Spotting Abroad by Paul Moiser

Hello everyone and welcome to my spotting abroad blog. My name is Paul Moiser and I'm 32 and have been spotting now for just under 18 of those years.

Over the past 15 years I've been fortunate to have travelled all over the world, so I decided to create this spotting abroad blog to help others out when planning their own trips abroad.

Click on the links below to see my photos taken from all over world.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldwide-spotter-pm/

http://worldwidespotter-pm.phanfare.com/

Also visit the following excellent site for additional spotting abroad info including some of my own reports.

http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/default.htm

Pictured below is the view from the roof top swimming pool at the Sheraton Deira Hotel. Dubai.

I hope you find the below blog useful when it comes to planning your future trips abroad.

Any questions drop me an email - paul.moiser@btinternet.com

Fort Lauderdale

Hotel

Hilton - Prices range between £60-£90 per night, room only.

Room 720 overlooks one of the GA ramps, also visible in the distance are some parking gates on T1 and on T2.

There is also a dedicated viewing area called the Hibiscus car parking area, which is connected via a walk-way from Terminal 1. This is a dedicated viewing area, meaning you can spot all day and photograph away etc without hassle.

Here's the excellent views available.

Hawaii Honolulu

Hotel

Best Western The Plaza Hotel - Prices range between £75-£89 per night room only.

Movements landing and departing on the runway directly in front of the hotel can easily be read off. Movements taxiing onto the terminal can also be read off as they vacate the runway. The biz apron is also directly in front of the hotel as is the cargo terminal, again no problems reading the majority of these off with a good pole. The far runway is called the Reef Runway and can also be seen but an SBS is required to monitor these movements

Below are the views available from room 1216.

You can also monitor movements from the multi storey car park area located above the domestic Inter Island and Hawaiian terminal.

Here's the views available,

Las Vegas

Hotel

Luxor. http://www.luxor.com/ - Prices range between £75-£95 weekdays and between £110-£130+ weekends.

The Luxor hotel is ideally loacted on the '' Strip '' and has rooms overlooking the GA Apron, one of the runways and the International Terminal. You ideally need to be booked in to the Strip side of the Pyramid section to have the best views.  Here is the view from room 13146. Those landing on the runway in front were easy to read off, as were some of the movements taxiing on to the International Terminal.

Spotting from the Terminals

One of the best places to get a good view of the airport is from the Multi storey Tropicana car park 6 above T2. From the car park you can monitor both sides of the airport. Here is the view looking out across the strip and GA Apron. Note;- The Luxor Hotel in the picture.

And here is the view from the other side of the car park looking out across to the Southwest gates and the other runways.

Los Angeles

Hotel

Super 8 Motel -  http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=07709&brandInfo=SE - Prices range between £55-£75 per night, per room and includes free breakfast and free internet.

The Super 8 Motel is located only a 5 minute drive from the terminals and is located right at the end of the runway on Airport Blvd and is excellent value for money. The hotel also has a small pool area where some decent photos can be taken on short finals. Note:- Only the approach to one of the runways is visible from this Motel. Reading off the arrivals at night was also possible. Here is the view from the pool.

One of the most famous spotting landmarks the Theme Building is open at weekends between and some excellent photos can be taken from here as well as from the Encounter Restaurant located on the level below the viewing area. Here's the views available.

Below is the iconic Theme Building

And here are the views available from the Encounter Restaurant inside the Theme Building

Places to eat around the hotel

Located across the road is Burger King, and Denny's Diner is only a five minute taxi ride.

Another excellent viewing area located just five minutes ride from the Super Motel 8 is the Proud Bird.

http://www.theproudbird.com/proudbird/default.aspx

The Proud Bird is located at end of the runway and is an excellent area to photograph aircraft on short finals,

Here's the view available

Miami

Hotel

Hilton Miami - Blue Lagoon Drive - Prices rang between $179-£200 per night room only.

Views from the Hilton hotel on Blue Lagoon drive are fantastic. You need to book a balcony suite, all rooms ending *20 all offer views facing the airport, and all have a private balcony. Any room number from 420-1120 will give brilliant views of the airport. All movements landing and departing on the runway directly in front of the hotel and aircraft taxiing from the terminals can all be read off. Movements landing and departing on the far runway can easily be seen, but an SBS is required to tie these up when heat haze prevents you from reading these off.

The following photos was taken from suite 1020.

Here's the views of aircraft landing past the hotel

And when they change runways they depart past the balcony

Reading off at night time isn't a problem either, as you can see below

Orlando International MCO

Hotel

Hyatt Regency :- http://orlandoairport.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp Prices range between £90-£120+ per night, per room.

There isn't many airports in America offering views of the runway from the comfort of the balcony,  However the Hyatt Regency is one of them. From room 8141 you have excellent views looking over the Delta and AirTran gates. One of the runways is also directly in front of you. Here is the view taken from the balcony.

Directly below the room is the pool area. From the pool you have the same views as from your room balcony, however you can also see the other side of the airport and runways. There are shaded areas with sunloungers and a plug socket which is handy for your Laptop/SBS. Here is the view taken from the pool area.

Places to eat around the hotel

Apart from the hotels own restaurants, you can walk in to the terminal via the hotels walk way to find the usual fast food outlets and shops.

Spotting from the Terminal

Once airside you can walk the gate areas. As with all airports these days in America, caution and discretion is needed when using your scope/bins in the terminal areas. It's always a good idea to mention to the airport police what you intend on doing. They are usualy ok with you collecting '' Tail Numbers '' . Photography though is a different matter, if seen you will be stopped.

Philadelphia

Hotel  - http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phlar-philadelphia-airport-marriott/ - Prices range between £75-£100 per night, per room.

During my visit to Philadelphia I stayed at the Marriott Hotel which is connected to Terminal B via a Skybridge. On arrival I asked for a high floor overlooking the airport. From the room all arrivals and departures could be read off. The Cargo and GA ramp were also visible. At night time you can expect to read aircraft taxiing on to the Terminals. Here is the view from room 1113.

Spotting from the Terminals

Only once airside can aircraft be seen and read off.

Sydney

Hotel

Ibis http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-3058-ibis-sydney-airport/index.shtml - Prices range between £65-£85 per room, per night.

The hotel is located only a 10 minute walk from the Domestic Terminals. No such views of the airport can be seen from the hotel, however the approach can be seen to one of the runways. And departures can also be seen. The hotel offers Internet access and has a restaurant area also.

Places to eat around the hotel

Located a 10 minute walk from the hotel is the town of Botany. Down here are some good bars, shops and places to eat. All very reasonably priced.

Spotting from the Terminals

Spotting at Sydney is very easy. Unlike America these days you can still go through airside in the Domestic Terminals and spot from there. Inside the Virgin Australia Terminal once you've gone through security you can walk the gates, and located at the far end of the terminal are large windows giving views across the field. You can also get similar views from inside the Qantas Domestic terminals.

The best place to spot from is from the viewing deck which is located above the International terminal. From here you can view the whole airport and get some really good photos.

Here is an example shot taken from the Viewing Deck.

Brisbane

Hotel

No hotels located on or nearby the airport offering views.

Spotting from the Terminal

Like all airports in Australia spotting inside the terminals isn't a problem. During a transit stop I spotted from the Virgin Blue Domestic Terminal on the upper level. Here is the view.

Toronto

Hotel

Sheraton Gateway - Prices range between £70-£120 per night.

I stayed in the Sheraton Gateway hotel which is connected to Terminal 3 via a
walk-way. Before departure I had secured a room via their own website for $123
Canadian Dollars (approx £79) When making the booking I requested a high floor
facing the airport and was given just that. On arrival I was given room 736.

Here is the view I was greeted with when I opended the curtains.

St Maarten

The most famous place in the world for getting '' up close '' to the aircraft from down on the '' Beach ''

St Maarten located in the Dutch part of the Caribbean and only just over two hours flying time from the States. Movements are mainly dominated by local airlines such as LIAT. Traffic from the USA starts from 10am through till 4pm. The main attraction for the locals is the daily arrival of an Air France A340 from Paris CDG. Each afternoon at around 2.30pm the end of Maho Beach gets crowed by locals and tourists to see the A340 arrive low over the beach.

Hotel - Sonnesta Maho Beach. Resort & Casino. http://www.sonesta.com/mahobeach/ - Prices on an All Inclusive room basis in a Sea View/Runway View room range between £110-£140 per night. per room.

Here is the view from room 501. Taken from the balcony.

You can also spot from the pool areas around the hotel. All offer views of the approach over Maho Beach and those lining up for departure. Here is the view taken from the main pool area.

The best views are found on Maho Beach. The hotel is built on to this beach and you can walk to the end of the runway along the beach within 5 minutes. Here is the view.

On Maho Beach is the famous Sunset Beach Bar http://www.sunsetbeachbar.com/, Some excellent photos of aircraft lining up for departure can be taken from this point as well as those famous shots of those arriving LOW over the beach. Here is the view taken from the Sunset Beach Bar.

Places to eat and shop around the hotel.

Although your board basis is All Inclusive, The town of Maho is only a 5 minute walk outside the hotel. This is a good area to get buy cheap souvenirs. There are some good bars to be found also.

Spotting from the Terminals.

St Maarten is a small airport and therefore the terminal isn't very big, However once airside you have full view of the airport including the GA Apron.

Beijing

Hotel

Sino Swiss Hotel http://www.sino-swisshotel.com/index1.htm - Prices range from £75-95 per night per room.

From room 942 all arrivals to runway 36L pass the bedroom window. Here is a shot taken from the room to give you an idea of the view.

Movements landing on the middle runway 19, can be seen on approach from the room, but dissapear from view meaning a trip to the fire escape just outside the room to read them off, Movements landing on the far runway being 36R, again can be seen from the room but only just, as these are further over and can only be seen for a few seconds before they disappear from view. The only movements that are possible to read off other than the 36L approach past the window is on the middle runway from the fire escape with a good scope and if its a clear day. From here you can also monitor the far runway alot easier (being 36R, again if its clear)  No arrivals can be read off though on approach to this runway. This is where an SBS is a must, The 36L approach is used quite often, however so is the other runways, Air China and other Star Alliance parteners and most of the International traffic tend to mainly use the far runway 36R, The middle runway 19, and 36L tends to be shared out between the other carriers.

Places to eat and shop around the hotel

Across the road from the Sino Swiss hotel is a supermarket where you can stock up on cheap soft drinks and snacks to take back to your room.

Spotting from the Terminal

No problems encountered while spotting airside in the Domestic Terminal. All gate areas offer excellent views looking across to the International gates and some good photos can be taken of those taxiing out and in to the Domestic Terminals also. Here's a photo taken from the Domestic departure lounge.

Hong Kong

Ideally you need to ask for any rooms on the 8th or 9th floor facing the airport. I've stayed in both 8058 and 9066 and both rooms offered excellent views across one side of the terminal. And offered a full view of one of the runways. All landers or departures from this runway can be read off from the room. The other runway is also very active. The majority of the Freighters use this runway. To see what's parked on the Freight apron or what's parked on the other side of the terminal which is out of view from the room, take the life up to the 11th floor and you can get a good view. Some of the cargo can also be read off with a good scope/bins. An SBS/AirNav will be required to tie-up any movements using the runway out of view from the room. All departures from this runway however can be seen from the room on climb out above the terminal.

Hotel

Regal Hotel. http://www.regalhotel.com/Regal-Airport-Hotel/Main/Hotel-Home/Hotel-Home.aspx - Prices range between £150-£200+ per night, per room.

Here is the view taken from room 9066.

You can also spot from the new skydeck. Which is located above Terminal 2, Its a 10 minute walk from the hotel through Terminal 1 and in to Terminal 2, Once inside T2 get the elevator to the departures level and look for the Aviation Discovery Centre, Once here you have to buy a ticket, You can buy a single entry which costs 27HKD, ( £2.50 ) or you can buy a Day Pass which costs 40HKD ( £4 ), Note... there are no toilet facilities or anywhere you can buy drinks, It is also sign posted before you enter the Skydeck no drink allowed etc. Here is the view taken from the Skydeck.

 Some excellent landing photos can be taken from the Skydeck. As seen below.

From the Skydeck you can also monitor the other runway which runs along side the Cargo Terminal. Here is the view to the approach to that runway.

Places to eat around the hotel

The hotel is built on to the Terminal via a walk way. Once inside the terminal there are places to eat and shop.

Macau

Getting to Macau from Hong Kong is very easy and quite cheap. Take the Turojet Ferry from the Hong Kong Ferry Terminal. Services over to Macau are well sign posted in English. The journey takes just over an hour and services run every 15 minutes. See this site for more info . http://www.turbojet.com.hk/eng/schedule/airport.html Once you arrive at Macau's Ferry Terminal. Outside catch the (AP1 bus) which takes you to the Terminal.

Spotting from the Terminal

On the upper level of the terminal is a small food court area which has limited views of those parked on the gates facing the terminal. You can also see some aircraft taxiing. The best views can be found outside the terminal. At each of the terminal building is an approach road. The best views can be found as you walk out of the terminal and turn left. keep walking until you come to the end of the terminal building and you will see aircraft parked up on stands which are out of view from the cafe. I spent nealy 2 hours here and wasn't bothered once while reading off or taking photos.You can monitor all arrivals and departures from either side of the terminal on the approach road. Here is the view available.

Shanghai Hongqiao

SHA is quite a steady airport with a very good variety of Chinese domestic carriers operating. The only International flights was from a JAL B772 and an Asiana A321. These were daily. Shanghai Airlines & China Eastern are the main carrier that operates here.

Hotel

Hong Gang Hotel. http://tours.china.org.cn/H7572-HONG-GANG-HOTEL-Shanghai - Prices range between £35-55 per night per room.

Below is the view from room 814.

Aircraft park directly below your bedroom window and taxi out infront of you, even reading off when it went dark wasn't a problem as the apron well lit up. The windows in the room open very wide too allowing good photos of the ramp etc. as you can see from the above picture. And here is photo taken at night time from the room to give you a better idea.

Places to eat around the hotel

Directly outside the hotel is the airport terminal. Inside you will find a McDonald's and other fast food outlets. There is also a supermarket next to hotel selling cheap cans and snacks.

Shanghai Pudong International.

To reach Pudong from Hongqiao you can catch a coach outside door 4 of the domestic arrivals hall facing McDonalds, the buses run every half hour. Pudong is a much visit if your coming to Shanghai. Alot of the Shanghai Airlines and China Eastern fleet are based over at Hongqiao. Both SHA and PVG have dedicated fleets based at both airports meaning you will need to spend at least two nights at each airport to maximise your fleeting.

Hotel

Ease Motel http://www.hoteltravelshanghai.com/shanghaihotelinfo2702.php - Prices range between £75-£100 per night per room.

Here is the view from the room 8801.

Movements arriving can be read off from the room once they vacate the runway Those taxiing over to T1 taxi right infront of you on the cross taxiway, which seemed to be the main taxiiway in use. Aircraft parked on T2 also used the cross taxiiway to taxi out for departure meaning all movements can be seen and read off during the day. At night time SBS is essential however those parked on the gates can still be read off. As shown in the picture below.

Places to eat around the hotel

Other than the restaurants inside the hotel, The Ease Hotel is built on to the airport via a walk way. Inside the terminal you will find the usual fast food outlets etc.

Spotting from the Terminals.

Spotting was ok once airside by walking the gate areas.

Sharm-El-Sheikh

SSH isn't the busiest of airports but is well worth a visit. Arrivals don't usualy start until 9.30am onwards with only a very small amout of movements before that. Afternoons from 2pm - 6pm is when Sharm is at its busiest. The main movements are from Egypt Air Express who operate there EMB-170s. There is also a daily B738. Air Cairo operate daily with A320s as do Koral Blue with there Airbuses. There are good daily amouts of services from the Ukraine also by carriers such as Orenair, Transaero, Dniproavia and Ukraine International. SSH is well worth a visit for the perfect weather and for the good variety of carriers.

Hotel.

Hilton Sharks Bay Resort. http://www.hiltonworldresorts.com/Resorts/SharksBay/index.html#SharksBay+index+++ The hotel only offers All Inclusive. see your local Travel Agent for prices.

This is the closest hotel to the airport offering views of the airfield and the terminals. The hotel is split in to two sections, Old & New. You need to be in the new section of the hotel to see the airport. I stayed in room 4128. Outside the bedroom door is a balcony which faces the airport. Here is the view from the balcony outside room 4128.

You can also spot from below the room on the ground floor from a security gate which again offers similar views across the field. This point is slightly better as you can see further down the runway giving you extra time to read off and get some good departure shots. Here is the view. Note:- No problems were encountered during my visit in Nov 09.

Places to eat and shop around the hotel

Although your board basis is All Incusive, if you fancy a change from the hotel. There is a small shopping mall area located 5 minutes walk from the Old Section of the hotel. Here you will find a supermarket and plenty of souvenir shops.

Spotting from the Terminal.

Depending on what airline you use will depend on whether you use the old T2 or the recently revamped T1. Sadly the main British Tour Operators still use T2 . Only once airside can views be seen of the apron.

Jakarta Airport Hotel - Prices range between £65-£75 per night room only.

All rooms face one of the runways, and lower numbered rooms are better. Rooms 01-09 will allow you to see airborne aircraft turning right off the other runway, or all arrivals depending on runway in use. Outside most rooms in the corridor directly facing your room door is a window which gives views of the traffic arriving or departing from the other runway. You will need an SBS to monitor this other runway though, just simply open your door and you can sit in your room and monitor both runways.

Here's the view available from room 09.

You can see part of one of the storage areas from room 09.

There are five viewing decks available at Jakarta.

To get to these you can catch the yellow shuttle transfer bus, there are many stops outside the terminal building as you exit outside from the hotel. These are all signposted in blue and say Shuttle transfer.

Once at Terminal 1, get off at the first stop. You will see a flight of steps ahead, with a sign above in blue saying ''waving gallery'' you will also see plenty of locals / staff sleeping on the steps and on the terrace itself. Each terrace is signposted exactly the same, and you can walk between each one in no time at all.

Terrace One. Gives you a view of the cargo ramp, and also a few Lion Air stands can be seen.

Terrace Two and three, are located above the Lion Air gates. Again only Lion Air stands can be seen, as well as a side on view of the runway.

The below photo was taken from terrace 2.

Terrace Four is the largest of the five, and I found this one the most useful. Sriwijaya Air parks here, this is a good area to photograph many of their surviving B732's as they come and go.
Like from gallery number there, you also have a full side on view of one of the runway. You can also see part of the storage area and read off a couple of aircraft parked up.

Here's the views taken from terrace 4.

Terrace Five. Batavia Air uses this area. Also one of the storage / maintenance areas is in full view from this gallery.

Below is a shot taken from terrace 5.

All five terraces need to be visited, as each one provides a different view, but terrace four would be a good one to base yourself at.

All terraces have a shelter, as well as a few benches. And all have a metal mesh from top to bottom, as well as a small barrier between you and the metal mesh fencing. At each terrace I visited I noticed quite a few had climed over the barrier and were stood right up against the mesh so i did the same. The holes in the fence are not large enough to fit your camera lens through, however they are big enough for you to position your camera against them to take a decent photo without getting any part of the mesh in the picture.

Delhi

Spotting from the Terminal

I cannot comment regarding spotting from the International Terminal. However during a transit stop in Nov 2009 I spotted from the Domestic Terminal while awaiting my Air India connection to Mumbai. Once airside aircraft taxi out right in front of you allowing some good photos to be taken. Also viewable from the point was the GA Apron and the storage ramp. I would highly recommend you be very careful when it comes to using your scope and camera in this area, right behind you is the security check point and if seen you will be stopped. Here is the view from the Domestic Terminal.

Mumbai

Hotel.

The Orchid. http://www.orchidhotel.com/ Prices range between £110-135 per night, per room.

From Room 515 part of the Domestic and International Terminals were visible. Also visible is one of the main runways. Reading off from the room was ok when they were landing using the runway facing you. And when aircraft were taxiing out from the domestic terminal. The GA Apron could also be seen from the room. The hotel has a roof top swimming pool / Restaurant area which is where the best views can be found. Caution is required these days when taking photos. However whilst there I wasn't bothered once while reading off using my scope. There are also plug sockets in this area for your laptop/SBS. Below is the view taken from the pool area.

Osaka Kansai

Hotel

Nikko Kansai. http://www.nikkokix.com/11_english/e-index.shtml - Prices range between £145-£175 per night, per room.

I stayed at The Nikko Kansai hotel. This is the only hotel located on the Airport Island itself. From the 8th and 9th floors you can see aircraft on climb out above the Terminal. There is really no need to panic though about having an Airport View here as you have the fantastic Obesrvation Hall to spot from. The desk is open from 10am through till 9pm. (10pm during weekends) Here is the view looking out across to the Terminal from the Obersvation Hall.

Some excellent photos can be taken from the other side of the Observational Hall too which looks out over Kansai Bridge. The only brigde which links the mainland to the airport. Here is the view. The Observational Hall is free to use.

Osaka Itami

To reach Itami from Kansai. There are buses which run every 30 minutes outside the Terminals. The journey takes between 60-80 minutes. The cost of the journey between both airports is approx 1,500JPY ( approx £12 ) one-way. Once at Itami again follow signs for the Obersvation Hall. Like Kansai the viewing area is free of charge. Here is the view.

Tokyo Haneda

Like at Osaka spotting was done from the viewing decks.

Here's the views available from the viewing decks located above T1 (home of JAL etc) at HND

And located over at Terminal 2 which is home to ANA etc is another viewing deck, here are the views,

Tokyo Narita

Hotel

Holiday Inn Tobu Narita - Prices range between £65-85 per night.

The Holiday Inn Tobu hotel offers excellent views. The following photos were taken from room 1265.

And here's the views available from the free viewing decks at NRT.

The gaps are big enough to rest your camera lens on to get some excellent photos.

Auckland

Hotel

Grand Chancellor. http://grand-chancellor-auckland.h-rsv.com/  - Prices range between £45-£75 per night, per room.

The Grand Chancellor hotel is located only a five minute drive from the Domestic Terminals. No views of the airport can be seen from the hotel, although you can see some departures from a distance on a clear day.

Spotting from the Terminals

Spotting at Auckland is easily done. You can either spot from a cafe area which leads on to an open air viewing area located on the upper level of the Domestic Terminal, or from the Viewing Mall located above the International Terminal.

Here is the view taken from the Domesic Terminal.

And here the view taken from the viewing hall above the International Terminal.

Johannesburg International JNB

Hotel

Holiday Inn Garden Court. - http://johannesburg.hotelguide.co.za/Johannesburg_Hotels-travel/johannesburg-hotel-holiday-inn-airport-garden-court.html - Prices range between £70-£100 per night, per room.

The hotel is located 10 minutes drive from the International Terminal. No views from the hotel.

Spotting from the Terminals

There are two Terminals at JNB international. Terminal A (International) and Terminal B (Domestic) In each terminal has a viewing deck. The best one I found was in the International terminal. From here you can see aircraft parked on the cargo terminal and some of the domestic gates. There are two parallel runways at JNB, and both are directly in front of you meaning nothing gets missed. Here is the view taken from the viewing deck in Terminal A international looking aout across the two parallel runways and taxiways.

And here is the view looking out towards your right from the viewing deck which overlooks part of the Domestic gates.

Singapore Changi

Hotel

Crowne Plaza Hotel - http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/sincp/ - Prices range between £120-£150 per night, room only.

The Crowne Plaza hotel is linked via Terminal 3. The best room numbers to ask for loverlooking one of the runways are 702/4/6/8/9/10/11/12 and again the same numbered rooms on the 8th and 9th floors. You can only obtain rooms overlooking one of the runways. To monitor the movements landing or departing on the other runway there are a couple of balconies located on each level and a staircase which give a limited view of the action on the other runway. SBS is essential for tie-ing up these movements. All movements landing or departing on the runway in view from your room can be read off easily. Even at night any movements taxiing in or around T3 can easily be read off. Here are the views available from room 709.

Places to eat in or around the hotel

The hotel offers in-room dining and also has a couple of nice restaurants. The less expensive option is a 5 minute walk into T3 where you'll find a supermarket where you can buy cheap cans etc to take back to your room. There is also a McDonalds located on the same level.

Spotting from the Terminals

The Viewing Hall located above T2.  From this point you can expect to read off anything taxiing. And all aircraft parked on T2. Also visible is the Cargo ramp. Its very easy to find the Viewing area as its well sign posted once inside T2. Look for the Food Court/Viewing Mall signs. Once you reach the food court area. Walk through the restaurant areas and you will see a corridor which leads to the area where you can spot from. Here is the view taken during my last vist during October 2008.

Kuala Lumpur

Movements are dominated by Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia. Mornings from 7am till 11am and from 4pm - 7pm is when KL is at its busiest.

Hotel

Pan Paciifc http://www.panpacific.com/KLairport/Overview.html - Prices range between £90-£110 per night, per room. When booking the hotel its a good idea to pay a little bit more and upgrade to the Pan Pacific floor, Click here to see whats included - http://www.panpacific.com/en/KLairport/Rooms/PacificFloorDeluxeRoom.html  - The Pan Pacific floor only costs approx £20 extra per night and the main benefits are the 9th floor facing the runway and free wirless internet in the room.

The hotel is located on the airfield and can be reached via a walkway from the terminal. You can either walk or use one of the hotels free golf cars. From room 963 you have full view of one the runways and a part view of the Malayisa Airlines gates. This is view taken from the room in 966. Any rooms between 958-968 will offer similar views.

Spotting from the Terminal

The best place to spot is from the viewing gallery located on the upper level of the Domestic Terminal. This point is easily found and it's well sign posted once on the upper level of the terminal. From this area all movements can be monitored. The LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) which is used by Air Asia is located at the far end of the field and is out of view from this point. Meaning all the Air Asia movements will have to be read off when they either land or taxi out for departure. Here is the view taken from the viewing deck.

I decided to visit Doha for the first time to catch the last of my QR fleet not seen. I flew from Dubai on Emirates. Flying time was only 38 minutes there, and 42 minutes on the way back. I caught the 3am flight from DXB-DOH and arrived just before 3am! ( Qatar being 1hr behind the UAE)

On arrival in DOH we were taken by bus to the terminal which produced a mini ramp tour. Once inside the terminal straight in front was Immigration and there were signs for Transfer area, which is where I headed as I had already checked in the night previous in Dubai for both flights and I only had my laptop bag with me. Once through the transfer area, upstairs there are windows running right the way along the terminal which gives views of the parking areas either side of the terminal, the remote parking stands and runway is directly in front. So with that I
settled down with my SBS on and camera to hand. The best time to visit Doha is before first light, that way you will get all the early morning QR departures and early arrivals. By midday the traffic starts repeating. I logged 43 QR aircraft in six hours! Here's a couple of shots taken from this area to give you an idea of the views.

There's plenty of seats with plug areas for your laptop, and the runway is directly in front of you giving you the chance for photos.

At the very end of the terminal are more windows giving you views of more parking gates plus the GA area.