RIAT 2024 - Advice Please
Discussion
All, we (as a family) have never been to RIAT before, but I'm thinking of getting some early bird tickets and going this year. Usually go to Flying Legends, and similar Duxford stuff, but this year we'd like to see more modern military stuff displaying.
I've heard it can be a nightmare in terms of traffic and getting around. My thoughts are just buy some tickets and figure it all out later. We are about 3 hours' drive north.
Having said that, I'd be interested to know how early we need to get there to be able to have a decent walk around and see the whole airshow?
There are lots of different packages available - any recommendations? I like to take photos of the flying displays as well as the static stuff. also is ther a particular day that's better, or is it luck of the draw in terms of weather?
Any general advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I've heard it can be a nightmare in terms of traffic and getting around. My thoughts are just buy some tickets and figure it all out later. We are about 3 hours' drive north.
Having said that, I'd be interested to know how early we need to get there to be able to have a decent walk around and see the whole airshow?
There are lots of different packages available - any recommendations? I like to take photos of the flying displays as well as the static stuff. also is ther a particular day that's better, or is it luck of the draw in terms of weather?
Any general advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!
If you can get there as early as possible it'll give you a big head start, car parks usually open at 6am and gates open at 8, parking wont be that much of an issue as long as you're not joining the queue mid morning, getting through the gates is the biggest queue rather than for parking. would driving down the night before & booking a hotel or even camping locally be an option?
Honestly though; It's a lot to take in over a single day, I do FRIAT (Weds-Mon) and I usually dedicate near enough a day to walk the static properly, the showground is huge, at least 3-4 times the size of Legends at Duxford, I can walk a few km per day but talking to the crews, blagging merch & private tours of the aircraft can be just as good as the flying display itself, if I were doing it in a day though I'd get there early, pitch up my chairs etc then leave them whilst I walk the static, maybe have a look at the flying display & see which acts you wouldn't be that fussed to miss & use that time to walk about.
As for packages you could look at the Cotswold club or viewing village which have their own sections of crowdline, they're not cheap though, days can differ, the organisers try not to but it's unavoidable with some acts, the B-2 a few years ago for example
Honestly though; It's a lot to take in over a single day, I do FRIAT (Weds-Mon) and I usually dedicate near enough a day to walk the static properly, the showground is huge, at least 3-4 times the size of Legends at Duxford, I can walk a few km per day but talking to the crews, blagging merch & private tours of the aircraft can be just as good as the flying display itself, if I were doing it in a day though I'd get there early, pitch up my chairs etc then leave them whilst I walk the static, maybe have a look at the flying display & see which acts you wouldn't be that fussed to miss & use that time to walk about.
As for packages you could look at the Cotswold club or viewing village which have their own sections of crowdline, they're not cheap though, days can differ, the organisers try not to but it's unavoidable with some acts, the B-2 a few years ago for example
Thanks both. I think for four of us (2 adults, one 16 and one 14 year old, at £150 per person, presumably with admission on top would be out of budget unfortunately. Also there's no availability on Saturday which was the day I'd assumed we might go.
How about the Viewing Village Garden? Says it's on the crowdline, and is good for photography, but I guess if everyone in that enclosure is next to the fence you're not getting much advantage?
We're not hardcore airshow anoracks, just want to see some current military stuff flying and close-up if possible. I'd love to get some decent photos of the flying, but the main thing is to get into the show with minimal fuss and go with the flow. Having a base near the crowdline would definitely be nice though.
We could easily set off at 5 to arrive at 8 if that would be any good.
How about the Viewing Village Garden? Says it's on the crowdline, and is good for photography, but I guess if everyone in that enclosure is next to the fence you're not getting much advantage?
We're not hardcore airshow anoracks, just want to see some current military stuff flying and close-up if possible. I'd love to get some decent photos of the flying, but the main thing is to get into the show with minimal fuss and go with the flow. Having a base near the crowdline would definitely be nice though.
We could easily set off at 5 to arrive at 8 if that would be any good.
Years back we used to go as a family and my son treated and took me to RIAT 2023.
We had Flight Deck enclosure.
I do recommend a garden or an enclosure as you will be able to spread out depth wise and get seated on chairs.
If you only have crowd line tickets then you won't get there early enough to be at the front and you will spend the whole day guarding your 2 inches of space and during the display someone tall will be standing in front of you.
We arrived after the entry opened and parking was no problem but there were really was a really long security line of about 2 hours but we didn't have bags and got in slightly quicker. It was worse for people who had priority parking near the entrance as they had to walk about 1 mile out of the car park to get to the back of the queue. Pushing in was very much the exception but a couple did push in right front of us so we gave them mild and good natured banter for about an hour.
We had Flight Deck enclosure.
I do recommend a garden or an enclosure as you will be able to spread out depth wise and get seated on chairs.
If you only have crowd line tickets then you won't get there early enough to be at the front and you will spend the whole day guarding your 2 inches of space and during the display someone tall will be standing in front of you.
We arrived after the entry opened and parking was no problem but there were really was a really long security line of about 2 hours but we didn't have bags and got in slightly quicker. It was worse for people who had priority parking near the entrance as they had to walk about 1 mile out of the car park to get to the back of the queue. Pushing in was very much the exception but a couple did push in right front of us so we gave them mild and good natured banter for about an hour.
Actual said:
Years back we used to go as a family and my son treated and took me to RIAT 2023.
We had Flight Deck enclosure.
I do recommend a garden or an enclosure as you will be able to spread out depth wise and get seated on chairs.
If you only have crowd line tickets then you won't get there early enough to be at the front and you will spend the whole day guarding your 2 inches of space and during the display someone tall will be standing in front of you.
We arrived after the entry opened and parking was no problem but there were really was a really long security line of about 2 hours but we didn't have bags and got in slightly quicker. It was worse for people who had priority parking near the entrance as they had to walk about 1 mile out of the car park to get to the back of the queue. Pushing in was very much the exception but a couple did push in right front of us so we gave them mild and good natured banter for about an hour.
Thanks. Yes, the crowd line is a bit like that at Duxford, and I expect RIAT would be 10x worse. I guess that a Garden enclosure would allow you to come and go during the displays you're not too bothered about, and still be guaranteed a half decent spot?We had Flight Deck enclosure.
I do recommend a garden or an enclosure as you will be able to spread out depth wise and get seated on chairs.
If you only have crowd line tickets then you won't get there early enough to be at the front and you will spend the whole day guarding your 2 inches of space and during the display someone tall will be standing in front of you.
We arrived after the entry opened and parking was no problem but there were really was a really long security line of about 2 hours but we didn't have bags and got in slightly quicker. It was worse for people who had priority parking near the entrance as they had to walk about 1 mile out of the car park to get to the back of the queue. Pushing in was very much the exception but a couple did push in right front of us so we gave them mild and good natured banter for about an hour.
We would have rucksacks with food etc, so the security queue would be just one of those things. If we were to arrice between 8 and 9, would it still ba hours of queueing?
We went last year. Can’t remember when we arrived but there was a an hour’s queue to get into the car park and at least 30 mins to get through security which was pretty annoying given the ticket prices.
The lines for food and drink were also a joke. 20 mins+ for a coffee.
We only did one day, as somoene said above that’s not really enough to take it all in.
The lines for food and drink were also a joke. 20 mins+ for a coffee.
We only did one day, as somoene said above that’s not really enough to take it all in.
dr_gn said:
We could easily set off at 5 to arrive at 8 if that would be any good.
Arriving at 8 is too late....as if you have a 3hr journey, that arriving at the back of the traffic queue at 8, not getting onto the airfield at 8....I've not been to RIAT for over 20 years now, and that wasn't even going in, it was paying to view in the farmers field on the hill north side which I have no idea if you can even do that now with CAA regs..!!
In fact last RIAT we went to was the one in 2000 at Cott, rather than Fairford. Never even walked the static then, as missus and I just pitched a few chairs a bit back from the crowd line and chilled. By then, I had given up on taking photos etc., and just sat and enjoyed the flying.
Even then, in those days, I'd be aiming to be in the car park queue by 7am, and that was pre-9/11 security checks, and all parking was on-site.
Coming from a distance and only doing one day, I think you need to decide what you want to do and stick to it. The flying will be starting almost by the time you get into the airfield if you are joining the car park queue at 8.....and you can spend half a day plus walking the static and stands if that sort of thing is something you want to do.
Went many moons ago then 2015, 2016 and again 2017 my advice would be to try and get there around 6am then queue for the security checks. If you can afford one of the enclosures then do it otherwise you are in with the great unwashed 
Seen folks running with all their kit to get first on the crowdline. Get there early, try and get through security as soon a possible, set your stall out (if not in an enclosure), then go for a walk round the static but leave someone at your spot, again not ideal. Pick points in the flying programme that does not float your boat so you can do a bit more of the static stuff. Take your own food as queues and prices can be excessive.
It is a good LONG day out but you are in the lap of the Gods with weather. 2015 was a scorcher but I think weather in 2016 or 2017 impacted the flying programme significantly. Nothing you can do about it at the end of the day. Sadly I remember the good ole days of Airshows in the 80/90's. Todays UK Airshows are watered down versions of the spectacle they once were but then again isn't most things.
Seen folks running with all their kit to get first on the crowdline. Get there early, try and get through security as soon a possible, set your stall out (if not in an enclosure), then go for a walk round the static but leave someone at your spot, again not ideal. Pick points in the flying programme that does not float your boat so you can do a bit more of the static stuff. Take your own food as queues and prices can be excessive.It is a good LONG day out but you are in the lap of the Gods with weather. 2015 was a scorcher but I think weather in 2016 or 2017 impacted the flying programme significantly. Nothing you can do about it at the end of the day. Sadly I remember the good ole days of Airshows in the 80/90's. Todays UK Airshows are watered down versions of the spectacle they once were but then again isn't most things.
Edited by wolfie28 on Monday 8th January 12:37
wolfie28 said:
Went 2015, 2016 and then 2017 my advice would be to try and get there around 6am then queue for the security checks. If you can afford one of the enclosures then do it otherwise you are in with the great unwashed Seen folks running with all their kit to get first on the crowdline. Get there early, try and get through security as soon a possible, set your stall out (if not in an enclosure), then go for a walk round the static but leave someone at your spot, again not ideal. Pick points in the flying programme that does not float your boat so you can do a bit more of the static stuff. Take your own food as queues and prices can be excessive.
It is a good LONG day out but you are in the lap of the Gods with weather. 2015 was a scorcher but I think weather in 2016 or 2017 impacted the flying programme significantly. Nothing you can do about it at the end of the day. Sadly I remember the good ole days of Airshows in the 80/90's. Todays Airshows are a watered down versions of the spectacle they once were but then again isn't most things.
OK thanks. So it looks like an overnight stay, then get there asap. Which is fine. Seen folks running with all their kit to get first on the crowdline. Get there early, try and get through security as soon a possible, set your stall out (if not in an enclosure), then go for a walk round the static but leave someone at your spot, again not ideal. Pick points in the flying programme that does not float your boat so you can do a bit more of the static stuff. Take your own food as queues and prices can be excessive.It is a good LONG day out but you are in the lap of the Gods with weather. 2015 was a scorcher but I think weather in 2016 or 2017 impacted the flying programme significantly. Nothing you can do about it at the end of the day. Sadly I remember the good ole days of Airshows in the 80/90's. Todays Airshows are a watered down versions of the spectacle they once were but then again isn't most things.
Yes, I remember Finningley, Coningsby and Church Fenton airshows in the '70's...same with F1 and Silverstone. I'm currenty making a photo book of all my old images from back then; seems like a different person from a different life, which I suppose it is.
Still, everything changes, so do you sit at home lamenting the old days, or make the most of it? It'll be a busy week with RIAT one weekend and FoS the next.
2 GKC said:
We went last year. Can’t remember when we arrived but there was a an hour’s queue to get into the car park and at least 30 mins to get through security which was pretty annoying given the ticket prices.
The lines for food and drink were also a joke. 20 mins+ for a coffee.
We only did one day, as somoene said above that’s not really enough to take it all in.
Wanted to take the family this year but at 4 and 2yo they wouldn't be able to deal with those queues. That sounds like a bit of a nightmare TBH. The lines for food and drink were also a joke. 20 mins+ for a coffee.
We only did one day, as somoene said above that’s not really enough to take it all in.
Ive only ever arrived mid morning and admittedly missed the 10am starts of flying (typically occurs when in the queue for the car parks), but at such a time the security queues have been no more than 15 mins.
so for the one with little kids its easily doable as its still a long day with plenty of flying, but be prepared to miss the first couple of acts.
i dont think a 2 year old would like it however.
so for the one with little kids its easily doable as its still a long day with plenty of flying, but be prepared to miss the first couple of acts.
i dont think a 2 year old would like it however.
I used the Swindon Park & Ride last year, which took some of the pain out of queuing to get in/out - I wouldn't bother driving unless I knew I was going to be there for the entire day (from gates open to gates close) as the queues can be horrendous.
The ongoing family conundrum is balancing the length of stay. One day is not enough for a plane nerd, but more than enough for everyone else
The ongoing family conundrum is balancing the length of stay. One day is not enough for a plane nerd, but more than enough for everyone else
_Rodders_ said:
theplayingmantis said:
i dont think a 2 year old would like it however.
He would be nearer 3 but I think you're right, 2025 might be more sensible. Took a 9 year old once, and that was murder...never again.
I think I was 9 when I went to my first airshow, but I was a plane mad child anyway, and grew up in the 60's living under the flightpath into Heathrow, so was used to low flying and very noisy aircraft from a toddler.
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