What are the changes to air show security?
Due to heightened security requirements, containers such as backpacks and coolers will be prohibited on the airfield. Some exceptions will be made for items such as diaper bags, purses and folding lawn chairs, but visitors must submit them to security personnel for an inspection. Weapons are strictly prohibited. Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms, blades (including pocket knives), and blunt objects. Patrons with firearms will be asked to leave the installation or their weapons will be confiscated and will not be returned.
How do I enter the base, and where do I park?
There is NO overnight parking. There are NO "walk ons," everyone must enter the base in a vehicle. Please see our information page for entry/exit and parking details: Air Show Information. Entry ends at 3:30.
If I cannot bring something into the air show, can I go out to my car during the show?
Yes. Since the show has no admission fee, you may leave and re-enter as you desire. Anyone re-entering will have to go through security checkpoints again.
Can I bring a fanny pack?
Small fanny packs are permitted, subject to approval by gate security personnel and a hand-search at the security checkpoint.
Can I bring a purse?
Only purses smaller than 6”high x 12” long x 6” deep will be permitted into the Air & Space Show and are subject to a hand search at the security checkpoint. Please have all pockets of the purse unzipped/opened when reaching the security checkpoint.
Can I bring my camera/video camera/cell phone?
Yes.There are no security restrictions on these items. However, large camera bags are not permitted. Bring only necessary camera equipment, leaving extra attachments at home. A small fanny pack or camera vest is useful for carrying extra film and small lenses.
Can I bring water, drinks and/or food?
Spectators may bring a water bottle into the Air and Space Show. There will be water bottle filling stations throughout the spectator area. Food will not be permitted to be hand carried into the show but can be kept in your vehicle. The show has no admission fee, you may leave and re-enter as you desire. Anyone re-entering will have to go through security checkpoints again.
Can I bring a folding chair?
Yes. If your folding chair has a carrying case, it will be subject to a hand search at the security checkpoint. Please remove the chair from the bag prior to reaching the security checkpoint to facilitate the hand search. Once through the security checkpoint you will be able to put your chair back in the carrying case.
I have small children. Can I bring a stroller/diaper bag/clothes change/etc.?
Yes. Strollers are allowed and are subject to a hand-search at the security checkpoint. Wagons are not permitted. Diaper bags are permitted, but must be used for their intended purpose, and are subject to hand-search at the security checkpoint. A change of clothing, formula, small cooler for milk, diapers, children snacks and other related items are permitted but please keep them contained in the diaper bag. There will also be a nursing tent setup during the show for nursing moms looking for privacy. This tent will be located near the Kids Zone with the inflatable bouncers.
Can my vehicle be searched when entering Barksdale Air Force Base?
Yes. To ensure safety at the air show your vehicle may be searched.
What can I bring?
The following hand carried items are permitted:
- Personal carts or wheechairs for physically challenged visitors
- Diaper bags for guests with small children
- Small women’s purses smaller than 6”high x 12” long x 6” deep
- Strollers for small children (wagons are not permitted)
- Official service dogs
- Cameras or video recorders; must be small enough to carry by hand
- Personal hand held umbrellas are permitted in the approved seating area
- Binoculars
The following items are recommended:
- Water bottles; free water-refill stations will be available
- Sunscreen
- Hearing protection
- Sunglasses
- Folding chair
- Sunhats/baseball caps
The following items are PROHIBITED:
- Coolers – unless used for baby formula/milk
- Outside alcohol
- Backpacks
- Duffle bags
- Large purses – larger than 6”high x 12” long x 6” deep
- Camelbacks
- Paint
- Balloons
- Large camera bags
- Illegal drugs
- Weapons (brass knuckles, mace, pepper spray, box cutters, nunchucks, firearms, knives)
- Military uniforms worn by non-military members
- Bicycles
- Scooters
- Skates
- Skateboards
- Go-carts
- Wagons
- RV's or campers
All pets are prohibited from the Defenders of Liberty Air Show grounds. Service animals assisting physically challenged guests will be authorized. At no time will pets be left unattended outside the area or in vehicles.