Skip Navigation

Frequently Asked Questions

Royal International Air Tattoo

Airshow

Royal International Air Tattoo
Royal International Air Tattoo
Royal International Air Tattoo
Royal International Air Tattoo

Frequently Asked Questions

If the FAQ's do not answer your question and you would like help from one of our advisors, please get in touch using the contact form here.

Buying Tickets

Can I buy tickets on the day?
Tickets for the Air Tattoo must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be available to purchase at the entry gates. You can purchase tickets online on the day as long as they are available. 
 

Park and View tickets are the only tickets that can be purchased at the gate. 


Will I be able to see aircraft with an admission ticket?

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.

What ticket concessions do you give?
  • Under 18s can attend FREE of charge with a ticket-holding adult.
  • Parking remains free of charge for ticket holders, although a car pass must be added to the order. We also subsidise the cost of travel for those not bringing their car and who are attending by Swindon Shuttle Bus or Cheltenham 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 Techno Zone®.
How do I apply for a pair of charity tickets for my School/Club/Organisation?

In order to manage the process of donating free tickets to other groups, organisations and charities the following criteria applies. Ticket donations for fundraising will be considered for the following:

  1. Schools and community groups situated within the local area of RAF Fairford
  2. Organisations or other registered charities whose work clearly supports or relates to our own mission: To Promote the RAF and Inspire young people and RAF personnel to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology.
Applications for tickets are for the purpose of fundraising, not for individuals or groups wishing to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is a charitable airshow, where profit is gifted to our charity to provide grants to support the mission detailed above.

To apply for tickets, please fill in the form here.
Do you have a family ticket?

 

We do not need to have a 'family' ticket as children aged under-18 are free of charge with a ticket holding adult 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.

 

Do children need a ticket for the Shared Hospitality packages?

In the Family Enclosure, Viewing Village, Wingtip Garden, Flight Deck & First Class Lounge, children 4 years old and under do not require a ticket as long as they do not occupy a seat. Children aged 5 years and upwards do require a ticket.

In Cotswold Club children under the age of 5 years are not permitted and the Lightning Pavilion does not allow children under the age of 12 years.


Why have I been charged an admin fee when I have printed off my tickets?

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.

 

Is the payment process secure?
We process payments using Sage Pay. See their explanation of browser security, and what to look for, here: www.sagepay.co.uk/support/32/are-my-card-details-secure 
My tickets have someone else's name on them. Can I use them?
Yes, the name on the tickets refers to the person who purchased them and doesn't reflect who can get entry to the Air Tattoo.
I've bought a ticket as a gift, can I download a certificate to give?
Yes, please see here. E-tickets will be emailed out prior to the show.
What will happen if the 2023 Air Tattoo is cancelled?
Please see clause 9 of our Ticket and Entry Terms and Conditions
back to top

Enclosures

How do I upgrade to an enclosure?
If you already have admission tickets: Click here and sign in to your account with the email address and password you used when you bought the tickets. If you booked over the phone, you will still have provided an email address but may need to reset the password. 

If you haven't bought admission tickets: You will be able to select your upgrade on the next screen after choosing your admission tickets and book your visit in one transaction.

For a list of enclosures, please click here.

back to top

Tickets General

When will I receive my Air Tattoo ticket?

You will receive a booking confirmation when the order is placed. Your e-ticket will be sent out to you 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 prior to the airshow, we are no longer sending a pack in the post with your 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, and Lightning Pavilion will receive their enclosure packs with Guest Car Parking in the post near to the show.


 


Why haven't I received my e-tickets/ I have deleted the email with the link to my e-tickets?

E-tickets have not yet been sent out. You will receive them nearer to the show.

Does it matter what name is printed on the tickets?

No - the name on the ticket will not be checked. 

I can no longer attend. Can I return my tickets for a refund?

Tickets can be cancelled and monies reimbursed (less the £25 administration fee) up to 5:00pm on Friday 31 March 2023.

For order cancellation requests please contact Customer Services here. 

All administration fees are non-refundable.



Can I change my tickets for a different day?

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 £25 payable on all order changes. 

Please contact Customer Services here.

No exchanges will be made after 5.00pm on Thursday 31 March 2022.

 

How many FREE under 18s can I bring with me on a standard admission ticket?
We do not restrict the number of children per ticket holding adult. If you require more than 10 children's passes you can amend the total when you get to the basket prior to checkout, or contact Customer Services here. 
I need (additional) FREE child passes?

Please contact Customer Services here 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.

My Child is 17 will I be asked for ID?

You may be asked for ID/proof of age, so bring some with you just in case. 

What will you do if someone turns up over the weekend without a ticket?

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

back to top

Disabled Facilities

Is there a concession for Personal Assistants/Carers?
 

Yes, all visitors with a Blue Badge, in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), middle or higher/enhanced rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for care and Mobility attending on the public days of the show (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) are entitled to bring one PA/Carer free of charge. 

The PA/Carer concessionary ticket must be requested when placing your order by telephone and full details can be found HERE

Children (aged under 18 years) with a disability must be accompanied by a paying adult, as with all child tickets for the venue before an adult PA/Carer's ticket can be requested. 

Please note there are no PA/Carer concessions available for Park & View on Wednesday 12, Thursday 13 or Monday 17 July or for any of the public enclosures on the showground.

Is there a viewing area specifically for wheelchair users?
Yes, please call Customer Services on 01285 713456 for more information.
Is there a disabled car park?
Yes, there are two designated disabled car parks. One is close to the Customer Entry Point in the Red Car Park and the other is close to the Customer Entry Point in the Green Car Park.

Visitors with a Blue Badge are automatically entitled to park in the Designated Disabled Car Parks. Please ensure you have your Blue Badge details to hand when contacting Customer Services here.

Visitors who receive the mobility component of DLA/PIP, can apply for a RIAT Disabled Parking Permit which will allow them to park in the designated disabled car parks.

Visitors who hire an electric scooter/manual wheelchair from the Event Mobility Charitable Trust, but do not have a Blue Badge or receive the higher/enhanced mobility component of DLA/PIP can also apply for a RIAT Disabled Parking Permit allowing them to park in the Designated Disabled Car Parks. Please have your Event Mobility booking reference number to hand when contacting Customer Services here. 

The closing date to apply for a RIAT Disabled Parking Permit is Friday 7 July 2023.

There is no designated disabled car park in the Blue Car Parks and we recommend that visitors with mobility difficulties do not park here as they are all grass field car parks with uneven ground and are some distance from the Blue Customer Entry Point.



Can I bring my own mobility scooter?
Yes - but please ensure that the battery is fully charged before your arrival as there are no facilities available to recharge them should they go flat. 

We also recommend that you bring a puncture repair kit/pump in case of a flat tyre.
Are there disabled/accessible toilets on the showground?
Yes, there are disabled/accessible toilets in each toilet block on the showground. There is also a High Dependency Unit (HDU) in the Disabled Enclosure. If you haven't booked a place in the Enclosure but need to use HDU at any time during your visit to the Air Tattoo, please speak to the staff in the Disabled Enclosure. If you have your own RADAR key please bring it with you.
Is there a High Dependency Unit (HDU) on the showground?
Yes, there is a High Dependency Unit (HDU) in the Disabled Enclosure. If you haven't booked a place in the Enclosure but need to use HDU at any time during your visit to the Air Tattoo, please speak to the staff in the Disabled Enclosure. If you have your own RADAR key please bring it with you.
Is the showground suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters?
There is a large amount of hardstanding along the Showground where the static aircraft are parked however there is also a grassed area from the hardstanding to the crowdline which can be uneven in places and not always practical for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Can I bring my assistance dog to the Air Tattoo?

Unfortunately, pet dogs and any other animals are not permitted entry to the showground, park & view enclosures or official 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. 

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.

How do I book a mobility scooter?
Electric scooters and manual wheelchairs must be booked in advance. To book visit www.eventmobility.org.uk, email: info@eventmobility.org.uk or contact the office on 01386 725391 to request an advance booking form.

The pick-up/drop-off points will be close to the customer entry points in the Red car park on Friday and both Red and Green Car Parks Saturday & Sunday and by the Yellow Customer Entry Point for those coming by bus/coach.

If you hire an electric scooter or wheelchair from Event Mobility this entitles you to a RIAT Disabled Parking Permit for our Designated Disabled Car Parks - please call our Customer Services Department (01285 713456) to order your permit. Please note you will be asked to quote your Event Mobility booking reference number, so please have this to hand when calling.

You are welcome to bring your own electric scooter with you to the Air Tattoo, but please ensure that the battery is fully charged on arrival as there are no charging facilities available at the show.
back to top

How to get the Show

I do not drive and/or do not have a car, how else can I travel to the show?

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.

Can I get dropped off at the show?

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.


Which route do I take when travelling to the show by car?
All the information you require to plan your visit to the Royal International Air Tattoo can be found HERE
back to top

Opening Times

What time does the show start/finish?

Friday 14 July the showground is open 7.30am until 6.00pm with a flying display from 11am-3pm, followed by additional aircraft arriving ahead of the weekend's show.

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July the showground is open 7.30am until 7.30pm with a flying display from 10am until 5:30pm. 

Car parks open at 6am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

back to top

Parking

Is there parking on concrete for motorbikes and is there somewhere I can leave my crash helmet?

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.

What is the postcode for Sat Nav purposes?

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.

Can I get back to my car during the day?

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.

Can I bring my bicycle/scooter into the showground?

Bicycles or scooters 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/scooter. However, we don't mind if you lock your bicycle to the external fencing.


 

 

Is parking on hard standing (concrete) or grass?

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. 

What time do the car parks open?

The car parks are open from 6am on Friday 14, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July 2023

Do you have disabled toilets in the car parks?
Yes we do, however we recommend that you avoid the Blue Car Park due to it being on grass.
Do you have electric car charging points?
We do not at the moment as our car parks are temporary, but it is something we are looking into for the future. 
Is there parking for camper vans at the show?
If your ticket permits parking at the event you can bring your campervan.  However, parking will be off base and on grass.  Your gas bottle will need to be disconnected whilst you are parked at the show as cooking is not permitted in the car parks. All car parks will be emptied at the end of each day, you cannot stay overnight in an official Air Tattoo car park.

Please note, pet dogs and any other animals are not permitted entry to official Air Tattoo car parks. Police patrol the car parks and will take action if an animal has been left in a vehicle. 
Is parking included with my ticket?
If you have purchased a general admission ticket you can also add into the basket with this a car pass for your time here. However, if you have purchased an admission ticket with either the Swindon Shuttle Bus or Cheltenham Park & Ride you will not be able to park at the showground. For these tickets, you will need to park either in Swindon or at Cheltenham racecourse.   These bus tickets are only valid for the pedestrian entrance which is not accessible from the car parks.
How far are the car parks from the entrance and do shuttle buses run from them to the showground?

The majority of parking at the Airshow is off base and on grass.  Parking is within walking distance of the entrance gates with the furthest you are likely to walk approx 3/4 of a mile.

We have a limited number of designated disabled parking spaces on hard standing for blue badge holders, visitors in receipt of mobility DLA/PIP or those who have hired a mobility scooter from Event Mobility.  These parking spaces need to be booked in advance by calling Customer Services on 01285 713456

There are no buses running from the off base car parks to the showground.

back to top

Aircraft

What aircraft will be at the Air Tattoo?

Aircraft are only added to our participation list when we have written confirmation of their attendance. We start updating this in February each 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. 


 

Why do some aircraft only display on one day?

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.   

Are drones permitted near RAF Fairford?
Absolutely not. It is illegal to operate drones in the vicinity of an airfield. Flying a drone around RAF Fairford constitutes a criminal offence. On-site, 24 hours a day, at the Air Tattoo are Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Constabularies, the Ministry of Defence Police and the Royal Air Force Police. All of these agencies can be called upon to respond to reports of drone activity. 

The Civil Aviation Authority will established a Restriction of Flying Regulations under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order at and in the vicinity of RAF Fairford. A Restricted Airspace (Temporary) will be established during the event.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority's Drone Safe helps you understand how to safely operate them. Find out more details on the Drone Code here: dronesafe.uk/drone-code/
What's the difference in the show days?

Friday is our preview day and 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 recognise that some visitors may be disappointed, however, our view is that a one day display is better than no days. The Air Tattoo is grateful to all participants for taking part in the Air Tattoo and, on the occasions they cannot perform on all three days, we believe our visitors would prefer one display/flypast rather than none.
What is the policy for inviting countries and their air arms?

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.

How often is the aircraft participation list updated?

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.

How is it decided if an aircraft will be in the flying display or the static park?

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.

How do air arms determine if they will attend the Air Tattoo?
The general rule is that Operations and Training come first - if there are flying hours and a budget available, then they may choose to use them for airshows. Most air forces will have a tasking office that collates all requests and then allocate aircraft to the shows that offer most value/benefit to them. These decisions are usually made between January and April, which is why some aircraft are confirmed later than others. And although it may be tempting, it is counterproductive for any individual to try and circumvent this system and contact them directly - these offices do not take kindly to it, so please be patient. 

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


When is the running order for the flying display put together?

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.

What is the policy on rescheduling flying acts in the event of disruption to the planned flying schedule?

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.

Why do aircraft not use their flares in their display at 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!

Why do aircraft on the participation list sometimes cancel?

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!

If an aircraft cancels, does this free up money for another aircraft to be brought in?

Generally no, as the majority of military participants attend at their own expense, knowing the charitable purpose of our parent charity - 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!

Can I fly into the Air Tattoo?

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

 

Tell me more about your approach to safety?

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.

Can I bring an airband radio/scanner?
Yes - you are allowed to bring a receiving only airband radio into the event to listen to air traffic control communications. We do not, however, publish a list of frequencies. 
back to top

At the Show

I have lost something at the show who do I contact?

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


 

If I lose my child, what is the quickest way to inform someone and locate them?

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 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.

Can I bring my own food/picnic/foldaway chairs etc.?

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.

Can I have a barbeque on the airfield?

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

Can I bring my dog/any animals with me?


Unfortunately, pet dogs and any other animals are not permitted entry to the showground, park & view enclosures or official 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.

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. 

Where will I find food to purchase?

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. please bring a refillable water bottle with you or buy one from our merchandise units 

I am bringing my baby/young child to the Air Tattoo, do you hire or sell ear defenders?

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. 

Is there anywhere to safely leave any heavy items or shopping whilst at the show?

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.

Is there free Wi-Fi at the Air Tattoo?

Yes there is. You can access free Wi-Fi in our three Service Stations, as well as in the Techno Zone at the centre of the showground and Village Green in the Red zone.

Where are there Information Points on the showground?

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!

Are there cash machines/ATMs on the showground?

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 to enable us to have them present at the event. 

Where will I find toilets at the show?

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.

Can I bring a tent/gazebo/windbreak/ladder onto the showground?

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. 

Do you allow Smoking or Vaping (e-cigarettes) at the show?
Smoking (including vaping) within the Enclosures is only allowed in Outdoor Designated Smoking Areas, as determined by the organisers and indicated with appropriate signage and is not allowed in any event structure at the Air Tattoo, or within 10 metres of any aircraft.
Where do I enter as a pedestrian (on foot)?
Pedestrian access for the Air Tattoo will be through the Yellow Customer Entry Point. You can also arrive through the Blue Customer Entry Point.
back to top

Park & View

Where are the Park & View enclosures?

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.

What time do the Park & View enclosures open?

Wednesday 12 July: 7.30am - 5.30pm.

Thursday 13 July: 7.30am - 5.30pm. 

Monday 17 July: 7.30am - 4.30pm.

What can I see at Park & View?

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.

How can I find out which aircraft are arriving / departing / rehearsing?

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.

Can I walk to the Park & View enclosures?

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 by road.

Are there toilet facilities in Park & View?

Yes, at both sites.

Is parking available at Park & View?

At both sites, from 6.00am 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.

Are there dedicated disabled facilities at Park & View?

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.

Are there traders and catering in Park & View?

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.

Can I bring my dog to Park & View?

Unfortunately, pet dogs and any other animal are not permitted entry to the showground, park & view enclosures or official 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.

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 information or a jacket. 

Can I use a stepladder in Park & View?

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

back to top

FRIAT

When will the FRIAT passes be mailed out?
We hope to have FRIAT passes posted out early June 2023.
Which Customer Entry Point (CEP) do we use on Thursday and Monday?
The Blue Car Park and  Customer Entry Point will be open to FRIAT members for access to the enclosure on Thursday and Monday unless you are told otherwise by email/or road signs.
Which Customer Entry Point (CEP) do I use on Friday, Saturday & Sunday?
You use the Customer Entry Point (CEP) dedicated to your approach route (Green, Red, Blue or Yellow if arriving by coach/bus).  If you arrive via the Blue route you can utilise 'Gate J' which will be open to FRIAT members only 7.30am - 9.15am.  This gate gives FRIAT members an exclusive path to the Blue CEP and hence far quicker access to the Enclosure.  Please be advised that should you choose to park in the Blue car park your exit from the show will be on the Blue route.
How do I get to 'Gate J'?
To get to Gate J, by car you need to arrive and depart using the Blue route and park in the Blue Car Park. The traditional access Gate for the Blue CEP is Gate K and as you look at the Blue CEP Gate J is to your right.  FRIAT volunteers and Security Stewards will be on-hand, at Gate J, to confirm FRIAT Membership and manage queuing.
Can I buy access to the FRIAT enclosure for Monday only?
No, the membership packages are for six days. We do not sell individual days.
How do I book a 'white chair'?
These are for FRIAT members who have a blue badge/ or severe mobility issues that mean they are not able to access the grandstand.  These are allocated on a first come first served basis when you make your booking.
I want to bring my child/partner/friend to the show on Saturday - can they use the enclosure with me?
 No sorry, access to the enclosure is for FRIAT members only.  There is not sufficient space for additional guests to be given access during the public show days.
When is the FRIAT enclosure open?
Weds - Closed
Thursday -  8.00 - 17.00
Friday - 7.30 - 17.30
Saturday -  7.30 - 19.00
Sunday -  7.30 - 19.00
Monday - 8.00 - 15.30

Can I choose where I sit in the Grandstand when I arrive?
Seats are allocated at the time of booking your ticket.  Your seat number will be printed on your FRIAT pass.  
I can no longer come to the show can I get a refund?
Tickets may be cancelled up to 5.00pm on Friday 31 March 2023 and you will be reimbursed the value of your booking less the £25 administration fee. 

Order cancellation requests can be made either by email to: FRIAT@rafcte.com. Or by calling 01285 713456.

After 5.00pm Friday 31 March 2023 all tickets are non-refundable and no refunds will be made. All booking and administration fees are non-refundable.

Enclosure packs will be posted prior to the show. Lost or damaged FRIAT passes cannot be replaced prior to the show. In the event of loss or damage please contact: FRIAT@rafcte.com


What if I don't want to purchase my FRIAT membership via the internet?
You can do so by calling Customer Services on 01285 713456 or email us at FRIAT@rafcte.com
How do I access the FRIAT member's area of the website?
When your booking is confirmed you will be sent an email containing the password to this area.
back to top

Merchandise

How do I return an item from the UK?
You can fill in the form HERE.
What are your postage charges?

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 £6.00, Rest of World £12.00

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

UK £5.00, Europe £8.00, Rest of World £16.00 regardless of the number of items ordered.

We offer free delivery on orders over a certain value:

UK £80.00, Europe £100.00, Rest of World £130.00 (these figures are only valid for merchandise orders and will not be applied to RIAT ticket or enclosure purchases)

When will I receive my delivery?

For all items in stock we aim to deliver your order within 14 working days but please allow up to 28 days, possibly longer if the item is a pre-order.

I want to order an item but have it delivered to a different address - is this possible?

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

How do I return an item from Outside the UK?

You can fill in the form here 

back to top


Stay in touch Don't miss out on all our Air Tattoo news and updates, sign up here

Subscribe