What to pack
Whether it's your first time stepping onto the flight line or you're a seasoned air show regular, being prepared makes all the difference.
Tier 1 · Basics — Show Day Comfort
- Ear Plugs
Jet engines can reach noise levels that cause real discomfort — even short-term hearing damage — during takeoffs and high-speed passes. Basic foam ear plugs are the minimum protection worth bringing.
- Noise Cancellation Ear Plugs
A step up from foam plugs for anyone planning to stand close to the flight line all day — reduces engine noise while still letting you hear announcements and conversation.
- Yeti Cooler
Tarmacs offer zero shade, and show days run long — a solid cooler keeps water and snacks cold from gates-open to the final pass.
- Sun Screen
High-SPF sunscreen is non-negotiable — most air show ramps have no shade, and you'll be out on the flight line for hours.
- Baseball Hat
A wide-brim or baseball hat pairs with sunscreen for the hours you'll spend looking straight up into open sky.
- Binoculars
Formation passes and high show lines are often too far out to make out with the naked eye — a compact pair brings tail numbers and cockpit details into view without the bulk of a camera rig.
- Portable Phone Charger
A full day on the flight line shooting video and photos with the screen on drains a phone fast, and outlets are nonexistent on an open ramp — a power bank keeps you charged through the last pass.
- Kids Ear Muffs
Jet noise hits harder for small ears than adult ones, and foam plugs rarely stay put on a toddler — over-ear muffs sized for kids give real hearing protection without a fight to keep them on.
Tier 2 · Advanced — All-Day Setup
- Chairs
For anyone planning to camp out on the show line from open to close — a low-profile folding or portable stadium seat beats standing all day.
- Pop-Up Shade Canopy
Air show ramps are open pavement with zero shade for hours at a stretch — a canopy or beach shelter that sets up in seconds gives your group a home base to retreat to between passes.
- Two-Way Radios
Big shows spread groups out across acres of ramp with spotty cell service — a set of FRS radios keeps everyone in your party findable without relying on a signal.
- Cooler Backpack
For anyone walking a long way from parking to the flight line, a soft-sided cooler backpack keeps drinks cold like a hard cooler does — without making you carry one by the handle across a mile of tarmac.
Tier 3 · Pro Grade — Ground Crew Kit
- Digital Camera
For photographers working the show like a pro — a body with fast burst shooting keeps up with formation passes and high-speed maneuvers.
- Camera Lens
A telephoto or specialty lens gets you tight, detailed shots of formation flying that a kit lens can't reach.
- Video Tripod
A tripod with a smooth fluid head is what separates shaky handheld footage from clean pans as jets cross the flight line.
- Hearing Protection with Radio
Advanced hearing protection with a built-in radio lets ground crew and photographers monitor the show frequency without pulling ear protection off.
- Airband Scanner Radio
Serious enthusiasts want to hear what the pilots and tower are saying, not just watch — a handheld airband scanner picks up ATC and show-frequency traffic so you know what's coming before it crosses the show line.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to an air show?
Hearing protection, sun protection, and water or snacks are the three things you'll regret skipping — ramps have no shade and jets are loud. Beyond that, a chair or blanket, a portable charger, and a bag you don't mind carrying all day cover most of it. See the packing list above for specific picks by tier.
How early should I arrive at an air show?
Gates typically open a few hours before flying starts, and popular shows fill parking and the best flight-line spots early. Arriving close to gates-open time is the safest bet if you want to be near the show line rather than at the back of the crowd.
Are air shows free to attend?
Many US air shows, especially military base open houses, offer free general admission. Civilian-run shows more often charge for entry, with reserved or flight-line seating as a paid upgrade. Pricing and access vary by event, so check the specific show's ticket link.
What happens if the weather is bad or a performer cancels?
Air shows generally continue through light rain, but high wind, low cloud ceilings, or lightning can ground specific acts or the whole flying portion for safety. Organizers usually make the call the morning of the show — check the official show site for real-time updates.
Can I bring kids to an air show?
Yes — air shows are commonly family events, with static aircraft displays and kid-friendly ground activities alongside the flying. Jet noise can startle young children, so hearing protection sized for kids is worth having on hand (see the packing list above).
Can I bring a camera or binoculars?
Yes, cameras and binoculars are welcome at essentially every air show. Some venues restrict large tripods or professional gear in certain areas, so if you're bringing a full camera setup it's worth checking the specific show's rules beforehand.