These are the best places for plane spotting
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information.
Whether you’re somebody who has flown just a few times or you’re a serious AvGeek, there’s a certain magic in watching planes take off and land. Even though flying has become commonplace in the century since the Wright Brothers went to Kitty Hawk, we still marvel at 100 tons of aluminum roaring above us. It still seems so improbable — even if we can get our heads around the laws of physics that make it possible.
Fortunately, many airports around the world make it easy and enjoyable to watch planes come and go. In other places, top plane-watching spots result not from facility planning but rather from geography. Almost every airport now has a location or two favored by plane-spotters, and many websites and online discussion groups help fans discover the best places.
Here’s our favorite places around the world to observe these modern marvels as they depart and land.
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Dulles International Airport parking garages
Dulles International Airport, outside Washington, D.C., has a reputation for embracing planespotters. The best place to watch the airport's heavy metal take off and land is the Daily Garages 1 and 2. If you're worried about the police wondering about what you're up to, you can call Dulles airport operations at (703) 572-2730 before arriving at the airport. Other locations in the area include the Sully Place Shopping Center, the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott at Dulles Airport.
The 'secret' observation deck at MSP
In addition to being one of the best shopping airports in the world, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is also one of the best plane spotting locations in the U.S. The airport has a dedicated outdoor viewing area with picnic tables near the airfield, accessible by car by going through a series of tunnels.
But many passengers transiting through the airport don’t realize they can also snag an interesting vantage point via a “secret” enclosed observation deck, located off Concourse D on the departures level. It’s a little tricky to find, and it requires going up some stairs (no elevator), but this area offers windows on all four sides, chairs, some tranquility — and of course, spectacular views of the runways.
The Visitors Park at Munich Airport
Although Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Lufthansa’s main hub and has an excellent rooftop, open-air deck from which to watch planes, Munich Airport (MUC) is also a strong contender because of its Visitors Park (Besucherpark). The park, which has its own stop on the S-Bahn rail line, has interactive aircraft displays, a mini-golf course and even a playground. Nearby Visitors Hill gives plane spotters an even better view.
Bayfront Park in San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a great place to spy on all different aircraft — domestic and international — that's only enhanced by its scenic location on the San Francisco Bay. At the southernmost edge of the airport sits Bayfront Park, a public space maintained by the City of Millbrae.
Its location is especially convenient as it is just a short walk along the bay from several popular airport hotels. If you’re just passing through SFO, you should know that in 2019, the airport opened an outdoor observation deck on Terminal 2 (after security) that includes tables, chairs, chaise lounges and bronze sculptures.
The In-N-Out Burger by LAX
An airplane flying over the In-N-Out Burger near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). (Photo by David Slotnick/The Points Guy)
What’s better than watching planes at the second-busiest airport in the U.S.? How about watching them while demolishing a Double-Double from In-N-Out Burger? The In-N-Out near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at West 92nd Street and Sepulveda Boulevard allows its guests to watch aircraft take off and land from its patio. There’s also a small park across the street. Parking is tight.
Maho Beach in St. Maarten
This is perhaps the granddaddy of all plane-watching places because it has it all: up-close views of landings, a nice beach and laid-back bars, especially the Sunset Bar and Grill. Although Hurricane Irma slammed St. Maarten in 2017 — destroying nearby businesses and washing away some of the beach — the Maho Beach area has rebuilt and is back open to tourists hoping to sip a drink on the beach as huge planes pass just a few hundred feet above them.
Often referred to as “Airplane Beach,” Maho lies directly under the western approach to St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and is just steps away from the furthest edge of the runway. Bars on each side of the beach list scheduled landings. Some adventurous tourists even get close enough to the airport’s fence as planes depart to risk being blown backward, despite signs warning of the danger.
Phuket international beaches
Most points and miles travelers consider Phuket, Thailand, to be an ideal vacation destination throughout the year. It's a spot where beachfront resorts line crystal blue waters with white sand — 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.
Founders’ Plaza at DFW
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the country’s busiest airports, and locals and travelers alike have a chance to catch some of the action at an observation area known as Founders’ Plaza. It offers a few tables, telescopes, historic information and even a radio that broadcasts air traffic control communications from the tower. The biggest planes tend to take off in the afternoon, including those to Europe that typically depart in the late afternoon. It’s also a family-friendly place to have a picnic.
Gravelly Point at DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is surrounded by the Potomac River on one side and development on the others. But its location so close to many of Washington, D.C.'s famous monuments is what makes it an especially scenic place to watch planes. The best spot is from Gravelly Point in Arlington, Virginia, which is part of the National Park Service’s George Washington Memorial Parkway, a pleasant spot popular with walkers and bike riders. If you’re in town, you can see planes passing low overhead and combine the experience with a walk or bike ride along the scenic Potomac with views of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and other sites.
The Panorama Terrace in Amsterdam
There are lots of great spots to watch planes by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), which has made it easy for people to watch takeoffs and landings. But the best spot might be the Panorama Terrace, a large observation deck outside security with views of the gates, the runways and the Dutch countryside. It’s a huge space with tables, benches, binocular rentals and even a seasonally open restaurant that serves Heineken. The Panorama Terrace will be closed in bad weather conditions such as fog, ice and storms, so plan accordingly.
TWA Hotel’s rooftop pool at JFK
Some of the sites on this list boast beaches, but no other site allows you to watch the comings and goings of planes while sipping a cocktail in an infinity pool. The TWA Hotel opened in May 2019 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and it includes a pool and 10,000-square-foot observation deck that affords views of JFK’s Bay Runway, the second-longest in North America.
There’s a pool bar and also a full bar in the observation deck, plus a full-service kitchen. If you plan to go in the winter, the pool will be heated to 100 degrees — to what the hotel’s owners call a “pool-Cuzzi.” The area is free for hotel guests; non-guests can make reservations for the pool bar online.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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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
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- 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.
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. |
Intro Offer
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
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
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.