Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an admission ticket allows you access onto the showground where you can browse all the static displays, trade stands, exhibitions and many other activities. 

There are also viewing lawns where you can sit along the crowd line and view the flying displays. Visitors are welcome to bring blankets, fold away chairs, picnics etc, which can be left at the Drop Zone (left luggage) situated in the Blue Service Station.

• Under 18s can attend FREE of charge with a ticket-holding adult.
• Parking remains free of charge for ticket holders. We also have discount admission tickets for those not bringing their car and who are attending by Shuttle Bus or Park & Ride.  
• We offer a Carers/Personal Assistants concession - please see the appropriate section of the FAQ.
• We have a limited number of discounted tickets available from Defence Discount Service.
• We believe these discounts are fair and enable us to still raise funds for our parent charity; the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. 
• We also give over 5,000 tickets to schools to enable teachers and pupils to experience our amazing science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities in the TechnoZone®.
• For 2021 ticket pricing see the next FAQ.

We do not need to have a 'family' ticket as children aged under-18 are free of charge with a ticket holder and we do not restrict the number of children per adult. When placing your order on our website please do not forget to order the relevant number of free child passes.

The admin fee charged per booking is comparable with other ticket sellers and in many cases is much lower. It pays for the secure transaction facility, installation and maintenance of computerised ticket processing and ticket scanning hardware and software, telephone lines, labour, and other costs associated with ticket purchase and delivery.

Yes, you can. Many of our visitors leave their cars at home and come by coach.

If you bring at least 20 adults and travel in one vehicle you will receive a coach operators discount . If you want to book at least 20 tickets but travel in separate vehicles we can still offer a discount.

You can see the confirmed coach operators list HERE.

Purchasers will receive a booking confirmation when your order is placed. Your e-ticket will be sent out to you two weeks prior to the show.

If you have booked our Family Enclosure, Viewing Village, Pimms Flight Deck or Cotswold Club upgrades, you will receive an enclosure e-ticket two weeks prior to the airshow, rather than a pack in the post containing your letter and enclosure pass. This e-ticket is your access to the enclosure and will include information relevant to your visit.

Visitors to our Aviation Club, First Class Lounge, 1971 and Lightning Pavilion will receive their enclosure packs with Guest Car Parking in the post close to the show.

You will receive your e-tickets two weeks prior to the show. 

If you did not receive this email (this may be because your email address was incorrect) you may or have deleted it in error or it went to your spam/junk folder. You may download your e-Tickets by accessing your order on the website.

• Login HERE with the email address and password you used to place the order.
• Click on Completed Orders
• Click on the relevant order reference.
• Click on 'Download your e-Ticket'

Tickets can be cancelled and monies reimbursed (less the £20 administration fee) up to 5:00pm on Tuesday 1 June 2021.

Order cancellation requests must be by phone on 01285 713456  (Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm).

All administration fees are non-refundable.

If you need to change your booking this will only be possible if admission tickets for both days are still on sale. There will be an administration fee of £20 payable on all order changes. 

Please call Customer Services on 01285 713 456 (Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm).

No exchanges will be made after 5.00pm on Friday 2 July 2021.

Either call us on 01285 713 456 (9am - 5pm) and we can issue you with more child passes. However, if you turn up at the gate with children under-18 who do not have passes they will be allowed in.

You may be asked for ID/proof of age, so bring some with you just in case. For those that have rolled over their tickets from 2020 we will honour the age of the child as they would have been at the 2020 airshow. 

Seats are allocated on arrival at the Viewing Village Grandstand so it is best to arrive early. Once allocated these are your seats for the day.

People turning up at the entry gates without a ticket will be turned away.

Following the unfortunate need to cancel the 2008 Air Tattoo when the United Kingdom suffered a continuous period of rainfall over the preceding months, significant work was undertaken to make the showground and car parking arrangements for subsequent events at Fairford resilient in the face of such conditions. Had these been in place in 2008 the Air Tattoo would have taken place. These arrangements remain for all Air Tattoos staged at RAF Fairford. 

Should weather or other circumstances require flying to be curtailed or restricted, where possible aircraft will be taxied and other exhibits and displays will be available. For the avoidance of doubt, this shall not constitute a cancellation of RIAT 2021/

Tickets can be cancelled and monies reimbursed (less the £20 administration fee) up until midnight on Tuesday 1 June 2021. For ticket cancellation requests you must phone 01285 713 456 (Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm).

From this point (1 June onwards), we request that you do not do this via online auction sites such as eBay or on social media. We actively these monitor sites like this and if we are able to identify the seller we will contact them asking the tickets to be removed from sale. However, if you wish to pass the ticket for its face value to a friend, family member or a colleague that would be acceptable.

We welcome all registered guide dogs, hearing dogs and medical alert dogs at the Air Tattoo. If you wish to bring an assistance dog with you for your visit, please ensure you have formal identification for the dog with you such as any relevant documentation or a jacket.

There is an Official Air Tattoo Campsite available to book here. 

Further camping details are available from our accommodation/local area page of the website.

We offer a Shuttle Bus service from Swindon Bus Station and a Park & Ride from Cheltenham Racecourse, details of these can be found here.

Full details on how to get to the Air Tattoo can be found here.

Local accommodation tends to be booked well in advance of the event and it is, therefore, best to book early. To find nearby accommodation please see our accommodation/local area page in the 'planning your visit' section of the website.

You cannot be dropped off at the show. Due to the one way system that is in operation, there is no feasible way to drop off or pick up at the Air Tattoo.

Friday 16 July the showground is open 7.30am until 6.30pm with a flying display starting at 11:00am for at least four hours.

Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July the showground is open 7.30am until 7.30pm with a flying display from 10.00am until 5.30pm.

Wednesday 14 July: 7.30am - 5.30pm

Thursday 15 July: 7.30am - 5.30pm. 

Monday 19 July: 7.30am - 4.30pm.

Both Red and Green Car Parks have hard standing. We would not recommend using Blue Car Parks as these are grass car parks with uneven ground which could be unsuitable for motorbikes. 

You can leave crash helmets/leathers etc. in our free of charge Drop Zone (left luggage) which is situated in the Blue Service Station next to the Information Point.

GL7 4EG will get you close to the event but once you pick up the colour coded AA road signs you should follow the signs and not the Sat Nav.

You can have re-admittance to the showground up until the showground closes. Please check with the gate team before leaving the showground and they will give you more information and a hand stamp for re-entry.

Bicycles are not allowed on the Showground, however there will be a bespoke bicycle rack at each of the main customer entry points (Blue, Red, Green but not Yellow) for you to securely lock your bicycle. However, we don't mind if you lock your bicycle to the external fencing.

Both, it depends on which traffic route you come in on - Red and Green Car Parks are on both hardstanding and grass and Blue Car Park is all grass. 

The car parks are open from 6:00am on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July 2020

Aircraft are only added to our participation list when we have written confirmation of their attendance. We start updating this in the new year. You can view aircraft confirmed on the aircraft participation page. This is updated regularly once we have started to receive confirmations. Due to reasons outside our control, a number of aircraft displays may appear on different days for reasons such as display team commitments. 

We would like nothing better than to stage every flying spectacle, especially the set pieces, on every day but sadly that is not always possible. We are conscious of not wanting to disappoint people who have bought for specific days so, where we do have a chance to influence this, we do try and balance things out if we can. However, this is not always possible. When it comes to participating aircraft, we are often led by the requirements of the operator - and even factors like poor weather on the day can affect what we can put on due to different display heights etc.

We are sensitive to the fact that some people might feel disappointed that they are missing out on a particular day's entertainment but the reality is that these days, unless a person attends throughout, they are inevitably going to miss a specific display or flypast.  We are grateful of all those that send aircraft to participate in the flying and static displays at the Air Tattoo and hope that they will continue to support the show and therefore the work of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, our parent charity.   

Friday will feature a flying display of at least 4 hours and part of the showground (Green) will not be open as there will still be some aircraft arriving for the static display and these will be sited in this area.

Saturday & Sunday - each year it is our ambition that wherever possible, the flying display for both Saturday and Sunday has the same participants however, situations do arise when set pieces or display acts can only perform on one or two out of the three days. This is due to a number of reasons such as the availability of airframes, a crew's flying hours, cost or other commitments elsewhere. 

We would like nothing better than to stage every flying spectacle, especially the set pieces, on every day but sadly that is not always possible. We are conscious of not wanting to disappoint people who have bought for specific days so, where we do have a chance to influence timings, we do try and balance things out if we can. 

We work with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to agree on the list of countries we wish to invite - and it's a long one! We write to the Chief of each air arm, inviting him/her and their aircraft to the Air Tattoo. We also send a copy of the invitation to their attachés at their Embassies in London and have a programme of visiting these in the Autumn prior to the following years' show. Finally, we follow up with letters to individual squadrons and tasking offices in each country.

Once we start receiving aircraft confirmations, usually a few months prior to the event,  the aircraft participation list will be updated weekly, on a Thursday at midday. There is more about the release of aircraft information in the FAQ above.

We request specific aircraft types for both the flying and static displays and if we get a favourable response, the operator generally decides whether they will fly or be part of the static display. As you would expect we work pretty hard, to entice the 'very special' aircraft to fly, but cannot always guarantee success.

Due to reasons outside our control, a number of aircraft displays will appear on different days for reasons such as display team commitments. 

The flying display running order planning starts in May but will change weekly due to the additions, cancellations and the changing requirements of participants. It is not properly finalised until the week of the show and even then it can change, for technical, weather and/or pilot health reasons.

Our policy is not to reschedule. If the weather or an incident affects any part of the flying display programme, then unfortunately, those scheduled to fly during the period in question will lose their slots. We believe this is the fairest policy to all the crews who have generously travelled from all around the world to take part in the Air Tattoo.

Sadly, given the configuration of RAF Fairford during RIAT, we have not been able to identify any location for parking armed aircraft that will satisfy the stringent MOD regulations covering explosive materials. This is not for the lack of trying!

There are numerous reasons why aircraft cancel, but operational commitments, higher priority tasking, technical issues and budget restrictions are the most frequent. When we receive notification of a cancellation we always go back to the operator to see if there is anything we can do to reverse the decision. Please be assured that we don't just take no for an answer!

Generally no, as the majority of military participants attend at their own expense, knowing the charitable purpose of our parent - the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. However, in exceptional circumstances where we are contributing financially, then we do look to source a replacement. Of course, the closer to the show it is, the more difficult this becomes, but we never stop trying and in the past, deals have been struck with only two days to go - for both military and civilian aircraft!

As you are no doubt aware, the airfield will be incredibly busy over the period of the event with arrival and departure slots, and indeed dispersal space, at an absolute premium. For this reason, we will need to limit aircraft visiting on a daily basis to only those operated by:

• Display Sponsors

• VIP's - military or civilian

All flying during the Air Tattoo is undertaken in accordance with UK MOD flying regulations and all display flying is overseen by a highly experienced Flying Display Director, supported by a Flying Control Committee all with extensive flying display experience from the Air Tattoo and elsewhere. The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises is an active member of the British Air Display Association and European Airshow Council and is compliant with all UK regulatory requirements in respect of the organisation and management of public airshows. Safety is very much our number one priority and many of the safety measures we have in place are held up as the standard among other UK airshow operators. We collect very detailed data on where the aircraft fly and at what height and so we know that the flying activities at the airshow are in accordance with the existing flying regulations.

Any initial post-show lost property enquiries should be directed to the Property Officer at Gloucester Police HQ at Waterwells, Quedgeley on 01452 753415. 

The information point at the Blue Service Station deals with lost and found children, please make your way there and/or inform a member of the Air Tattoo CREW. Please ensure any children you bring to the show to wear a child safety wristband, available from any entrance gate or information point, as this will considerably speed up the time it takes to reunite you with your child.

Packed full with lots of helpful information and features, the Souvenir Programme is available at the entrance gates and official outlets around the showground.

You can also buy your Souvenir Programme in advance as a click and collect option; you will be emailed a voucher to enable you to collect your copy on arrival at the show. Find out more HERE.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drink although mobile catering is also provided on the showground. You may bring fold away chairs or picnic blankets to sit on and can leave these and picnic/coolboxes in the free of charge Drop Zone (left luggage) at the Blue Service Station.

No, these are not allowed on the airfield, showground or the car parks.

Guide dogs, hearing dogs and medical alert dogs are allowed at the Air Tattoo. If you wish to bring an assistance dog with you for your visit, please ensure you have formal identification for the dog with you such as any relevant documentation or a jacket.

Unfortunately, pet dogs and any other animals are not permitted entry to the showground or Air Tattoo car parks. This is not only for health and safety reasons, but the vast majority of aircraft at the Air Tattoo are extremely noisy and very likely to cause distress to any animal. Please also note Police patrol the car parks and will take action if an animal has been left in a car.

A full range of catering units will be located at the three Service Stations, Vintage Village, and Street Food area. If you have specific dietary requirements we suggest you bring food with you as we cannot guarantee you will find exactly what you need on the showground. 

We also provide free water with a number of water bowsers located at each Service Station and around the showground.

Many babies/young children attend the Air Tattoo however we recommend ear defenders for babies/young children as the majority of aircraft displaying are extremely loud. There are many suppliers of ear defenders for babies and small children and these can be ordered on the internet. We do not hire ear defenders. The Official Air Tattoo merchandise units sell ear defenders, however, they may not be suitable for babies and very young children. 

We provide a free Drop Zone facility that will allow you to make the most of your day by leaving shopping, picnics and any other heavy items in a secure location. The Drop Zone can be found in the centre of the Showground at the Blue Service Station.

Yes there is. You can access free Wi-Fi in our three Service Stations, as well as in the Techno Zone and Vintage Village.

The main Information Point is located in the centre of the showground at the Blue Service Station; you can also find two further Information Points in the Green and Red Service Stations.

The Air Tattoo Crew are also here to help you enjoy your day and have a wealth of information. They are easy to spot on the showground in their turquoise uniforms and large foam aircraft hands!

Cashpoints/ATM Machines will be available at each of the three Service Stations, as well as in the Vintage Village. These locations will be marked on the showground map. A small fee is charged for this service.

Toilets can be found in numerous places; near each Service Station, in the Vintage Village, and beside the Customer Entry Points in the Car Parks. If you have booked an Enclosure you will have access to private toilets. We ensure we have plenty of facilities placed throughout the showground that are easy to find; providing more than the recommended ratio of people to toilets.

Shelters are allowed up to 1.5 metres in height as are step ladders however they are not allowed within 10m of the crowdline so that they do not obstruct the view of others. Full height gazebos/tents are not allowed. This will be policed and should the problem persist then you will be asked to leave the event, as stated on our T&Cs. 

There are two Park & View Enclosures, one situated at the East and one at the West end of the airfield. Both locations are signposted by yellow AA signs on the roads leading to the airfield. In the main, aircraft land and depart from the East end of the runway but this is dependent on the prevailing wind direction.

Wednesday 14 July: 7.30am - 5.30pm.

Thursday 15 July: 7.30am - 5.30pm. 

Monday 19 July: 7.30am - 4.30pm.

Aircraft arrivals and departures, plus a number of aircraft will rehearse their display routines during the days before the show. Due to operational reasons beyond our control a small number of aircraft may arrive or depart prior to or after the Park & View days.

A daily flying programme is available for purchase in the enclosures each day. These are prepared the night before and contain the times and details of aircraft movements for that day and are as accurate as possible. However, they may be subject to change due to operations commitments, weather etc.

Tickets can be bought in advance or on the day at either of the Park & View enclosures. Children under 18 are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Your ticket will allow you to move between Park and View East and West as you please during that day, but please note that no transport is provided between the locations.

Park and View tickets are the only type of ticket available on the day. 

FRIAT MACH-3 membership includes free admission to Park & View on Wednesday, Thursday and Monday. FRIAT MACH-2 membership includes free admission to Park & View on Monday. FRIAT MACH-1 members will need to purchase Park & View enclosure tickets separately as this is not included in the membership package.

Yes, but you cannot walk between the two enclosure locations within the airfield as they are at either end of the runway so several miles apart.

Yes, at both sites.

At both sites, from 6 am each day, parking on the airfield is included with your ticket. You are not permitted to view from within the car park if you do not have a ticket.

Cars can not be left overnight in the car parks.

Bicycles (but not motorbikes) can be locked to the fencing (inside the airfield), near to the main entrance gates at the owner's own risk.

The Park & View East enclosure has a limited disabled parking area, on a strictly first come, first served basis. Please display your blue badge at the gate, where you will be directed accordingly. There is also a designated section on hard standing for wheelchair users within the enclosure.

The Park and View West enclosure has plenty of parking close to the enclosure for disabled use. There are disabled toilet facilities in both locations. Wheelchair users should note that both enclosures are mainly grassed over areas with uneven surfaces.

Catering is available at both Park & View sites. Official Souvenir Programmes are available to purchase at both sites, whilst Official Air Tattoo merchandise is only available at Park and View East.

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted entry to the Park & View enclosures or car parks. This is not only for health and safety reasons, but the vast majority of aircraft at the Air Tattoo are extremely noisy and very likely to cause distress to dogs, due to their acute hearing sensitivity. Please also note Police patrol the car parks and will take action if an animal has been left in a car.

The Park & View East and West have a dedicated stepladder area.

P&P charges are broken down into 3 zones - UK, Europe & Rest of World.

The first item in your basket is charged at:

UK £2.50, Europe £3.50, Rest of World £3.50

Should you add 2 or more items to your basket P&P will be:

UK £5.00, Europe £7.00, Rest of World £7.00 regardless of the number of items ordered.

We offer free delivery on orders over a certain value:

UK £50.00, Europe £75.00, Rest of World £100.00 (these figures are only valid for merchandise orders and will not be applied to RIAT ticket or enclosure purchases)

For all items in stock we aim to deliver your order within 14 working days but please allow up to 28 days.

Before the check out process you will have the option to select an alternative delivery address.

You can fill in the form here. - attach the overseas return form here which has a different address on (the free post address cannot be used by overseas customers.)