How to contribute a commercial flight or ride-share for passengers

There are times when you might not be able to physically volunteer for a mission. It might be due to your personal schedule, weather conditions, aircraft availability, or other reasons. If you can't fly as a Command Pilot or drive as an Earth Angel, but you would still like to make a direct impact on a patient's need for travel - consider donating a commercial airline ticket or a ride-share service (like Lyft or Uber) to a specific patient. You would be providing transportation to the patient, and indirectly contributing to our Passenger Assistance Fund so that we can save another mission. 

How to Provide Commercial Flight Assistance:

If you are an active Command Pilot

1. Request the mission as a Command Pilot and note that you’d like to support a commercial flight for the patient.
2. Our coordination team will confirm that the patient is physically able to travel commercially before assigning you the mission.
3. Once assigned, you can either:
   • Book the commercial airline ticket directly with the patient over the phone.
   • Or, if you prefer, our coordination team can assist with booking—just call us at 310-390-2958.
4. Be sure to:
   • Forward the flight details to the patient.
   • Inform the assigned Earth Angel of the travel updates.
5. When filing your mission report, include the commercial ticket expense as part of your submission.

How to Provide Ride Share Assistance:

If you are an active Earth Angel:

1. 1. Request the mission as an Earth Angel and note that you’d like to assist with a ride-share.
   2. Once assigned, coordinate with the patient and Command Pilot to confirm that you’ll be providing a Lyft or Uber.
   3. On the day of the mission:
      • Book the ride-share and share the driver’s details with the patient.
      • Provide the estimated arrival/departure time to the Command Pilot.

If you are an active Command Pilot

1. Request the ground mission online or call our office at 310-390-2958 to arrange a ride-share for the patient.
2. We will assign you the ground leg and notify the patient of the plan.
3. Upon landing, set up the ride-share to their destination. We’ll provide the address in advance.

By covering commercial flights or ride-shares, you help maximize our Passenger Assistance Fund, ensuring we can serve even more patients. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 310-390-2958 or email coordination@angelflightwest.org.