Family Day (the day before graduation)
WednesdayMost branches hold a family event the day before: a short ceremony, then time with your recruit on base. Check your unit's schedule.
- FreeThe Alamo.
- EatMi Tierra
Air Force Basic Military Training graduation (JBSA-Lackland) graduation: family guide to San Antonio
Every Thursday, all yearSan Antonio, United States
Every week, families fly to San Antonio for Air Force Basic Military Training graduation (JBSA-Lackland), often with two days and no plan. This guide covers base access basics, where to stay, what to do after the ceremony and the area if your recruit has to stay close.
Know before you go
- The Airman's Run and Coin Ceremony are usually on Wednesday, and graduation on Thursday morning.
- New Airmen get town pass time after graduation: the River Walk is the classic first outing.
- Bring a REAL ID-compliant photo ID and check the base visitor rules: everyone in the car is screened.
- Hotels near the base fill on graduation weeks. Book as soon as your recruit's graduation date is confirmed.
Airport to Pfingston Reception Center and parade grounds, JBSA-Lackland
San Antonio (SAT) is 15 minutes from downtown and 25 minutes from Lackland.
Use the visitor gates listed on the BMT graduation page; arrive early for screening.
Public transport directions to Pfingston Reception Center and parade grounds, JBSA-Lackland
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Lackland and SeaWorld area | Chains near the base. |
| Mid-range | River Walk | Walk to the Alamo. |
| Splurge | Pearl District | Hotel Emma. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn and Suites San Antonio-Lackland AFB
- Mid-range: Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
- Splurge: Hotel Emma
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual graduation weekend schedule. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Graduation day
ThursdayThe ceremony is in the morning. Many graduates leave the base with family right after.
- Easy outingRiver Walk boat cruise
- EatPearl food hall (Bottling Department)
The day after
FridayIf your graduate has leave, take a full day out. If not, see the area on your own.
- Half-dayMission Reach bike tour
- Family pickThe Alamo
Arriving early
Flights and hotels near bases fill up. Arriving a day early gives you a free day.
- Full daySeaWorld San Antonio
- Rain or heat backupSan Antonio Museum of Art.
Family-friendly picks
- San Antonio Zoo.
- DoSeum.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- River Walk and the Pearl.
6 tours worth booking for Lackland
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Mission Reach bike tour | Half day | Families |
| River Walk boat cruise | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
| The Alamo | Half day | Families |
| SeaWorld San Antonio | Full day | Families |
| Six Flags Fiesta Texas | Full day | Families |
| Texas Hill Country day trip | Full day | Food lovers |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Witte Museum.
- San Antonio Museum of Art.
Getting around on event days
- VIA buses and rideshare. Lackland BMT graduation is usually on Thursday mornings with base access rules.
Day trips from San Antonio
- New Braunfels: 45 minutes
- Fredericksburg: 1.5 hours
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Lackland.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Air Force Basic Military Training graduation (JBSA-Lackland)?
Air Force Basic Military Training graduation (JBSA-Lackland) takes place every thursday throughout the year.
How do I get from the airport to Pfingston Reception Center and parade grounds, JBSA-Lackland?
San Antonio (SAT) is 15 minutes from downtown and 25 minutes from Lackland. Use the visitor gates listed on the BMT graduation page; arrive early for screening.
Where should I stay for Air Force Basic Military Training graduation (JBSA-Lackland)?
For most visitors the best base is River Walk: Walk to the Alamo.
What else can we do around Air Force Basic Military Training graduation (JBSA-Lackland)?
Good short outings in San Antonio include River Walk boat cruise, The Alamo, Mission Reach bike tour. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Air Force Basic Military Training graduation (JBSA-Lackland)?
Family-friendly picks: River Walk boat cruise, The Alamo, SeaWorld San Antonio. San Antonio Zoo.
How far is Pfingston Reception Center and parade grounds, JBSA-Lackland from San Antonio centre?
About 13 km in a straight line. Use the visitor gates listed on the BMT graduation page; arrive early for screening.
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