BxA – FAQ

BxA Overview

Q: What is Burner Express Air (BxA)?

A: Burner Express Air is a program providing air charter service that will transport Burners from Reno, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Southern California to Black Rock City and back. This program is part of our ongoing efforts to reduce traffic and make air travel more accessible and affordable while maintaining a high level of safety for the Burning Man event.

Q: How does it work?

A: Burning Man has contracted with CamSam Aviation, Inc. to manage the Burner Express Air program and arrange flight bookings for participants. CamSam Aviation is a Burner-owned and operated company that brings extensive experience with Burning Man and 88NV to the table. In 2024, Burner Express Air will be the only provider of charter flight services to and from Black Rock City. If you have already booked flights to Burning Man, please contact your air carrier to confirm they are participating in the Burner Express Air program.

Q: How do I contact Burner Express Air during the event?

A: The most reliable and best way is to come to the Airport at the end of the 5:00 street during daylight hours. BxA staff will be happy to help you there. Alternatively, you can email burnerexpressair@burningman.org but please note that the best way to get in touch is to visit the Airport on the Playa.

Ticketing/Booking

Q: Do I need a ticket to Burning Man to fly on Burner Express Air?

A: You must have a Burning Man ticket or other valid entry credential to enter Black Rock City.

Q: Do I need a Setup Access Pass (SAP)?

A: Everyone arriving prior to the Event opening on August 25 will need a Setup Access Pass, unless you are arriving on Burner Express Air. If you arrive on Burner Express Air on August 24, you will not need a Setup Access Pass. Before August 24, you will need a SAP.

Q: When is my flight considered booked?

A: Flights will be considered confirmed and booked once payment is received and has been processed. An email confirmation will be the final confirmation.

Q: Can I change my flight once it has been booked?

A: Yes, flights may be changed after booking by using the “Manage my Flight” section of the website. Prior to August 9, there is a $150 fee per change once the flight has been paid for.  After August 9, no changes or cancellations are permitted.

Q: Can I book a one-way trip?

A: Yes, absolutely. Both round trip and one way bookings are available.

Q: How much time should I allow between an airline flight and flights to/from Black Rock City?

A: Connections between airline flights and Burning Man charters are not guaranteed in either direction. All flights have the potential to be delayed due to weather, white outs or…..Heavy Traffic may impact travel to and from departure airports so plan accordingly.

Inbound to BRC

Reno: We recommend at least 90 – 120 minutes for domestic flights from the time you are scheduled to arrive on a domestic flight. Allow several hours for international flights.

Outbound from BRC

We recommend at least three hours between your arrival in Reno and your airline departure time.  

Q: What are the Black Rock City Airport passenger use fees this year?

A: All passengers arriving at Black Rock Airport must pay a Burning Man Gate use fee of $80 per person, payable by VISA or Mastercard (preferred).

Q: When do Burner Express Air online bookings end?

A: Monday, September 2, 2024, one hour prior to the last flight of the day from BRC. OR when seats sell out.

Q: How do I get my event ticket that is at Will Call?

A: Will Call tickets will be available for pick up at the Box Office at the BRC Airport between 8AM-6:30pm. The Will Call ticket must be in your name. If you have a low income, fire conclave or other event ticket you need to pay for, you will be able to do so with a Visa or Mastercard. Staff credentials will also be available at the BRC Airport Box Office.

Q: Can unaccompanied minors travel on Burner Express Air flights?

A: No. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18 as of the date of travel) are not allowed to travel on Burner Express Air flights. Parents or legal guardians must travel with minors under the age of 18.

Q: Can I arrange Burner Express Air as part of a package tour or concierge service?

A:  In keeping with Burning Man’s Ten Principles, including Radical Self-Reliance and Decommodification, concierge service providers are not permitted to operate at the Burning Man event. Groups that provide all-inclusive travel packages, tours, or concierge services, as well as service provider-produced camps, are also prohibited. For more information, please see this post on Burning Man’s website.

Q: What happens if circumstances arise beyond the control of Burner Express Air?

A: Dust storms, extreme weather, lost child alerts, and mechanical issues have all been known to close airports and airspace and/or delay aircraft during the time of the event. While these events don’t happen very often, they do happen. We will do our best to accommodate you in these events, but we cannot make any guarantees for circumstances beyond our control.

Q: What about water?

Luggage

Q: What are the luggage allowances?

A: Luggage is limited to the weight and size restrictions of the aircraft as well as FAA regulations. This is extremely important. Each passenger is allowed his/her own weight + one piece of luggage not to exceed 25 pounds. That luggage cannot exceed the dimensions of 24 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, and must not weigh more than 25 pounds. Soft sided and/or duffel bags are strongly recommended.

Q: Is it possible to bring additional luggage?

A:  It depends on the location of departure…read below for more specific information for your departure location.

For flights departing to or from…

  • Burbank –
    • ONE (1) additional carry-on-size bag not exceeding 30 pounds (13.6 kg) may be arranged in advance at extra cost, but only if the aircraft capacity permits.
  • San Carlos –
    • ONE (1) additional carry-on-size bag not exceeding 30 pounds (13.6 kg) may be arranged in advance at extra cost, but only if the aircraft capacity permits.
  • Hayward –
    • ONE (1) additional carry-on-size bag not exceeding 30 pounds (13.6 kg) may be arranged in advance at extra cost, but only if the aircraft capacity permits.
  • Reno –
    • Up to THREE (3) additional bags not exceeding 30 pounds (13.6 kg) each may be arranged in advance at extra cost, but only if the aircraft capacity permits.
    • Additional bags beyond the first two bags may be transported on a separate aircraft at a different time. 

Additional luggage/cargo may be purchased during the ticket purchasing process. If you would like to add luggage after you have purchased your ticket, arrangements can be made and paid for at the airport during check in.

Q: What are the weight restrictions?

A: Luggage must not weigh more than 25 pounds.  Additional bags and/or weight may be accommodated at extra charge, subject to aircraft weight and balance limitations.

It is the responsibility of each passenger to abide by the combined weight and luggage limits or make other arrangements prior to traveling. Passengers and their luggage will be weighed prior to any flight. Air carriers reserve the right, without refund, to remove a passenger or their luggage from flight due to non-compliance with the weight guidelines.

Burner Express Air passengers who weigh more than 250 pounds require special accommodation. CamSam will do its best to safely make accommodations. If you are booking a passenger weighing more than 250 pounds, please contact CamSam at burnerexpressair@burningman.org in advance to make necessary arrangements. Extra charges may apply.

Q: What about oversized items?

A: Luggage space on BxA flights is extremely limited. These are small propeller-driven aircraft, not 747s. Before the event, please contact burnerexpressair@burningman.org to see if your items can be accommodated.

Q: Will I be charged an oversize luggage fee if my luggage is too large?

A: Sometimes Burner Express Air will be able to accommodate oversize luggage by special advance arrangements (and extra luggage fees), depending on the size of the aircraft and weight and balance restrictions. Unlike commercial airliners, Burner Express Air cannot accommodate oversize luggage except by special advance arrangement. If your luggage is too large to fit in the plane, you will not be allowed to bring it with you.

There is no luggage storage at the check-in locations.

Q: Can I bring an ice chest with me on the flight?

A: If it’s the size of a carry-on that can fit under the seat of an airliner — maximum dimensions of 24 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, and weighing not more than 25 pounds — and it’s your only piece of luggage, yes.  If not, most likely not, depending on the aircraft capacity and other passenger luggage. Burner Express Air cannot accommodate large ice chests. (Remember, you can always buy ice at Burning Man.)

Check-in Procedures

Q: What documentation am I required to present on check-in?
A: Short Answer:

Valid Identification

Burning Man ticket or order confirmation

SAP if arriving before August 24 (no SAP needed on 8/24)

Long Answer:

Valid Identification – 

  • All passengers are required to present valid, legal, unexpired, government-issued photo identification. For US citizens, that usually means either a passport or a driver’s license. For non-US citizens, that usually means a passport. Due to TSA restrictions, you cannot travel without a valid ID. Be sure that you don’t lose your ID on the playa!

Burning Man ticket or order confirmation – 

  • Passengers traveling to Burning Man need to produce a valid Burning Man ticket, entry credential, or order confirmation for a will-call ticket. Travel is not allowed without a valid ticket. Because of the volume of travel, it’s not possible to permit travel to BRC without a ticket in hand.

SAP if arriving before August 24 (no SAP needed on 8/24 for BxA passengers) –

  • Passengers traveling to Burning Man before Saturday, August 24, need to produce a valid bar-coded Setup Access Pass (SAP)s.

**If Burning Man Gate staff determine that you do not have a valid ticket or valid entry credential, Burning Man requires that a Burner Express Air carrier transport you back to Reno.

Q: Do I have to go through TSA security prior to boarding my flight?

A: No. Charter passengers are not subjected to TSA screening prior to boarding your Burner Express Air flights.  However, plan to go through TSA screening if you are transferring to a commercial flight at a connecting airport.

Q: Is there a 3-ounce liquid rule?

A: No. Air charter passengers are not subject to the 3-ounce liquid restrictions found on airlines. However, no hazardous materials may be transported to or from Black Rock City.

Q: What about prohibited materials?

A: Please do not transport any illegal or prohibited materials in your luggage. Burner Express Air is subject to the same rules as all vehicles entering Black Rock City. Transporting hazardous materials (including lithium-ion battery-powered hoverboards) is prohibited. See the TSA website for detailed information.

Q: Are there luggage inspections?

A: Charter Air Carriers reserve the right to inspect any and all luggage accepted for transport. Passengers refusing to allow their luggage to be inspected will be refused to board the aircraft with no refunds. Upon arrival your luggage and personal effects may be subject to LE inspections for contraband.

Q: What happens if I’m late for my flight?

A: Burner Express Air carriers will not hold flights for late passengers. Air carriers will attempt to accommodate you on a standby basis on the next available flight. There are no refunds for missed flights.

Q: What if I miss my flight?

A: Burner Express Air will do its best to accommodate you on the next available flight, however there are no guarantees. 

Reno Departure/Arrivals

Q: Where do I check in for my BRC flight departing from Reno?

A: Burner Express Air operates out of Stellar Aviation on the East side of Reno/Tahoe International Airport at 485 S Rock Blvd, Reno, NV 89502.  Stellar Aviation is not the commercial airline terminal and is located on the opposite side of the airport.  Please look for the Burner Express Air signs to check in. More details about where to find Burner Express Air Reno will be available on the flight-booking website.

Hayward Departure/Arrivals

Q: Where do I check in for my BRC flight departing from Hayward Airport?

A: In the east bay, Burner Express Air flights operate from the Signature Hayward FBO, located at 1 Tuskegee Airmen Drive.  This is not the commercial airline terminal. Please look for the Burner Express Air signs to check in. More details about how to find Burner Express Air in Hayward are available on the flight-booking website.

San Carlos Departure/Arrivals

Q: Where do I check in for my BRC flight departing from San Carlos Airport?

In the South Bay of the San Francisco Bay area, Burner Express Air flights operate from the San Carlos Municiple Airport, located at 620 Airport Way.  This is not the commercial airline terminal. Please look for the Burner Express Air signs to check in. More details about how to find Burner Express Air in San Carlos are available on the flight-booking website.

Burbank Departure/Arrivals

Q: Where do I check in for my BRC flight departing from Burbank Airport?

A: In Southern California, Burner Express Air flights operate from Burbank Airport at the Million Air located at 2800 N Clybourn Ave, Burbank, CA 91505, United States. This is not the commercial airline terminal. Please look for the Burner Express Air signs to check in.

Black Rock City Arrivals/Departure

Q: What’s the estimated travel time to Black Rock City?

A: Travel times vary slightly by aircraft type and other operational factors.

Flights from Reno, expect approximately 40 to 45 minutes

From San Carlos, approximately 90 minutes

From Hayward, approximately 90 minutes

From Burbank, between two and two and a half hours

Q: How do I get from the Black Rock City Airport into the City/my camp?

A:   

Burner Express Airport Shuttle – 

  • Your booking fee includes passage to and from the BRC Airport on a Burner Express Airport Shuttle bus. These buses will depart regularly during Airport operating hours. The shuttle buses run from BRC Airport to various stops around the city (E street @ 3:00, 4:30, 6:00, 7:30 and 9:00 and J street at 2:30, 3:45, 5:15, 6:00, 7:15, 8:15 and 9:30). You are responsible for making it the rest of the way to your campsite from these stops.

Mutant vehicles – 

  • Some visit the Airport many times during daylight hours. They don’t operate on a set schedule, so your best bet is to have your campmates arrange for a mutant vehicle to come get you and your luggage.  

You can always walk, but. . . that’s a long way, particularly if you have luggage.

Q: Where do I check in for my BRC flight departing from Black Rock City?

A: Please check in at the Burner Express Air departure terminal at the Airport, which is a giant tan tent structure at the end of the road and to the left at 5:00. You and your luggage will be weighed, and you’ll be checked in for your flight. Look for Burner Express Air staff wearing brightly colored shirts.

Q: How much time should I allow to check in for my flight to/from Black Rock City?

A:  If you are checking bags, you must check in at least 45 minutes before your flight. Allow extra time for flights departing Black Rock City on the last Sunday and Monday of the event. You and your luggage will be weighed, and after all passengers are present, manifests and weight/balance sheets will be prepared in accordance with FAA regulations.  If you are not checked in 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, you may not be accommodated on the flight.

Q: How do I get to the Black Rock City Airport from my camp/the city?

Returning from your camp to the Airport, make sure you have arranged a reliable way to get back, particularly for early morning flights. (Mutant vehicles are very scarce around dawn.) Burner Express Air will also have an Airport Shuttle running throughout the city. Remember that driving personal vehicles is not permitted during the Event. Any unlicensed vehicles will be turned away.

Other

Q: How do I contact Burner Express Air during the event?

A: The most reliable and best way is to come to the Airport at the end of the 5:00 street during daylight hours. BXA staff will be happy to help you there. Alternatively, you can email burnerexpressair@burningman.org but please note that the best way to get in touch is on the Playa.

Q: Can I bring my bicycle with me?

A: No. Burner Express Air strongly recommends collaborating with your campmates to transport bikes to and from Black Rock City through other means. 

Q: What if I have special needs?

A: We will do the best to accommodate those needs. Please contact burnerexpressair@burningman.org

Q: What is the process for lost and found?

A: Anything found or left on Burner Express Air will be taken to BRC’s Lost and Found location at Playa Info in Center Camp. If you leave something behind on the way home, contact burnerexpressair@burningman.org and we’ll work with you to return what we find.

Q: If I have a theme camp or a group of friends who want to travel together, can I charter a whole plane for us?

A: Yes, though space is limited. Click here to get a quote.

Q: If I have a plane I’d like to charter and fly into Burning Man, what do I do?

A: Please contact CamSam Aviation, Inc for more information at support@camsamaviation.com

Q: I am a private pilot and I’d like to fly my plane into Burning Man, does this affect that?

A: No. Please refer to the 88NV website for more information.

Q: I am a charter company and I would like to bring passengers to Burning Man. What do I need to do?

A:  If you are an Air Carrier who wishes to fly into Black Rock City, please email  support@camsamaviation.com to register.  All air carriers must register with the Burner Express Air program in order to land at 88NV. If you are not registered with BxA, you and your passengers will be asked to depart the event.

Q: What if I have a question about Burner Express Air service that is not answered here?

A: Please contact burnerexpressair@burningman.org

Q: Why do tickets cost soooooOooooOOOOOoo much?

A: Compared to commercial airlines, yes these tickets are more expensive. However, this is not a commercial airline, flying to an established Airport in an easy to reach location.   It takes a lot to create a temporary charter service to the magical Burning Man Airport, 88NV; from finding carriers who will land on the playa, to securing aircraft for the entire 2-week period, to building the ramp and charter terminal, and making it all disappear without a trace after the event is over.