Best US Airports for Planespotting

For aviation enthusiasts who can distinguish between a GE90 and a Trent XWB by ear, here’s a list of the top US airports for planespotting.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is one of the most active airports in North America for international long-haul traffic. Its role as a gateway to the Pacific and Latin America ensures a high frequency of widebody operations, including Emirates A380s, Qatar Airways 777-300ERs, Lufthansa A350s, and ANA 787-9s. The Tom Bradley International Terminal serves as the primary base for global carriers, with peak movement times during afternoon and evening departure banks.

LAX is the holy grail for many US planespotters. Its southern runways (25L/25R) are right by In-N-Out Burger, making it not only iconic but also incredibly accessible. – Find the best flights to Los Angeles.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

O’Hare offers an exceptional range of aircraft and airline activity. United Airlines and American Airlines operate major hubs here, with frequent appearances of the 787-10, A321neo, and 737 MAX variants. The international terminals receive a mix of long-haul services from European and Asian carriers, such as Turkish Airlines, ANA, and Swiss, operating aircraft including the 777-300ER and A350-900.

Planespotters benefit from multiple vantage points around the airport perimeter. The northeast area, including locations near Mount Prospect Road and the cemetery by Runway 10C/28C, provides strong visibility of arrivals and departures. – Find the best flights to Chicago.

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Miami is a central hub for flights between North and South America and remains unmatched in its concentration of Latin American traffic. Regular services include LATAM 787-9s, Avianca A320neos, and Copa 737 MAX 9s. American Airlines maintains a major base, with a mixture of 737-800s, A321s, and 787-8s operating domestic and international routes.

Cargo activity is also substantial, with carriers such as DHL, Atlas Air, and FedEx operating 767-300Fs, 777Fs, and occasional 747-400Fs. The viewing area along NW 57th Avenue and locations near the cargo facilities provide strong opportunities for observing both passenger and freighter traffic. – Find the best flights to Miami.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

As the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, ATL maintains one of the highest aircraft movement rates globally. The Delta fleet spans a wide range, including the A321neo, A220, 737-900ER, 767-300ER, A330-900neo, and A350-900. While most operations are domestic, the airport also supports international services to Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

For spotters, the Renaissance Concourse Hotel is widely considered one of the best locations in the country, offering direct views of Runways 8L/26R and 9R/27L from guest room balconies. – Find the best flights to Atlanta.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK continues to serve as New York’s primary international hub. British Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates operate widebody aircraft including the A350-1000, 787-10, and 777-300ER. JetBlue’s transatlantic operations with the A321LR and A321XLR also contribute to a modern fleet mix. Afternoon and evening waves are particularly dense with transatlantic departures.

Preferred spotting locations include Bayfront Park for Runway 4L/22R movements and the TWA Hotel rooftop for elevated panoramic views of aircraft taxiing and rotating. – Find the best flights to New York.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Charlotte is a primary hub for American Airlines, offering a high frequency of domestic and near-international operations. The fleet consists primarily of A319s, A321s, and 737-800s, alongside Embraer 175s on regional routes. While widebody operations are limited, American occasionally operates 787-8s and 777-200ERs on select routes.

CLT is notable for its dedicated public aircraft observation area, located off Old Dowd Road, which provides a direct view of Runway 18C/36C. This makes it one of the few major airports in the US with a purpose-built public spotting area. – Find the best flights to Charlotte.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Best U.S. Airports for Planespotting — Photo by ***Spotter Guide***

Houston’s IAH offers a mix of domestic and international services, with United Airlines operating a major hub. Aircraft frequently seen include United’s 787-9s, 777-200ERs, and 737 MAX 9s. International operators such as Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, and Air New Zealand utilize widebody aircraft including the A350 and 777 families.

Popular spotting areas include locations along Rankin Road, where arrivals on Runway 15L/33R can be observed with minimal obstruction. – Find the best flights to Houston.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando is a growing international gateway with a mix of low-cost and full-service carriers. International long-haul flights include British Airways A350s, Aer Lingus A330s, and Emirates 777-300ERs. Domestic operations are led by Frontier, Spirit, and Southwest, all operating A320neo family and 737 MAX aircraft.

Viewing areas are available from terminal garages, while the Hyatt Regency located inside the terminal offers airside views for guests. Find the best flights to Orlando.

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Las Vegas offers high-density operations across both commercial and private aviation. Southwest is the dominant carrier, operating 737-800s and MAX 8s. International service includes British Airways with the 787-10 and Korean Air with the 777-300ER. The airport also sees a steady volume of private and military traffic, particularly during major conventions and Red Flag military exercises.

The Sunset Road area remains the most popular public spotting location, with direct views of Runway 26R and surrounding taxiways. Find the best flights to Las Vegas.

Each of these airports provides a unique and technically engaging environment for planespotting.

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Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’