Royal International Air Tattoo - top tips?

[DishyDad2]

I am taking my two teenagers to the Air Show at RAF Fairford next weekend. We have not been to RIAT before but have heard a few horror stories (from 20 years ago!) about the traffic getting to and from the venue.

Have any of you been before and do you have any top tips for us first timers? Our plan is to camp the night before at a campsite that is about 15 mins drive away to minimise travel and maximise time at the show. It looks like a very big event so any tips on what to do or not do once we are there would be appreciated.

The first time we went, we sat in traffic for over an hour and didn’t manage to park until about 11am. It opens at 7.30am so if you are an early riser make the most of it and beat the queues!

The second time, we used the shuttle from Swindon. We got to the station at 6.30am and left the show at 6pm, and for both journeys the queues were minimal and waiting times were short. There were enough seats for most passengers.
Check the air display flying times. It would be very easy to miss the highlights if you don’t check as it is difficult to hear the tannoy announcements from other exhibits around the air field.