FOR YOUR SAFETY
All individuals entering the Flight Line area through the admission gate are subject to search. Please come early, pay careful attention to all signs and announcements, and be patient.
These procedures are in place to ensure the safety of those attending the Air Show.
Please read the Air Show Safety by clicking here.

 PLEASE NOTE: Due to the high volume of e-mail we receive, we are unable to respond to questions that are answered below.

 Frequently Asked Questions

 General Information:
What are the dates of the Miramar Air Show?
The 2007 Miramar Air Show will take place Oct. 12, 13 & 14.

What time is the Air Show?
Gates will be open to the public at 8 a.m. daily. A radio-controlled aircraft demonstration takes place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Day Show performances start at 9:30 a.m. and continue until the Thunderbirds performance is over, about 4 to 4:30 p.m. The Twilight Air Show is from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday evening only.

How much is admission to the Air Show?
Admission, parking and blanket seating are FREE. "Blanket seating" means an open paved area where attendees can stand or sit on their own blankets or lawn chairs. Preferred seating areas are available with paid admission.  Click here for more info on preferred seating options.

What if it rains?
The show goes on, rain or shine.  Rain has threatened, but never cancelled our show.

Will an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) be available?
There will be ATMs available in the Consumer Fair area in Hangar 3 and on the flight line near the Grandstand area.

What about hotels or restaurants in the area?
Regulations do not permit MCCS Miramar to recommend or endorse a particular hotel or motel. However, San Diego, with its many attractions and proximity to Mexico, is a major travel destination. There are many places in the area, in all price ranges. A list of some local links to lodging can be found by clicking here.

Permitted/Prohibited Items:
Are folding/beach chairs allowed?
Yes.

Are tents or awnings allowed?
No. 

Are coolers allowed into the event?
Yes. Small coolers and ice chests, backpacks, hydration bags and tote bags will be permitted but will be searched for security reasons. Essential carry-alls (baby bags, etc.) and all other packages and bags will be carefully inspected to ensure everyone's safety. Glass containers are not allowed and will be confiscated.  

Will outside food be allowed?
Yes.

Will alcoholic beverages be allowed?
You may not bring alcoholic beverages into the Air Show.  Beer will be available for purchase from Air Show vendors.

Will strollers and wheelchairs be available for rental?
No.

Will pets be allowed to enter the Air Show?
No, other than service animals.

Will bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, skates, or kick or electric scooters be allowed on the flight line?
No. Bikes may be secured outside the flight line gates.

Are there any restrictions on bringing weapons to this event?
Yes. Weapons including pocket knives, multi-tools, replica/toy weapons or pepper spray are not allowed and will be confiscated.

Are peace officers (police, sheriff's deputies, etc.) allowed to carry weapons?
If they are in uniform, yes. If they are in plain or civilian clothes, no.

Are FRS/GMRS radios allowed?
FRS/GMRS radios are permitted. VHF band and other scanners are also permitted, but transmitters/transceivers are not.

Please click here for information on permitted/prohibited items not addressed above.

Tickets/Seating:
How can I get preferred seating tickets to the Air Show?
Advance tickets went on sale May 1. Click here for more info on preferred seating options.

If I attend the Day Show, can I keep my preferred seat for the Twilight Air Show?
If you have grandstand tickets for Saturday, they are good for both shows. Otherwise, separate tickets are required for the Twilight Air Show. Following the Saturday Matinee, the Grandstands and Box Seats will be vacated in preparation for the Twilight Show.

I have a DoD ID card. How many tickets can I buy for guests and/or my fellow DoD    
colleagues?
If you have a valid Department of Defense ID card, there is no limit on the number of box and grandstand tickets you can purchase at the Ticket Office. There is a limit of 10 chalet tickets per transaction. The military discount which is offered for Friday performance tickets is limited to one discounted guest ticket per accompanying active duty or family member.

Is there wheelchair access to all seating areas?
Wheelchairs can access all seating areas. Special wheelchair seating in the grandstands is available, with paid admission, but limited to first-come, first-served. Grandstand seating is not reserved, so first-level seating cannot be guaranteed. One seat may be removed from a box of 10 seats to provide space in that area. All other seating areas are readily accessible.

Performances:
What time do the Thunderbirds fly during the Matinee Performances?
Typically, the Thunderbirds fly at 3 p.m. The performance is approximately one hour.

Will there be an F-14 Tomcat demonstration?
The F-14 has been decommissioned from the U.S. Navy.  No demonstrations or static displays are available.

What is the performance schedule?
Because of many last-minute changes in performers and schedules, exact times are not available. There will be continuous aerial excitement from the start of the show until the show closes, as well as static displays, vendor booths and the Consumer Fair exhibits. For the latest list of scheduled performances, see our performers list.

Transportation and Parking:

Is there public transportation to the Air Show?

Not really. The regular bus from downtown San Diego does not enter the base; Miramar Road at Black Mountain Road is the closest bus stop during the Air Show, and heavy Air Show traffic may cause the bus to detour further away. Also, due to heavy Air Show traffic, taxi fares could be extremely expensive.

How do I know where to park? Is there a shuttle?
When you arrive at MCAS Miramar, security personnel will direct you to available parking lots. A free base shuttle bus will be available.

Will there be trams from parking areas and along the flight line?
We expect to have them again this year.

Will there be RV/travel trailer parking?
RV/Travel Trailers are allowed onto the air station; however, no overnight parking or tailgating is allowed. Click here for a list of local military and general RV facilities.

What about riding a bike or motorcycle?
Please visit our bicycle/motorcycle page.

Are buses allowed?  If so, where will they be directed for parking?
Yes, buses are allowed. Buses should enter the West Gate off Miramar Road. Please view the Parking map for directions to the West Gate from I-805 and I-15. Please keep in mind that if the bus driver leaves the station, it will be difficult to return.

Is handicapped parking available?  If so, where will they be directed for parking?
Yes, handicapped parking is available. If your vehicle has a handicapped license plate decal or windshield pass, you should enter the station through the West or North Gates off Miramar Rd. Please view the Parking Map for directions to West and North Gates from the I-805 and I-15 freeways. Handicapped parking is limited and is available on first come first served basis.

Do you have a handicap shuttle on the flightline?
Yes.  Once you are on the flightline, please stop by the Information Booth, located at entry gates 1, 2 & 3 and request a handicap shuttle.  Please keep in mind they will be busy, but the information booth will have chairs available while you're waiting. Since 2006…we will have a tram on the flightline, running the length of the flightline on the access road.  The tram will drop you off a short distance north of your requested destination.  Some light walking will be required.

Can I fly my own plane into Miramar?
No. Only pre-approved static display and performer aircraft are allowed to fly into MCAS Miramar for the show. Click here to learn about San Diego's many general aviation airports

Directions:
How do I get to MCAS Miramar?
MCAS Miramar is located north of downtown San Diego between I-805 and I-15. San Diego area and MCAS Miramar entrance and parking maps are available by clicking here. A parking map will be available for printing. For information on transportation and lodging, click here.