Hopkins Flight School is an opportunity for travelers to perform a pre-flight practice run including TSA screening and aircraft boarding.
Official registration is required for this event, which is currently closed due to full capacity.
Hopkins Flight School is ideal for first-time flyers, individuals with anxiety and children or adults with autism or other sensory needs.
Participants will go through a simulated travel day, including check-in, TSA screening and boarding a real aircraft - without the plane ever leaving the gate.
Our first-ever Hopkins Flight School will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 9 AM to 11 AM for preregistered participants! We are actively working on scheduling future dates.
No, Flight School is completely free to attend. However, parking and other transportation fees are not included.
Each participant receives a complimentary sensory bag filled with calming and travel-friendly items to support a smoother airport experience. We also provide noise canceling headphones separately for those who need them.
Due to space limitations, each participant may bring only one guest. We may grant accommodations as needed.
Not at all! Flight School welcomes both children and adults who may benefit from a practice run at the airport.
Yes, airport staff and volunteers will be on hand to guide participants through each step of the experience.
Yes! Members of our new therapy dog program, Hopkins Hounds, will be present to offer comfort and companionship.
Just bring a valid ID for check-in and any personal comfort items you or your child may need. Please limit to one personal item per person.
You may reserve parking for the full day for $25, or our use our Smart Garage day-of for $7 hourly rates.
Guests are also encouraged to use the RTA, rideshare services, or other transportation options. For added convenience, you may also choose to be dropped off or picked up by a friend or family member on the Upper Roadway.
We estimate the full experience will take about 60 minutes from check-in to deboarding.
Yes, the airport and aircraft used for Flight School are fully accessible.
Please let us know as soon as possible. You can email CLEevents@clevelandairport.com.
While we aim to keep the environment calm, airports can be busy. Noise-canceling headphones and other sensory supports will be available.
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- @goingplaces_cle on Instagram
- @CLEairport on Facebook
- @goingplacescle on X
- Cleveland Airport System on LinkedIn
You can also email our team directly at CLEevents@clevelandairport.com for additional details.
- Be aware that crowds are expected, though we will have staff moving participants along as efficiently as possible. We are expecting all ages for this event.
- We are providing snacks, but if you bring your own, please be mindful of other guest’s allergies and possibility of airborne irritations from foods such as peanut butter, or other nut products.
- Please be aware T-Shirts are provided for guests and are encouraged to wear while participating.
- While we will do everything we can to move guests through the experience efficiently, you may experience some minimal wait time, which is part of the airport experience!
- We will offer Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyards for individuals traveling with Hidden Disabilities such as anxiety, autism, chronic conditions, or other non-visible disabilities. These can help airport and airline staff identify that you may need extra help, patience or time while traveling.
- Information about the Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard program, Therapy Dogs, or other accessibility programs will be available at the Gate as you de-plane.