Hello everyone and welcome to my spotting abroad blog. My name is Paul Moiser ! and I'm 29 years of age and have been spotting now for just under 17 of those years. I began my spotting life hanging around Manchester Airport when I should of been in the class room at school. It was a case of waking up and putting the scanner on, and if '' Northwest 44 and 32 called up it meant only one thing, Divs !!!! so off to the drome I went. Those were the days !!!!!
It was only when I joined an aviation group called RATS (Rumours Aviation Tours Society) back in the early to mid 90s I started visiting Europe. My first big trip was in August 1997 when we all went by mini bus to Russia for Zhukovsky Airshow. On the road for almost two weeks driving around Europe constantly spotting. Pure bliss !!!! After my first major trips around Europe were out of the way the ''cam book'' was soon to be retired and the ''Airlines'' was to be the new Bible. A year later in 1998 I made my first trip to the USA. Again this was a new world to me. Myself and a couple of mates set off and spent 2 weeks constantly spotting around the States number crunching. After the States it was back to travelling around Europe and back and fourth to America . Now a serious spotter by early 2000 It was time to say goodbye to ''underlining '' . It was then I began the endless task of going through all my log books which I had kept since I started spotting and I began to enter all my aircraft seen in to a database. My next quest was to conquer the Far East. I made my first visit to Australia via the Far East and Dubai in late 2001. It was then I found my second home to be, being the Sheraton Deira Hotel in Dubai. From 2002 onwards every time I travelled to the Far East I would fly Emirates via Dubai and stay at the Sheraton Deira. Almost 8 years later in Dec 2009 I'm still very much in love and keener than ever with the hobby.
Pictured below is the view from the roof top swimming pool at the Sheraton Deira Hotel. Dubai.
In this spotting blog named ''Spotting Abroad '' you will find my own personal accounts of where to spot, best hotels to stay in and other useful tips from all the airports I've travelled too worldwide. Those Airports visited can be found below. I hope you find the blog useful when it comes to planning your future trips abroad.
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.
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. 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.
Places to eat around the hotel
Located across the road is Burger King, and Denny's Diner is only a five minute taxi ride.
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 views of the airport can be seen as such from the hotel, however the approach can be seen to one of the runways. 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 to airside in the Domestic Terminals and spot from there. Inside the Virgin Blue 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 though is 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.
You can also get some good photos from down by Botany Bay, which is located a 15 minutes taxi ride from the International terminal. Here is the view taken from down on the bay.
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 last April. I spotted from the Virgin Blue Domestic Terminal on the upper level. Here is the view.
St Maarten
Probably still once of the most famous places 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 isn't a busy airport. 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 by far 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 another excellent spot called the 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.
To see all my other photos from St Maarten click here. http://worldwidephotos.pm.fotopic.net/c1414438.html
Beijing Capital
PEK is a quite a busy airport and all the usual Chinese Domestic carriers operate here. PEK is Air China's main base.
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 probelems 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.
To see all my photos from Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong click here . - http://www.worldwidephotos.pm.fotopic.net/c1677390.html , http://www.worldwidephotos.pm.fotopic.net/c1678512.html
Sharm-El-Sheikh
SSH isn't a busy airport and 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-170's. There is also a daily B738. Air Cairo operate daily with A320's 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.
Too see all my other photos from Sharm-El-Sheikh click here - http://worldwidephotos.pm.fotopic.net/c1788907.html
Frankurt
Hotel - Intercity Hotel - http://www.intercityhotel.com/aw/Hotels/InterCityHotel_Frankfurt_Airport/~ypl/Englisch/ - Prices range between £70-£90 per night, per room.
From room 3070 excellent views could be seen of landing traffic on to 25L/R. During the day all were easy to read off from the bedroom window. There are tress in front of the hotel that do slightly obstruct your views. Also in the distance is Terminals 1 & 2 and with a good scope/bins aircraft taxiing by the terminal could be read off.
Spotting from the Terminals
Frankfurt houses one of the best viewing areas anywhere in Europe. Located on the upper level of T2 are some food court areas. The entrance to the terrace is loacted in this area. They charge 4 Euros to get on the terrace and you can come on and off as often as you like, just keep the ticket they give you safe. Before entering the terrace you have to go through a full security check. laptop has to be taken out of its case, belts also have to be removed etc etc. Once on the terrace you have excellent views of the landing and departing traffic as well as those taxxing between T1 and T2. The terrace is open daily between 10am through till 5pm. Out of these hours you can spot from the food court area inside Mc Donald's which offers the same views. Here is the view available from the viewing terrace.
Dusseldorf
Just like Frankfurt, Dusseldorf also has an excellent viewing area. The best area is located above the airports railway station. To gain access on to the viewing terrace it costs 3 Euros. From this point you can monitor the whole of the airfield. You can expect to read off all movements day and night as aircraft taxi out right in front of you. Here are the views available.
Paris Charles De Gaulle
Hotel - Ibis Hotel - http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-1404-ibis-charles-de-gaulle-aeroport-terminal/index.shtml - Prices range between £65-£85 per night per room.
On occasions I've stayed here I've always been lucky when I've asked for a high floor facing the airport. I've stayed in room 664 and 654 before and have had excellent views of T3 and the Northernly runways and taxiways. A good deal of movements can be logged from either room. During daylight hours you can expect to read everything off in view of your room , However at night time only those taxiing can be read off with a good scope. Therefore SBS/AirNav would be essential once it goes dark.
The best place to spot and photograph is from '' The Mound '' this area is located only a five minute walk from the Ibis Hotel. Next to the Ibis is also a bus station and a train station. The get to the Mound walk out of the hotel and head straight through the bus station. In the distance you will see the Sofitel Hotel and Hilton Hotel to your left. Keep going through the bus station and you will reach a large car parking area. Turn left and you will see path way which leads to this area. As you walk towards here you will see aircraft taxiing out right in front of you with the Sofitel Hotel in the back ground. Once here you can take some excellent photos. Read off what's taxiing over on to T3 and departing. And to your left you will see the action on the other Northernly runways.
Important Notice. Before making your way to Paris, if you plan to use the mound to either photograph or just spend time there reading off you need to have written permission. There is almost a certain chance you will be stopped by the airport police whilst on the mound, and they will ask if you have a permit, If you havn't, you will asked to leave straight away. You can obtain a permit by sending an email too courrier@seine-saint-enis.pref.gouv.fr also cc in xavier.huby@seine-saint-denis.pref.gouv.fr Mark it for the attention of Le Commandant Xavier Huby. You will need to scan and attach a copy of the back page of your passport along with a cover note requesting to photograph the aircraft for personal purposes. Remember to also include your full name and address in the email. To speed up the process its ideal and polite to translate your cover note in to French. This can be easily done by typing your email as normal and then by copying and pasting it in to Google Translate. When its translated just copy and paste it back into your email and send. The process time is usualy 2-3 weeks or less and once issued its valid for life and best of all its free of charge.
Here is the view from the mound
Spotting from the Terminals
CDG has three terminals. You can spot from Inside the food court area in Terminal 2 Landside. When going back to the airport from the hotel, as mentioned the hotel faces the bus station. Take the free bus which runs around all the terminals and get off at T2. T2 has 6 areas 2A/B/C/D/E/F. Get off the bus at (2D). Walk inside and you will see the food court areas. From inside Mc Donald's you can see some aircraft parked on the AF Terminal and see some movements taxiing. Spotting airside is also fine as there are large bay windows all around.
Paris Orly
To get to Orly from CDG is very straight forward. The easiest way is to catch the Air France coach from either the arrivals area in T1 or T2. Tickets can either be bought from the ticket booth located on the ground level of T1/2 or on the coach itself. The price is 20 Euros each way and takes between 45 minutes to 1hr.
Orly is a must visit when visiting Paris. Alot of Air France widebodied aircraft as well as there smaller Airbus fleet are based here and will not be seen at CDG. Weekdays are busy, especially mornings between 8-10am and again in the evenings between 4-7pm. During the day is quite steady but is obviously dominted by French domestic carriers. There is an excellent viewing terrace located on the upper level of the Sud Terminal. The viewing area is free to use and is open daily early from 6am-10pm in the summer and from around 10am in the winter. Here are the views available.
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.
To view all my other photos from Osaka, Click here - http://www.worldwidephotos.pm.fotopic.net/c1345053_1.html
Kuala Lumpur
KL isn't a busy airport and movements are obviously 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 as it's well sign posted once on the upper level of the terminal. From the point 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/depart. Here is the view taken from the viewing deck.
Too see all my others photos from Kuala Lumpur click here - http://worldwidephotos.pm.fotopic.net/c1603345.html
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.
Rio De Janeiro Galeao
All International flights from the US and Europe use Galeao. At GIG alot of the usual domestic carriers can be seen. The US traffic tends to arrive early morning and sit on the deck till late evening, European traffic starts early afternoon.
Spotting from the Terminals
The only place I found to spot before making my way to Santos Dumont was from Level 6 in the Terminal. There is a cafe area which has views overlooking the main aprons. Here is the view.
Rio De Janeiro Santos Dumont
Other than Rio's main International airport. Santos Dumont Domestic is an excellent airport to visit for executive flights. The usual Domestic carriers such as TAM and GOL also operate from this small airport. The airport faces the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Hotel
Guanabara Palace. http://www.windsorhoteis.com.br/en-us/loca.asp?hid=20 - Prices range between £45-£75 per room per night.
The hotel offers an excellent roof top swimming pool area which looks out across the Guanabara Bay, From the roof top pool area you can see the end of the runway at Santos Dumont. Some good photos can be taken looking down on aircraft on finals over the bay. Note:- Only the end of the runway can be seen from this hotel meaning you can only read aircraft off when they are landing over the bay, or when they are lining up at the end of the runway for departure.
Spotting from the Terminal
The airport terminal is small. On the upper level above the departures is a cafe which has views looking across the apron. Here is the view taken from the cafe.
Sao Paulo Congonhas.
Sao Paulo's domestic airport Congonhas is 30-40 minutes away by road from the main International airport Guarulhos. Congonhas is TAM Brasil's main base. The airport also has alot of executive flights.
Hotel
Goldenflat Hotel - http://eng.ondehospedar.com.br/info/contato.php?uf=sp&fil=5067
Ask for a high floor room facing the airport. When I visited I stayed in room 916. From the room all movements could be read off day and night. Here is the view from room 916.
Places to eat around the hotel
I would not suggest walking around this area, at night or day looking for food outlets. The area isn't the safest. I would suggest either using the hotels own restaurant. Or take a walk across the road in to the terminal building and eat in the cafe area.
Spotting from the Terminal
The terminal is only a two minute walk from the hotel. Once inside, take the lift to the upper level and you will see a food court area. From inside you get partial views of the Domestic gates and runway.
Sao Paulo Guarulhos
From Congonhas, you can reach Sao Paulo's main airport Guarulhos in just under an hour. There are coaches which run between both airports every 30 minutes. The coach leaves from the arrivals area.
Spotting from the Terminal
From the main terminal is section D on the entrance level is a food court area. From inside Mc Donald's you can see across the main ramp areas. Here is the view.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is located approx 1hr 40 mins drive from Dubai. The best time to visit Abu Dhbai is between 7-8am. This is the best time to catch the early morning Etihad departures including all the based A319/A320's. The airport is quite spread out. We drove around for almost an hour to try and find a decent spot to park up where the movements could be monitored. We eventually found two areas. One was right under the approach on a slip road, but we figured we would soon be spotted and moved on. We did in the end find a decent spot round by the Cargo Village. To find this area head towards the Terminal and you will see signs for the Executive/Cargo Freight. You will see the big cargo village centre when you come to it and some parking areas and a Mosque. From this point those departing could easily be read off. Those landing could only be seen if they didnt vacate early off the runway. Also in this area was the GA Apron. This was only a two minute walk away. Here is the view taken facing the cargo village.
And here is the view taken from outside the GA Apron. I wouldn't recommend at all hanging around here for too long, and I would strongly advise against having your scope/bins and camera in your hand also while walking around. I managed to get a couple of photos to give you an idea of the views. Those parked up could easily be read off without the need to get my scope out.
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Dubai
My favourite destination. I've been visiting here for 10 years now and I usualy visit at least three times a year. Dubai isn't the busiest airport in the world, but it's the quality of the movements and the constant new deliveries of Emirates aircraft an other local airliners serving DXB that always makes the visit worthwhile as well as the perfect weather.
Hotel
Sheraton Deira Hotel. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=724 Prices range between £125-£175+ between Nov-May and between £55-£110+ between June-October. Prices are per room, per night.
The Sheraton Deira hotel boasts a roof top swimming pool which gives excellent views looking out towards the airport. Here is the view taken from the roof top swimming pool area.
Some excellent landing and departure shots can be taken from the roof top pool area. Aircraft usualy land over the hotel anytime from 9pm onwards or before, right through the night until around Lunchtime. Ops then switch to departing over the hotel. Here is landing shot over the hotel on short finals to runway 12L.
And when operations switch to departing off 30R over the hotel, These shots are possible.
Dubai is mainly busy of a night time. From 4pm onwards carriers from the Far East arrive such as Singapore Airlines, Thai and Cathay Pacific etc. During the day it's mainly dominated by local carriers such as Gulf Air, Oman Air, Iran Asseman, Air India Express and Qatar Airways as well as Emirates. On the roof of the hotel are shaded areas with sun loungers and next to two of the tables is an English plug socket, which is useful for your Laptop/SBS. SBS is needed when the sun goes down to tie up those movements (landing towards the hotel). On a clear morning with a good scope you can expect to read off those taxiing out for departure when ops are (departing away from the hotel). And of a night time when aircraft are departing over the hotel some of these are also easy to read off under the wing due to well lit lights from the street below reflecting on the aircraft above. The roof top swimming pool area is open from 6.30am through till 10.30pm daily 7 days a week.
The best room numbers to stay in that offer views of the airport are rooms 455 / 454 on the 4th floor and on the 5th floor 555 or 554. From these rooms you can see aircraft landing either past your window, or departing towards you, . Note:- You can only read off those either landing or departing past the bedroom window. Those seen over on the airport are impossible to read off due to the tinted dark windows and the heat haze over on the field. Again this is when an SBS or AirNav box comes in handy.
Places to eat and shop around the hotel
There is a small 24hr supermarket called Happy Land located a two minute walk from the hotel which sells cheap soft drinks and snacks as well as toiletries etc. A 10 minute walk past the shop on the same road is a Chicken Diner similar to KFC. On the other side of the road from the hotel is a Department store called Lu Lu centre. this place sells everything !!!! and on the same side of this road is an Indian restaurant called the Red Table which is very nice and cheap. The Creek (Downtown) is only a 5 minute taxi ride. Here you will find all the well known department stores as well as places to dine out etc. If you wish to have a night out then I suggest the Irish Village. This area is only 10 minutes by taxi from the hotel. There is an excellent restaurant and pub selling reasonable priced beers etc.
Spotting from the Terminal.
If your flying Emirates. You will mainly arrivie and depart from T3. You can see aircraft airside from T3 but only from your actual departure gate. For the best views, you need to walk through to T1. This will take you about 10 minutes. On the upper level above the Duty Free shops is a food court which houses a Pizza Hut and McDonald's etc etc. from this point you get a good view of the runways and the taxiways. with a good scope you can expect to read off all arrivals and those taxiing out in front of you for departure. Of a night time, you will only read off those taxiing out past the windows, those landing will be missed unless you have your SBS/ AirNav box on. If spotting in this area I would suggest you exercise caution. Try and not attract attention to yourself. Have your scope/bins out of sight and only pull these out when you need too. Same applies if you wish to take photos. Take your photo and again put your camera out of sight. Remember you are in the Middle East and your actions will not be understood by the airport police. Be careful and discreet. I've spotted for up to three hours without problems in this area by being sensible.
Sharjah
Sharjah is only a 25-30 minute drive (traffic permitting) from Dubai. From the Sheraton Diera Hotel arrivals and departures can be seen on a clear day and with the help of SBS these can be tied up. Some Air Arabia A320's however do fly directly over the top of the hotel. These can be read off under the wing with a good scope/bins. Once at Sharjah if you head towards the passenger Terminal you will see signs for the Cargo terminal. Follow these signs and on your left you will come to a petrol station. By driving in you can see what's parked up on the main ramp. I would advise not spending too much time here as Sharjah are very touchy when it comes to spotting. Ideally stay in the car and read off what you can and head off again. Here is the view from the petrol station.
Umm Al Quwain
Once you have took the exit from Sharjah Airport you will see signs for Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah etc, Follow these signs. Located a 35-40 minute drive from Sharjah is a small airfield called Umm Al Quwain. It's no longer active. However it houses a few small light aircraft and a couple of AN-2's. The main feature is an IL-76 which over-ran the runway a few years ago is still stored here today where it came to rest of the side of the dessert. And here she is.
Ras Al Khaimah
Once your back on the road from Umm Al Quwain heading in the same direction around 35-40 minutes later you come to Ras Al Khaimah. The airfiled is sign posted once you reach Ras Al Khaimah. On arrival you will see the the main storage and maintenance area. Here is the view as you reach the airport.
Once you've read off what's around. Carry on driving back on the same side of the road until you reach the passenger terminal. On your left you will see a carpark. It's free to use. Park up and head inside the terminal. Once inside, head to your far right and you will see some steps which leads up to a small cafe area. From Inside you expect to read off what's parked on the terminal. They seem alot more relaxed to people spotting here, however I would take only a small pair of bins or scope in with you. keep them out of sight and just order a drink and sit by one of the tables facing the ramp in front of you and discreetly read off what you can. I would suggest spending no longer than 15 minutes here. Here is the view available from inside the cafe.
Once you've relaxed and enjoyed a drink and read off what you can from the terminal. Head out of the carpark back on to the same road and carry on heading in the same direction. You will see as you drive a long the perimeter fence the other side of the storage ramps in the distance. You will reach a sign displaying a flying club. Exit here and drive down towards the flying club and you will reach the other main storage area. Again don't spend all day here. Read off and photograph what you have too and move on. Here is the view.
Fujariah
Fujairah is located a further 1hr drive on from Ras Al Khaimah and is the furthest airport away from Dubai located over 200km away. FJR isn't as accesible as Ras Al Khaimah. There is a small cafe located on the uper level of the terminal which does a give a view looking out across the active ramp. Reading off in this area should be done with caution. I would recommend if in a party only one of you taking a small pair of bins/scope in with you. All movements are parked very close to the windows and therefore can easily be read off. There are signs located in the cafe advising photography is prohibited.
To see what's stored or parked around the airfield you can drive around the perimeter fence. Again only make very quick stops to read off and continue on. The airport perimeter is monitored and if seen you will be questioned about your activities. There are two hill mounds located at the far end of the airfield which overlook a couple of ramps. Again climbing these mounds should be done with extreme caution. I took a couple of photos during my visit in June 2010 to give you an idea of the views.
