Q & A — Chennault International Airshow
Chennault International Airshow follows the “tailgate airshow” model, with vehicles parking in rows at the flight line and along the adjacent tailgate viewing area.
Your ticket buys the space where you park your vehicle and watch the airshow.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The performers and time slots are the same on Saturday, May, 20, and Sunday, May 21. The Twilight Show on Friday, May 19, is different — it is shorter, has selected performers and is adjusted to stand out against a dark sky. Please note, however, that scheduled events, performers, teams and activities are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Weather, mechanical conditions and medical issues are all factors that may force a team and/or performer to adjust and/or cancel their performance. Performer cancellation does not qualify for a ticket refund.
Sure! Bring what you’d like, with three important limits. First, there’s no cooking or heating of food allowed — so only bring already-prepared and read-to-eat food. Second, no glass containers are allowed. Third, all local laws regarding consumption of alcohol will be in effect — and will be enforced. (And remember: there will also be food and beverage vendors.)
You get a tailgate slot within the area closest to all the aviation action — the “show line.” This area is the first rows of the airfield. Even if you arrive late, you’re guaranteed a spot there.
No. The deadline to buy a ticket for the Saturday show is Friday, May 19 (unless the show is already sold out). The deadline to buy a ticket for the Sunday show is Saturday, May 20 (unless it’s sold out).
You can have as many people as the number of seat belts in your vehicle. This is for safety reasons as well as for your group’s viewing enjoyment.
You buy one ticket per vehicle, good for one day’s admission. That ticket admits everyone in the vehicle.
For RVs and other oversized vehicles — those larger than standard cars, pickups, or SUVs — you buy a ticket for the RV Zone. You will have a 25’ x 25’ tailgate area adjacent to where you are parked.
Setting Up your Tailgate
You are welcome to bring:
- Tables and chairs
- Golf umbrellas up to 60 inches across
- Coolers, including food and beverages
- Service animals
Prohibited items include:
- Generators
- Glass containers
- Tents
- Beach umbrellas
- Grills
- Animals, except for service animals
- Motorcycles
- Golf carts
- ATVs
- Bicycles, skates, skateboards, rollerblades
- Drones
- Kites
- Narcotics
- Guns or any other weapons
Please note that vehicles are subject to search by law enforcement while at the airshow.
Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome with their hosts.
Airport gates will open at 5 p.m. Friday, May 19, for the Twilight Show. Gates will open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 20-21 (with lineup at the gates beginning at 9:45 a.m.). The flying on the weekend shows will start around noon.
Your ticket will be scanned. Have it ready as you arrive at Chennault — either a printout or with the ticket image ready on your phone. Parking staff will guide you to the next available parking spot.
No. Unfortunately, with hundreds or cars, that’s not practical. It would create severe traffic issues. We cannot reserve a specific parking space. You are guaranteed a spot in your tailgate zone, though — even if you’re late.
Feel free to walk around to visit the static displays, food trucks, souvenir stands, restrooms and friends. However, please watch the airshow from your own tailgate area.
Portable toilets and wash stations -will be located throughout the tailgate areas. Accessible units will also be provided.
Please keep your engine use to a minimum. Also, headlights and parking lights must be off all times for the safety of the performers. If you have car trouble, please notify a roving security officer or parking attendant.
No. Not even in your vehicle. There is no smoking allowed anywhere at Chennault International Airport.
No loud music, please. Don’t disturb people nearby who want to enjoy the show. We will be playing music throughout the day.
There are two ways: Loudspeakers are positioned throughout the venue. The airshow will also have its own temporary radio signal that you can hear in your car or an a radio.
Earplugs are strongly recommended — especially for children.
Yes. There will be vendors selling souvenirs of all kinds — and earplugs!
No, unless government protocols determine otherwise.
Other Key Information
The best places are this website and the Chennault International Airshow page on Facebook.
Notify a parking attendant or roving security officer before moving your vehicle. Please note that there is no re-admittance when you leave.
Yes, in the designated “Fly-In Guests” section, ticketed separately.
No. Should any local, state, federal, military, or FAA entities determine we cannot host the airshow due to matters beyond our control — such as weather, COVID or other acts of God — your ticket will be honored at the next show.
Should it rain, performance times may changes or the performers may modify their ceiling levels to work around weather. In the case of severe weather — especially lightning — you’ll be notified by radio and loudspeakers to remain inside your vehicle until the show is cleared to re-start.