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February 25, 2013Las Vegas McCarran Airport Spotting Guide
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- last modified on December 15, 2019
Las Vegas, or Sin City, is with almost 48,5 Mio. passengers in 2017 one of the busiest airports in the USA and a tourist mecca for his residents. Southwest Airlines is the biggest carrier and responsible for most traffic, followed by Allegiant Air with a respectable amount of flights. Apart from that all other major US carrier are coming to Las Vegas as well with different varieties of aircrafts. In the recent years Las Vegas has become a major domain of Airbus aircraft, mostly A320s and A321s.Also the business jets movements are enormous and the Las Vegas Sands cooperation is based in LAS with their fleet of A345, 737 and 747SP. EG&G, also called Janet, has its operational base in Vegas even with an own terminal on the east side of the field. Flights are operated on a Boeing 736, King Air and Beech 1900 to the Nevada National Security Site (‘Aera 51). International schedule traffic is pretty low with a few intercontinental operators like Korean Air, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Norwegian, Edelweiss or Condor. From Canada Westjet, Sunwing and Air Canada Rouge coming to LAS and from Mexico Interjet, Aeromexico, VIVA Aerobus and Volaris. The hotels of the Las Vegas strip offering a nice background on photos taken at some spots. Las Vegas is surrounded by mountains and crosswinds on the runway are not unusual.
Written by Julian Mittnacht, Jan Seba, Randall Johnson, Kevin Perry (#12), Pascal Lamberiks (#4) and John (last update Oct 2019)
| Rating | |
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| Airline Variety |  |
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| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 01L/19R | 2.739 m (8.985 ft) |
| 01R/19L | 2.979 m (9.775 ft) |
| 08L/26R | 4.423 m (14.510 ft) |
| 08R/26L | 3.208 m (10.526 ft) |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 (A,B,C,D) | Southwest, Allegiant, Spirit, American, Delta |
| Terminal 3 (E) | All other U.S. carriers and intl. operators |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Needed at spot 5 and only recommend to use it there as it is the only “official” spotting area. |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is recommend as there is no public transport around. But if you stay at the Quality Inn (#2) you will be able to catch all arrivals on 25 easily. |
| Restrooms | All around the airport in the gas stations, hotels and restaurants. |
| Drinks/Food | Everywhere around the airport there are fast food restaurants and supermarkets. |
| Hotels | There are plenty of hotels all around the airport as its just at the “beginning” of the Las Vegas Strip. If RWY26 is active the La Quinta Inn & Suites Las Vegas Airport South is a pretty good choice as you close to the arrival (see Spot 2).. |
| Season | Try to avoid the summer month as you will get a lot of heat distortion and very high temperatures. |
| Runway Usage | |
| 01L/19R | Crosswind runway at LAS. Used in both directions for arrivals and departures. (19R departures only by General Aviaton and E&G) – Main runway for general aviation (arrivals & departures). |
| 01R/19L | Crosswind runway at LAS. Used in both directions for arrivals and departures, mainly by scheduled traffic. |
| 08L/26R | Main runway at LAS. Usually this inner runway is used for departures (08 arrivals only during very hot summer month) |
| 08R/26L | Main runway at LAS. Usually this outer runway is used for landings (no departures from 08R – 08 arrivals only during very hot summer month |
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S Eastern Ave - 26R lineup
| WHERE | This location is at the S Eastern Ave corner Chandler Ave on the sidewalk next to the perimeter fence. Easily reachable from the Sunset Rd. Park your car at the ‘park 2000’ where you can find some shops or at the nearby Walmart. There is a huge noise protection wall and you can stand on north or south of it. Latter is better if the sun has moved a bit around. You need to shot through the mesh. Ladder may helpful but its attracts too much attention! |
| WHAT | Interesting spot with a nice background of the hotels if the aircraft turn in for the 26R departures. |
| TIME | From sunrise till noon. Depends on the angle. Heat may occur towards midday. |
| MISC. | Everything you need is behind you. Hotels are also pretty close. Police passed by several times without further action. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 170mm for a 737 |
Norther Point:
Southern Point:
La Quinta Inn - 26 arrivals
| WHERE | Located at the end of East Sunset, opposite the end of runways 26L and 26R. This is an ideal hotel for spotters and photographers, especially for those who do not drive. Some of the other photography locations can be reached on foot within a reasonable walking distance, and the hotel offers a free shuttle bus to the airport and the downtown Strip for those who wish to explore the city. |
| WHAT | Spotting and photography can be done from the hotel car park and some rooms on the top two floors.
Car park: This gives a similar view to Spot #3 but a bit further back, with a slightly better angle. All arrivals on 26L and 26R can be easily photographed . Rooms: Ask for a room facing the runways on the 2nd or 3rd floor (even numbered rooms 54, 56 and 58 etc. offer good views of the threshold of 26R). Good shots of aircraft lined up on 26R can be taken. It is behind slightly tinted glass but a bit of post processing should yield nice photos with the mountains in the background in good visibility. Shots of arriving aircraft can also be taken, but a little more difficult due to trees and window frames. |
| TIME | From the car park: all day in winter; backlit in summer by mid-afternoon From the room: sunrise till midday in winter. Heat haze becomes an issue around midday. In summer the heat haze would be worse. |
| MISC. | Free shuttle bus serving the airport and the downtown Strip; free parking for those who drive; some shops and restaurants within a few minutes’ walking distance; huge Wal-Mart and other shops around 3 minutes drive (or 20 minutes walk) away. Spotting locations #3, #5, #1 and #4 are also within walking distance. No issues with the hotel staff, even for non-hotel guests spotting from the car park. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From the car park: Less than 100mm for a 777; 180mm for an A319; 400mm+ for small biz-jets and GA aircraft From the room: 300mm-400mm for 737s and A320s |
Abandoned Building - 26L/R arrivals&departure
| WHERE | If you start at the famous Las Vegas Blvd, drive out of the city until you pass the threshold of RWY01 on the left. After that make a left turn into the E Sunset Rd and follow the road for almost 4 km parallel to the runway until you see the threshold of 26L on your left. Shortly before the La Quinta Inn Hotel at South Bruce St. is a small parking lot to your right at an abandoned buidling. Park here and start spotting. |
| WHAT | You look over the Sunset Rd and have a view on the thresholds of RWY26. Planes coming from the right using 26L, 26R is normally used for departures only. You can cross the busy road, be careful, and photograph departures through the mesh too. But be aware of heat distortion and the busy road. |
| TIME | During winter this is a perfect spot for the whole day. In the summer the sun turns around in the late afternoon. Ground movements are tricky as there is a lot of heat haze, especially for RWY26R. |
| MISC. | There is a 7Eleven and a gas station when you follow the Sunset Rd for 200 meters eastwards. Also the La Quinta Inn Hotel is just there, perfect to stay. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-200 mm |
View from the empty building:
Embriodery screen printing - 26L arrivals
| WHERE | This is an alternative in the late afternoon for 26L arrivals, especially if you don´t have a ladder and can´t use spot #5. The spot is a few meters before the offical viewing area next at the parking of a green building. |
| WHAT | From here you are on a higher level and you can catch the arrivals on 26L. 90 degrees pics are not possible as the planes are too low and you will have parts of the fence in your frame. Perfect for 45 degree pics with the mountains in the back. |
| TIME | Beautiful light from late afternoon, when the sun slighty turned on the runway. |
| MISC. | Everything you need along Sunset Rd. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 77W = 250mm; A320 = 400mm |
Sunset Rd - 26L/R arrivals&departures
| WHERE | a) – Parking: This is the one and only official spotting location in Las Vegas. Its a long parking area, 300-400 meters before spot #3, across the Sunset Rd. You can park your car here for free. The first thing you will face is the pretty high fence! If you don’t have a huge ladder, use the roof of your SUV which should be not the smallest. Shouting through the mesh is possible but limited.
b) – Restaurant staircase: If you don’t have a ladder with you or your cartop isn’t high enough, you can also use the Indian restaurant’s staircase on the other side of the “East Sunset road” (marked on the map). From there you’ll have a good view above the fence, so you can take pictures with just a small part of fence or totally without (if you shoot heavies, you’ll still have a bit inside you picture at the bottom). Keep in mind that you’re on business property that’s why it’s highly recommended to keep a low profile as you may be sent away during businesshours. |
| WHAT | The spot is pretty amazing as you are very close to RWY26L. Some days the crosswinds in Vegas are pretty heavy and bumpy touchdowns are not unusual. This is the place to be as you are exactly across the touchdown zone! Its also the best location if 08L is used for departures. |
| TIME | During winter this is a perfect spot for the whole day. In the summer the sun turns around in the late afternoon. |
| MISC. | As on spot #3 explained, visit the 7 Eleven store or the mentioned Indian restaurant.
There can be heat distortion in your picture if you try to shot for 26R or on hot days generally. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Parking -> 50-200 mm
Staircase -> 26L = 70-130mm / 26R = 200-300mm |
a) – Parking area:
b) – Restaurant staircase:
Konami Building - 26L/R departures
| WHERE | This spot is almost at the threshold of RWY 08 at the Sunset Rd, corner S Bermuda Rd. There is a small wall where you can climb up and reach a higher level to avoid the fence.
When you park your car here you will get “trouble” with the Konami building’s security normally only during weekdays, but sometimes also on weekenddays. They ask you to leave as long as you’re no member of Konami. |
| WHAT | Good spot for 26R departures as you have less heat haze in your pictures as on spot #5. The fence shouldn’t be a problem as the planes already rotating before your photo position and are not too high. |
| TIME | During winter this is a perfect spot for the whole day. In the summer the sun turns around in the late afternoon. |
| MISC. | Visit the Town Square for all the amenities (tagged on the map). |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-300 mm |
Panevino - 08L/R & 01L/R arrivals, 19L/R departures
| WHERE | To reach this location follow the Sunset Rd westwards until you see the Panevino Restaurant on the left. Turn left into the Gilespie St and park your car at the Park&Ride lot. Walk the few meters back to the Sunset Rd and find a place next to the Panevino sign. |
| WHAT | Great place for the 19L/R departures. 19R is only used by EG&G aircraft and the General Aviation traffic. When the aircraft are heavy you have a nice background with some hotels of the Las Vegas Blvd. For 01 arrivals pass the Panevino by following the Sunset Blv. westwards. So you get closer to the arriving aircraft. 08 arrivals are not usual and only appears during very hot summer days. |
| TIME | Best in in the morning hours until afternoon (depends on the time of the year) |
| MISC. | Visit the Town Square for all the amenities (tagged on the map) |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-400 mm |
Parking Lot - 01L & 01R Arrivals Morning
| WHERE | This Spot is located almost right at the crossing of the Sunset Rd with the Las Vegas Blvd (The Strip). The spot is a significantly closer location to Spot #7 if RWY 01 is active for arrivals. In theory the big parking lot is private property, so long parking there is not advised and it might be better to park around the corner. Or even at the Town Square Mall, which is within short walking distance. |
| WHAT | If you stand at the marked spot this is where you can actually get shots on both runways. Most aircraft will be arriving on 01L, especially the Bizjets, Janet and other special visitors will usually arrive there. However, occasionally, you will have landings on 01R and if you will have strong northerly winds and 01 is the only landing direction, then both runways will be used alternating. If you need to get a bit closer to 01L (for example for small Bizjets) you can just walk/run along the sidewalk and shoot from there. If you need more distance for 01R it is also possible to use the sidewalk to put more distance between you and the Runway. 01 Departures are not possible from here, as there is a double fence installed. |
| TIME | Best in the morning hours until early noon. |
| MISC. | The parking lot is actively used by some companies. Usually they don’t mind us staying here, but please be mindful and do not get in the way. Otherwise there is nothing here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | The Rouge 767 (on RWY01R) is taken from the marked location and exactly 70mm. On 01L you will have around 240mm for an A320 for the marked spot. So you will probably get heat haze later in the day if you do not walk closer. |
Jack in the Box - 01L & 01R Arrivals Evening
| WHERE | If you are driving north- or southbound on the Las Vegas Blvd (Strip) just turn shortly before or after the crossing with the Sunset Rd. Parking is possible right at the marked spot or at the Jack in the Box fast food restaurant. |
| WHAT | You can get arrivals for 01L mostly at the marked locations. 01R arrivals are a little bit too low, so you might get a lot of fence in your shot, so we recommend to move a bit southwards along the Las Vegas Blvd if something interesting is coming there which you want to shoot. Otherwise you can also move a bit northwards if you want to get a better angle for 01L arrivals. |
| TIME | Best in the late afternoon hours. In winter you will have a very limited timeframe to use the spot, as the sun barely get around the runway. |
| MISC. | You have the Jack in the Box right next to you in case you need food, drinks or restrooms. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | The US Govmt B734 is taken on the 01R with around 225mm. The Janet B736 has 100mm on 01L. |
Crash Gate - 01L/R arrivals, 19L/R departures, taxiway Hotel
| WHERE | This spot is located at a crash gate which is next to the Las Vegas Blvd. Park your car at the Executive Terminal and walk a few meters southwards along the Blvd. to the gate. |
| WHAT | You are almost at the threshold of 01 and get all arrivals. When business jets arrive on 26 they will use the taxiway Hotel to the GAT in front of this spot. |
| TIME | Only okay in the late afternoon in the summer month. No light in the winter on this location! |
| MISC. | Visit the Town Square for all the amenities (tagged on the map) |
MGM Self Parking Garage - 19R arrivals
| WHERE | Get to the MGM Grand Hotel and follow signs to the self parking garage. You don’t have to park as you have to pay for it and you may find a better parking which is free of charge next to it. For the spot just climb up the stairs located at the corner Tropicana Ave/Koval Ln to level 5. If you go further up to level 6 or 7 you might be asked to leave as it is not open for public. |
| WHAT | The location is only okay for the 19R arrivals and is recommend in the winter only. There is just too much heat in the summer. 19L is maybe a little bit far but you can try it. Keep in mind 19R is only in use for GA and Janet aircraft! |
| TIME | In the winter month from afternoon till sunset. |
| MISC. | Everything you need within the hotel. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | For the biz jets you need at least 400-500mm. (samples were taken with a smaller lense!) |
Economy Parking - 19L arrivals
| WHERE | To reach this spot, just follow the signs on the Paradise Road to the Terminal 1 Economy Parking Lot, which is located next to the old international terminal. |
| WHAT | Perfect place for the 19L arrivals. You have a great angle here and with the hotels behind, you get a unique background on your pics. 19R are possible too but due to the distance there can be too much heat distortion. |
| TIME | Best time in the morning until noon. |
| MISC. | Maximum fee for 24h is 10 USD. It is possible that you will be approached by security staff and told not to take photos. Do not use this spot if you are on foot, drive into the car park! Park along the “Rent A Car Rd” in the car park (as shown on the map) and stay in the car at all times, and only step out briefly to take photos of arriving aircraft or just open the window of your car to take photos. Do not stand in the unused empty section of the car park near the fence! Remain very discreet. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 300 mm for the A319 on 19L, 400 mm for 19R BizJets |
Parking T1 - 01L/R departures, T1 apron
| WHERE | The top of the employee parking garage of Terminal 1 is one of the most famous spots in Las Vegas. Follow the green signs to the T1 long term parking garage and drive to the roof top. This is where you park your car. You can’t park next to the spot as its for employees only! Than you have to walk a few meters, over a bridge, to the employee parking garage until you reach the Terminal. Stay where I’ve tagged the position on the map. You can also use the elevators from the T1 departure hall to the top of the parking garage. |
| WHAT | This spot is famous for its background on the pictures, with the Las Vegas Strip hotels on it. The planes are pretty far away and rotating in front of the hotels. Ground shots are difficult as there is a lot of heat haze. |
| TIME | Good from morning until afternoon (depends on the time of the year) |
| MISC. | Use the elevator to the Terminal for all the facilities you need. The parking lots have a sun protection so you will be standing in the shadow. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 400-500 mm |
Cargo Area - 26L/R arrivals&departure
| WHERE | This spot is located next to the cargo ramps of FedEx and UPS at the east of Terminal 3 and next to a WalMart. Visit this location only during the weekend or holidays as this is private property and the companies are not amused about unrequested visitors. |
| WHAT | Your are almost on the opposite site of spot#6 and pretty close to taxiway Bravo & Charlie as well as the threshold of 26R. For ground pictures a ladder is required to overlook the perimeter fence. 26L arrivals are no problem from this spot! |
| TIME | Best in late afternoon and early morning in the summer. |
| MISC. | A Walmart with all the necessary facilities is just next to you. |
49 Comments
Hi there!
I went planespotting here in Vegas two weeks ago, with my main plan being to access spot 14. However, when my family and I pulled up, we quickly realized a sign that read “Private Property : Air Cargo Business Only : No Trespassing”. Are we allowed to go in here? I assume no, but figured I would ask…
Hi Alec, as written in the description above: Visit this location only during the weekend or holidays as this is private property and the companies are not amused about unrequested visitors.
-Julian
What spots are safe walking to from the terminal?
I don`t recommend to walk long distances from the terminal as all spots are very far. The only options are #13 and #12. Latter might be reachable by a shuttle bus.
-Julian
I recently visited the airport and tried to get to spot #13 which is on top of Terminal 1, I was unable to find a way without having to pay. Is there a free way up or do you need to pay to enter Terminal 1’s parking garage?
If you arrive by car you have to pay of course at the terminal parking garage. Otherwise you use a shuttle bus from your hotel and walk to the spot.
-Julian
I’m headed to Vegas, and never officially spotted there. I will be using a video camera, and was wondering what spots will be ideal for shooting. My camera has a really good zoom, I’m looking for a spot without Trees, Light poles, etc. Thanks
Thats not so easy. All along Sunset Rd (25L arrivals) there are light poles and palms. 7 and 8 could be fine but not really sure.
-Julian
Hello: I am going to be in Las Vegas next week and was looking for some spotting information on North Las Vegas Airport. Could someone refer me to information on this page or others regarding spotting at that airport? Thanks!
I have confirmed my visit to Las Vegas for January 25 through January 31, 2020. I will have a rental car available and would appreciate any information any member could provide regarding Operation Red Flag at Nellis AFB. It really sounds exciting. Advice as to parking areas, best times to go, etc., would be most appreciated. Thanks for your assistance and maybe I will be able to meet a few of you during my visit!
I will also be around McCarran/Nellis at the end of January. What I’ve been able to glean about Red Flag 20-1 is this:
Red Flag Participants:
1 Sqn RAAF F/A-18F
16th ACCS E-8C
16th SOS AC-130W
101 RAF Sqn KC-30
119th FS F-16C+
2 Sqn RAAF E-7A
343rd RS RC-135V
37th BS B-1B
41st ECS EC-130H
41 Sqn RAF FGR4
421st FS F-35A
66th RQS HH-60G
6 Sqn RAAF EA-18G
617 Sqn RAF F-35B
79th RQS HC-130J
92rd ARW RFTTF KC-135R
960th AACS E-3G
VAQ 135 EA-18G
Thanks for the information! I will be around Nellis and Las Vegas 25-31 January and am looking forward to Red Flag. Do you know of any recommended parking/spotting areas around Nellis? From what I understand, most folks just park on the streets. I was advised to “look for people with cameras!”
Steve
Garden City, Kansas
Here are some of the sites I’ve found with location info:
https://www.scramble.nl/airfield-guide/las-vegas-nv-nellis-afb
https://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2019/03/05/nellis-air-force-base-photography-guide/
http://airwingspotter.com/nellis-afb-spotting-guide-2019/
Hope that helps.
I’ve found the parking lot near EggWorks (near spot #10) to be a great spot for 26L arrivals. You can see the aircraft coming from far away, and you can get great up-close angles from various directions.
Indeed!
Just back from a spotting trip at Vegas. All spots that are mentioned here and we could use are still operational. I found a nice alternative to the official spotting location for those without big car or high ladder. It offers a nice background as well. It’s located a few hunderd meters towards the treshold on a higher leveled parking where you can stand on. It’s a green building called “Embriodery screen printing” Especially nice in the late afternoon when the sun is turned. I had no issues with the people who working there. Google maps coördinates : 36°04’18.0″N 115°07’52.9″W. 90 degrees shots are not possible because you’ll get the fence in your picture. A 100-400mm lens will cover everything. Sample pictures > https://flic.kr/p/2djdcEB , https://flic.kr/p/SxJet1
Hi Pascal, thanks for your positive feedback. I have added your additional location. Very nice photos from there!
THX
-Julian
I am thinking of visiting LAS. Can a step ladder be used at the official spotter location? If so, how many steps is advisable?
Hey Tim, I have seen locals there using a step ladder. This is an official spotting location so it should be okay.
-Julian
Hey, I am spotting at LAS next week and I really want to get good shots. I have a canon rebel t6 with a 75-300mm lens would that be good enough for spot 3 without the fence being a problem? And which location at the parking lot (spot 3) should I go to for good arrival and departure footage without the fence in the way. The fences at my home airport are dark green which is really distracting if the fences are grey will they not be a distraction? (I really hate fences lol) but please I would really like to know. Thank you!
SORRY I meant spot 2 instead of spot 3 just so you know.
Hi, at #2 a 75-300mm lense is okay at this location as most planes are narrowbodies like A320 or 737. Only heavies maybe don’t fit at 75mm for a 90 degree photo. Keep in mind you need a ladder here!
If you can´t park at the Konami Building go to #4 and walk to #3. Fence is grey all around the airport.
-Julian
Alright! But I only film so would it still be a problem?
Can you photograh anywhere along fence on Sunset or only at the parking space cutout on sunset? I want to photograph between your site location 2 and 3. At 3 planse were to high to incorporate Vegas background and remain large. I want to photograph them from low angle just after takeoff while they are still low. So would I have any hassle if I just walk along sunset fence and photograph all along it?
Hi Mike, shooting directly at the fence is a bit tricky. There are two fences between 2 and 3 and they use the inner runway for departures. Furthermore you attract attention at this busy road.
I would try to step back and use the parking lot from one of these buildings like here: 36.071384, -115.144570
But to be honest, #3 is still the best place for departure photos. You don´t need to stay exactly at the corner and can walk a bit further eastwards on the parking.
Keep in mind, when its very hot, the planes need much longer to rotate and if you are between 2 and 3 they are still on the ground and you have no chance to make a photo due to the two fences.
Hope this helps.
Julian