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Mid-Air Concerts Defy Flight Grounding
14 Nov
Summary
- Bands performed live on a flight during a nationwide travel shutdown.
- The event occurred as the FAA grounded flights due to 'extraordinary circumstances'.
- Artists were traveling to the final Vans Warped Tour 2026 stop in Orlando.
On November 13, 2026, Southwest Airlines revived its 'Live at 35' program with a mid-flight concert. Hoobastank, The Used, Simple Plan, and Lolo performed aboard a flight from Los Angeles to Orlando. This surprise pop-up event occurred just as the FAA declared a nationwide ground stop, impacting millions of travelers.
At cruising altitude, Hoobastank delivered a live performance of their hit song, turning the aircraft into an impromptu concert venue. Passengers shared the unique experience on social media, with one artist noting their flight was one of the few airborne during the travel chaos. The FAA's ground stop, citing 'extraordinary circumstances,' lasted approximately five hours.
The performing artists were heading to the final 2026 Vans Warped Tour location in Orlando. This tour, a significant event in rock and alternative music since its 1995 inception, expanded its 2026 schedule to include international sites in Montreal and Mexico City, alongside U.S. locations.
