A successful 2028 storm chasing trip begins months before the first weather briefing in Wichita. Travelers need time to compare packages, secure leave, prepare payments, arrange flights, and organize hotel nights outside the active chase.
The best timeline starts well before the tour year so financial and travel tasks do not become rushed.
August–September 2027: Compare the Schedule
Review the 2028 schedule and decide which seasonal window fits your goals. Early packages focus mainly on the Southern Plains, while June tours increasingly move into the Central and Northern Plains.
Compare:
-
Arrival and chase dates
-
Six-day and ten-day formats
-
Single and shared-room rates
-
Photography or regional interests
-
Total time needed away
-
Current availability
No package can guarantee a tornado, so dates, duration, budget, and preferred landscapes should all influence the choice.
October 2027: Confirm Companions and Leave
Travelers using the shared-room rate must arrange their own companion or roommate. Two seats for the same package must be added to one cart for the discount to apply.
Confirm who is definitely traveling, discuss payment responsibilities, and request annual leave. International guests should also review passport validity and U.S. entry requirements.
November 2027: Build the Full Budget
Budget for more than the package price. Include flights to Wichita, meals, insurance, baggage charges, personal purchases, and hotel nights outside the active chase.
Keep an emergency reserve for delays. Couples should also decide whether they will share the pre-tour and post-tour hotel rooms.
December 2027: Reserve an Available Package
Once dates and budget are confirmed, reserve the selected tour while seats remain. The official terms allow an available place to be secured with a US$1,000 non-refundable deposit per person before February 1.
Save the confirmation and verify the tour number, year, dates, seat quantity, payment, and shared-room discount.
January 2028: Prepare for the Balance Deadline
Check the invoice and prepare the remaining payment. The operator sends the balance invoice to the email address entered at checkout.
Review:
-
Deposit already credited
-
Correct package and dates
-
Applicable discount
-
Remaining amount
-
February 1 deadline
Contact the operator if the invoice is missing or incorrect.
February 2028: Pay the Final Balance
Outstanding balances are due on February 1. Deposits are unavailable after that date, and new bookings require full payment.
After paying, save the receipt and confirm that the reservation is complete. Waitlisted travelers should not purchase non-refundable travel until their seat is formally confirmed.
March 2028: Book Flights and Confirm Hotels
Finalize flights to Wichita and confirm accommodation. Individual package listings instruct guests to arrange arrival-night and final-night hotels, although website wording about the arrival night is inconsistent.
Written confirmation from the operator is safest before booking a non-refundable room. Also confirm airport pickup, the approved hotel, delay contacts, and the earliest sensible departure flight.
April 2028: Prepare Documents and Equipment
Travelers on early packages should complete final preparation in April. Check identification, insurance, medication, baggage limits, and camera equipment.
Pack a soft-sided suitcase and compact day bag containing water, chargers, weatherproof clothing, medication, and essential camera accessories.
Guests joining Tour 1 must arrive on April 29, so preparation should be complete well before the final week.
May 2028: Follow the Confirmed Travel Plan
Most 2028 packages operate during May. Travelers should monitor flights, reconfirm hotel and transfer details, and keep booking documents accessible offline.
The exact route cannot be predicted before arrival. Focus on reaching Wichita rested and prepared rather than trying to forecast the state or storm the group will visit.
June 2028: Prepare for Later-Season Packages
June travelers should repeat the final checks for the Central and Northern Plains tours. Tour 6 requires arrival in Wichita on June 10 and chasing from June 11 through June 16.
Confirm the final hotel night and airport transfer. June routes may cover considerable distance, so an immediate flight after the last chase should be avoided unless the operator confirms it is practical.
Conclusion
A month-by-month timeline makes a 2028 storm chasing tour easier to organize. Travelers should compare packages in late summer or autumn, confirm companions and budgets before winter, reserve early, and treat February 1 as the key payment deadline.
Flights, hotel clarification, documents, insurance, and equipment can then be completed during spring. Following this sequence allows guests to arrive in Wichita ready for the weather-led experience while the professional team manages forecasting, transportation, and daily chase decisions.