7 Best Places Around the World for Plane Spotting
There's a certain kind of romance that goes along with flying — many of us share a love not only for the sensation of being airborne, but for the glorious aircraft that take us across the country and around the world. Whether it's the ultra-modern Airbus A350 or the Boeing 747, the original Queen of the Skies, AvGeeks (like me) feel the planes that carry us are arguably just as important as the locations we're visiting. From the beaches of St. Maarten to an In-N-Out Burger on the outskirts of Los Angeles, here's our list of the best places to admire the grace of these modern marvels as they depart and land at different airports around the world.
1. The "Secret" Observation Deck at MSP
When travelers think of Minneapolis–St. Paul, the first things that come to mind are professional sports and the Mall of America. But what many people don’t know is that in addition to being one of the best shopping airports in the world, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is also one of the the best-plane spotting locations in the US. In addition to opening its own aircraft viewing area complete with picnic tables and views of all four runways, passengers transiting through the airport can also snag an interesting vantage point via the “secret” enclosed observation deck, located off Concourse D on the departures level. For those who are lucky enough to find it, this area looks directly at one of the runways as well as other air traffic departing from all four terminals.
2. Just Outside London's Heathrow Airport
Those hoping to spot the world’s biggest commercial aircraft should hop across the pond to the busiest airport in the United Kingdom, London's Heathrow Airport (LHR). According to airline stats site Anna.Aero, LHR ranked second in the world for the most departures of the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 747, proving LHR to be a major crossroads for jumbo-sized aircraft. The best views of can be seen from LHR's surrounding hotels, as well as from several pubs in the nearby villages. Of course, jumbo jets aren't the only aviation-related activity to see at LHR — the British Airways Speedbird Heritage Centre lies just outside the airport, offering aviation enthusiasts a closer look at British Airways' historic collection of vintage photographs, postcards and posters from the golden age of flying.
3. The Visitors Park at Munich Airport (MUC)
Although Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Lufthansa's main hub, Munich Airport (MUC) is also an important southern gateway for the German flag carrier — more than 42 million passengers transited through the airport in 2016 alone. What makes this location special is the carrier's dedication to involving the public with its operations, with special features like airport tours as well as a nearby plane spotting area called The Visitors Park, complete with historic aircraft displays, a mini-golf course and a playground for the kids.
4. Bayfront Park in San Francisco
With convenient public transportation and multiple airlines offering nonstop flights around the world, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) may be one of the most convenient airports to pass through. It's also a great place to spy on all the different aircraft. At the southernmost corner of the airport sits Bayfront Park, a public space maintained by the City of Millbrae. Its location is especially convenient — just a short walk along the bay from several popular airport hotels, including the Westin San Francisco Airport, the San Francisco Airport Waterfront Marriott and the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport.
5. The In-N-Out Burger by LAX
While In-N-Out Burger is synonymous with California, the popular chain holds special meaning for AvGeeks as well — not only can travelers order the Double-Double “Animal Style” or a number of other items from the secret menu, but one location near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) allows its guests to watch aircraft take off and land from its patio. The franchise on the corner of Sepulveda Boulevard and West 92nd Street sits almost directly underneath both northern runways at LAX, making it the perfect place to see a mix of smaller regional aircraft and wide-body aircraft take off and land. Getting there may prove to be a little tricky, though. Since the burger stand sits next to The Parking Spot's garage, the shuttle will only take passengers who park at their facility — according to aviation enthusiast chatter on FlyerTalk, options to get there include walking from Terminal A or taking LAX Shuttle C to Long Term Parking Lot C.
6. Maho Beach in St. Maarten
Perhaps the most famous place to take in views of flights departing and landing doesn’t lie in New York, Tokyo or any other major city. Those who want the true aircraft landing experience need to book a trip to the Caribbean. Often referred to as “Airplane Beach,” Maho Beach lies directly under the western approach to St. Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and steps away from the furthest edge of the runway. From this spot, the aviation obsessed can get as close as possible to a flying aircraft without being a passenger. With major international carriers skimming by at hundreds of feet overhead, it’s no wonder this strand of sand has become a major AvGeek bucket list destination.
7. The Other Famous Plane Spotting Beach
Most points and miles travelers consider Phuket, Thailand, to be an ideal vacation destination throughout the year, where beachfront resorts line crystal blue waters with white sands — and aviation lovers can watch the planes come in and out of Phuket International Airport (HKT). Both Nai Yang Beach and Mai Khao Beach sit on the western side of the airport directly in line with its only runway so you'll be able to easily spot a variety of liveries from airlines all across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Let the waves carry your worries away as you watch aircraft take off and land all day long in paradise.
Where are your favorite places to go plane spotting? Tell us about them, below.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.