Since the horrific events of September 11, 2001 in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., the aviation industry has changed quite a bit. Security is at an all-time high in our nation's airports and behavior that was once disregarded has attracted scrutiny from law enforcements officials and others. Here are the Top 3 and Worst 3 airports for spotting!
The best....
1. Portland International Airport (PDX)
Spotting has become much more difficult as a result of increased security measures. In the past, one could simply enter an airport, pass through security and roam uninhibited through many airports taking great photographs without any bother. Now, only passengers are allowed through to the concourses and many spectator decks, such as the outstanding one at Cleveland's Hopkins International Airport at Concourse B, was closed at last visit due to security concerns.
Some airports are more "spotter-friendly" than others. For instance, a recent trip to Portland International Airport (PDX) was a pleasant surprise. The short-term parking garage, Level 7, provides a great place for photography. On the north, great views of the runway and the United Airlines operation gives ample opportunity to capture UAL's 757s, Airbus 319s and 320s. United Express also operates many feeder EMB-120s to locations such as Eugene, Medford, Redmond and Seattle/Tacoma. Air Canada Jazz also operates a DHC-8-300 which parks in the area. America West has 737s and 319s which also land to the north.
At the south end of the garage, a view of Horizon Airlines impressive operation at PDX can be seen. Horizon has many exciting new aircraft such as DHC-8-400s, CRJ700s and a multitude of older DHC-8-200s. Alaska Airlines also operates many 737s and MD-83 aircraft.
A pleasant surprise was learning Lufthansa started service to and from Frankfurt with an Airbus 340. That was an afternoon favorite for me, as well as other spotters on a beautiful sun-splashed afternoon.
Another great area is along NE Marine Dr., which skirts the Columbia River. From 205, exit at Airport Way and head east to NE 122 Drive. Turn left and then make another left on Marine Dr. Go under the 205 bridge and find a turnout which is designated for parking. There are many good views of the northern runways and with zoom on a camera, many good shots can be had through the chain-link fence.
2. Miami International Airport (MIA)
Perhaps no other airport in the nation has a more diversified airline and cargo selection than Miami International Airport (MIA). From European airlines, South American carriers and companies from the United States and Canada, MIA is sure to please all spotters just the same. Alaska Airlines has recently started flights to MIA.
The airport is a major hub for American Airlines and a favorite for European spotters in need of their silvery birds. Among the European carriers, Air France, Alitalia, British Airways, Iberia, KLM/Royal Dutch, LTU International, Lufthansa, Martinair, Swiss International and Virgin Atlantic all fly widebody aircraft from across the pond. Iberia also offers feeder A319s to Central America for their daily 747 flight to Madrid.
Among the interesting and beautiful aircraft from the Caribbean and South America, ACES Colombia, Aero Continente, Aeromexico, Air Jamaica, Avianca, BWIA International, Grupo TACA, LAN Chile and Varig all have various aircraft ranging from Boeing 737s to 767s and MD-11s.
A great place to spot is either along the Perimeter Rd. to the south, off of SR 836 or near the cargo areas at the NW area of the field. At the end of Runway 9L and 12 is a great place to take photos. Two active runways provide non-stop action, with the planes seemingly close enough to touch. All of the European carriers send off their big birds late in the afternoon, although pesky summer storms can play havoc with lighting, as well as either prematurely sending you on your way or giving an unwanted shower.
3. Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL)
Fort Lauderdale is quite an up-and-coming airport. Miami is basically tapped out and Fort Lauderdale continues its aggressive expansion plans. ACES Colombia, Air Canada, Air Jamaica, Air Transat and other International Charters have service Internationally. South Africa Airways has also served the airport with 747-400 aircraft, although it was three days a week and arrived at 5:30am from South Africa with an hour stop before departing to Atlanta. Talks are underway for this service to resume after ending due to 9/11.
Frontier, jetBlue and Midwest are a few carriers which do not serve Miami, but are unique to Fort Lauderdale. jetBlue is fairly common. AmericaWest also has service into the airport and used to operate service with their unique 757s displaying various paint schemes.
There is a great viewing area to the west of the airport, directly across from the cargo operations. The best way to get there is to follow Griffin Rd off of 95, drive east. Follow directions to Park-n-save. Instead of turning left at the sign near the control tower, head straight and then make your first left. You follow the road around a bend with a humane shelter on the right. Turn right at the first road. A loudspeaker is connected to the control tower to listen to pilots conversing with ATC.
Other spotter friendly airports -- Cleveland (CLE), Detroit/Metro (DTW) and Detroit/Willow Run (YIP).
Definitely take extra time while making your connection -- Atlanta (ATL), Chicago/Midway (MDW), Cincinnati (CVG) and Salt Lake City (SLC).
...and the Worst!
1. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Perhaps the most difficult airport to spot at in my travels has been Pittsburgh International Airport. The elevation at the airport makes it virtually impossible to see any of the airfield from perimeter roads and highways alike.
This fact, coupled with the fact the place is dominated by US Airways, makes it an airport to skip, even if in the area. Runways are built above the ground on hills, making it impossible to park and view aircraft. There are a few perimeter roads, but again, since 9/11, they have been deemed off-limits to the general public and the police presence is very high.
2. Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Elevation also makes it difficult to sit and spot aircraft at this facility. If you fly into the airport, there are many great areas to view through the glass inside the terminal, but unfortunately many of the obscure companies offer flights at night. The weather is also a factor at SEA, with rain-dotted windows making for poor photographs. Aeroflot, Asiana, British Airways, EVA Air and Scandanavian all offer impressive aircraft into the SEA airport if you are lucky enough to get a clear day.
There is also a nice place right under the approach for underneath shots and side shots which get this a much better nod than PIT.
3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Unfortunately for spotters, all of the runways are across highways or very far from roadside vantage points. Orlando International (MCO) is certainly not a spotter-friendly airport, although along the northern road, under the approach, a place did exist to capture outstanding shots from underneath mammoth birds until security concerns again wiped this treat away.
If the Perimeter Road area is still closed due to our elevated securtity status, then Orlando is not worth visiting. Energetic spotters who try the parking garage will be sorely disappointed with the vantage points from this area. The parking garage does not offer many views of the aprons or runways, making Orlando one of the more disappointing stops.
Other difficult spotting locations -- Akron/Canton (CAK), Columbia, SC (CAE), Greenville/Spartanburg (GSP), Savannah (SAV) and West Palm Beach (PBI).
Try and get a quick connection - these are not spotter friendly, even within the airport -- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Houston/Bush (IAH) and New Orleans (MSY).
� 1999, 2003
Daniel E. Dobish
Questions, comments or concerns, please forward to Dan at the following e-mail address:
