FAQs

ADMISSION
What are the entry restrictions?
Where can I get tickets?
I can’t find my tickets, where should I look?
Where are the Entrance Gates?
Can I leave and re-enter the Air Show?
When do the Gates Close?
What does a loge ticket include?
How much is on-site parking?
If on-site parking is sold out, where can I park?
Can I watch the Air Show from the on-site parking lot?
Is there “Handicapped Parking”? Other accessibility questions? 
Can I park an RV or trailer in the parking lot?
Are coolers permitted?
Are cameras and video recorders allowed?
Do you offer a veteran or military discount?
Why do I have to pay to attend the Air Show?
What are the COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols?

SEATING
Can I bring a lawn chair or blanket?
What are Reserved Box Seats?
Do you have any Bleacher Seating?
May I exchange my GA/Box Seat Ticket for a different day? May I exchange my GA Ticket for a Box Seat now?

AIRCRAFT, ACTS
What are the radio frequencies used by the Air Show?
Can I fly my drone or use it to take pictures at the Air Show?
Can you give me a schedule of acts?
What is a static display?
What is the difference between an aircraft performing a “flyby” versus a “tactical demonstration”?

ATMOSPHERE
Can I bring an umbrella?
Is there shade?
Are pets allowed?
Is there an ATM/Bank Machine on-site?
Are there first aid facilities on-site?

VISITS
How do I get to the Air Show?
Is there an RTA shuttle from Tower City?
Can I fly into the Air Show?
What time does the airport close to air traffic?
Can you direct me to a place to stay during the weekend?
Are boats allowed on the lake near Burke Lakefront Airport?

MEDIA
Will the Show be televised?

WEATHER
What happens if it rains?

If you have a specific question that isn’t listed here contact us!


Where can I get Tickets?

Tickets are ONLY available in advance, online via the Air Show website. NO GATE SALES.  More Ticket Info

I can’t find my Ticket, where should I look?

Look for [email protected] as the sender and Cleveland National Air Show in the subject line.

Can I leave and re-enter the Air Show?

Yes, keep your ticket stubs and get your hand stamped as you exit. However, there is no entry/re-entry after 3:00 p.m.

When do the Gates Close?

All Gates close to incoming pedestrians and vehicle traffic at 3:00 p.m.

What does a loge ticket include?

Loge tickets are for admission to the show, which includes all the display areas, as well as access to the specific Loge (the Loge number is located on the front of the ticket).

How much is on-site parking?

NEW! On-site parking must be purchased in advance – NO GATE SALES. Click here. This is the ONLY lot operated by the Air Show. NO RV OR TRAILER PARKING. 

If on-site parking is sold out, where can I park?

Many people who attend the Air Show choose to take public transportation, ride share, or park at a nearby off-site lot. Some options include a small lot directly in front of the Burke Lakefront Airport terminal building, the Lakefront Municipal (Muni) Lot, and lots/garages around the Browns stadium/lakefront museums. We do NOT control how much those lots charge. 

Can I watch the Air Show from the on-site parking lot?

Due to FAA Regulations, spectator viewing is not permitted from the on-site parking lot.

Can I park an RV or trailer in the parking lot?

Recreational Vehicles (RV) and trailers will NOT be permitted into on-site public parking lots operated by the Cleveland National Air Show. The primary reason for this policy is to comply with the FAA requirement that no spectators may be stationary in the Air Show public parking areas during the Blue Angel or Thunderbird performances.

Are Coolers permitted?

No.  Please review all the important Entry Restrictions.

Are cameras and video recorders allowed?

Yes, cameras and video recorders are permitted along with camera bags.

Do you offer a veteran or military discount?

The Cleveland National Air Show does not offer discounts or free admission to the military. It is necessary for the Cleveland National Air Show to charge admission in order to offset the substantial costs associated with producing the event, including lease fees and rent to the airport, services provided by the City of Cleveland, fees to the Department of Defense and support services for all personnel and aircraft that participate in the event. (This is an important contrast to Military Installation Open House/Air Show events that are able to offer FREE admission partly because the productions are publicly subsidized from government/taxpayer provided budgets.)

The Cleveland National Air Show is a 501C (4) not-for-profit corporation governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees comprised of 40 business, civic and community leaders, including commanders of area Military Recruiting Commands. Funds received by Cleveland National Air Show are utilized to offset production costs of the event and to maintain reserves necessary to provide cash flow for the next year’s event along with protection against low attendance due to inclement weather. Any remaining funds are distributed to charities as determined by the Cleveland National Air Show Charitable Foundation Board of Trustees. It is also noteworthy that the production on Air show days is implemented by up to five hundred volunteers who contribute their time and energy to ensure success of the Air Show.

The Cleveland National Air Show is proud of its tradition and relationship with the Department of Defense wherein Cleveland National Air Show provides the opportunity for northeast Ohio residents to observe first-hand the aircraft of the U.S. military and meet the quality men and women who operate those aircraft; and, the role Cleveland National Air Show plays in providing no-cost display space to area military recruiting commands so they may have a presence at the event and articulate the opportunities available in today’s armed forces. And the Air Show does distribute approximately 3,500 complimentary tickets to military commands for use at their discretion.

A world class aviation event enjoyed by generations of Clevelander’s has been a part of our city’s heritage for eighty years, fifty plus of those in the form of the Cleveland National Air Show at Burke Lakefront Airport. An important component of that longevity has been that the Cleveland National Air Show meet its mandate to be financially self-sufficient.

Why do I have to pay to attend the Air Show?

It is necessary for the Cleveland National Air Show to charge admission in order to offset the substantial costs associated with producing the event, including lease fees and rent to the airport, services provided by the City of Cleveland, fees to the Department of Defense, performer fees, security, fencing, tents, sanitation, aircraft fuel, smoke oil, mobile arresting gear, hotels, rental cars and food plus support services for all personnel/aircraft that participate in the event. (This is an important contrast to Military Installation Open House/Air Show events that are able to offer FREE admission partly because the productions are publicly subsidized from government/taxpayer provided budgets.)

Can I bring a lawn chair or blanket?

Absolutely.  There is no seating included with your General Admission Ticket and guests are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit.  However, tents and awnings of any kind are NOT permitted.

What are Reserved Box Seats?

Reserved Box Seats are seats set-up along the flight line organized into “boxes” of 10 seats. Each seat is numbered and is reserved for you for the entire day. Box Seat holders can come in and out of the area throughout the day and the chair will remain reserved for you. They can be purchased in any quantity desired 1 to whatever.

For the consideration of all Box Seat patrons, smoking and umbrellas are prohibited.

Tickets are $46 (+ fees) each and everybody needs a ticket regardless of age. (Babies in strollers can only be accommodated by folding a chair inside the box – therefore the chair must be purchased.)

During the Air Show, Reserved Box Seat Tickets will still be available, until they are sold out, on an upgrade basis for an additional $20.00 (+ fees) each. Patrons should purchase a General Admission Ticket (in advance) and go to the Box Seat Upgrade booth inside the air show grounds to upgrade their General Admission Ticket. Credit card payment only.

Do you have any Bleacher Seating?

No.

May I exchange my GA/Box Seat Ticket for a different day ? May I exchange my GA Ticket for a Box Seat Ticket now?

NO – GA/Box Seat Tickets CAN NOT be exchanged for a different day.

NO – A GA Ticket CAN NOT be exchanged for a Box Seat Ticket in advance. You can upgrade day of show, if Box Seats are available. (After you have entered the Air Show grounds, go to the Box Seat Upgrade Booths located inside the air show grounds and upgrade your General Admission Ticket to a Reserved Box Seat for $20 (+ fees)– while they last.)

What are the radio frequencies used by the Air Show?

That information is not released.

Can I fly my drone or use it to take pictures at the Air Show?

No. This is a safety hazard for our performers and other Air Show guests.

Can you give me a schedule of acts?

We have a list of acts but not a schedule of acts since specific schedules are finalized much closer to the event depending on various conditions. Look for the schedule to appear on the website the week prior to the event. The flying acts are generally the same all three days. The Jet Team does perform each event day typically around 3pm.

What is a static display?

A static display is an aircraft that is on display inside the spectator area.  It is available for photos, viewing and to meet the aircrew.  This is a wonderful opportunity to get up close to the aircraft you have only viewed in photos or from a distance.

What is the difference between an aircraft performing a “flyby” versus a “tactical demonstration”?

A flyby is a non-aerobatic pass (can be a single pass or multiple passes) of an aircraft.  A tactical demonstration is an exhibit of the performance capabilities of an aircraft and includes passes and maneuvers that showcase a full profile of the aircraft.

Can I bring an umbrella?

In the general spectator area, YES, handheld umbrellas are permitted.  Umbrellas are NOT allowed in the Box Seat Area. Large beach umbrellas or umbrellas placed in the ground are NOT permitted nor are any other tent or awning structures.

Is there shade?

The Air Show facility is held under an open sky. Patrons are encouraged to plan accordingly with umbrellas, sunglasses, lotion and hats. Shade can be found under the wings of static display aircraft but there is no “shaded area” per se.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed onto the Air Show grounds. Service dogs are permitted.

Is there an ATM/bank machine on site?

Yes, they will be in the spectator area. As you enter the gate, ask for directions to the nearest ATM.

There is also an ATM available in the Main Lobby of Burke Lakefront Airport.  However, air show guests CANNOT access Burke Lakefront Airport’s Terminal Building from the Air Show grounds; you must exit the Air Show, walk to the Terminal Building then walk back into the air show.

In addition to the ATM located inside Burke Lakefront Airport’s Terminal Building, you will find several ATMs throughout the City of Cleveland including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Northpoint Tower (at E. 9th and Lakeside) and several places along E. 9th St.

 Are there first aid facilities on-site?

Yes. Medical personnel will be on site and staffing our first aid center.

Is there an RTA shuttle from Tower City?

No buses, just the Waterfront Line.

Can I fly into the Air Show?

No, due to limited space at Burke Lakefront Airport we are unable to accommodate transient aircraft. We recommend flying into Cleveland Hopkins or Cuyahoga County Airports.

What time does the airport close to air traffic?

Seven o’clock a.m. each morning of the show.

Can you direct me to a place to stay during the weekend?

Visit Destination Cleveland, the official website of the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland. On this site, you will find up-to-date information on Cleveland hotels, restaurants, attractions, things to do, shopping, transportation and more. Visit: www.thisiscleveland.com

Are boats allowed on the lake near Burke Lakefront Airport?

No. Boats are not allowed inside the breakwall along Burke Lakefront Airport.  In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard maintains a safety area several hundred feet north of the breakwall that must be kept clear of boats.

Will the Show be televised?

No.

What happens if it rains?

It takes more than a few raindrops to stop the Air Show! It is highly unlikely that it would be cancelled due to rain. Performers have high, low and flat routines to fit different weather conditions. Also, schedules will be shifted and/or delayed for periods to avoid heavy rainfall. In addition, display aircraft, exhibits and food locations typically remain open regardless of weather conditions.

In the event that we do have a weather issue, you should always retain your ticket stubs as your proof of purchase and stay tuned to local media or this website for announcements. However, please be aware that tickets are officially non-refundable. All customers should make their purchases with this in mind. Any change to that policy would be made at the sole discretion of the Cleveland National Air Show Board of Trustees.