Star Citizen IAE 2026: the biggest free fly of the year
The whole fleet free for two weeks, the year's best sale, and the bonus locked in.
IAE is the biggest Star Citizen event of the year. Expected mid-November to early December 2026 (IAE 2025 ran 20 Nov to 3 Dec; 2026 dates not yet announced). Historically every flyable ship is free to test for the whole window, and it brings the largest wave of new players. If you are going to start, this is the richest time to do it.
The Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE) is Star Citizen's annual ship show. For roughly two weeks, the whole flyable fleet is free to fly, manufacturers take over the show floor day by day, and the biggest sales of the year run. It is the single best window to try the game and to lock in your referral bonus.
How to make IAE count
- Create your account with the code now
Do not wait for the event. Sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR today. The code attaches permanently, so when IAE opens you just log in and fly.
- Fly the entire fleet for free during IAE
Download the RSI Launcher (current build Alpha 4.8) and test ships you would never otherwise try, from starters to capital ships.
- Buy during the IAE sale, take the 50,000 UEC
IAE runs the year's best pricing. Grab a Starter Pack (cheapest is Citizen Starter Pack at $45) and your 50,000 UEC credits because the code is already attached.
Why the code matters most during IAE
IAE floods the game with brand new accounts, which is exactly when stale randomizer codes fail people. A maintained code like STAR-JTV7-FXLR (verified 2 June 2026, see the home page screenshot) means your 50,000 UEC is locked in from the first minute. Why pooled codes go dead.
IAE in the 2026 event calendar
| Event | 2026 window | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Invictus Launch Week | 14 to 27 May | large (military showcase) |
| Foundation Festival | July (TBA) | medium |
| Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE) | mid Nov to early Dec (TBA) | largest of the year |
Dates are final only when RSI posts the Comm-Link. Check the official Fly Free page as November approaches.
Frequently asked questions
When is IAE 2026 in Star Citizen?
The Intergalactic Aerospace Expo is expected mid-November to early December 2026. Exact dates are not announced yet as of 2 June 2026; IAE 2025 ran 20 November to 3 December. It is the largest Free Fly of the year.
Are all ships free during IAE?
Historically yes. During IAE the entire flyable fleet is free to test for the event window, which is unique to this event. Sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR so the 50,000 UEC is attached when you later buy a package.
Is IAE the best time to start Star Citizen?
It is the richest time: the whole fleet is free to try and the year's best sales run. Create your account with STAR-JTV7-FXLR now so you are ready, then buy a $40+ pack during the event to claim the 50,000 UEC.
Ready to claim the 50,000 UEC?
One click pre-fills STAR-JTV7-FXLR into the RSI signup form. Finish the account, buy a $40 or larger Game Package, the bonus is yours.
Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR