First time going to an airshow-- Any advice?
Posted by SeedPuller@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 26 comments
Hey everyone! I'm going to my first airshow (Sanicole) next week and I was wondering if anyone has any tips on what to bring to make the most out of the experience. Like, do I need to buy binoculars, or is that overkill? Any must-haves or things you think might improve the experience? Thanks in advance for any advice!
alzee76@reddit
Hat. Sunscreen. Comfortable shoes. Water.
JERRY-DEE-KNOW@reddit
I always take earplugs. Those F16’s are VERY loud!!!
1-800-THREE@reddit
Earplugs
frix86@reddit
What?
twarr1@reddit
Huh?!
Dry-Society-1479@reddit
Absolutely! Here are 5 essentials I always recommend to anyone heading to their first airshow:
1️⃣ Sunscreen – Lather it on and reapply often. Most flight lines offer little to no shade, and that tarmac sun can be brutal.
2️⃣ Big Brimmed Hat – Keeps the sun off your face and neck and helps you stay cooler throughout the day.
3️⃣ Lightweight Folding Chairs – Unless you’ve snagged premium seating, plan to bring your own! Perfect for relaxing between demo teams.
4️⃣ Comfortable Shoes – You’ll be walking (a lot!) across wide open ramps. Sturdy sneakers > flip-flops.
5️⃣ Reusable Water Bottle – Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Most events have refill stations now, and it saves you from spending $6 on bottled water.
Bonus Tip ✈️: Grab some aviation trading cards from JetSetTravelGear.etsy.com before you go! They’re perfect for autographs from aircrews, make awesome keepsakes, and are a fun way to get your biggest (or littlest!) aviation fan excited for the show. 🫎🔥🇺🇸
MudaThumpa@reddit
Aircrews love to talk about their aircraft, so don't be shy about asking questions.
U3BENA@reddit
Gaaaaaatooooraaaaiiid
Last_Society_9324@reddit
Hi giys, I might have done a mistake i guesss. I had booked 2 business passes for 10th feb. First day. I am no business person, i can still enjoy the show and other stuff right?
Far_Smoke2022@reddit
SeedPuller@reddit (OP)
Thanks!
Terrible_Log3966@reddit
When it's sanicole, if you're coming by car. Find out your parking area and especially if you have to use a bus to get from your parking area to the airfield. If that is the case. Be there when the car park opens. The buses use the same roads as the rest of the traffic and they will get stuck in traffic. 90 minute rides are not uncommon.
On the way home, after the flying stops. Relax, hang around for a bit and wait till the bus queue gets better. If you're there for the sunset show.... be prepared to walk in the dark to the buses.
Sanicole for photography isn't easy as you'll have a lot of backlights. (It's hard for me at least) also, on the map look for the vip tent. That is where the centre line for the display will be. That's especially relevant if you like helicopters as their displays sometimes don't really take them in front of the sides of tthe display area.
Other tips have been mentioned I think. Enjoy and have fun!
SeedPuller@reddit (OP)
Thank you!
PicnicBasketPirate@reddit
Sunglasses
PicnicBasketPirate@reddit
Sunglasses
twarr1@reddit
Hearing protection
Cash for vendors
A copy of the schedule*
Sunscreen and hat
Comfortable footwear
Hearing protection
I’m going to go against the grain and recommend not bring a chair. An airshow venue is big and you don’t want to be saddled hauling too much stuff. If you’re not physically able to stand or walk for hours most shows offer seating for a premium price. Check the event rules concerning backpacks.
*A copy of the schedule will allow you to plan your day. Personally I almost never arrive right at starting time and leave right at ending time. That way I avoid the worst of the crowds. The last show I attended I missed the F-15 demonstration. Your call.
Don’t forget the hearing protection
49Flyer@reddit
By their very nature there is no shade at airshows, so wear a broad-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen. Binoculars are probably not necessary as most of the flight demos should be close enough to you for a good view, but a telephoto lens for your camera would be a good idea.
Since it's your first time you will be tempted to spend every moment taking pictures of everything. I would recommend that you put the camera down from time to time and just watch the show. A photo's job is to stimulate our memory, and if you view the entire show through the lens of your camera that isn't much of a memory to look back on.
8cuban@reddit
Don't try to film all the flying with an iPhone or, really, anything else. You'll rob yourself of the full experience of really watching and hearing the action with your full attention and just end up looking at your phone's screen and taking home a bunch of low-quality videos you'll probably never look at again.
Bring a backpack for sure, to put all the stuff you take in, and all the stuff you'll buy to take out.
Mike__O@reddit
Sunscreen, or long pants. I actually prefer the pants because it keeps the sun from reflecting up off the pavement onto my legs.
Also, keep your hands to yourself, and if you have kids with you make sure they do the same. Don't go pushing buttons, flipping switches, opening latches, etc.
No-Host8640@reddit
Folding chair with attached umbrella. You don't want to stand for 4-5 hrs. Sun and wind can be brutal on a flight-line, prepare accordingly.
ltcterry@reddit
Stay hydrated. Use sunscreen every two hours. Hat with a brim over your ears. Looking silly is better than sunburn.
Use a real camera if you have one. Be attentive to the exposure with lots of sky.
Enjoy.
Really pragmatic - eat steak and eggs/low residue foods the day before. Those portolets are not for the faint of heart.
Canikfan434@reddit
Sunscreen. Frequently. And high quality H2O.
cosmoassmankramer@reddit
Make sure to look up. Most things happen in the up.
yhzOPANDA@reddit
Water and sunscreen are musts.
This one be controversial but I’ll spit it out anyways - I wouldn't try to capture everything on camera and chase the performance around through a viewfinder. Enjoy the moment instead and let your eyes experience the show first-hand.
cpav8r@reddit
Completely agree with this!!! I’ve flown in airshows and I can tell you it’s kinda sad/funny when you’re taxiing in, waving to a bunch of phones and lenses. There will be professional photographers there and all their stuff will be online. Sure grab a few, but relax and enjoy the experience.
Scrantonicity_02@reddit
Earplugs.