TripHip - Travel Tips and Advice for Traveling on a Budget

Many cities in the United States (and around the world, of course) have annual airshows, in which military pilots and civilian craft come together to show off the joy of flight.

Typically, those air shows that take place on military bases are free, but if you go to these shows, be prepared to wait in long lines to get through security. Folding chairs and very small backpacks or purses are usually allowed, and that's about it. No pocket knives, not even so much as a fingernail clipper is allowed through.

To be extra sure about what is and isn't allowed, make sure you check the official website for each show. Their restrictions should be spelled out there.

I don't know abut other air shows, but at the Air Power Over Hampton Roads, visitors were scanned with wands, like the kind they use at airports, and although signs had warned people repeatedly during the few minutes wait as the lines snaked around to the entrance, quite a few people had to give up their pocket knives. I had to give up my fingernail clipper, which is something I had not expected. These things were not returned at the end of the show, either!

It would be well to bring ear defenders for the little ones, as well as a stroller, and distinctive folding chairs with your name written on it in indelible ink.

To avoid thirst, bring a bottle of water along, but some of the cost of the airshow is defrayed by what vendors must pay the organizers to have their booths, and that includes booths that sell models, and booths that sell food.

The food is marked up pretty high, but hey, they need to make their profit. So support them if you can.