JFK Spot 1
New York John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide
New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK/KJFK) – commonly referred to as JFK, which is one of the world’s most renowned IATA airport codes – is the largest and busiest airport in the New York City metropolitan area and along the East Coast. Despite its popularity and despite being a major hub for American Airlines, Delta and JetBlue it only handled close to 62 million passengers, which ranks the airport far behind the national air traffic powerhouses ATL, ORD and LAX. This is mainly because a lot of domestic and some international traffic is absorbed by its local competitors LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark (EWR) respectively. However, it probably outscores every airport in the country when it comes to variety of international traffic as it sees a vast number of airlines from all around the globe, including most flag carriers. For instance, Qantas currently offers a flight from Sydney(SYD) to JFK via Auckland (AKL).
As the airport is located adjacent to the waters of Jamaica Bay and as traffic around the airport is usually very heavy, commuting between the spotting locations can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Due to its location right at the Atlantic coast of Long Island it is prone to sudden changes of the wind direction, so a runway switch is not unusual.
Written by Thomas Okaty, Martin Rogosz, Daniel Curtis, Nicola von Moos and Marcel Schmidt. Last Update: October 2026 (Spot 15 updated)
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather | |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 04L/22R | 3,460m (12,079ft) |
| 04R/22L | 2,560m (8,400ft) |
| 13L/31R | 3,048m (9,999ft) |
| 13R/31L | 4,442m (14,511ft) |
| Terminals | |
| General Info | JFK Airport has 6 Terminals. Terminal numbers 3 and 6 do not exist. Terminal 3 was demolished in 2014 and is now used for aircraft parking of Delta Air Lines jets. Terminal 6 closed in 2006, also making space for aircraft parking of JetBlue planes and the expansion of Terminal 5. Check airlines and their terminals at panynj. |
| Terminal 1 | Mainly used by European and Asian airlines. Along with Terminal 4 the only terminals capable to handle A380 flights, therefore hosting Lufthansa, Air France and Korean Air. |
| Terminal 2 | Was closed for reconstruction of a larger Terminal 1 http://thepointsguy.com/news/jfk-terminal-2-closed/ |
| Terminal 4 | Mainly used by international carriers and Delta Air Lines (international flights). T4 also has A380 dedicated gates, hence Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways use this terminal. |
| Terminal 5 | Owned by JetBlue, used by JetBlue and Aer Lingus. This terminal mainly handles domestic flights (except Aer Lingus due to the US Border Preclearance already taking place in Ireland) and Caribbean flights which sometimes are under special surveillance. All flights depart from this terminal, but there is a special handling of arrivals: between 5am and 10pm all international flights park and disembark at Terminal 5. Between 10pm and 5am, all international arrivals park and disembark at Terminal 4 (resp. so-called T5i, a special section in T4). |
| Terminal 7 | Mainly used by Alaska Airlines |
| Terminal 8 | Owned by American Airlines. Some Oneworld partners also use this terminal, including British Airways, Iberia, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian Airlines. |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not needed at the spots below |
| Car/Public Transport | Advisable, however all spots can be reached by local public transport. |
| Restrooms | In every publicly accessable building like restaurants or hotels and inside of the terminal building. |
| Drinks/Food | There are aplenty of restaurants, shops and food courts nearby the airport, offering supply of food and drinks. Check the particular MISC box at each spot for detailed info. |
| Hotels | The new open TWA hotel is the best choice to get as close to the action as poosible. More infos can you find here. There are lots of more hotels close to the airport as well as in in the further airport’s area and neighbouring towns. Some of them do offer a view onto the approaching aircraft. |
| Season | The traffic at New York JFK does not show any significant changes during the year except a slight increase of passenger and traffic volume in summer months. Winters in New York City can be tremendously cold and icy. |
| Security | Spotting in the United States is not always tolerated. There have been several reports from fellow spotters that they were checked by police. Especially in the NY area, police is very present. Please be also aware, that the police is quite strict in terms of road safety. If you are standing roadside to take photos, police may ask you to leave as you can be considered a distraction for motorists. Some police officers may react rude to our hobby as they suspect terrorism when photos of airplanes are taken, especially in the NY area. Always remain calm and polite and stay in your car when a police officer has stopped you to check on you. Do not leave your car unless you are told to do so! The spots described in this guide are believed to be safe but check the MISC box for further info. Spotterguide.net is not liable for any misbehavior towards the police. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | The runway usage mainly depends on the wind direction. As mentioned in the introduction, it is not unusual that runways get switched suddenly and sometimes several times a day. The good thing is, that JFK’s four runways are set up in two parallel systems, and for each parallel system the type of usage is fairly standard and predictable. The approach and takeoff patterns are set up for the usage of only parallel runways, and usually only parallel runways are active. Also, the proximity of LGA limits the variety of approach and takeoff procedures. |
| 04L | When 04L/04R are active, runway 04L is mainly used for departures. During peaks it’s also used for arrivals. Takeoffs and landings can happen simultaneously. |
| 04R | When 04L/04R are active, runway 04R is mainly used for arrivals. In rare cases it is also used for takeoffs. Takeoffs and landings can happen simultaneously. Traffic approaching from the North and West will fly across Long Island north of the airport and then make a turn over the ocean to line up for final approach. |
| 22L | When 22L/22R are active, runway 22L is mainly used for arrivals. In rare cases it is also used for takeoffs. Takeoffs and landings can happen simultaneously. Traffic approaching from East and Northeast will come along the southern coast of Long Island and then cut back towards the northern side where it then will make a 180 degree turn to line up for final approach. Traffic from the North and West will come across Brooklyn/Staten Island/Lower Bay and pass the airport on the southside over the ocean before circling back towards Long Island to merge with all other approaching traffic. |
| 22R | When 22L/22R are active, runway 22R is mainly used for departures. During peaks it’s also used for arrivals. Takeoffs and landings can happen simultaneously. |
| 13L | When 13L/13R are active, runway 13L is mainly used for arrivals. This is the so-called Canarsie approach, approaching traffic performs the turn to line up for 13L when there is only a significantly reduced distance to the runway threshold left (sort of like Kai Tak, but without the excitement of high-rise buildings and mountains, lol). In rare cases it is also used for takeoffs. |
| 13R | When 13L/13R are active, runway 13R is mainly used for departures. Occasionally it is also used for arrivals. |
| 31L | When 31L/31R are active, runway 31L is mainly used for departures. Departing traffic will perform the so-called Canarsie Climb and Breezy Point Climb procedures, both are sharp left turns shortly after takeoff. Traffic on the Canarsie Climb will make for those well known banking shots. During peaks this runway is also used for arrivals (especially Delta as the Delta terminals are adjacent to 13L). |
| 31R | When 31L/31R are active, runway 31R is used for arrivals only. |
Taxi Holding Area at Cargo Plaza - 13L arrivals
| WHERE | There is a Taxi Holding Area for all NY Taxis in JFK’s Cargo City. Its location is difficult of explanation so please check the map above for its exact location. When you use Nassau Expy, use exit 2S, and follow signs ‘JFK Expressway and Kennedy Airport’. Once you have merged with JFK Expy leave it at the first exit again (0.1 miles after merging) so keep right when you enter JFK Expy. Once you have exited JFK Expy, turn left onto 148th St. After 340 feet, turn right into Center Cargo Rd and then right again at the end of the street. You can already see the parking space next to the Taxi Holding Area to your right. You can park immediately on site. |
| WHAT | Landing aircraft into 13L only. When you move forward to the northern end of the parking lot, you can see aircraft banking sharply. |
| TIME | The light is lovely from mid-day/afternoon until sunset. |
| MISC. | Parking is allowed here but make sure that you keep a low profile and check the red warning box above. There is a meadow next to the parking lot but we advise you not to enter it as there is a radar box of the FAA on it. Warning signs warn you to enter this fenced area with the box telling you that unautorized access will may be punished by. Furthermore, police may react rude as you could distract the drivers attention. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Photography with a 70-300mm lens is absolutely enough here. Option 1: Boeing 747 Qantas: 35 mm; Boeing 737-900ER Delta: 70mm; China Airlines Boeing 777: 35mm Option 2: Airbus A320: 85mm; Boeing 737-800: 85mm; Boeing 757-200: 80mm |
AVIS Car Rental - 13L arrivals
| WHERE | Spot 2 is located at or next to AVIS Car Rental, which is located just underneath the Federal Circle AirTrain station near JFK’s Terminal 8. We recommend to use the AirTrain to get to this spot as parking options are very limited. Take the subway to either Jamaica or Howard Beach station, then transfer to the AirTrain (an $8 fee applies, as of Oct 2022). After disembarking the AirTrain at Federal Circle just follow signs for Car Rentals and AVIS and place yourself somewhere at the AVIS car park. |
| WHAT | Arriving aircraft into runway 13L only. |
| TIME | Photography of airplanes with lovely light is possible from early afternoon until the sun sets. |
| MISC. | Restrooms are available at AVIS. For food and drinks just take the AirTrain to one of the terminals. Please note that the AirTrain follows a loop and stops at every terminal, so it will take you at least 10 mins to get back to Federal Circle when you embark at T1 e.g. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300mm is absolutely enough. Boeing 777-300ER 110mm; Airbus A320: 170mm; Embraer 170: 200mm |
Brookville Park - 22L arrivals
| WHERE | Brookville Park is located in South Queens, being one of the largest parks in the area. There are aplenty of opportunities to take photos from Brookville Park. You can also travel here by public transport. |
| WHAT | Arriving airplanes into runway 22L only. |
| TIME | Spotting from here is advisable from the early afternoon until the sun sets. This refers to summer months. |
| MISC. | There is a bench right at this position were you can make yourself comfortable. You can also walk down the park for different angles. There also lots of activities you can do here ranging from soccer to basketball, jogging or tennis. There are shops nearby the park and possibly some smaller stands offering Hot Dogs or somewhat right in the park. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A 70-300mm lens is totally appropriated for this spot. Boeing 787: 95mm; Boeing 737-800: 145mm; A380: 70mm; Boeing 777 from the front: 100mm; Boeing 757: 110mm |
230 Pl/149 Ave - 22L/R arrival, partly 04R departures
| WHERE | There is a good spot for arriving aircraft aiming for 22L in at 230 Pl / 149 Ave. The spot is located in Brooksville, South Queens on a small mound, next to a soccer field of a nearby school. The mound is very narrow and the space is limited, so stay down at the street if it is too full there. The disadvange if shooting from the street are the disturbing trees. From the mound you have a free sight! |
| WHAT | Arrivals into runway 22L and 22R. Rarely also for 04R depatures. |
| TIME | Spotting from here is advisable from the afternoon to sunset for 22L and in the morning for 22R(but not many movements). |
| MISC. | As you move around in a public area, behave and keep your lens fixed to airplanes only. There is nothing nearby. You should bring along everything what you may need for the time being there. Some smaller shops are nearby some few blocks away. You should absolutely be ok to park you vehicle (if you have one) to the side of the street.
It’s possible that the school security send you away from the ground. May get approached (assuming youth soccer is taking place), by parents or community members and asked if your taking picture of planes. Just be nice, show them some pictures to show your not doing anything bad, and they’ll be nice back. Might be helpful to bring bug spray and hand sanitizer. Some of the plants are very sticky with little circular green plants that stick to clothes and shoes, and bugs are fairly prevalent but weren’t a huge issue. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 22L-arriving airplanes can be shot with a 70-400mm-lens: Boeing 747-8: 100mm; Boeing 757: 140mm; Airbus A340-600: 95mm; Boeing 787 Dreamliner: 110mm; Air France Boeing 777-200: 280mmm |
Rockaway Blvd - 22L Arrivals and 4L Departures
| WHERE | This spot is the sidewalk along Rockaway Blvd (or on the grass on the other side). Park at the Holiday Inn mentioned in Spot 7, turn left, and walk along the road on the sidewalk. The distance you walk is determined by how close you want to be and whether you’re shooting arrivals or departures. It’s about 2/3 of a mile to 22L, and about 1 mile to 4L. Bus can be used to get here(Stop Rockaway Blvd/Brookville Blvd) – Q113/Q114, 15 minutes of walk is neccessary. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on 22L and 4L departures are visible from the road. The streetlights along the road can get in the way of 22L arrivals. You can take anything from side on shots to head on shots (with green stuff on it, see sample) to belly shots. The landing lights are also easily accessible along the road. |
| TIME | Good all day if you place yourself on the correct sides of the plane (the afternoon yields a further walk). |
| MISC. | This spot is not very glamorous. Rockaway Blvd is an extremely busy road, and there is a lot of trash and overgrown bushes along the sidewalk. Nothing here, so bring everything you need. Since this location is adjacent to a swampy nature preserve you might be dealing with bugs and mosquitos, so consider bringing bug spray. There are some trees spending shadow. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Focal length depends on how far away you stand – anything from 25mm to 300mm.
22L Arrivals: B744 = 60mm / A333 = 70mm / A321 = 100m / E175 = 130mm |
Walkway:
Grass opposite side of the street
North Woodmere Park - 22L and 31R arrivals
| WHERE | This is a large public park. Get off the Belt Parkway at exit 24A and turn right on Francis Lewis Blvd. Follow the road (it turns into Rosedale Ave) until you reach Hungry Harbor Road, and make a right. The park is located right before a sharp bend in the road. There’s a big sign at the entrance, so it’s hard to miss. Entrance into to park is $10 if you don’t live in Nassau Country between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and free the rest of the year. Find a parking spot in the shade. For 31R arrivals, stand near the bathrooms near the parking lot. For 22L arrivals, Turn right at the 31R bathrooms and walk all the way to the end. There will be an old building with a grassy area behind it. |
| WHAT | A nice spot for 31R arrivals, although a bit far away (see Swiss A330). This is a good spot for 22L arrivals, with the only problem being heat haze during the hot months. |
| TIME | 31R arrivals only good in the summer ~10am, and 22L arrivals are good from sunrise until about 1:30pm |
| MISC. | Heat haze is the biggest issue at this spot. Some joggers will be curious of what you are doing, so just be friendly. This spot gets very buggy in the spring and summer. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A 400mm lens will suffice for 31R arrivals. No more than 250mm for 22L |
Holiday Inn - 31R arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is across the road from a Holiday Inn, off the same road as Panera Bread. On Rockaway Blvd, there is a major intersection, and the Holiday Inn is on the right heading south or on the left heading north. Park across the street from the hotel near the fence. |
| WHAT | All 31R arrivals are visible from here. When there are westerly winds, the occasional plane will land on 31L – these planes are visible, but it’s very far away and tough to get a good shot. You cannot hear or see the planes coming, and appear very quickly. There are power lines and a tree that potentially get in the way. Planes move left to right. |
| TIME | Good from sunrise until ~10:00am in the summer. |
| MISC. | There is not much here, so bring what you need. There is a restaurant further down the road on the water. Stay near your car and there shouldn’t be any problems with security. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 175mm for a B752, 130mm for an A345, 235mm for an E190 |
Parking Lot - 31R Arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located in an quite unused parking area next to the “Nassau Expressway”. It can be entered quite easily from the “Bay Blvd”, but also from the Costco parking lot, as it’s connected to this one. Just search your favourite position inside the parking area here, which depends on the powerlines above and the position of sun glare on the airplanes. |
| WHAT | Arrivals onto runway 31R. |
| TIME | Good from early midday until sunset. |
| MISC. | Heat haze might be a problem here on hot days. All you need can be found in the nearby stores/restaurants/cafes. Some people might look kind of suspicious as they don’t know what you’re doing here, so always smile and greet. It might be the best, to stay in your car until the aircraft is quite near, so you keep a low profile! Never had security problems here, but always have an ID with you, if the possible should pay you a visit. Why to prefer this spot to #12? This spot offers a better angle and more time to take your pictures. Therefore you’ll have faster heat haze here and you’ll need bigger lenses as the distance is a bit higher. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 150-350mm B748 = 180mm / A333 = 210mm / B738 = 265mm / ERJ140 = ~335mm |
Howard Beach/Frank M Charles Park - 13R Arrivals or 31L Departures
| WHERE | There are two options to place yourself:
A: Charles Memorial Park – This is a public park and the best spot is down on the beach. How to get there by car: Get off of Belt Parkway at exit 17N (travelling west) and take the first left. All of the streets leading to the park are one way. When you reach the ‘do not enter’, make a left onto 155th ave, then a right onto 99th st, a right onto 157th ave, and finally, a left onto 98th st. This takes you all the way down to the park (keep driving until the end). There is a good amount of parking. Get out of the car, go straight ahead into the park, then turn left. B: Cross Bay Bridge Parking Lot – Best for breezy point climb shots. Exit Belt Park to Cross Bay Blvd. keep following and cross the bridge. After the bridge take the first left into the parking lot. By public transport: When coming from the airport, then you can embark the AirTrain at all stops. Important: The AirTrain is free of charge until Lefferts Blvd station. From Lefferts Blvd to Howard Beach there is a charge ($8 as of Oct 2022). Note: Make sure to embark trains to Howard Beach and not Jamaica. Jamaica-bound trains go a different way than Howard Beach-bound trains. |
| WHAT | From here you can get the well known banking shots: Location B for traffic performing the Breezy Point climb procedure (traffic will perform a left bank shortly after takeoff) or the Canarsie climb procedure (straight climb first and then performing a sharp left bank), and location A only for Canarsie climbs (slightly closer, but at a different angle). Arrivals on 13R are EXTREMELY rare, as it is typically used as a departure runway. In a lucky case, the typical situation will be reversed, and the planes will depart on 13L and land on 13R. |
| TIME | This spot is great any time after mid morning (~ 10:00) |
| MISC. | DO NOT go past the edge of the beach on the north side, as it turns into private property. There’s nothing here, so bring everything you need. There is lots of shade under the trees and benches if you get tired. Lots of families come here, and some may give you looks or ask what you’re doing. Just be friendly and there won’t be any problems. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | For 31L departures, the planes come into view very far away and get close enough that widebodies only need about 160mm, narrowbodies about 200mm. For 13R arrivals, 300mm for an A320, 200mm for an A330, 160mm for an A380. From the spot south of the bridge you will need at least 300mm for widebodies. |
A: Charles Memorial Park
B: Cross Bay Bridge Parking
Terminal 5 Parking Garage - Movements on 13L/31R and 04L/22R, adjacent Taxiways, and Gates at T7, T5, and T4
| WHERE | This spot is located on the top deck of the Terminal 5 parking garage. Follow the JFK Expressway or Van Wyck Expressway into the airport, then follow the signs for Terminal 5 parking. Drive all the way to the top. Alternatively, take the AirTrain to Terminal 5, follow the signs for the parking garage and go all the way up the stairs.
There are several reports about security checks on the garage. Currently has two sets of patrols: Parking Services and Inter-Con Security. The former has no problem with planespotting while the latter will attempt to drive you off by telling you photography isn’t allowed, without giving any other explanations. But this is different day by day. Keep a low profile. |
| WHAT | |
| TIME | This spot is good all day, just use the side of the garage that the light is best for. |
| MISC. | Drinks and Restrooms can be found in Terminal 5 (JetBlue Terminal), however, food options are very limited, hence either get something before you head to the airport or take the AirTrain to one of the other terminals. The fees for the garage can be found here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Depends on what you want to see. Planes at gates can require as little as 100mm. Planes on 31R/13L require between 200mm and 300mm.
Taxiway: A380 = 100mm / A333 = 120mm / A320 = 200m |
Eastside
Northside
AirTrain Ride - different views
| WHERE | We can recommend to at least once use the AirTrain for some photographs out of the train along the carriageway of JFK’s AirTrain. When you want to do so, you can embark the AirTrain at several stops. Important: The AirTrain begins to be free at Lefferts Blvd. If you embark already at Jamaica or Howard Beach, then a fee of $8 (as of Oct 2022) will apply. Make sure you take the train from a free station. These are the stations free to use:
Lefferts Blvd, Federal Circle, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 7, Terminal 8, Federal Circle, Lefferts Blvd. Note: These trains go roundtrip. This means the carriageway at JFK is a loop – trains never terminate. If you are standing at a platform towards JFK, do not wonder if the destination of the train is Howard Beach or Jamaica. The trains will make this above mentioned loop and will then continue onto Howard Beach or Jamaica. You don’t need any tickets. |
| WHAT | All movements of the airport (limited at some parts however). You can take pictures of parking aircraft, landing aircraft, taxiing planes or whatever. It offers a great view and is a ride worth. |
| TIME | If you want to perfectly photograph planes at Terminal 4, 5, and 7 you should grab a train in the afternoon. Planes at Terminal 8 are best to be photographed in the evening. For spotting planes parked at Terminal 1 and 2, travelling in the morning hours should be fine. This refers to summer months. |
| MISC. | Remember: Some stations are not free to travel. Check the ‘WHERE’ box above from which station it is free of charge to embark the AirTrain. The glasses of the carriages are very very lightely tinted. Not too much to demolish you photograph. The New York MTA cards are NOT valid for an AirTrain journey if you embark at a station beyond Lefferts Blvd. If you want to avoid this $8 charge, use the E/J line to Kew Gardens/Union Turnpike or 121st (J-trains). From here, catch up the Q10/Q10 Ltd bus to JFK Airport and dismount at Lefferts Blvd. Using the AirTrain from here is free. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Very dependend from your shot, this is the focal lenght which was used for the pictures below: American Boeing 767 at AA Maintenance: 80mm; A321 American Airlines 170mm; British Airways Boeing 747400: 85mm, Airbus A318 British Airways: 85mm; Virgin Atlantic A340: 120mm; Caribbean Boeing 737-800: 85mm |
Costco - 31R Arrivals
| WHERE | The parking lot next to a Costco Wholesale. Look for the sign on Rockaway Turnpike – it’s on the right if you’re heading south, or on the left if you’re heading north. Choose a parking spot and you’re good to go. Its 100 meters northwards of spot #8. The important thing here is, that the focal length does not need to be as high as at Panera Bread (#8). Furthermore, less heat haze in the summer months. Disadvantage is the angle which is better at #8 |
| WHAT | The only thing you can see here are 31R arrivals. |
| TIME | Good from around noon until sunset. |
| MISC. | There is a Costco at the location, who has got everything you need. People might asking what you’re doing. The time I’ve been there, no police. Why to prefer this spot to #8? The distance isn’t that high, here, so you won’t have heat haze that fast and you don’t need such big lenses. Therefore the time to take your pictures is more limited and the angle isn’t that good. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-300mm CRJ9 = 230mm / B757 = 190mm |
Bayswater Point State Park - 04R/L Arrivals, 13R Departures, 31L Arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located inside the Bayswater Point State Park, which can be entered thru a gate located at the end of “Mott Avenue”. Just park your car by the roadside in the nearby neighborhood, enter the park and search your favourite position along the waterfront.
By public transport use the tube Line “A” to Far Rockaway – Mott Av Station. When you exit the Station, just go to the left and follow the complete Mott Av to the Park. |
| WHAT | Arrivals onto runway 04R. You can also see 04L activities, but the distance is very high, so most of them aren’t spotable. It should be also possible to spot 31L Arrivals and 13R Departures, but we didn’t test those ones yet. 22R/L Departures should be too high already. |
| TIME | The park opens its doors at 08am so you cannot go there before! Runway 04R/22L and 04L/22R: From 0800 till midday. Runway 13R/31L: In summer from early midday till sunset, in winter almost all day. |
| MISC. | Heat haze can be a problem here. In summer an insectspray is recommended as there are many insects flying around them and they might be dangerous. If you need food and drink you have the Shop Faitrade Markt in the near of the Mott Av. On rainy/wet days, the park can be very muddy, so take care of your clothes. On windy days, spotting here is very uncomfortable as there is almost no windprotection. The park is opened from sunrise till sunset. Sometimes the police passes by, but nobody had serious problems yet. But be prepared and take your ID with you (recommend in the whole US while spotting). |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 120-350mm A380 = 165mm / B787 = 190mm / B738 = 270mm / ERJ135 = ~310mm |
The entrance of/to the Bayswater Point State Park:
If Bayswater Point State Park is closed you can also take pictures from dead end of the last street turning left before Park Gate.
Rockaway Beach - 04R Arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located at the end of Almeda Ave on the Rockaway Peninsula south of the airport. It at the waterfront, next to an abandoned concrete platform. Since it is a little difficult to describe how to get there by car, the use of a GPS Navigation System is highly recommended. This location can also easily be reached via public transport. From the airport take the Howard Beach AirTrain to Howard Beach station, where you can connect to subway line “A” towards “Far Rockaway”. Get off at Beach 67 St Station Arverne By The Sea and walk down Beach 67th Street towards the airport until it hits Bayfield Avenue. For schedule and fares check the MTA website. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on runway 04R. |
| TIME | From mid-afternoon until sunset. |
| MISC. | Nothing there, bring everything you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A350-1000=250mm; A220=550mm |
TWA Hotel Observation Deck - 22R departures and arrivals, 04L departures and arrivals, Terminal 4 ramp partially
| WHERE | One of the coolest spotting locations is the pool deck (observation deck) of JFK’s TWA hotel. The hotel opened in 2019 and is part of the former TWA terminal which is next to the JetBlue Terminal. You need to reserve a table in advance to get access. No walk in! It costs $50 to get up onto the pool deck if you aren’t already staying at the hotel. For hotel guest there is also a charge of $30! Update October 2026: you are currently not allowed to bring cameras with zoom to the TWA Hotel Rooftop. Due to a recent security-related incident, the hotel is being forced by government agencies to prevent people take pictures with their handheld cameras or livestream. They hope the decision will change soon, but that’s currently how it is for now. |
| WHAT | It’s good for 22R departures and arrivals (rare), and 4L departures and arrivals (rare). It is possible to spot 22L/4R arrivals, however heat haze will likely be a problem. Parts of the international Terminal 4 ramps are visible too including taxiway movements. |
| TIME | The deck is open from 1100 till 2300. But for photography we recommend to use it at during a nice afternoon/evening spotting session when the sun has turned around. Be aware of the massive heat distortion! |
| MISC. | Pool, food, drinks, restrooms all available at the deck. Tripods are NOT allowed on the deck, however, depending on the person, they may be permitted. You can book a room there to from where you have a nice sight too. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | At least 300mm is required for 22R/4L, and 600mm+ for 22L/4R arrivals. |
Brookville Neighborhood - Runway 22L Arrivals
| WHERE | These two locations are alternatives to spot #6 for 22L arrivals in the morning. The main difference between the two locations is the vertical angle – sample photos 1-3 were taken from the location on Brookville Blvd (main road), photos 4-9 were taken from the corner of 241st St and 148th Rd (not to be confused with 148th Dr and 148th Ave, which run parallel) – however, at the latter it’s much more likely to attract attention from residents. There is roadside parking available at both locations, but typically limited due to various restrictions. To get there by public transport take subway line E, J, Z to “Jamaica Center Parsons/Archer” subway station, then use bus route Q111 from “Archer Ave/Parsons Blvd” bus stop, which is near the subway, and get off at the “147 Ave/Brookville Blvd” stop (the bus ride takes about 40 minutes), then follow Brookville Blvd southbound towards the airport to either 148th Rd or 148th Dr. |
| WHAT | Runway 22L arrivals. |
| TIME | From sunset until early afternoon. |
| MISC. | Nothing there, bring everything you need. Be prepared to be approached by residents, especially at the location away form the main road, as they could consider your presence in this quiet neighborhood as suspicious. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 30-200mm. Brussels A330: 35mm; LATAM 787: 230mm; JetBlue A321: 170mm; Air India 773: 100mm. |
Just a heads up that you are currently not allowed to bring cameras with zoom to the TWA Hotel Rooftop. Due to a recent security-related incident, the hotel is being forced by government agencies to prevent people take pictures with their handheld cameras or livestream. They hope the decision will change soon, but that’s currently how it is for now
I was there recently and received the same message. Sad how the stupidity of a single individual can ruin things for the local spotting community. A good reminder to everyone to practice common sense when engaging in this hobby: We’re at the airport to have fun, others are there to do their jobs. Let’s not make those jobs more difficult.
Thanks for letting us know. Pretty stupid.. hope it will change soon.
-Julian
As a Chinese mainland spotter, I feel like things could get tricky if I encounter NYPD at JFK. Are there any suggestions for spots that rarely get confronted by them, e.g. the N.Woodmere park? (Of course I am absolutely legal as a tourist and green card holder)
Also, is there any advice on common wind directions and hence landing directions during JFK’s summer? And are there any patterns on the distribution of cargo and international flights taking off/ landing, in terms of runway usage?
Thanks in advance!!!
Fair warning if you go to spot 4, you may get approached (assuming youth soccer is taking place), by parents or community members and asked if your taking picture of planes. Just be nice, show them some pictures to show your not doing anything bad, and they’ll be nice back.
Edit: Also might be helpful to bring bug spray and hand sanitizer. Some of the plants are very sticky with little circular green plants that stick to clothes and shoes, and bugs are fairly prevalent but weren’t a huge issue.
I often would go to JFK Airport to planespot and I never had a MAJOR problem coming there. There was one particular time at the Terminal 5 parking garage, I was setting up my tripod and my iPad. The three people in an airport vehicle approached me and said I couldn’t do that. I fought against it, politely and they threatened to get their supervisor, etc. I said “Ok. Get them.” The police came a few moments later, I told them what happened and they said I was perfectly okay to planespot at the parking garage since it’s public property and I’m not doing anything to endanger myself or anybody around me. I told them my YouTube channel and it was a friendly exchange. They know that planespotters come there all of the time. Just be careful and be nice to the officers and they most likely won’t bother you. No issues any other time I go to JFK Airport especially when I went to the TWA Hotel a few times to spot from there with a few of those occasions being when L.A Flights would do his occasional JFK visits to do his livestream: equipment and all. Just be careful and be safe as well as polite.
Im coming to JFK in 2 weeks to planespot a bit and am super excited to do some photography at the T5 parking garage. Would love to connect if possible!
Do i need to reserve a table to get acces to the TWA hotell pool?
And am i allowed to stand by the pool? Where should i stand on the deck?
It seems to depend on time of the year. I stayed one in November and wasnt charged. I also went once when staying elsewhere and the nice attendant allowed me in no charge. At this time of the year the bar is not open.
I recently went to Spot 16 from this website and a video online and I can say that it had to be the best experience ever.
Hello guys,
I am just wondering why Inwood Park is not in the list? People in their comments mentioned this location and it looks pretty close to 22 L. Is Inwood Park a good spot for taking pictures or it has some restrictions?
Hi, I am not sure what park your are talking about but there is no “Inwood Park” for 22L which we are aware of. Do you have a google link?
-Julian
I believe he was talking about https://maps.app.goo.gl/E9NeekJazXZjEpBCA which is a good location for 13R departures and 04R arrivals.
Hi Andrew – I have been there, but it’s only good for 31L arrivals, however, when the 31s are active 31R is the main runway being used for arrivals. When they active, some government arrivals during UN week use it. It’s somewhat usable for 13R departures, but only for heavies. 04R is way to distant from that location, and Bayswater Park (#13) is much closer anyway.
Thomas
Hi do cops card you?
For 13L arrivals in the morning and past 4pm. Building 142 is good for right side banks. Stay in your car the whole time.
For 4 arrivals. I recommend using Inwood Park. There is a boat launch at the end of the park which has a great view of NYC skyline. Sunrise and the greater part of the morning provide amazing shots there. Plenty of parking space and even some benches. You need at least 200mm to spot there.
Seems to be very far for 4L arrivals and Bayswater Point State Park is the better option IMHO.
-Julian
Except that you won’t be getting a Downtown Manhattan backdrop from Bayswater Point, but you will from that boat launch.
It is and you are shooting a long distance over water and swampy land (while arriving aircraft are already much lower than at Bayswater) – unless you have an 800mm+ lens and are OK with heat distorted photos, you shouldn’t bother going there.