Choosing a 2028 storm chasing package begins with understanding how much time you can realistically spend away from home. The advertised chase dates are only part of the commitment. Travelers must also include the official arrival day, the hotel night after the final chase and any additional time needed for flights.
The 2028 schedule runs from late April through late June. Each package starts in Wichita, Kansas, but the exact travel window and number of chase days differ.
Start With Your Total Available Time
Most 2028 packages provide six chase days and five hotel nights during the active tour. Guests arrive one day before chasing begins and should keep the following day available for post-tour accommodation or onward travel.
A six-day package generally requires at least eight calendar days:
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One arrival day
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Six active chase days
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One post-tour travel day
International travelers or guests using several connecting flights may need nine or ten days. Extra time can protect the trip from airline delays, missed connections or baggage problems.
Tour 5A requires a larger commitment because it provides ten chase days and nine included hotel nights.
Choose Late April or Early May for Earlier Availability
Tour 1 requires arrival in Wichita on April 29, 2028. Chasing begins on April 30 and continues through May 5.
Travelers should therefore keep April 29 through May 6 available at minimum. Someone flying internationally may need to begin traveling on April 28.
Tour 2 follows with arrival on May 6 and chasing from May 7 through May 12. This can suit guests who want an early-May package but cannot travel at the end of April.
Both options focus on the opening part of the Southern Plains season.
Consider Mid-May for a Standard Working-Week Break
Tour 3 requires arrival on May 13, followed by chase days from May 14 through May 19.
A practical calendar would include May 13 through May 20. The package may suit travelers who can arrange leave during the middle of the month and want to experience the peak Southern Plains period.
Tour 4 begins one week later. Guests arrive on May 20 and chase from May 21 through May 26.
This late-May package may be easier for travelers whose work or family commitments prevent earlier travel. However, they should still reserve May 27 for the final hotel night or departure.
Compare Six and Ten Days at the End of May
Tour 5 and Tour 5A share the same arrival date of May 27 and begin chasing on May 28.
Tour 5 finishes on June 2, making May 27 through June 3 the minimum practical travel window.
Tour 5A continues through June 6. Guests should keep May 27 through June 7 available, excluding any extra international travel days.
The longer option may suit travelers who:
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Can take nearly two weeks away
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Want ten consecutive chase days
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Are comfortable with additional road travel
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Have a larger package and meal budget
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Prefer more exposure to changing forecast patterns
Tour 5 is more practical for travelers with approximately one week of annual leave.
Select June for Later-Season Travel
Tour 6 requires arrival in Wichita on June 10. Chasing runs from June 11 through June 16.
Guests should reserve June 10 through June 17 at minimum. The package may suit photographers and travelers interested in Central Plains scenery and the northward seasonal shift.
Tour 7 requires arrival on June 17 and includes chasing from June 18 through June 23.
This option may fit teachers, students, families or other travelers whose schedules become more flexible later in June. The complete travel window should normally include June 17 through June 24.
Include Flights and Outside Hotel Nights
The individual listings instruct guests to arrange hotel accommodation for the arrival day and the night following the final chase.
These outside nights must be included in both the calendar and budget. Travelers should also confirm airport-transfer instructions before selecting flights.
A practical travel plan should allow time for:
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Reaching Wichita before the required arrival time
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Hotel check-in and tour preparation
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The complete active chase schedule
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A final hotel night
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Flight delays or long connections
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Rest before returning to work
Check Availability Before Requesting Leave
A package that fits the calendar may not remain available indefinitely. Travelers should check the current booking status before confirming annual leave or purchasing non-refundable travel.
They should verify the tour number, year, arrival date, first chase day and final chase day. Using a date from the 2027 schedule could result in incorrect flight or hotel reservations.
Conclusion
Selecting a 2028 storm chasing tour based on available dates requires counting the full journey rather than only the chase period.
Travelers with approximately eight days may prefer one of the standard six-day packages. Those with nearly two weeks available may consider the longer Tour 5A experience.
By including arrival, active chasing, outside hotels and flight time in the calendar, guests can choose a package that fits their schedule without rushing the beginning or end of the adventure.