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At the Airport Hopkins Hospitality Hopkins Flight School Frequently Asked Questi...

Hopkins Flight School FAQs

Hopkins Flight School is an opportunity for travelers to perform a pre-flight practice run including TSA screening and aircraft boarding.

Participation requires advance registration and an approved Hangout Pass submitted at least 24 hours prior to the event. Guests without an approved Hangout Pass will not be permitted through security.
 

Register for Flight School

Apply for Hangout Pass

Hopkins Flight School is ideal for first-time flyers, individuals with anxiety and children or adults with autism or other sensory needs.

Participants will be guided through a simulated travel day guided by airport volunteers, including check-in, TSA screening and boarding a real aircraft - without the plane ever leaving the gate.

Hopkins Flight School will take place on May 16, 2026, with start times at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Participants should arrive on time for their selected session.

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 including a plane stress ball, travel tips palm card, sensory stickers, hand sanitizer, a plane pop-it, and sunglasses. We also provide noise canceling earmuffs separately for those who need them.

Each Hangout Pass holder may be accompanied by up to two (2) minors. All participants must be registered and approved in advance.

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.

Guests 18 years and older must bring a valid REAL ID or passport. If you do not have a compliant ID, you must enroll in Confirm ID and pay the $45 fee in advance.

You must also present the same ID used to register for your Hangout Pass at TSA.

Please also bring any personal comfort items you or your child may need, and 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.

Please note the Flight School experience typically lasts under one hour, so plan parking accordingly.

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.

The full experience typically lasts 45–60 minutes, including security screening, walking to the gate, boarding, and deplaning.

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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You can also email our team directly at CLEevents@clevelandairport.com for additional details.

  • All participants must apply for and receive an approved Hangout Pass at least 24 hours prior to the event. Without it, you will not be permitted through security.
  • 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.