10 of the Best Airports for Planespotting

I’ve been obsessed with planes for as long as I can remember. My parents have told me that, even as a young child, I could sit in an airport and point out all the different types of plane to them. Planespotting — observing, identifying, and photographing aircraft — is still one of my favorite pastimes, and for “avgeeks” like myself, a select few airports around the world are considered the cream of the crop for the hobby. Even for casual spotters, these airports offer pleasant parks and observation decks that provide the opportunity to catch some fresh air and add a little intrigue into an otherwise routine travel day. Check out 10 of the world’s best airports for planespotting and what makes them special.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – California

Having grown up in the L.A. area, I have a soft spot for one airport in particular: LAX. As one of the world’s busiest airports, it’s a place many travelers hope to avoid — or at least one to spend as little time in as possible. But for those interested in watching planes, LAX has an incredible variety of airlines and aircraft from all over the world, including wide-bodies such as the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.

What I love most about LAX is that it combines two of my favorite things: In-n-Out burgers and airplanes. Just north of the airport, near the intersection of Sepulveda and Lincoln boulevards, you’ll find a location of the beloved burger chain next to a popular park where planes approach closely overhead to land on Runway 24R. I’ve spent many an afternoon sitting on the grass, burger in hand, as a Boeing 777 roars above, leaving a blast of wind in its wake. If you have a long layover at LAX, heading to the park for an hour or two is a great way to stretch your legs — you can walk there from the terminal area in about 20 to 30 minutes. Another prime viewing area is Jim Clutter Park on Imperial Hill, where you can catch the action on the south side of LAX. 

Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) – St. Maarten

This Caribbean island airport is far less busy than LAX when it comes to aircraft movements, but for many avgeeks, it’s considered the holy grail for planespotting. If you’re wondering how dedicated I am to the hobby, the answer is yes, I’ve planned an entire vacation to St. Maarten just to visit this airport. 

The airport’s runway juts right up to Maho Beach, so planes come in low over the bay to land — sometimes as little as 10 to 30 feet above the tourists sunbathing or swimming below. Because of the runway’s relatively short length and nearby hills, aircraft often take off from the airport using maximum power, sending a powerful jet (and sand) blast back toward the onlookers at the end of the runway. Some daring spotters attempt to cling onto the fence at the end of the runway during takeoff, but signs warn of the dangers of doing so. Even from the sand you’ll want to cover your eyes and hold onto your hat, but if you’d rather watch from a comfortable distance, drink in hand, the Sunset Bar is a great choice. 

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – California

SFO is unique in that it’s one of the few airports in the world with two sets of intersecting parallel runways, which extend out into the bay on reclaimed land. Moreover, the parallel runways are only 750 feet apart, which allows aircraft to land essentially side by side (in good weather) — something you don’t usually see. The best spot to catch the action is from Bayfront Park across the bay in Millbrae, which offers excellent views and photo ops of planes landing over the water. 

For a closer vantage point, head to the SkyTerrace, located atop Terminal 2, near where SFO’s four runways intersect. This observation deck is outside of the security checkpoints and open to the general public (even if you don’t have a plane ticket) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays to Mondays. 

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – Washington, D.C.

Gravelly Point, part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington, is another bucket-list destination for planespotters. This grassy park a few hundred feet north of Reagan Airport offers incredible, up-close views of planes landing on Runway 1 and taking off from Runway 19 — plus views of the Washington Monument and other D.C. landmarks across the Potomac River. 

If you’re in the D.C. area, an honorable mention goes to Dulles Airport. The rooftops of the airport’s parking garages are popular with spotters, but you can also head to the nearby Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, part of the National Air and Space Museum. There, explore two giant hangars with more than 200 aircraft and spacecraft before heading up to the Donald D. Engen Observation Tower to watch planes take off and land at Dulles.

Manchester International Airport (MAN) – England

In terms of sheer variety of aircraft, London’s Heathrow International Airport is tough to beat. The airport has several spots to take in the action if you don’t have a plane ticket, including a grassy area near Myrtle Avenue and the rental car lots and hotels along Northern Perimeter Road. But when it comes to actual facilities for planespotters, Manchester has the edge.

Runway Visitor Park is a mecca for aviation enthusiasts and casual picnickers alike. The centerpiece of the park is a raised viewing platform where you can stand only a few yards away from heavies like the Emirates A380 taking off or landing, but there are several other aviation-themed attractions like a walk-through Concorde hangar, several retired aircraft, a children’s play area, and a flight simulator. 

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – New York

JFK is America’s busiest gateway for international flights, so that alone makes it worthy of a planespotting visit. But when you add in the retro aviation-themed TWA Hotel and its rooftop infinity pool overlooking the runways, JFK quickly shoots up to the top of any avgeek’s list. 

The pool is open year-round and heated to 95 degrees in winter (I’ve taken a dip there when it was 20 degrees outside). It’s also accessible even if you’re not staying at the hotel, though access is steep for non-hotel guests, starting at $50 for adults ($10 for kids) for a reservation. You can explore the other public areas of the hotel for free, including the Sunken Lounge and the one-of-a-kind Connie Cocktail Lounge, housed inside a converted 1958 Lockheed Constellation. Nearby, visit Planeview Park for more excellent spotting opportunities. 

Sydney Airport (SYD) – Australia

Australia’s busiest airport delivers when it comes to aircraft variety, and the airport publishes a helpful guide with the best locations to view them. The recently renovated Shep’s Mound, accessible via public bus, has elevated grassy areas where you can observe all the comings and goings from right under the airport’s control tower. Another highlight is Lady Robinson’s Beach, with views of Runway 16R/34L across Botany Bay.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) – The Netherlands

Schiphol, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, is particularly welcoming to planespotters, with several dedicated spotter zones around the airport perimeter. The closest viewing location is the Panorama Terrace atop the main terminal building. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather dependent), it’s free to visit and doesn’t require a plane ticket to access. Aside from enjoying the incredible views of the airfield, visitors can step aboard a retired KLM Fokker 100 or grab a bite at the cafe.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Texas

You probably won’t get bored watching the hundreds of planes that take off and land everyday at America’s second-busiest airport, and luckily there’s a comfortable place to do so: Founders’ Plaza. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., this grassy park on the north side of the airport is located close to Runway 18L/36R. It offers panoramic views, picnic tables, telescopes, and speakers that broadcast live air traffic control communications. 

Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) – Japan

Both of Tokyo’s major airports, Haneda and Narita, offer sublime planespotting. Haneda Airport, though, is located closer to central Tokyo and offers three free open-air observation decks. There’s one on top of each of the airport terminals, including one that’s open 24 hours a day, and you don’t need a ticket to enter them. Each has great views of the ramp areas and Haneda’s four runways, where you can watch planes take off to destinations all across the globe.