Flying private to the big events
The Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby, the Masters, the Indy 500, Art Basel and Sundance each bring hundreds to thousands of private jets into a handful of airports. Here is how to plan around them.
- Super Bowl LXI
- 14 Feb 2027
- Kentucky Derby
- 1 May 2027
- The Masters
- 8 to 11 Apr 2027
- Masters jets, 2026
- 3,000+
Why event travel needs planning
Often, yes. For the Super Bowl the FAA runs a reservation program at the nearby airports, booked through the FBOs: eight Los Angeles airports in 2022 and sixteen Bay Area airports in 2026. The Derby and the Masters had no slot program in 2026, but parking and prior permission are booked with each FBO, and ramps fill up.
Event weekends push airports past their normal capacity. Parking runs out, arrivals are metered, and the Monday departure rush can be several times a normal day.
Book the aircraft first, then the slot or parking, then the ground plan. Drop-and-go, where the aircraft leaves after dropping you, is often the only option once ramps are full.
Bringing a group? Our group charter flights page covers larger aircraft, and sports team charter covers teams.
Sources:FAA, 2022: Super Bowl LVI flight requirementsFAA, 2026: Super Bowl LX, what pilots need to knowGlobalAir/WingX, Feb 2026: Bay Area business jet traffic for Super Bowl LXGlobalAir, May 2022: Kentucky Derby jet trafficFront Office Sports, Apr 2026: Masters private jet demandFAA domestic notice DOM26014: Kentucky Derby 2026 proceduresFAA domestic notice DOM26013: Masters 2026 procedures
Event guides
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, on 14 February 2027. Airports, the FAA reservation program and lessons from past Super Bowls.
Churchill Downs on 1 May 2027. SDF, Bowman Field and Clark Regional, and the 2026 FAA procedures.
Fair week in Miami Beach, 4 to 6 December 2026: Opa-locka, MIA or Fort Lauderdale, and how the FBOs handle the rush.
The first Boulder edition, 21 to 31 January 2027: Rocky Mountain Metro, Denver International or Centennial.
The 111th running on 30 May 2027: IND, Eagle Creek or Indianapolis Executive, and the FAA's race procedures.
Augusta National, 8 to 11 April 2027. AGS, Daniel Field, Aiken, and how to book parking.
Tell us the dates and passengers. A specialist replies with aircraft options and an all-in price, around the clock.
Popular jets for event weekends
Midsize and super-midsize jets cover most US event trips non-stop; heavy jets suit larger parties and coast-to-coast legs.
Questions, answered
Still deciding? A charter specialist will talk you through aircraft, airports and price, with no obligation.
Ask a specialistHow many private jets go to the Super Bowl?+
More than 1,000 business-jet arrivals for Super Bowl LX in 2026 and 882 private jets for Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas in 2024.
How do I get a slot for an event airport?+
Through the FBO at the airport, when the FAA runs a reservation program. Book as soon as the program is published.
Can my jet drop me off and leave?+
Yes, a drop-and-go. During reservation programs it needs a reservation for each movement.
Fares, dates and rules on this page were checked on 13 October 2026. Official fares and schedules change every season; the operator or authority named in each source has the final word.
- 1.FAA, 2022: Super Bowl LVI flight requirements
- 2.FAA, 2026: Super Bowl LX, what pilots need to know
- 3.GlobalAir/WingX, Feb 2026: Bay Area business jet traffic for Super Bowl LX
- 4.GlobalAir, May 2022: Kentucky Derby jet traffic
- 5.Front Office Sports, Apr 2026: Masters private jet demand
- 6.FAA domestic notice DOM26014: Kentucky Derby 2026 procedures
- 7.FAA domestic notice DOM26013: Masters 2026 procedures
Plan the event weekend.
A specialist replies around the clock with aircraft options, the operator's name and an all-in price.