Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the Thunder Over Louisiana Air Show Presented by Kia of Lake Charles? Our FAQ page covers everything you need to know – from ticket information and entry restrictions to attending tips, parking, and event details. Get quick answers to help you plan a safe, fun, and unforgettable air show experience.
Tickets
How can tickets be re-sent to guests?
Tickets can be resent by following this link and entering the information on EventSprout. Please note that sometimes confirmation emails do go to spam.
*Please note that the ticket email will come from EventSprout.
Where can guests find seating options?
Please reference the ticket page for the different seating options.
Can tickets be purchased at the gate?
Tickets can NOT be purchased at the gate. All tickets must be purchased online. Visit the ticketing page to view pricing.
Will tickets be refunded if the show is canceled?
The show will not be canceled. There will be no refunds or rain checks for tickets.
Is there a military discount?
Yes, active duty, reserve and retired military members can receive a 15% discount on General Admission and General Parking by using the code “MIL1” when checking out. A valid CAC or USID card is required to be presented upon event entry along with your air show tickets. Discount is only available for General Admission and General Parking purchases.
Will there be a photo pit?
There will not be a photo pit at this year’s show.
Parking
Do I have to have a parking pass to park at the show?
Yes, all vehicles parking at the show, must have a parking pass. Parking passes WILL NOT be sold at the show.
If you purchase a ticket to General Admission, Premium Box Seats, Warhawk Club, or Aces Club, you will receive a FREE remote parking pass with your purchase.
If you purchase a Chennault Club membership, you will receive two free Premium Parking passes.
Anyone wishing to purchase a Premium Parking pass, can do so on the tickets page.
Can guests purchase parking passes at the show?
No, premium parking passes will not be sold at the show. If you wish to park in the Premium lot instead of the Remote lot, you will need to purchase your Premium Pass in advance. Vehicles arriving without a premium parking pass will not be permitted to park in that lot. It is likely that parking will sell out well in advance of the show.
Is there handicapped parking?
There will be a limited number of handicapped spots located at the front of our parking lots. The spots are located on a hard surface. Please note that it is first come, first park. So we highly recommend arriving early to secure a spot if you need one.
When you arrive at the air show, please alert parking attendants that you are looking to park in one of the handicapped spots.
Is there a parking lot map?
We are in the process of updating our parking map, and will make it available as soon as it is complete. Please check the parking page for the latest information.
How can I get free parking?
Anyone who purchases tickets to General Admission, Premium Box Seats, Warhawk Club, and Aces Club will receive with a FREE remote parking pass with their purchase.
*Please Note: There are Premium Parking options available on our Tickets page for an additional charge.
Is parking included with my Chennault Club table?
Yes, Chennault Club tickets include on-site Premium Parking. Each table of six comes with two parking passes. The Premium Parking lot is conveniently located near one of the Gate Entrances.
If you’d like to learn more or purchase other tickets/parking passes, please visit our tickets page.
Is parking included for the Box Seats, Warhawk Club and Aces Club?
Yes, parking is not included with your tickets to these areas.
If you wish to upgrade to premium parking, click here to vist our Tickets page to purchase a Premium Parking Pass.
What address do I put into my GPS to find the show?
3650 Sen J Bennett Johnson AVe, Lake Charles, LA 70615
Map it on Google
It is okay to just buy a parking pass and not enter the show?
No. Anyone who purchases a parking pass and comes into the lot, also needs to purchase tickets for the show and go inside the gate. Watching the show from the parking lot is not permitted due to security reasons.
What other parking information should I know before arriving at the air show?
We have a “one-stop shop” of parking information and directions. Please visit our Parking and Directions page for additional information and maps.
Planning to Attend the Show
What time is the show open?
Is there an inclement weather plan?
The show will go on rain or shine. Air Show officials will monitor the weather and adjust the schedule as needed in order to ensure safety of performers and guests.
What items are prohibited?
Can outside food and beverage be brought into the show?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted. There will be a variety of food concessions throughout the venue to serve guests throughout the day.
The ONLY exception is for medical reasons.
NOTE: We do allow empty water bottles into the show, which can be refilled outside of the white hangar.
Are empty water bottles allowed?
Yes, empty water bottles are permitted and there will be (non-chilled) water stations available for refills.
Are strollers and wagons permitted?
Yes
What are the accessibility accommodations on show grounds?
A limited amount of handicapped parking is available on hard surface near the show main entrance. Handicapped parking requires the purchase of a general parking permit and a handicap placard or plate. Handicapped parking is first come, first served until the lot is filled.
The grounds of the air show overwhelmingly hard surface and all premium seating is hard surface. There will be handicap washrooms available.
Please reference the Accessibility page for additional information.
Can mobility aids be rented at the show?
We do not have mobility aids to rent at the air show, however, all mobility aids are allowed into the show.
Can guests bring their own chairs if they have a General Admission ticket?
Yes, guests with General Admission access to the show may bring their own chairs for seating at the event.
Can guests bring their own chairs if they are in a Premium Seating area?
Seating is provided for those in premium seating areas and outside chairs are not permitted in premium seating areas.
Are performers the same all three days?
Performers are generally the same for all three days, unless otherwise noted. Please referece the performers page for specific details.
Are service animals permitted into the show?
Yes, service animals are permitted at the show. Please note that there will be jets flying, which
can be extremely loud, and the pavement will be hot.
Are pets allowed to be brought into the show?
No. Pets are not allowed into the air show.
DO NOT LEAVE ANY ANIMALS IN YOUR CAR.
What types of payments are accepted?
Concessions will accept credit cards and cash.
Will there be an ATM on the grounds?
No
Will hearing protection be provided?
No, the show will not provide hearing protection. Some vendors may sell hearing protection, but we cannot guarantee it. We do encourage everyone of all ages, especially children, to utilize hearing protection at the show as the jet noise can be loud.
Are volunteers needed?
Yes, we appreciate your interest! Visit our volunteer page to learn more.
Are there General Aviation options air show weekend?
No, there will not be any available options to fly into the event.
At the Show
What type of food vendors will be at the show?
There will be a wide variety of food vendors at the show, including vegan options.
What is the daily schedule?
Gates Open: 9 AM
Flying Starts: around 12 PM
Flying Ends: around 4:14 PM
Gates Close: 5 PM
Please note that the timed flying schedule will not be released. For updates, please visit the schedule page.
Is there a map of the grounds?
Yes, please reference the venue map page for the latest version.
Is there a lost and found?
Yes, please go to the main gate to check for lost and found or contact Chennault International Airport
Will there be changing tables?
Yes, there will be changing tables in both of the first aid tents.
Can you smoke at the air show?
No. The airport is a smoke-free venue. This includes the usage of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, vapes, marijuana, etc.
Are there designated smoking areas?
No, there are no designated smoking areas in the venue.
What ground displays and exhibits will be at the show?
There are a variety of planes on display and extra activities for everyone to enjoy. Please check out the attractions portion of the website to see the specific aircraft and exhibits.
Can guests leave the show and re-enter?
There is no re-entry to the show.
Will there be alcohol served?
Beer and wine will be available for purchase to those 21 and over with proper ID. Premium bar service is provided in the Rickenbacker Club. Private chalets have the option for alcohol service. Please check the tickets page for additional information.
Will guests be able to meet the pilots performing at the show?
It is very likely, yes. Unlike many other forms of sport and entertainment, pilots are usually very accessible at air shows. Pilots and crews of static displays will often be at their aircraft to answer questions and take photos. Pilots who are performing often walk the crowd line and will occasionally pop into seating areas for autographs and photos.
Can guests meet the jet teams?
While this is not guaranteed, the jet jeam ordinarily gathers along the general admission crowd line to sign autographs and take photos approximately 10-15 minutes after they land from a demonstration.