Well, I just went to my first airshow on Saturday Oct. 17th over at Edwards AFB in Southern California.Since I had never been to an airshow, I really didn't know what to expect. I thought it was going to be maybe one or two thousand guys sitting next to the runway watching planes do their demos and so forth (thanks to YouTube!). The only that thing that was really disappointing was huge volume of traffic and people. Everything was fine till we exited the 14 freeway and we were on the road that leads to the base. It took us about 2.5 hours to drive 12 miles from the entrance of the base to the runway. A lot of people simply gave up and turned around. I live around 70 miles away from the Base so we left at 8:30AM and got to the base at 1:00PM!!! So I missed half the show. I really didn't expect to see that big of a crowd, many of which didn't look like they were interested in planes at all and were simply just "hanging out" while the show was going on! But the show was truly amazing. They really did an awesome job.So I am wondering if any of you guys went to the same airshow and if you left earlier in the morning, was there the same amount of traffic? Is this usually how these events are? Massive amounts of traffic? I am wondering if the high volume of traffic is because the event is free. I checked an airshow over at Nellis AFB and that was free too. So do you guys know of any airshows where it's not free and perhaps not as crowded?Thank you all!Best regards, :(

Well I didn't go to that one, but I went to my first show this past summer (The Mid-Altanitic WWII show in PA). I truly was expecting a 'hand full of people' to show up, but much to my amazement i'd say a couple of thousand people showed up. That place was huge so being inside, it didn't feel like I was crowded, and even the traffic wasn't that bad.So I guess it really depends on the lay out of the airport. But it def surprised me how many people actually go to airshows.

I have been going to airshows for 30+ years (I recall seeing both the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds in F-4 Phantoms) and there are always big crowds at them. Even the non-flying airshow/open house at Futenma MCAS on Okinawa (free) draws a big crowd. You really have to get there early if you ever plan on going to another one. Stay nearby if you live more than a few minutes away.

I like airshows... but the coolest aircraft I`ve ever seen have always been at NFL games :) Mainly the stealth aircraft and what not! Still dying to see an F-22 upclose.

Hi,You will experience huge crowds at both types of shows. Suggestions:1. Leave way early or if you need to drive a long way, spend the night before at a friend's/relatives/inexpensive hotel nearby the show.2. Get to the show as early as the gates open. There will always be things to do and see.3. Expect traffic jams. Most places that host shows are not usually set up for huge amounts of car traffic. Lots of one lane roads and such. Experienced show hosts will have plenty of volunteers directing traffic and such.4. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk A LOT!5. Plan on a few hours to exit the show also. All those cars leaving at once will also create a huge traffic jam.6. Air shows have really turned into family events for the young and old alike!

Thank you all for your comments!I guess it does depend on which airport you go to. The thing I am wondering about is if the gates open at 7 AM, I shouldn't hit much traffic if I am at the base by 6 waiting to get in, right? I mean it seemed like there was so much people there that no matter what time or how early you went, there would be a couple hour delay. That's why I wanted to get some feedback from you guys that have faced the same situation.Thanks again for your input and any more comments are welcome!

Hi,Not as much traffic, but you would be surprised as to how many people are lined up at the gates, waiting to enter.

Oshkosh is not free and although it has a few hundred thousand visitors over the week it takes places, I really didn't find it to be crowded when I went there in 2006. Of course it's so much more than just an airshow and I don't know if it's your cup of tea, but I definitely found it worth it making the trip from Finland just for that week and plan on doing it again for next years event (if I can just find some decent accomodation...)

I've had to wait for one airshow and that was the last one. Since then I've either taken the boat to Seafair or have flown into the airport where they were holding it at.