Flying Angels works with many people every year. They provide both domestic and international medical escort service to locations within the United States and around the world. One of the more interesting clients are a couple who live in Tehran, Iran and New York City.
Since 2022, one of our flight nurses, have taken nine trips with the married couple, back and forth from the U.S. to Dubai. In Dubai the couple is then picked up by family and taken on the last leg of their journey to their home in Iran.
One of the two is a retired pediatrician, while the other is a retired ENT and facial plastic surgeon. The team at Flying Angels has been happy to be of service for two people who have spent their lives helping others.
The flights to Dubai to return the couple to Iran is one of thousands of destinations reached by Flying Angels as we provide medical escort services to clients worldwide.
What Does Flying Angels Do?
To understand why we take so many flights with so many different people each year, it’s important to understand what we do. Flying Angels is a non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) company. That means we offer medical escort services to those who want medical professionals with them when they travel on commercial airlines.
The reasons why vary by client. Some, are traveling for medical procedures. Others are those with injuries or chronic conditions that make it difficult for them to travel without support. Other frequent clients are seniors who are relocating to different areas requiring travel to get there.
Professional, experienced flight nurses with expertise in providing medical care at high altitudes are central to domestic and international medical escort service. They travel with patients from the moment they leave their sending location. This includes transport to the airport, assistance through security and to the gate, care during the flight, and support through arrival at the receiving destination. RN Flight Coordinators manage the logistics for every trip and work closely with airports, airlines, and flight crews to arrange any special accommodations needed.
Bob Bacheler, managing director of Flying Angels, said in a recent interview that the “bedside to bedside” services the NEMT company offers help people in a wide variety of situations. They include seniors who are experiencing dementia, patients suffering from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes or those who have had accidents or taken ill while traveling in a foreign country.
Bachelor, who has 30 years of experience as a critical care nurse and two decades of experience as a flight nurse, said on the “Not Ready Yet” podcast that Flying Angels is filling an important role within the healthcare system. That includes NEMT services globally, to locations throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and many of the sovereign countries within the continent of Africa.
“Our niche in this industry is that we are transporting the patient on a regularly scheduled commercial airline under the care of a clinician the entire time,” Bachelor said. He later added, “The vast majority of patients we transport have mobility impairments.”
Many of the Flying Angels patients and family members have reviewed the company. For example, one recent client said they used Flying Angels to relocate their dad to a new assisted living facility that was closer to family.
“I am so grateful for their help,” the adult children of the patient wrote. “Sue was our fabulous flight coordinator who made everything easy, helped us pick flights, and arranged transportation to and from airports. She was always available and there to answer any question.
“Gene was our flight nurse, and seriously, Gene, you are amazing! I was so nervous, but Gene made everything go smoothly, working with the nursing staff at both his old nursing home and his new assisted living facility, helping manage his anxiety about the travel, managing medications, and transferring from his wheelchair into each next form of transportation. I could not have done this myself, and it was such a relief to be able to have Flying Angels manage this!!! We appreciate you all so much!”
You can read through more Google Reviews for Flying Angels here. Those who are ready to discuss how the services Flying Angels offers can assist them can contact the company by email at info@flyingangels.com or by phone at 610-228-4667.
Families often face the same hard moments. A loved one with an injury or chronic condition needs to travel. It’s a situation that calls for medical support, but it is not a lights-and-sirens emergency. The answer in these cases is often non-emergency medical transport (NEMT).
In many cases, a flight nurse working as part of an NEMT medical escort can provide an air ambulance alternative. The key is to match the level of care to the patient’s needs. The right match can protect safety while avoiding the intensity and cost of a full air ambulance.
Start With Clinical Needs, Not the Flight
Air ambulances are designed for high-acuity patients. They offer ICU-level equipment, direct routing, and advanced interventions for unstable or time-sensitive cases.
Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) works differently. A commercial airline medical escort with a flight nurse can provide the needed care when the patient is stable, cleared to fly, and needs professional monitoring and hands-on support rather than an ICU in the sky.
Common duties managed by a flight nurse during non-emergency medical transport include medication management, vital sign checks, oxygen coordination (when approved), mobility help, and symptom monitoring through a long travel day.
Cost and Comfort Differences That Matter
Cost is often the first point families ask about, and for good reason. Federal analyses and health policy research show air ambulance costs can be very high and variable, with median charges often cited in the tens of thousands of dollars.
The U.S. also has specific consumer protections related to surprise billing for covered air ambulance services under the No Surprises Act.
Comfort is the second point. Air ambulances can be loud, clinical, and restrictive. Non-emergency medical transport on a commercial flight can be calmer, with more predictable cabin space and the option for families to travel on the same itinerary.
A flight nurse medical escort through NEMT provides “bedside-to-bedside” support, which can reduce handoffs and confusion during transfers.
Typical Use Cases That Fit a Medical Escort Flight
Non-emergency medical transport services make sense in many different situations. For example, long-distance senior relocation is a frequent scenario. A patient may be leaving a rehab facility, moving closer to family, or transitioning to long-term care in another state. The medical picture can be stable, but the travel day can still be risky without supervision.
Post-surgery travel is another common case. Surgery can raise clot risk, and long flights add extra strain through prolonged immobility. A flight nurse escort through NEMT can help monitor symptoms and support mobility plans approved by the care team. They also keep medications and hydration on schedule.
Returning home after treatment is also a case where NEMT services meet patient needs. After cancer care, a cardiac procedure, or a complicated hospitalization, many patients can fly with clearance but still need help with fatigue, pain control, and safe transfers through airports.
When a Flight Nurse on a Commercial Airline Is the Right Choice
A commercial airline medical escort makes sense when the patient is stable, medically cleared, and does not require a dedicated aircraft or intensive in-flight interventions. It can also be the right fit when family members need to stay close or when airports are physically demanding.
That is where Flying Angels fits. Flying Angels provides flight nurse escorts on commercial airlines for non-emergency medical transport. The nurse travels alongside the patient, supports the trip from departure to arrival, and helps manage the practical and clinical details that can derail travel for recovering patients.
The services offered by Flying Angel are not a replacement for emergency care, but rather offer an air ambulance alternative when warranted by a patient’s condition.
Every year, U.S. News and World Report releases its prestigious Honor Roll, recognizing the best hospitals in the U.S. for exceptional patient care, cutting-edge treatments, and leadership in medical research. These rankings reflect a rigorous evaluation of performance across multiple specialties, procedures, and conditions, highlighting the institutions that set the standard for excellence in American healthcare.
Earning a place on the Honor Roll is a distinction reserved for hospitals that consistently deliver top-tier patient care and lead the way in innovation. The 2025–2026 Honor Roll features hospitals from across the country, each with a unique combination of expertise, resources, and patient-focused care.
The Best Hospitals in the U.S.
Here’s a closer look at each institution and what makes it stand out among the nation’s elite. Any of these hospitals could be considered in the top 10.
AdventHealth Orlando (Orlando, Fla.)
A major non-profit teaching and tertiary care hospital, AdventHealth Orlando, is the largest in central Florida and the second-largest in the state. It’s also among the largest in the U.S. The hospital is currently undergoing a transformative expansion with a $1 billion investment culminating in a 14‑story patient and surgical tower with 440 beds and 24 ORs, scheduled to open in 2030.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston)
Brigham and Women’s Hospital is part of Harvard Medical School and delivers care across many specialties. The hospital pairs strong clinical outcomes with research that drives new treatments. Its blend of patient care and academic leadership keeps it among the nation’s top-ranked hospitals.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles)
A non-profit tertiary teaching hospital, Cedars‑Sinai is lauded for its innovative research and multidisciplinary care. It consistently ranks among the nation’s best.
Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, Ohio)
Cleveland Clinic holds a place on the U.S. News Honor Roll for the 35th year in a row. It leads the nation in cardiology and heart surgery and ranks highly in rheumatology and gastroenterology. Its strong research programs and consistent outcomes keep it among the top hospitals in the country.
Hackensack University Medical Center (Hackensack, N.J.)
Hackensack University Medical Center became the first hospital in New Jersey to reach the national Top 20. It offers advanced specialty services and serves a broad patient base. Its national recognition highlights the growth of New Jersey’s healthcare leadership.
Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania–Penn Presbyterian (Philadelphia)
This academic medical system ranks among the top hospitals in the country. It stands out in Pennsylvania for excellence across many specialties. Its close ties to the University of Pennsylvania support both patient care and research.
Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, Texas)
A non-profit hospital consistently top-ranked across multiple adult specialties such as cardiology, diabetes, GI surgery, neurology, pulmonology, and OB/GYN, Houston Methodist holds its Honor Roll status while delivering high-quality care across the board.
Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore)
A historic and leading teaching hospital, Johns Hopkins has once again been named to the Honor Roll. Impressively, 12 of its specialties rank in the top 10 nationally, with rheumatology holding No. 1 for the 21st straight year.
Massachusetts General Hospital & Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston)
Mass General and Brigham and Women’s both hold Honor Roll status. They are affiliated with Harvard Medical School and rank highly in specialties like cancer, neurology, and cardiology. Their research and clinical programs make them leaders in academic medicine.
Mayo Clinic Arizona (Phoenix)
Mayo Clinic Arizona brings Mayo’s integrated model of care to the Southwest. It delivers coordinated treatment across multiple specialties and earns top national rankings each year. Patients travel from across the region for advanced care.
Mayo Clinic Rochester (Rochester, Minn.)
Mayo Clinic Rochester ranks at the top of U.S. News lists year after year. It leads in cardiology, endocrinology, and complex surgical procedures. Patients from around the world seek care here for its strong outcomes and team-based approach.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital & Rush University Medical Center (Chicago)
Both top-tier academic medical centers in Chicago were named to the Honor Roll, reflecting their high performance across multiple specialties. That’s a rare distinction for two hospitals in the same metro area.
Mount Sinai Hospital (New York City)
An academic and research powerhouse, Mount Sinai earned top 10 rankings in five specialties and made the Honor Roll, underscoring its reputation for innovation and patient-centered care.
New York-Presbyterian Hospital–Columbia and Cornell (New York City)
NewYork–Presbyterian has been on the Honor Roll for 22 straight years. Twelve of its specialties rank in the top 10 nationally. Its Columbia and Cornell campuses make it a leader in academic medicine and clinical excellence.
NYU Langone Hospitals (New York City)
NYU Langone stands out with more No. 1-ranked specialties, including neurology, cardiology, pulmonology, and geriatrics, than any other U.S. medical center. All 13 of its ranked specialties are in the Top 20, with national Honor Roll recognition.
Stanford Health Care–Stanford Hospital (Palo Alto, California)
A world-leading academic and research hospital affiliated with Stanford University, it earned a spot on the Honor Roll for delivering frontier research‑backed care.
UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles)
UCLA Medical Center consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the nation. It performs well across a wide range of specialties. Its research programs and academic partnerships keep it at the forefront of medical care.
UCSF Health–UCSF Medical Center (San Francisco)
UCSF Medical Center ranks among the top hospitals for complex care and research. Its programs in cancer, neurology, and other specialties attract patients from across the country. UCSF continues to lead in academic medicine and innovation.
How the Best Hospitals in the U.S. List Was Created
Each year, U.S. News & World Report rigorously evaluates thousands of hospitals, typically around 4,400 to 5,000, to identify those delivering exceptional care across a wide range of services. These hospitals are assessed across multiple domains, including roughly 15 specialties (such as cancer, heart surgery, neurology, and urology) and about 22 benchmark procedures and conditions like knee replacements and heart bypass surgeries.
For most specialties, U.S. News applies a data‑driven approach combining key metrics that include structure (staffing levels and facility resources), process (expert opinion ratings and patient experience), and patient outcomes.
The Honor Roll ultimately highlights the best hospitals in the U.S. that exhibit superior breadth and depth of high-quality care.
When it’s time to move an aging parent a long distance, air travel is often the safest and fastest option. But navigating airports, managing medications, and staying calm through potential delays can be overwhelming for seniors, especially those with health concerns. Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services and RN flight nurses can make this transition much easier, taking a lot of the stress out of relocating parents.
NEMT professionals specialize in senior relocation services, accompanying older adults through each stage of their journey. The best NEMT companies will manage all of the travel logistics, air and ground arrangements, while also managing medications and monitoring in-flight health needs.
RN flight nurses provide critical support that ensures your loved one arrives safely and comfortably. It’s one of the smartest ways to ease the stress and complexity of long-distance senior moves for both parents and their children.
The Benefits of NEMT for Relocating Parents
NEMT services make a big difference when it comes to relocating parents. That’s especially the case in situations where Mom or Dad have chronic conditions or mobility limitations. NEMT services provide peace of mind. Seniors and their families know they are in the hands of RN flight nurses who are trained to provide care in the unique conditions of air travel.
Beyond the flight, RN flight coordinators coordinate every stage of the journey, from arranging transportation to managing communication with medical providers. Their presence turns a stressful trip into a safe, well-supported experience.
Flying Angels is one of the most trusted names in non-emergency medical transport. Their experienced RN flight nurses travel with patients on commercial airlines, providing bedside-to-bedside care. Whether you’re relocating a loved one across the state or across the country, Flying Angels ensures they’re in expert hands every step of the way.
Tips for Flying With Seniors on Commercial Flights
If you’re planning on relocating parents, the following offers some tips to prepare for the journey. NEMT companies and flight nurses can handle many of these issues if you choose to partner with them.
Before the Flight
Begin with a checklist that includes:
Consulting a doctor. Make sure your mom or dad are fit to fly, and get prescriptions filled in advance.
Managing equipment. Make a plan to ensure that medications, oxygen, or other equipment are managed properly throughout the trip.
Booking nonstop flights. Fewer connections mean less stress and movement through crowded airports.
Calling ahead. Notify airlines and airports about special needs like wheelchairs, medical equipment, or preferred seating.
Packing smart. Keep medications, snacks, water, and emergency contact info in a carry-on bag.
On the Day of Travel
Execution of the plan is crucial:
Arrive early to allow extra time for boarding assistance and security screenings.
Dress in comfortable layers and supportive footwear.
Choose seats near the bathroom and with extra legroom if possible.
Ask for help from airport staff when needed—airlines are typically happy to assist.
The flight nurse will manage medical needs and monitor the senior throughout the journey.
After Arrival
Once you’ve landed, make sure the transition continues smoothly:
Follow up with airport services for assistance during deplaning.
Confirm ground transportation is ready and waiting.
Help seniors hydrate and wash up at the airport.
Go straight to the hotel or new residence for rest. Don’t overdo it with activities or errands.
Moving Mom and Dad safely is something that adult children face for a variety of reasons, including relocating to live in better weather, to be closer to family, or to transition into assisted living. In all cases, seniors benefit from careful planning and compassionate support throughout the process.
For those with health challenges like recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or facing mobility limitations, commercial flights can be physically and emotionally taxing. Trying to fly under those conditions without the right support can turn an already stressful experience into an overwhelming ordeal.
NEMT is an increasingly popular solution for patients who are medically stable but require support to travel safely and comfortably on commercial flights. From coordinating logistics and handling medical documentation to providing bedside-to-bedside assistance, these services ensure passengers experience comfort for medical transport every step of the way.
With a trained medical escort at their side, travelers avoid the risks and complications of flying alone or relying on untrained companions for help.
A Cost-Efficient Solution to Air Travel for Those Who Need Assistance
One of the biggest advantages of using NEMT during commercial flights is the benefit of professional, in-flight care without the high cost of air ambulances. Medical escorts, typically flight nurses, are trained to monitor vital signs, manage medications, and respond to emergencies that may arise.
This offers a reassuring layer of support for patients and their families, especially when flying across the country or internationally. Flight nurses also help with boarding, deplaning, and airport navigation, making the entire experience significantly less stressful.
Peace of Mind for Patients and Their Families
Comfort for medical transport also extends beyond physical care. It includes the emotional security that comes from knowing all travel arrangements are being handled by professionals.
Patients and their families don’t need to worry about arranging wheelchairs, dealing with gate changes, or communicating medical needs with airline personnel. Everything from ground transportation to airport assistance is carefully planned to avoid last-minute complications, ensuring the traveler feels supported throughout the journey.
NEMT services are especially helpful for elderly passengers, people with cognitive impairments, or individuals recovering from illness or injury who cannot travel independently but don’t require emergency care. These travelers benefit from personalized attention and consistent monitoring, which allows them to focus on rest and recovery rather than navigating busy terminals or worrying about in-flight discomfort.
For families who cannot accompany a loved one, knowing a qualified medical escort is present provides invaluable reassurance.
A Flexible, Effective Service for Those Who Need Travel Assistance
Another benefit of non-emergency medical transport is the flexibility it offers. They provide an alternative to air ambulances. Unlike air ambulances, which are typically reserved for urgent or critical care situations and come with steep costs, NEMT leverages the global reach of commercial airlines to offer cost-effective options for patients.
NEMT services are available for all types of flights, from a short domestic flight to a cross-continental relocation, or international repatriations. Patients receive expert care at a fraction of the cost of private medical flights, all while enjoying the amenities and reliability of major airlines.
The comfort for medical transport provided by NEMT services ensures patients are safe, supported, and cared for physically and emotionally during one of life’s more vulnerable moments. By turning a complex travel experience into a coordinated, first-class operation, NEMT providers offer far more than logistical convenience: they provide dignity and peace of mind.
One company leading the way in this field is Flying Angels, a provider of non-emergency medical transport services that places licensed medical professionals on commercial flights with patients in need. With years of experience and a focus on compassionate, expert care, Flying Angels is committed to delivering true comfort for medical transport, ensuring every journey is as smooth, safe, and stress-free as possible.
For those who face medical challenges, the thought of traveling long distance can feel overwhelming. However, it’s a situation that comes up in a variety of circumstances. Examples include repatriation after an unexpected illness abroad, a patient transferring to a specialty hospital, or an elderly relative with chronic medical conditions returning home on a long-haul flight.
Long-haul flights introduce a host of physical and logistical complications.Nurse escorts for long-haul flights can help meet those challenges. These flight nurses are transforming patient travel by offering a safe, compassionate, and expertly managed alternative to taking on complex long-distance travel alone. They are especially beneficial for healthcare professionals in charge of transferring patients after a stay at the hospital.
Meeting the Challenge of Long-Haul Flights
International medical travel requires more than a plane ticket. For patients with ongoing medical needs every leg of the journey presents potential risks, from navigating foreign airports and customs, to managing chronic conditions in unfamiliar settings. Language barriers, time zone changes, and long periods of immobility can amplify medical concerns.
Nurse escorts for long-haul flights bridge the gap between hospital-level care and travel logistics. They accompany patients on commercial flights, providing continuous medical supervision throughout the journey. This includes monitoring vital signs, administering medications, managing oxygen or other equipment, and ensuring comfort for the duration of the flight. Their presence offers peace of mind not only for the patient, but also for their families.
While air ambulances offer critical support, they’re not always necessary or financially feasible for patients who are stable yet still require care in transit. Nurse escorts offer a cost-effective solution, allowing patients to fly on commercial airlines while still receiving professional medical oversight.
This model is effective for repatriation cases, when someone becomes ill or injured while abroad and needs to return home for continued care, or for those who travel with injuries or chronic conditions. Families can feel overwhelmed by the coordination needed for these trips, especially when dealing with local medical systems, insurance providers, and international travel regulations.
Nurse escort services take on those complexities, organizing everything from flight itineraries and medical clearances to ground transportation and layover accommodations.
Reducing the Burden on Hospitals and Families
Hospitals and healthcare systems can also rely on nurse escort services to coordinate safe discharges and transfers for international patients. These services alleviate the burden on hospital staff who may not have the resources or time to manage complex travel arrangements. They ensure patients arrive home or at their next facility safely.
Families, too, benefit from the support. For loved ones who are unable to accompany a patient on a long-haul flight or who are uncertain about navigating medical travel, a nurse escort provides expert guidance every step of the way. Many families express relief knowing that their relative is in experienced hands during what could otherwise be a stressful and vulnerable journey.
Every flight nurse understands how to provide care based on the patient’s condition, mobility, and treatment plan. Prior to travel, they gather detailed medical information, confirm the patient is stable for flight, and secure any necessary documentation. During the flight, nurses are trained to provide medical care at high altitudes.
Escorts also manage airport logistics, helping patients navigate security, customs, and boarding with ease. This level of support is especially critical for elderly travelers or those with limited mobility, as well as patients traveling to or from countries with less accessible infrastructure.
Nurse escorts have emerged as a vital link in the chain of patient care. They provide a safe and practical solution to the challenges of long-haul flights for those who need medical assistance. For patients and families facing the daunting task of long-haul medical travel, nurse escorts offer both assistance and assurance.
