October 25-26
Ellington Field
Houston, Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
Ticket Questions:
How do I get tickets?Getting to the Airshow Questions:
Parking Questions:
What can I bring? Questions:
Show Questions:
How do I get tickets?
Advance tickets (for all types of seating) can be purchased online from our website through our partnership with ClicknPrint® online Internet tickets beginning in May (Prime View public sale begins in July). General Admission tickets may be purchased at the checkstand coupon printers at your area Kroger stores (beginning mid-September) or at the Airshow gates. Visit our Ticket Information page for more details.
What is the difference between General Admission tickets and Prime View or Eagle Squadron tickets?
General Admission tickets simply get you in the gate to the Airshow. You are responsible for your own seating during the show. Prime View is reserved seating right on the front line allowing you a great view of the show and includes an Airshow program. Eagle Squadron provides many great benefits, such as reserved parking, Airshow cap and program, souvenirs, catered food and beverages all day, and indoor and outdoor seating areas. Visit our Ticket Information page for more details.
What is Prime View Reserved Seating?
Prime View seats are set up along the front line at show center and organized into "boxes" of 10. You will receive a coded wrist band that gives you in-out access to the seating area. Your assigned, numbered chairs are yours throughout the day and will remain reserved for you. The seating area also provides easy access to portable restroom facilities and selected commercial food and beverage vendors.
Tickets are $40 each and everybody needs a ticket regardless of age. Prime View Seats are sold on a first-come-first-served-basis and you are given the very best seat available when your order is processed. There is a discount for purchasing 10 or more Prime View at one time. Visit our Ticket Information page for more details.
Can I use my Saturday reserved tickets on Sunday instead?
Can I use my Sunday reserved tickets on Saturday instead?
No. You must use the reserved Prime View or Eagle Squadron tickets for the day for which they are purchased. The reserved seating areas have assigned seats and the other day's seats are already assigned to someone else. With enough advance notice, you may be able to contact our Ticket Center at 713-266-4492 and request an exchange for the best available seats. General Admission tickets are good for either Saturday or Sunday.
Can I upgrade my General Admission tickets to Prime View or Eagle Squadron once I get there?
Yes, if space is available in that area. You may pay the difference in your ticket price to upgrade to the reserved seating area. Proceed to the Prime View or Eagle Squadron gateway inside the Airshow and present your ticket stub to purchase the upgraded ticket.
How do I get to the Airshow?
Ellington Field is located just minutes south of downtown Houston. Take I-45 south to the FM1959/Ellington Field exit and go east on FM1959 to the main Ellington Field entrance. You can also take BW8 to the Highway 3 exit and proceed south on Highway 3 to the north Ellington Field entrance. Reserved parking is accessed by taking Clear Lake City Blvd. east from I-45 and turning north on Highway 3 to the south Ellington Field entrance. Visit our Getting to the Airshow page for a map and more details.
How much does it cost to ride a shuttle?
Shuttle buses are $4 per person from the designated Park & Ride lots. Visit our Getting to the Airshow page for more details.
Can I fly into the Airshow?
Yes. Transient aircraft must arrive before 9:00am on show days and can not depart until after 5:00 p.m. All persons arriving will be required to have or purchase a ticket to the show. You will not be allowed to remain with your plane. Visit our Getting to the Airshow page for more details.
Where can I stay for the weekend?
There are many fine lodging facilities in the Houston, Webster, Clear Lake City and Kemah areas to stay. Many offer special room deals during Airshow weekend, including shuttle service to Ellington Field. Be sure and book early! Visit our Lodging & Sightseeing page for details on participating motels, hotels, bed & breakfasts and camping areas, as well as a link to online booking of many of these facilities.
Where is my Reserved Parking Pass?
If your ticket type includes Reserved Parking (Prime View and Eagle Squadron tickets only), your printed ClicknPrint ticket is also your Reserved Parking Pass. Please display the bold heading showing the ticket type and date to the security personnel for admittance to the reserved parking area. Please remember that reserved parking is on a first-come-first-serve basis, so arrive early to insure a quality reserved parking spot!
Maps to Reserved Parking?
Certain tickets for the Airshow – Eagle Squadron, Prime View, Media, and Premium Sponsor Chalets – include reserved parking. Your printed ticket is your parking pass to these areas! Please display your printed ticket to the attendant for admittance to these parking areas. All reserved parking is on a space available, first-come-first-served basis. Arrive early to secure your spot. The maps are found on the Getting to the Airshow page.
How much is parking?
Parking is included in your ticket price. You will be required to have or purchase Airshow tickets before entering the parking area.
Is there "Handicapped Parking"?
Yes. You must have a handicapped plate or tag in the car and make sure the parkers flagging your car are aware of your handicapped status. They will direct you to the handicapped parking area. Handicapped parking is limited and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Please arrive early to insure a parking spot.
Is there "Motorcycle Parking"?
Yes. There is a small, hard-top surface for motorcycle parking. Please ask the parking flaggers to direct you to the motorcycle parking area (near the south Prime View lot). Motorcycle parking is limited and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Please arrive early to insure a parking spot.
Can we watch the show from our car in the parking lot?
No. Even if you have purchased tickets, you must leave your vehicle and view the show from inside the Airshow grounds. This rule is due to a FAA safety regulation involving the performance area.
Can I go out to my car and re-enter the Airshow?
Yes, keep your ticket stub and get your hand stamped as you exit.
Can I bring a scooter/wheelchair/golf cart?
Motorized scooters and wheelchairs for disabled patrons are allowed in the Airshow grounds; golf carts are not allowed. There are also people-mover trams running the length of the Airshow grounds that can be ridden. Please be aware that the crowds may be heavy and maneuvering may be difficult, and that there is no place at the show to plug in and "recharge."
Can I bring a lawn chair or blanket?
Yes! There is no seating included with your General Admission Ticket and guests are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit. However, no tents or canopies are allowed.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
You may bring your own food and drink, however you are not allowed to bring in a cooler, alcoholic beverages or glass containers. Any food or drink must be in clear plastic container or bag for quick inspection. Loose ice is prohibited. Frozen ice packs are allowed. Any bags brought in are subject to search by the security personnel at the gates and you may not be allowed in with such items. No cooking equipment is allowed.
Remember that there are many different food and drink vendors available at the show, with some being run by charitable groups as fundraisers. Complimentary water is available at several locations marked with white/red banner “WATER”.
Why the restrictions on coolers, bags, and totes?
The FAA and Department of Homeland Security have required us to enforce these rules for your safety. You will be on airport grounds.
Are cameras allowed?
Yes, cameras for personal use are allowed. Your camera bags will be checked by gate security upon entry. Remember that the Airshow performance and many performers' acts are copyrighted, and your photography or video cannot be used for commercial purposes.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed onto the Airshow area and should not be left in vehicles. Because of the Festival setting with food and drink vendors, the City of Houston Health Department prohibits animals, other than legally allowed guide and assistance animals. Please understand that temperatures on the tarmac area can easily reach in excess of 120 degrees and will burn a pet's feet, plus the loud noises and explosions can injure their sensitive hearing and/or frighten the animals.
Is there an ATM machine on the site?
Yes, there is an ATM machine located at the rear of show center near the main Information tent.
Can you give me a schedule of acts?
We list our acts but cannot give a specific schedule since schedules are finalized much closer to the Airshow and depend on availability and various conditions. Flying generally begins around 10:00am and is continuous throughout the day, with the feature act beginning around 3:00pm. These times are subject to change without notice.
Is the show the same for both Saturday and Sunday?
Generally, yes, the show is the same. However, there may be some variations depending on special aircraft which may make only a one-day fly-by appearance.
What are the radio frequencies used by the Airshow?
That information is not released to the general public.
Is there shade?
The Airshow is held under an open sky. You are encouraged to bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen lotion. Limited shade may be found under the wings of some static display aircraft but there is no "shaded area" (except for the premium priced Eagle Squadron tickets). Umbrellas are discouraged except at the very rear of the viewing area to insure that all visitors have a good view of the show. No tents or canopies are allowed.
Can I meet any of the pilots?
Yes! Many of the feature pilots and crew make themselves available before or after their performances to meet their audience. Many of the WWII-era and military crews are at their aircraft during static viewing times and are happy to answer questions and pose with you for photos. There is also a "Legends and Heroes" autograph tent at the rear of the show area which offers the chance to meet some important, historical persons of aviation including WWII pilots and "Aces" or Tuskegee Airmen. Airshow performers and NASA astronauts may stop in before or after their performances.
What happens if it rains?
Unless the weather is severe, we will fly as much of the show as is safe and possible. In the event that both days of show are canceled, your ticket price will be considered a tax-deductible contribution to an IRC 501(C)3 organization. Due to FAA permit restrictions and performer commitments it is not possible to reschedule the airshow for another weekend.
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Wings Over Houston and the Wings Over Houston Airshow logo are registered trademarks of the Commemorative Air Force, Inc.