2024 - Which airshow would you choose?

[CtCarGuy]

I am currently working an a true bucket list . As a former engineer (non-avionic) and Air Force Veteran (1966-1970) I have always loved planes. I will probably only have one shot at going to a show and need help in selecting. I want a show with displays of old, new and unique aircraft that is held before May 1. I live in Connecticut and willing to go out west as far as AZ and South to Florida. I know there are a lot of shows but it is hard to determine which would be best. It would be helpful if the location has other attractions other than just historical. We love landscapes.

What would you suggest? I looked at Charleston but the flight schedules from here in Connecticut are terrible and very expensive. We also considered New Orleans but are looking at what else to see as part of the vacation. I noted some shows are primarily presentations while sitting on a beach. I am not looking for that type.

Thank for your time and help in advance.

Larry Boardman
Armament Specialist, A10, C46, C47, A1, B58 Hustler and B52's.

[OwenORourke]

If you are looking for the best variety of old, new and unique and before May 1st, I would suggest Sun N’ Fun in Lakeland, FL. Here is a link to my album from last year. https://www.flickr.com/gp/planesandstuff/S0tb7832v5

[passedgas46]

Sun 'n Fun might be your best option but you'd probably have to plan well ahead of time with regards to hotels and other things.

In the March and April timeline there really aren't too many airshows and those airshows are usually confined to California, Arizona, Texas, and much of the south. It's when you get to May-September when you have more airshows on each weekend and also when you have airshows within a couple hours' drive of your home. Another option might be Orlando, FL, but be prepared to pay through the nose for admission and all that.

As far as the airlines go, I'd consider expanding where you'd fly out of. You might be close to Hartford/Bradley but consider JFK or LaGuardia for more frequent flights and possibly lower airfare.

[badeshka]

Sun 'n Fun might be your best option but you'd probably have to plan well ahead of time with regards to hotels and other things.

In the March and April timeline there really aren't too many airshows and those airshows are usually confined to California, Arizona, Texas, and much of the south. It's when you get to May-September when you have more airshows on each weekend and also when you have airshows within a couple hours' drive of your home. Another option might be Orlando, FL, but be prepared to pay through the nose for admission and all that.

As far as the airlines go, I'd consider expanding where you'd fly out of. You might be close to Hartford/Bradley but consider JFK or LaGuardia for more frequent flights and possibly lower airfare.

I personally would not recommend the orlando show. I went last year and the way they have it set up is horrible in my opinion. Unless you can manage to get a decent spot on the show line you are going to have terrible visibility. The big stage at show center blocks your view if you are close to that as well. Plus there was a very limited amount of ground statics. I definitely do think Sun n Fun would be the best choice but it’s probably something to start planning for now.

[passedgas46]

Sun 'n Fun might be your best option but you'd probably have to plan well ahead of time with regards to hotels and other things.

In the March and April timeline there really aren't too many airshows and those airshows are usually confined to California, Arizona, Texas, and much of the south. It's when you get to May-September when you have more airshows on each weekend and also when you have airshows within a couple hours' drive of your home. Another option might be Orlando, FL, but be prepared to pay through the nose for admission and all that.

As far as the airlines go, I'd consider expanding where you'd fly out of. You might be close to Hartford/Bradley but consider JFK or LaGuardia for more frequent flights and possibly lower airfare.

I personally would not recommend the orlando show. I went last year and the way they have it set up is horrible in my opinion. Unless you can manage to get a decent spot on the show line you are going to have terrible visibility. The big stage at show center blocks your view if you are close to that as well. Plus there was a very limited amount of ground statics. I definitely do think Sun n Fun would be the best choice but it’s probably something to start planning for now.

You're right on not recommending it but I say so for different reasons. The organizers of that show are the same ones that run the New York Air Show and the OC Air Show - and from what an airshow insider informed me - they're doing the airshow in Harrisburg beginning next year. I've seen pictures of that stage you mentioned and I feel like that's something that'll be at all of their events from now on.

[CtCarGuy]

I took a quick look at the show. It seems the air show part is only on Sunday with the flying late afternoon. Once you check out the fees, it comes to $185 plus hotel, car and flight. I think I would be considering AZ or Texas. I will have to look at the shows these. Suggestions?

[CtCarGuy]

FYI - It is hard for me to look past April since I have terminal cancer. The good news is for the last 3 years with the cancer, I have been able to live a mostly quality life. The question the Dr cannot answer is how long I have since the cancer has been static for a long time. I've already passed the statistics and forecasts and plan to keep going as long as I can so bucket lists are important to me. It seems the New England Shows are much later in the season so I hesitate to consider them.

[CultOfTheWyvern]

If Arizona is an option, Luke Days at Luke AFB is starting to shape up fairly nicely. It's right outside Phoenix, so you'll certainly have plenty to do besides the air show. It's the same weekend as New Orleans, which is where I plan to be that weekend, but man, are they taking their merry old time announcing acts (or anything really)...

Another one that's looking rather tempting is the Great Texas Air Show at Joint Base San Antonio on April 6-7. I've been to San Antonio and it's a splendid place to spend a long weekend.

[RyanS]

Another one that's looking rather tempting is the Great Texas Air Show at Joint Base San Antonio on April 6-7. I've been to San Antonio and it's a splendid place to spend a long weekend.

Not to mention the total solar eclipse is just outside of town the Monday following the show!