After each ceremony your Airman gets off-base liberty called . It is short and the rules are strict. Violations can delay tech school, so read this before you leave base.
Curfews & boundary
Curfews
Wednesday
Thursday
Airmen leave for tech school Friday. The evening is for packing.
Plan to arrive at the at least 30 minutes early. Your Airman still needs to clear the gate and walk to their dorm.
Boundary
Your Airman must stay within one hour of JBSA-Lackland. Use Google Maps or Waze to confirm your destination is inside that range, restaurants, the River Walk, malls, your hotel are all well inside it. If your GPS shows more than an hour's drive, you are outside the boundary.
Safety
Stay in the local area
Do not drive to Austin, Houston, or anywhere more than an hour away. Even if your Airman has family nearby, leaving the boundary is a violation. Liberty is granted based on merit and can be pulled or shortened last-minute for weather or safety.
Conduct & uniform
Uniform
Your Airman stays in the entire time. They will be in Blues (service dress) or OCPs (camo). Do not bring civilian clothes for them. Changing in your hotel, car, or a restaurant bathroom is a major violation.
- Uniform must stay clean and in proper order
- No rolling sleeves or loosening ties
- No mixing uniform with civilian items
Other rules
- No alcohol. Your Airman cannot drink, even if they are 21+. Buying it for them is also prohibited.
- No PDA. Holding hands is fine, but anything more while in uniform is discouraged.
- Your Airman needs a ride. They cannot drive during BMT. Pick them up at the after the ceremony. cannot enter base.
Making the most of it
Town Pass is short. Most families eat a real meal, relax at the hotel, and use Thursday to help pack for tech school. For restaurant recommendations, attractions, and time-management tips, see our Things to Do in San Antonio guide.
See how other families spent their town pass and the days around graduation in their graduation stories.
Where to eat
Your Airman has been eating dining facility food for 7.5 weeks. A real meal together is the highlight for most families.
Military Drive restaurants. Dozens of options including BBQ, Tex-Mex, and chains. Closest to base and easiest for short curfew windows.
Downtown: River Walk, The Alamo & Market Square. The , and all three are a few blocks apart with restaurants at every price point. Best for Wednesday when you have a longer liberty window.
On Thursday, prioritize helping your Airman pack for tech school. The shorter curfew makes a downtown trip tight.
Getting around
in San Antonio but cannot enter JBSA-Lackland. A is the easiest option for the week.
runs $10–$20 at garages near the River Walk. Keep your tank filled and budget drive time for curfew.
Compare rental cars at SAT Airport(opens in new tab)
The next page starts blank: search San Antonio Airport (SAT); most families pick up Tuesday and return Saturday.
Booking through our links supports this free guide at no extra cost to you.
Put it all together
See your ceremony times, curfews, and gate info in one shareable plan.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I take my Airman off base after BMT graduation?
- Yes, during Town Pass your Airman can leave base with you. Wednesday curfew is 8:00 PM. Thursday curfew is 6:00 PM. Your Airman must stay within one hour of JBSA-Lackland (use Google Maps or Waze to confirm), remain in uniform at all times, and follow all rules: no alcohol, no changing into civilian clothes, and no driving. Liberty is granted based on merit and can be pulled or shortened last-minute for weather or safety.
- What is the curfew for Wednesday Town Pass?
- Wednesday Town Pass curfew is 8:00 PM. Town Pass begins around 10:30 AM after the Coin Ceremony. Plan to arrive back at the Reception Center at least 30 minutes before curfew. Your Airman still needs to clear the gate and walk to their dorm.
- What is the curfew for Thursday Town Pass?
- Thursday Town Pass curfew is 6:00 PM, earlier than Wednesday because Airmen must pack for their Friday departure to tech school. Town Pass begins around 10:00 AM after the Graduation Parade.
- Does my Airman have to stay in uniform during Town Pass?
- Yes. Your Airman must remain in uniform (Blues or OCPs) at all times during Town Pass. Do not bring civilian clothes for them. Changing into civilian clothes is a major violation that can delay their tech school assignment. The uniform must stay clean and in proper order.
- How do we get around during Town Pass?
- You need your own vehicle or rental car. Uber and Lyft work off base in San Antonio but can't enter JBSA-Lackland. Most restaurants and activities are a 10 to 20 minute drive from base. Downtown San Antonio and the River Walk are about 15 to 20 minutes in typical traffic, longer at rush hour. Keep your tank filled and plan drive times so you make curfew.
- Where do we park downtown San Antonio during Town Pass?
- Use a parking garage near the River Walk. The closest are the Houston Street Garage, the Commerce Street Garage, and the Rivercenter Mall Garage. Rates are typically $10 to $20 for the day. Street parking is limited and metered. The drive from Lackland is about 15 to 20 minutes in typical traffic, longer at rush hour; budget 45 to 60 minutes round trip including parking.