visit the TSA website for more details on what to expect at security.
You will be asked to step through a metal detector and may go through additional screening as directed by a TSA agent. You will then collect your belongings and proceed to your gate.
If you will need extra assistance at security or will be carrying on medications or medical equipment that should not go through standard screening processes, consider working with TSA Cares. CFOH staff will also be glad to assist with setting this up if you ask in advance.
Can I bring liquids in my carry-on bag?
Yes, but there are some regulations you must follow. All liquids must be in a 3.4-ounce container or smaller. Each passenger is allowed one quart-sized plastic bag of liquids, excluding medications. Additional information about traveling with liquids can be found here.
My reservation didn't include seat assignments. What should I do?
When you arrive at the airport, talk with a gate agent for your airline and ask them to assign seats for you and your child together. Most airlines require that a minor sit with their adult travel companion, so the gate agent should be able to rearrange seating on the plane to accommodate your family. Make sure to ask them to assign seats together for all legs of your trip. If you require special seating accomodations for medical reasons, you may want to call the airline’s customer service number in advance with your request. Make sure to tell them the seating request is for medical reasons. Please be aware that you may be required to show documentation of your medical need to the airline when you get to the airport.
What should I do if I need to make changes to my flight arrangements?
If you need to make flight changes after you have arrived at the airport or completed part of your travel, please work directly with the airline. If you need changes made to your flight before your day of travel, please contact the CFOH Missions Delivery Team at missions@cfoh.org or 919-466-8593, Option 2. If staff does not answer, please leave a voicemail.
If you are calling outside of business hours with an urgent request, please state that in your voicemail. Otherwise staff will follow up with you the following business day.
Resources
Airlines
American Airlines
- Customer Service Phone Number: 800.433.7300
- Check-in Online
- Baggage Information
- Special Assistance
Delta
- Customer Service Phone Number: 800.221.1212
- Check-in Online
- Baggage Information
- Special Assistance
Frontier
- Customer Service Phone Number: 801.401.9000
- Check-in Online
- Baggage Information
- Special Assistance
JetBlue
- Customer Service Phone Number: 800.538.2583
- Check-in Online
- Baggage Information
- Special Assistance
Southwest
- Customer Service Phone Number: 800.435.9792
- Check-in Online
- Baggage Information
- Special Assistance
United Airlines
- Customer Service Phone Number: 800.864.8331
- Check-in Online
- Baggage Information
- Special Assistance
Common Destinations
Atlanta, GA
Birmingham, AL
Charlotte, NC
Cincinnati, OH
Gainesville, FL
Minneapolis, MN
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Resources:
Hosts for Hospitals
Provides volunteer host home hospitality program to service hospitals in the greater Philadelphia area.
Raleigh/Durham, NC
Washington, DC
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Resources:
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) Resources:
Baltimore, MD
Boston, MA
Logan International Airport (BOS) Resources:
Boston Children’s Hospital
Boston Children’s Hospital runs a patient family housing program while children receive medical care, located at the Devon Nicole House and Yawkey Family Inn
Hale Family Center for Families at Boston Children’s Hospital
- Phone Number: 617.355.6279
- Email: center.families@childrens.harvard.edu
- Website
The Hale Family Center for Families works to support families during their child’s time at Boston Children’s Hospital. The center is located in the main lobby space of Boston Children’s Hospital. Services offered include: housing, activity space for children, and private meeting rooms.
Hospitality Homes
- Hospitality Homes website
- Phone Number: 888.595.4678
- Email: program@hosp.org
Hospitality Homes is a nonprofit that provides short term housing in volunteer host homes for families of patients recieving medical care in th Boston area.
Chicago, IL
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) Resources:
Cleveland, OH
Greenville, SC
New York City, NY and New Jersey
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Resources:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWI) Resources:
Pittsburgh, PA
St. Louis, MO
Houston, TX
The Ballard House
Patients recieving treatment in the Houston area may apply to the Balllard House to attain housing accomodations during treatments.
Other Humanitarian Flight Organizations
The National Patient Travel Center – www.patienttravel.org – 1.800.296.1217
The National Patient Travel Center provides information about all forms of charitable, long-distance medical transportation and provides referrals to all appropriate sources of help available in the national charitable medical transportation network.
Air Care Alliance – www.aircarealliance.org
If you are seeking free air transportation or aviation services, you can send an inquiry to each appropriate organization in one easy step by providing Air Care Alliance the necessary information about your transportation needs.
Medical Support Housing
Ronald McDonald House Charities – www.rmhc.org
Ronald McDonald Houses are a “home-away-from-home” to keep parents and children together. Many families travel far from home and spend several weeks or months to get treatment for their seriously ill or injured children – a long time to be away or to divide a family. And, for children facing a serious medical crisis, nothing seems scarier than not having mom and dad close-by for love and support. A Ronald McDonald House is that home-away-from-home for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost.