For a list or prohibited items, click here.

NO BUSES OR RVS. NO PARKING AVAILABILITY FOR RVS OR BUSES.

ENTRY & EXIT FAQs

How much do tickets cost?
The Joint Base Charleston Air Expo is free to the public, however every vehicle will require a free base pass to park on the installation.

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 base pass.

Are tickets and parking passes free?
The show is completely free to the general public. Again, you do NOT need a paid ticket to attend the Joint Base Charleston Air Expo.

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.

I have been coming to air shows at Charleston for __ years and have never had to bother with a base pass. Why has it changed?
Charleston's population has grown to exceed the Air Base's infrastructure capacity to meet the demand for a free air show. This passing system allows the base to control how many vehicles enter and exit the narrow gates and allows for a more enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Why am I required to print my base pass and display it on my dashboard? Doesn't everyone have a mobile device nowadays?
Printed passes displayed in the dash allow for rapid checking at the gates. Alternate methods, such as displaying on a mobile device, would have detrimental effects on the traffic flow.

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 our planning team at the links on our website and we will assist you.

Can I take a ride share to the event (Uber, Lyft, etc.)?
This is highly discouraged for a number of reasons. First, the driver will probably not have a base pass to either drop you off or pick you up. Second, there is no designated area for ride share drivers to pick up riders. Third, 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.

GENERAL EVENT FAQs

Can I bring my own bottled water & folding chairs?                                                Water bottles are allowed, but must be EMPTY and plastic to get through entrance checkpoints. "Collapsible seating" and blankets are allowed. 

Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the event, with proper I.D. You may NOT bring alcoholic beverages into the Air Expo.

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 Air Expo cancellation or delayed opening, announcements will be coordinated with local news 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 Blue Angels performing?
The Blue Angels will close 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 that will not cover personal videos.

Are there upgraded seating tickets?
No, all seats/spaces are general admission.

Do the food and souvenir vendors take cards?
Most of the vendors will accept major credit cards, but there will be ATMs on-site.

Are there only a limited number of base passes available?
Yes. The basic concept of the base pass program revolves around limited 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 on the site.

What happens when the passes sell out completely?
Remember, 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.

How can my business be involved with the Air Expo?
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact our Sponsorship Coordinator, Ms. Donna Basnett via email at JBCharlestonMarketing@gmail.com or phone (843) 963-3816.

Will there be anything for young children to do there?
Absolutely! Not only is there a Kid's Zone filled with fun activities, there will also be a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Showcase packed with interactive booths and entertaining happenings.

DoD ID HOLDERS ONLY

Will there be a DoD Family Day this year?
Absolutely! All DoD ID card holders are strongly encouraged to attend the Family Day on 8 April. All performers (including the Blue Angels) 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 or 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 occupied 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.

I have a marked parking spot over at building ____. I can just park there, walk to the show and not have to get a parking pass, right?
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 Air Expo attendees shall park on the flight line for the best experience of all those in attendance.