The Next Cranky Dorkfest is September 19, 2026
Welcome to the main page for everything you need to know in order to attend Cranky Dorkfest, the airline industry’s best and geekiest gathering* for those of us who like to watch airplanes, talk shop, and eat burgers.
Cranky Dorkfest is always held in Los Angeles (LAX) on the second or third weekend in September, the same weekend as NYC Aviation’s SpotLAX so you can have one long weekend of fun.
There are usually two events under the Cranky Dorkfest umbrella:
- A morning ramp visit at LAX
- The Main Event at the park across from the In-N-Out Burger just off the northeast end of the airfield at 9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045 from 11am to 1pm
*Says me, and if you got a problem with it, too bad
The Morning Ramp Visit
THIS HAS NOT BEEN CONFIRMED FOR 2026 AS OF YET
It has become a tradition for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to open up the ramp outside the Flight Path Museum for Cranky Dorkfest attendees on the morning of the event. There, we get to watch airplanes depart and arrive on the south runway complex up close. They also bring in some static aircraft displays that we get to crawl around on.
In 2025, we had the lovely American B737-800 Astrojet livery and a gigantic Delta A350-900:
When LAWA confirms for 2026 — assuming they do — we will post information here. Just know that RSVPs have always been required, so you will want to watch this space.
The Main Event
The Cranky Dorkfest Main Event is what started it all back in 2011 with a simple premise. Let’s all get together and do three things:
- watch airplanes
- eat In-N-Out burgers
- talk shop
Now, hundreds of people converge on LAX each year on a Saturday in September to do just that. Over the years, airlines have wanted to support the event, so they provide prizes which we hand out at a giveaway during the day.
- Timing: 11am to 1pm on Saturday, September 19
- Location: The park across from the In-N-Out Burger just off the northeast end of the airfield at 9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045 from 11am to 1pm
An RSVP is NOT required, but if you want to be eligible for the giveaways, you do need to register in advance of the event:
FAQ
General
When is Cranky Dorkfest?
September 19, 2026 with the Main Event from 11am to 1pm and the LAX ramp visit usually right beforehand
Where is Cranky Dorkfest?
It is held at and around LAX, Los Angeles International Airport with the Main Event at the park across from the In-N-Out Burger just off the northeast end of the airfield at 9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Do I need to RSVP to attend?
RSVP is required for the LAX ramp visit. Keep watching crankyflier.com where we will announce when that happens
How do I get to Cranky Dorkfest?
We aren’t able to provide transportation to and from the various events, so it’s best to stay local in the airport area, stay near public transit, or rent a car. If you’re local, public transit can get you to LAX or you can drive a car.
Do you have a group rate at a hotel I can use?
We do not arrange any hotel blocks for the event. There are plenty of airport hotels all around the area where you can find a room. SpotLAX does usually arrange for a hotel block at the H Hotel, so you can check with them.
What is this SpotLAX thing?
SpotLAX is NYC Aviation’s annual pilgrimmage to watch airplanes and take photos at LAX. We have held the events the same weekend for several years now to make it possible for people to have a fully-packed weekend of geekery. SpotLAX has events Friday and Saturday evenings as well as Sunday morning. Visit NYC Aviation for more detail.
Why are you doing this? What do you get out of it?
Good vibes. We don’t have sponsors and that’s on purpose. This is purely for the love of the game.
LAX Ramp Visit
How do I get to the LAX Ramp Visit from LAX?
We will post more information on that when that part of the event is finalized
Do you provide parking at the ramp visit?
The LAX ramp visit has had parking in the past at the west end of the airport. Once this year is finalized, we will post details
The Main Event
Do I need a ticket?
No you don’t. You can just show up, though if you want to have a chance to win in the giveaway raffle, you’ll need to RSVP in advance.
How much does it cost?
Nothing! Well, maybe if you have to pay to park somewhere, but the event itself is free to all
Is there a limit to how many people can attend?
No there’s not. Just come on by and have a good time.
Do you provide parking at the Main Event?
We are unable to provide parking at the Main Event. You should be able to find street parking in the general area or you can take public transit/rideshare.
How can I take public transit to the Main Event?
The new LAX/Metro Transit Center is served by several bus lines throughout the area, two rail lines (C/Green and K/Expo) and the people mover into the airport should be open in time for the next Cranky Dorkfest as well.
From the LAX/Metro Transit Center, there are three bus lines that stop across the street from In-N-Out at the Westchester/Sepulveda stop:
- Culver CityBus 6 goes from UCLA through Culver City to the LAX/Metro Transit Center
- LA Metro 102 goes from South Gate past USC and Leimert Park before coming to the LAX/Metro Transit Center
- Santa Monica Big Blue Bus 3 goes from downtown Santa Monica to the LAX/Metro Transit Center
Broader LA Metro Rail Map:
LAX Area Map:
Can I walk to the Main Event?
That depends on where you’re coming from! But if you’re at LAX, then you sure can. It may not be the most pedestrian-friendly airport, but there are signs to walk toward the LAXit lot and then you can just keep going to the east side of Sepulveda. Head north and you’ll be at the park in just a few more minutes. Here’s a map:
How do I enter the giveaway raffle?
You will have to RSVP using the links above. We pick the winners from the list of RSVPs in advance. If you aren’t on the list, you can’t win anything. So make sure to follow the rules of when RSVPs are open.
Is there a cost to enter the giveaway raffle?
Nope, no cost at all. Just make sure you RSVP and you will be entered.
What do you give away in the raffle?
We have various airlines, media companies, and airline-related sites that donate models, tickets, mileage, subscriptions, and more to the raffle so they can take part in the fun. In 2025, we had:
- Airlines: Alaska/Hawaiian, American, Avelo, Breeze, JetBlue, Porter, Southwest, Spirit, and United
- Subscriptions: Flightradar24, JetTip, Seats.aero, The Air Current
Can I donate something to the raffle?
We appreciate the offer, but we don’t take donations from individuals to avoid having the raffle go too long. If you’d like to, feel free to bring stuff and hand out to people who are there. (Kids love goodies.) If you’re from an airline and would like to participate, send an email to cf@crankyflier.com.
Do you still have questions? Send us a note at cf@crankyflier.com and we’ll be happy to do our best to answer.