Tips for Surviving the Atlantic City Air Show
OK, so you want to come to the Atlantic City Air Show on Wednesday to watch the planes do their stunts. You and about half a million other people. I’ve been to it several times, so here are my tips to deal with the crowds and enjoy the aerobatics:
- Get there early! The show doesn’t start until 11 a.m., but plan to be in town by 9 a.m., 9:30 at the absolute latest. I saw this with my own eyes a few years ago when I stayed over and could see the Atlantic City Expressway from my hotel room. At 9 a.m., the traffic was flowing smoothly into town. By 9:30 it was starting to back up. By 10 a.m., the expressway was bumper-to-bumper, going back for several miles. You may want to take Route 30 (White Horse Pike) or Route 40 (Black Horse Pike) into town for a less nasty traffic jam.
The early birds also get the parking spaces. Many of the casino garages were filled up by 10 a.m. By the way, be sure to bring a player card if you have one. They’ll be charging premium prices to park, and a card will guarantee you a maximum of $5, even if you don’t gamble.
If you ignore the above and get into town late, park at the Borgata. For a $5 fee (free for Black Label and Titanium players), you can park and get a shuttle to the boardwalk.
- Eat breakfast at home, or stop somewhere on the way to pick up food. Every outlet in Atlantic City will have a long line, and you’ll wait at least half an hour to be served or seated. If you’re staying overnight, consider splurging on room service.
- Bring what you need to be comfortable for the day. Don’t forget sunscreen, and reapply it often. Bring water or other beverages, or be prepared to pay dearly on the boardwalk. Pack any snacks you want. You may want to bring earplugs if you or your children are bothered by the loud engine noise. Bring a portable radio if you want a play-by-play commentary. Stations at 1400 on the AM dial and 96.9 on the FM will broadcast the show. You may also want to bring a beach or camp chair. Wear a bathing suit under your clothes if you want to swim. The ocean temperature was pushing 80 degrees yesterday, and was an absolute delight.
- Scout out a good vantage point. The deck at the end of The Pier at Caesars is a good one, and they’re offering passes to the first 500 people who show up. The line starts forming at 8 a.m., and the mall opens at 10. The wristband will let you enter and exit at will all day.
If you have a Harrah’s diamond card, the lounges at Bally’s and Caesars offer great views of the show if you can get a spot by the window. You can watch the airshow in air-conditioned comfort while you munch on a light buffet and sip your favorite beverages. But if you stay all day, don’t forget to leave your server a very generous tip.
If you have a hotel room, check out the pool area or other section open only to hotel guests. You may get a great view from there.
- Consider staying late Wednesday night. Half a million people leaving town at once will create a second traffic nightmare. So take a walk on the boardwalk, have dinner, explore the Caesaers Pier and The Walk outlets, or try your luck in the casinos. A dip in the ocean is a good idea. Lifeguards are on duty until 6 p.m.
If you go, have fun. Don’t forget to check your mailbox. A lot of casinos are sending out offers good Wednesday only, in an effort to ensure you go into their air-conditioned gaming hall for a break from the heat.
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