Travel by Air

When Treatment Is Far Away, We’ll Help You Fly There.

Whether you’re headed to a specialty hospital or a clinical trial across the country, we help make the trip possible. If air travel is the best fit for your journey, our team will match you with a free flight — coordinated with care.

Free Flights, Arranged with Care

When you request help, we look at your location, appointment details, and medical needs. If a flight is the right fit, we’ll coordinate everything — whether it’s a private pilot flight or a commercial ticket. Our team works closely with you to make sure the trip is safe, simple and on time.

Private Pilots. Life-Changing Flights.

Our private pilot program operates through Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic, a network of private pilots who donate free flights to patients in need. These pilots give their time, skills and resources to ensure distance never stands between you and the care you deserve.

Serving 11 states and the District of Columbia, Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic coordinates thousands of missions each year — connecting patients with treatment that would otherwise be out of reach.

Our Airline Partners

When Your Treatment Is Far Away, They Help.

When commercial air travel is the best option, we're grateful for partners who make it possible.

American Airlines provides flights nationally and internationally. Their charitable program supports patients by helping them reach treatment centers across the country.

Southwest Airlines gives hope to patients across all 50 states through frequent flier miles and airline tickets, with a special emphasis on helping medical patients, children and Veterans access life-changing care.

Miles on a Mission is one of the many ways United is supporting the communities where we live, work and fly, but even better, it’s where you have the chance to do good with your miles.

Private and Commercial Flights — Based on Your Needs

For Regional Travel

Private Pilot Flights

When a private flight is the best option based on your distance and needs, we coordinate the trip through our Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic pilot network — at no cost to you.

For Longer-Distance Travel Across the U.S.

Nationwide Commercial Flights

When private flights aren’t available, we help arrange commercial air travel for qualifying patients.

Important Note: While the full ticket cost is covered by Mercy Medical Angels, passengers are responsible for paying mandatory airline taxes and fees.

Still Have Questions?

What is a volunteer pilot flight like?

Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic volunteer pilot flights are safe, comfortable and flown by experienced pilots who donate their time and aircraft. The aircraft are small private planes (typically 2-6 passengers), climate controlled and comfortable, and fly at lower altitudes than commercial airlines. You'll meet your pilot at a small local airport (not a major commercial airport). Flights are smooth and personal, and your pilot will explain everything. Flight time varies but is usually faster than driving. All pilots are FAA-certified with extensive experience. Aircraft are regularly inspected and maintained, and flights operate in safe weather conditions only. Many patients tell us that volunteer pilot flights are a highlight of their medical journey. It's a chance to see a compassionate side of humanity during a difficult time.

Do you provide medical support on board the aircraft?

No. There is no medical staff on board volunteer pilot flights. This is why passengers must be medically stable for air travel, able to climb onto the wing and into the aircraft, able to sit upright with a seatbelt fastened for the duration of the flight and not requiring active medical intervention during travel. If you have concerns about your ability to fly safely, please discuss them with our team during your request.

Can I fly if I am pregnant?

For safety reasons, we do not fly women over five months pregnant or with high-risk pregnancies on volunteer pilot flights. Small aircraft fly at lower altitudes and may not be suitable for later-stage or complicated pregnancies. If you are pregnant and need medical travel assistance, please contact us to discuss alternative transportation options that may be safer for you.

Are there weight restrictions for volunteer pilot flights?

Yes. For safety reasons, volunteer pilot flights have weight and balance requirements set by the FAA and aircraft manufacturers. Passengers over 250 pounds may not be able to fly on small private aircraft, depending on the specific aircraft, number of passengers, fuel load and distance of the flight. This is simply a matter of aircraft physics and safety regulations that all pilots must follow. If weight is a concern, let us know when you submit your request so we can find the best transportation option for you. We can arrange commercial flight assistance instead, which has higher weight capacities and can accommodate passengers of all sizes safely and comfortably. Our goal is to get you to your medical appointment safely. We'll work with you to find the right transportation solution, and we handle these conversations with complete confidentiality and respect.