What time do the buses run?
The buses start running from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway at 9:00 a.m. and stop taking guests to the base at 1:00 p.m. Visitors on base can still ride the buses back to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway until 5 p.m.
What time do the gates open?
Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., Saturday, November 11th and Sunday, November 12th.
Is there a fee for admission?
No. Admission and parking are FREE!
Will there be specific parking and seating for the handicapped?
Yes, there will be handicapped parking available at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway as well as Handicapped accessible shuttle buses going to and from the air show. A handicapped seating area will be provided near the show line. Just follow the sign on the day of the show to find the parking and seating areas. Visitors must have an official handicap license plate or placard hanging from the rear view mirror to access handicap parking.
When will flying begin?
Aircraft will take to the skies approximately 10:30 a.m., however, this is also historically when the security line and shuttle bus line is the longest. Please consider arriving a bit earlier to decrease your wait time.
Are umbrellas allowed at the air show?
Small rain umbrellas are fine to bring (the small ones that fit in a purse), but large golf umbrellas or shade umbrellas are banned as they may block the view of spectators behind you.
What attire should I consider?
Dress for the elements. It is recommended to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, hearing protection, and consider bringing a hat, wearing comfortable shoes and clothes. You may do a lot of walking.
Can I bring lawn chairs?
Yes. Lawn chairs, camp chairs, stadium seats, and blankets are allowed. Lounge chairs are not permitted. All items are subject to search, and please consider you may have to carry them quite a distance between parking, shuttle buses, and to the flight line. Limited bleacher seating will be available on a first come first serve basis.
I have small children. Can I bring a stroller, diaper bag, or change of clothes?
Yes. Strollers will be hand-searched at the security checkpoint. Please bring only necessary items in the diaper bag, subject to hand-search at the security checkpoint. Also please consider bringing hearing protection for small children.
Are pets allowed?
No pets are allowed, except service animals.
Can I bring my camera, video camera, or cell phone?
Yes. There are no security restrictions on these items. However, large camera bags are not permitted. Bring only necessary camera equipment, leaving extra attachments at home. A small fanny pack or vest is useful for carrying small lenses. Keep in mind that everything is subject to search.
Can I bring food?
Small snacks are fine as long as they are not in glass containers. In addition, no ice chests or coolers (except small coolers for medical supplies or infant formula purposes,) nor bags larger than a small purse, fanny pack, backpack and Camelbaks will be allowed. All items brought are subject to approval by gate security personnel and are hand-searched at security checkpoint.
Can I bring in bottled water?
Yes, however must be in a plastic container.
Will there be any food or souvenirs available?
Yes. There will be concessions at the air expo for food, drinks, and souvenirs.
Can I bring bikes, skateboards, or hoverboards?
No. Bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, skate shoes, roller blades, or hoverboards are not allowed on the ramp, flight line or hangar areas.
What other items are prohibited?
The following is a list of banned items that will be confiscated or cause visitors to be turned away at the gate if brought to the Nellis Air Show: firearms, knives (including pocket knives and all-purpose tools,) fireworks, toys that resemble firearms, laser pointers, silly string, spray paint, illegal drugs, medical marijuana, excessively large items and bags.
The following items are allowed but will be searched: purses, diapers bags if accompanying a child, camera bags, and lawn chairs.
All visitors are subject to search by Security Forces.
Can I leave and re-enter the air expo?
Yes. You may leave and re-enter as many times as needed. However, anyone re-entering will have to go through the shuttle bus line and security checkpoints again.
Is tailgating allowed?
No.
Is smoking allowed?
Yes, but only in designated areas and not on the flight line.
Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
You can purchase them at the air expo, but you cannot transport them onto base.
Do I need a military ID?
No, this event is open to the public.
Will restroom facilities be easily accessible?
Yes. Portable restrooms will be located throughout the air expo grounds.
Can I take pictures or get autographs?
Yes. Many of the performers make themselves available for autographs and pictures during the show.
Will it be necessary to have hearing protection?
Due to the nature of the event, it is highly encouraged you bring hearing protection – especially for children. There will be a number of aircraft taking off, landing, and performing, which will be extremely loud.
Which day will the Thunderbirds be performing?
Both! The Thunderbirds will perform their amazing demonstrations both days, weather permitting.
Will there be shade?
There are limited areas of shade available throughout the flight line. You can take a walk through one of our larger static displays to get a break from the sun, as well as a few open hangars featuring displays.
What happens if it rains?
In the event of rain, some flying demonstrations may be delayed. However, unless the weather poses a serious threat to the safety of the visitors and participants, the show will proceed as scheduled with some modifications. In the event of an Air Show cancellation, announcements will be coordinated with local news agencies as well as a recorded message available on the Nellis Straight Talk Hotline at (702) 652-7469 with more information as it becomes available.
What is a static display?
A static display is an aircraft that is on display inside the spectator area. It is not an aircraft that will perform in the show but it will be available for viewing and photo opportunities.
Can I fly my own plane into Nellis AFB?
No. Only pre-approved static display and performer aircraft are allowed to fly into the base for the show.
Will there be a preview day before the air show?
No. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds may have a practice on Friday, but it will not be open to the general public.
What type of medical services will be available?
First aid only will be provided such as oral hydration, treatment for minor cuts and bruises, and application of emergency medications (ex. Epi-pens). Medical personnel will stabilize and coordinate transportation to higher level of care for all other injuries/illnesses.
Who can I call for additional information?
For more information, call the 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs office at (702) 652-2750, or email us at 99ABW.PAOutreach@us.af.mil.