Frequently Asked Questions | Charleston Airshow (2024)

How much do tickets cost?

The Charleston Airshow is free to the public, however every vehicle will require a free base pass to park on the installation. These passes are not yet available! We will let the public know via social media and newsletter when they become available.

What am I allowed to bring to the Charleston Airshow?

Please carefully review our list of prohibited and permitted items. This will help reduce your entry time onto the flight line.

Does every person in my car need a base pass?

No, the base pass is only for the vehicle to park. So, a car with four people would only need one pass.

Are tickets and parking passes free?

Yes. The show is completely free to the general public. You do NOT need a paid ticket to attend the Charleston Airshow.

Will there be handicapped parking available?

Yes, there will be designated portions of the parking lots for properly-marked handicapped vehicles.

Is tailgating allowed?

No, parking lots are reserved for transiting to and from the show only.

Do I need a military ID?

No, this event is open to the public.

Will I be able to leave and return from the show?

Yes, however you will have to process through the security checkpoint again.

Why am I required to print my base pass and display it on my dashboard? Can I use my phone instead?

Printed passes displayed on the dash allow for rapid checking at the gates. Alternate methods, such as displaying on a mobile device, would hinder the flow of traffic.

I don't have a printer. What should I do?

Every branch of the Charleston County Public Library provides printers to the public for a nominal fee of 10 cents per page. If this cost is a barrier to entry, please contact us and we will assist you.

Can I take a ride-share to the event (Uber, Lyft, etc)?

Ridesharing apps are HIGHLY DISCOURAGEDfor a number of reasons. First, the driver will most likely not have a base pass to drop off or pick up. Second, there is no designated area for rideshare drivers to pick up riders. Last, during ingress and egress of the base, the traffic lanes will be reversed – making it nearly impossible for a driver to come and get you.

Will there be food and drinks available for purchase?

Yes, there will be food, drinks, alcoholic drinks (with an ID check), and souvenirs available throughout the show area.

Are alcoholic beverages allowed?

You may NOT bring alcoholic beverages into the Airshow. However, there will be alcoholic beverages available for purchase at the event with valid ID presented.

What are your COVID guidelines?

Currently, there is no mask mandate nor required proof of vaccination/negative test results. This is an outdoor event and hangar doors will be open to increase ventilation for STEM display areas. There are a number of bathrooms and hand washing stations on-site for ease of use. Social distancing is encouraged.

Will there be restrooms and facilities at the show?

Yes, portable restrooms will be located throughout the event, including handicapped-accessible units. Handwashing and sanitization stations will also be available, as well as a nursing station. There will also be mobile water tanks available with potable water for public consumption.

What happens if it rains?

In the event of rain, some flying demonstrations may be delayed. Unless the weather poses a serious threat to the safety of our visitors and participants, the show will proceed as scheduled with some modifications. In the event of an Airshow cancellation or delayed opening, announcements will be coordinated with local new agencies and disseminated via social media channels with information as it becomes available. It is impossible to reschedule the show for a different weekend in the event of a cancellation.

When are the Thunderbirds performing?

They will be closing both shows on Saturday and Sunday.

Will there be any shade?

The open flight line offers no shade, however there are areas such as the STEM hangar that will provide a break from the sun. There will be some large, static aircraft with wingspans that provide limited shade as well.

Will there be any medical services provided?

First aid will be available to treat minor ailments such as dehydration, minor cuts, bruises, and applications of emergency medications (such as Epi-pens). On-site medical personnel will stabilize and coordinate transportation to higher level of care for all other injuries and illnesses.

Can I take pictures and videos, or livestream the event from my mobile device?

Absolutely! There are no restrictions on photography, however be aware that the show will feature copyrighted background music that JB Charleston has paid a license fee for that will not cover personal videos.

Are there upgraded seating tickets?

Yes, premium seating will be available for the first time this year.

Do the food and souvenir vendors take credit cards?

Most of the vendors will accept major credit cards, and there will also be ATMs on-site.

Are there only a limited number of base passes available?

Yes. The basic concept of the base pass program revolved around limiting the traffic entering and exiting the base. When the number of base passes has reached the air base’s capacity, a “sold out” notice will be posted.

What happens when the passes sell out completely?

Base passes only limit the number of vehicles parking on the base, not the number of people attending. It is still possible to carpool with someone who has a pass.

Will there be anything for young children to do there?

Absolutely! There will be a Kid’s Zone filled with fun activities as well as a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics Showcase packed with interactive booths and entertaining happenings.

Will there be a DoD Family Day this year?

Absolutely! All DoD ID card holders are strongly encouraged to attend the Family Day. All performers (including the Thunderbirds) will be practicing their maneuvers and the show times will be identical to Saturday and Sunday. There will also be select concessions available and there is no need to have a base pass.

I have base access with my DoD ID card. Why do I still need a base pass on Saturday and Sunday?

The base pass is a control mechanism for the number of vehicles entering and exiting the base. Even though you have base access, your vehicle still occupies space during ingress and egress.

I have to work my normal DoD job on the air base on Saturday and/or Sunday. Do I need a base pass?

No, because you are not parking on the flight line. You will be granted access to the base with your DoD ID card and permitted access to the blocked parking lots by one of our traffic attendants.

Can I just park there, walk to the show, and not get a parking pass?

No, because all parking lots will be blocked. Foot traffic of any type crossing the roads during ingress and egress of the show causes major detriment to the overall operation. All Airshow attendees shall park on the flight line for the best experience of all those in attendance.