LAX-Spot1
Boston Logan Intl. Airport Spotting Guide
February 25, 2013
San Diego Intl. Airport Spotting Guide
March 8, 2013Los Angeles Intl. Airport Spotting Guide
at - last modified on October 23, 2019
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX), the gateway to Southern California, handeld almost 85 Mio. passengers in 2017 and is one of the top ten airports of the world in number of passengers. More than 13 mio people living within the Los Angeles Metropolitan Aera and almost every tourist who is going to visit the Western States of the USA will start his journey in Los Angeles. Thats why you will get a wide variety of airlines and many international carriers using heavy equipment at LAX.
Many US airlines using Los Angeles as hub or as a focus city, like Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest and American. Plane spotting is not very popular in the US, but LAX is one of the more famous places for this hobby. Most time, the wind is coming from the ocean, so the planes arriving from the city, while the departures heading to the ocean. The sun is shining almost any time of the year and the pacific ocean, with his large beaches, is just next to the airport. Furthermore there are many cargo flights taking place by carriers from all over the world like Qatar, Nippon, Korean, Lufthansa, Cargolux and many many more. FedEx and DHL operating a small hubs at LAX too.
Written by Julian Mittnacht, Jan Seba, Lennart Böttcher, Maximilian Kramer, Patrick Weis and Yixin Chen (last visit November 2018)
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather | |
| Visitor Rating How was your trip? Rate this airport! |   (37 votes, average: 4.43 out of 5) Loading... |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 06L/24R (north) | 2.720 m (8.926 ft) |
| 06R/24L (north) | 3.318 m (10.885) |
| 07L/25R (south) | 3.939 m (12.923 ft) |
| 07R/25L (south) | 3.382 m (11.095) |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | Southwest |
| Terminal 2 | Delta plus Connection, Virgin, WestJet and some SkyTeam members |
| Terminal 3 | Delta plus Connection and some mexican carriers |
| Terminal 4 | American |
| Terminal 5 | American, AA Eagle and all other US carriers |
| Terminal 6 | Alaska, Air Canada and some more |
| Terminal 7 | United plus Express |
| Terminal 8 | United plus Express |
| Tom Bradley Intl. Terminal | Almost all Intl. carriers |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not needed |
| Car/Public Transport | Needed for some locations but from the terminals all locations along Sepulveda Blvd. for 24 are easy to reach by foot. |
| Restrooms | All around the airport in the restaurants or hotel lobbies. |
| Drinks/Food | All around the airport |
| Hotels | There are plenty of hotels along the Century Blvd. You can walk from there to spots 2-5 & 7. To get a great deal, use the bidding tool of priceline.com. The Embassy Suites are within the walking distance to the Imperial Hill. |
| Season | There is no special season but its very hot in the summer and heat haze can be a problem at some positions. The light conditions are perfect from October until March as the sun is always in the south so you don´t have to switch positions. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | Usually the whole year the wind comes from the ocean so 24/25 are the active runway directions. There is something like a system at LAX but as usual there is never a guarantee. Flights with a northern route like from Europe or Asia prefer the northern runways. Flights from the south and cargo flights, especially FedEx, use the southern ones. |
| 06R/24L | The inner, longer northern runway is mainly in use for departures. |
| 06L/24R | The outer northern runway is mainly in use for arrivals. |
| 07R/25L | The outer southern runway is mainly in use for arrivals. |
| 07L/25R | The inner, longer southern runway is mainly in use for departures. |
 | Spot #1 – Imperial Hill – 07/25 movements |
|---|---|
| WHERE | It is not difficult to find because as it the name already says, this spot is located at the ‘Imperial Ave’ and LAX most popular spotting location. Always keep the ‘Sepulveda Blvd’ in mind, because this road connects almost every single spotting location with the airport. When you follow the Blvd from the airport and passed the tunnel, don’t make a right turn into the Imperial Hwy. You have to use the next street to turn right into the E Walnut Ave. Than take the next right into the California St. After two, small blocks you will see the Embassy Suites to your right hand side. Here you make a left turn into the ‘E Imperial Ave’. Now drive for 1 km, up the hill (the airport is to your right) until you see a small park area, with some benches and a big US Flag on your right. Just park your car along the road. There you are! By Public Transport: Take local transit to get to LAX City Bus Center and take there “Beach Cities Transit bus 109” which runs 7 days a week to Imperial Hill. From LAX terminals, take bus shuttle to parking Lot C which is next to LAX City Bus Center and then take the bus 109 to Imperial Hill. You can also take above bus from Metro Green Line Aviation Station. |
| WHAT | This spot is famous for the rotating plane pictures. You see all movements from 07L/R and 25L/R. You will miss some 25L arrivals, as the planes exit the runway earlier. But all 25R departures will be on your camera chip. If 06L/R is in use, you will not miss a single plane that use the southern runways. Also taxiway Bravo and Charlie will be in your sight. Heat haze is a big issue for ground photos. |
| TIME | Great spot for the whole day. Only in the summer evenings you will get backlit pictures. |
| MISC. | Restrooms are pretty close in the Embassy Suites. Don’t hesitate to get in there! Restaurant and supermarket are a little bit more far aways. There are enough benches to relax. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-400 mm |
 | Spot #2 – Proud Bird Restaurant – 25R arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | Its pretty close to the airport hotels and is allong the Aviation Blvd. Use the Century Blvd until you can make a right turn into the Aviation Blvd. The street is running parallel to the Sepulveda Blvd. Its on the left side and you won´t miss it as there are many aircraft displayed around the Proud Bird Restaurant. There is a terrace facing northwards with a great view. You can also photograph from the parking of the restaurant if you don´t wanna go inside. Stay on the east side of their event center where the delivery zone is. Usually its a very empty lot and you should be fine if you stay there. Alternative is to go to #8. |
| WHAT | Its along the approach path of 25R and you don´t miss a single plane here. |
| TIME | Great spot for the whole day. Only in the evening you get backlit pictures. |
| MISC. | You get everything what you need in and around the restaurant. For more photos from the restaurant check this link. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300mm |
 | Spot #3 – Joe´s Car Park/Quik car parking – 24R arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | There are two parking garages along the W98th and corner of Vicksburg Ave. If you stay in one of the plenty hotels at the century blvd use one of these garages as they are much cheaper than to park on the hotel property. Just use the elevator to get on the top level. Free shuttle busses running from the terminals to the parking lots, rental stations and hotels. |
| WHAT | As you are on a higher level than standing on the ground you can make great side shots of aircraft arriving on 24R. Almost all heavies arrive here, especially those from Europe and Asia. During beautiful winter days you can even have the snow covered mountains as a background. |
| TIME | Great spot for the whole day. Only in the summer evenings you get backlit pictures. It can get pretty hot here on the roof and there is no sun protection so if, use a lower level. Heat haze might be an issues on warmer days. |
| MISC. | Restrooms are inside the hotels and in one of the many fast food restaurants around the area. Parking is 21USD for 24h. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 150-400 mm. Quick Car Parking is a little bit closer than the Joe´s Car Park so you need less focal length. |
Pictures from the “Joe´s Car Park” Garage
Pictures from the “Quik Parking” Garage
 | Spot #4 – In-N Out Burger – 24R arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | Another very popular spotting location in L.A.. Just follow the Sepulveda Boulevard northwards for appr. one kilometer and you will see on the left hand side the fast food restaurant and a tiny park area. You can park your car here along the street. You can also walk from the terminals for around 15 minutes, as its pretty close and very easy to find. |
| WHAT | This location is not the best for photography as you have backlit almost the whole day. Furthermore you are almost under the aircraft and belly shots is what you will get. Its just a nice stop if you get hungry and wanna try a tasteful burger while watching the planes arriving. If you wanna make more sideview shots, go to spot 5. |
| TIME | Its only good in the evening, especially in the summer. Sun is pretty low in the winter! |
| MISC. | restrooms are in the In-N Out Burger. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 20-150 mm |
 | Spot #5 – CVS Parking Lot – 24R arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE? | when you passed the In-N Out Burger, follow the road only for a couple of meters until you can make a left turn into the W 89 Street where the CVS Pharmacy is located. There are parking lots on the roof of the store, so just use the ramp to get ontop. This is your place to be! Stay next to your car because parking is only allowed for customers. You can easily walk to this position from the terminals. |
| WHAT | you are a little bit higher here and more distant to the aircraft as on spot #4. |
| TIME | its only good in the evening, especially in the summer. Sun is pretty low in the winter! |
| MISC. | restrooms are in the In-N Out Burger. Supermarket just next to you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-400 mm |
 | Spot #6 – Westchester Parkway – 24L departures/24R arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | There are many ways to get to this place so please use google maps to find your way. You need to get on the Lincoln Blvd. and then turn into the W 94th Street. The street where you can park your car is parrallel to the Westchester Parkway next to some appartement buildings. From here follow the small footpath to get on the Westchester Parkway. Just cross the street and you will be there. |
| WHAT | You get some very amazing sunset, evening shots from 24R arrivang aircraft, as well as 24L departures with the airport as a background, here. Because of the many lightpoles along the road infront of you its a little bit difficult to find the best moment releasing the shutter. |
| TIME | Its only recommend in the evening, especially in the summer. Sun is already too low in the winter! |
| MISC. | The police patrols the roads around the airport frequently. So the risk of beeing stopped is pretty high. But don´t be afraid. Usually the officers are very friendly and know what you are doing. They just control your ID and then keep you going. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-400 mm |
 | Spot #7 – Parking Lot C / Bridge – 24R Arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | There are two opportunities where you can stay. By car the best way to get here is use the West Century Blvd. From here there are multiple way to get to the W 96th street on which the entrance to the parking lot is located. It is recommended to enter by car and to pay the fee ($12 by latest information), so that you can spot directly from the car and not have any trouble with authorities and security. Otherwise you can stay on the bridge connecting W 96th Street with the airport. There runs a free shuttle bus from the terminals to the Parking Lot C and you can even walk from the terminal (approximate 800 meters). There are stairways connecting Sepulveda Blvd/W96th and the bridge. If you go there for just 1-2 planes park at the cell phone parking lot which is next to the C lot and jump on the bridge to make your picture.+++ UPDATE SEPT 2019: The parking lot is closed for constructions but you can still go on the bridge +++ |
| WHAT | This spot is an alternative to Spot #3 for 24R arrivals. It is closer to the runway, so you dont need as much focal length. A disadvantage is, that you might have trouble with some lamp posts. But you should be able to find a good location in the parking lot so that they dont disturb your picture. Otherwise you might need to stamp them for some of the heavies (narrowbodies should never be a problem). You can also stay on the bridge where you have no disturbing objects in your way and you are even more flexible when it comes to the perspective. From there you can also see the line up for 24L. Taking pictures is difficult due to the fence and light poles. Only small aircraft like a Dash8-Q400 is possible (see sample). |
| TIME | In the winter, this is a great spot for the entire day. In the summer you will get backlit pictures in the evening. It might get very hot on the bridge, especially in the noon, and the only chance to protect yourself is to go down the staircase and stay under the bridge. |
| MISC. | You might be approached by the police at this location, because it is not as well known as the others by the officials. In my case they were fine with me spotting here, because I paid for the parking anyway. At the bridge you cause attention to the authorities! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70 – 200 mm (B777 is at 85mm, B738 is at 150mm) |
Pictures taken from the bridge:
 | Spot #8 – W 111th Street – 25L arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | Near the Proud Bird Restaurant, just drive along the Aviation Blvd and turn into the W 111th Street. After 350m (1150ft) you will see a small turning basin for busses on your left. Even if this turning basin is declared to be a towing zone, you can park your car here – I have never seen a bus using it and nevertheless, you can stand in close proximity to your car at this position. A ladder is not required at this location |
| WHAT | This spot is am alternative for the Proud Bird Restaurant. You get most of the American domestic traffic (United, American, Delta) here and usually, the heavies from Oceania will use runway 25L for landing. |
| TIME | In the winter, this is a great spot for the entire day. In the summer you will get backlit pictures in the evening. |
| MISC. | No restrooms nearby. The chance that you are approached by the authorities or self-appointed “airport-protectors” is very high at this spot. But as long as you stand outside the parking-lot, they will not stop you from taking pictures. Keep in mind: do not enter the parking lot – even if the area near the spot seems to be closed, it still belongs to the airport! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 90 – 260 mm (737-800 – 170 mm) |
 | Spot #9 – H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton – 24L/R arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | This spotting location is on the rooftop of the H Hotel Los Angeles (formerly Howewood Suites). It is accessible only for hotel guests! The address is 6151 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90045, USA. There is a glass barrier around the bar with an approximate height of 1,50-1,60 meters. |
| WHAT | From here you can catch most of the international heavies on final to 24L/R. On a clear day you have the hollywood hills on the background. |
| TIME | Good from around 9am until late afternoon. |
| MISC. | Since you have to book an overnight stay at the hotel to be permitted to visit the rooftop (bar), you obviously have access to all required amenities. There’s an additional fee for parking! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 400mm |
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- Overview
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- South/East view
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- South/West view
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- North/West view
 | Spot #10 – AT&T Entertainment Group Parking Lot – 25L/R movements |
|---|---|
| WHERE | This location is on the 10th floor of the AT&T Entertainment group parking lot. It is on DirecTV Way, El Segundo. From LAX, follow the Imperial Hwy and make a right turn into DirecTV Way, the entrance of the parking lot is on your left (not the one on your right!) after the first stop sign. The first 2 floors are staff parking lot for AT&T, while floors above are visitor parking. Drive all the way up to 10th floor and face north, you’ll get a great view of the entrance of RWY 25L and 25L. The parking rate is 1.5USD for 15 mins, but has a maximum of 12USD per day. |
| WHAT | All landings on 25L, as well as taxis near the cargo ramp. In early morning and late evening, planes taking off from 25R are also possible without heat haze. One tricky thing is that you can’t see the approaching plane until they are about to land due to the limited angle blocked by the two buildings in front of you. One solution is to look at the reflections on the building on your right. Once you see an airplane reflected on that building, get ready to catch it. |
| TIME | Great spot for the whole day in winter. Only in summer evenings you will get backlit pictures. |
| MISC. | There’s a Starbucks (with restrooms) within walking distance, locating three blocks south of the parking lot. Otherwise you’ll need to drive to other restaurants within LAX area and pay for the parking fees again when you come back. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-500mm |
 | Spot #11 – 6R Arrivals Dockweiler Park |
|---|---|
| WHERE | This spotting location is located in the Dockweiler park. Enter the park at the official entrance from Vista Del Mar and drive up till the marked parking lot. Fee is 2,50USD during the winter but can be higher during the summer (and more crowded). |
| WHAT | From here you can catch all arrivals for runway 06R. |
| TIME | Good from around 8am until 3pm. |
| MISC. | Toilets and showers are availible at many placces in the park. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-400mm depends on how far you wak up the beach |
+++ Visit the Star Helicopters website if you are interested in doing air to ground photos from LAX +++
103 Comments
Just back from a trip to LAX. Spot 3 seems to be not allowed anymore for now. Camera’s are installed on the top and lower levels and security will show up once they see you and ask to leave. Spoken with the owner as well who came up and he told us that due new security regulations it is not allowed anymore to use the parking for photography. Even the other spotters who paid for the parking with a rental car got send away.
I was on the same trip, after we got send away from the parking garage, we spoke to a pilot and fellow spotter who got send away 3 times from the famous In-N-Out spot. Seems that one isn’t as spotter friendly anymore as well
Hi Pascal, which garage are you talking about. There are two options 🙂
-Julian
Actually it was the “Quik Parking” Garage. I did not try the “Joe’s”
Good morning,
I’m David, a french planespotter and i want to thank you for this great site.
I’ll go to LAX the 24th october and i just want to know if the spot #1 is the best place for my first time at LAX.
I’ll also go to the spot #2 with the bus but i want to know the price of one way ?
Thank you for your help.
David D.
Hi David,
It depends what you are looking for, but Imperial Hill is definitely a good location to start with. However, I’d also like to recommend location #2, especially when it’s a hazy day.
At Location 1
you will get:
– all takeoffs on 25R (cargo aircraft will take off on 25L or 25R)
– all pax aircraft arrivals on 25L
– a lot of the arrivals on 24R when they taxi to the south side of the terminal complex
– most of the aircraft which are being towed from the terminals to the western end of the airport
– carriers from the South Pacific Region and Oceania will arrive here (except Qantas A380)
– all Hawaiian arrivals and departures, although they use 24L/24R most of the times
you will miss:
– most Delta and Southwest, some European and Asian carriers
– arriving cargo aircraft as they will vacate 25R to the other side
Re bus to location 2: We don’t have that information, please check the website of the local public transport system. In general, assuming you have a smart phone, I recommend to use Uber or Lyft, much easier and much faster and you will be dropped off exactly where you want to be at. Once you have downloaded the app(s), you should be able to check how much it will cost you for each ride.
Happy spotting,
Thomas
Hi there,
I am going to LAX in Novemebr and I heard spot 10 is difficult, due to increased security!
Is that true?
Cheers,
TheAviator
Hello
I will go to LAX next month. I want to go to spot 3 from terminal 5. My question is : I wonder if there is still shuttle bus service from terminal to LAX city bus Center, so that I don’t have to walk all the way. Besides, am I allowed to stay on the top floor of Quik parking? Do I have to pay to stay? Thanks
Hi, I don´t have infos about a bus shuttle but to be honest its not that far. Maybe a 15-20 minutes walk on sidewalks.
Never tried it there without a car but if you stay between some parked cars it shouldn’t be a problem.
-Julian
Thanks for sharing all these information. The content from SpotterGuide was very helpful for me over the time in many places. I have used the infos for spotting in LAX, MIA, FLL, DUB, HAM, BCN, BUD, HKT, TPE and TSA.
I recently been to LAX for some spotting and I have some comments that can be useful for somebody.
Regarding the spot 1: Heat haze is a real issue here even in mid-September, at least for those with a basic/medium photo equipment.
Regarding the spot 2: It’s absolutely fantastic and I strongly recommend it. The planes are enough close so it’s very easy to catch nice photos. Also, here you can find some shadow, the restaurant has good food for less money, you have parking, toilets and Wi-Fi. The only disadvantage is that you will miss almost all the passenger planes arriving from Europe and Asia. Almost, but not all of them. A few of them are landing on 25.
Regarding the spot 3: The name of the parking is Quik Car Parking, without “c”. The fee for parking is 21$ now. Here you can have some issues with the heat haze because you are a little bit far from the aircrafts. And it’s really difficult to find some shadow here.
Regarding the spot 7: The Parking Lot C is closed now. There are some construction works there and I don’t think that spotting will pe possible there for a period of time.
Hi Stefan, great to hear that we were able to help you!
With the heat haze you are right. That was missing. I noticed that problem myself during my visits.
Your further input has been added to the guide.
Thanks a lot
Julian
Hi Julian,
Question: the issue with heat haze on spot 3, is that only for aircraft on the ground, or also when still flying?
If it’s also when still flying, then the rooftop on spot 4 probably has the same issue?
Thanks for the feedback.
Regards, Robert
Hi Robert, at 4 you have no problems with heat as you are much closer. 3 is can be a problem even for planes in the air. Try to avoid hot middays. Morning hours are fine.
-Julian
Hi Julian,
Apologies, I was comparing the wrong spots. I meant if you have heat haze in the air on spot 3, it will likely have the same issue when of the rooftop of H hotel spot 9, since that is even further away from the runway, correct? Or are you higher up then?
I was planning on staying few days in H hotel, but with the heat haze in the afternoon, I might have to move to spot 7 bridge/parking lot anyway?
Thanks & regards, Robert
This depends totally on the condition at L.A. If there is smog over the city then you probably have heat at spot3 for planes still flying. But mainly for smaller stuff.
From the hotel I have seen ground photos whitout heat but you are not so far to the southern runway.
You can’t make a forecast but in winter no matter if 3 or 4 should be fine. Both locations are mainly for arrivals! Don’t expect too much good ground photos.
-Julian
Ok, clear. Thanks Julian!
Need help identifying a huge passenger jet.
9/11/19 9:30am above 60 FWY El Monte
It appears headed to LAX approaching south.
I could be wrong but it looked all white with 6 engines. It appeared out of the clouds and turned very gracefully towards LAX.
Have a look at the flightradar24 history/playback tool. This will help you.
Can’t imagine that you have seen an aircraft with 6 engines at LAX.
-Julian
Hello folks!
Of on it second trip to LAX 27th September to 2nd October this year, just wondering if anyone else is there between these dates and fancies sharing a star helicopters flight?
Hello! This article is very informative and helpful! I will be heading to LAX this coming weekend (May 17th-20th); will be planning to spot at Imperial Hill since I’m staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites El Segundo and that it is the closest official location that I can spot from; will plan to spot in the morning hours (~6:30-7:30am); was wondering if backlit pictures will be an issue if I decide to spot in the morning at Imperial Hill? Also, since Imperial Hill is the closest spotting location from my hotel where I’m staying at, I was wondering if there are any Bird or similar scooter rentals in the area, since I don’t want to walk for 23 minutes to the spotting location from my hotel. Any suggestions are appreciated!
Hi, you will have no good light before 9AM at the Imperial Hill. See picture below.
If you don´t wanna walk that short hump the only thing I know is uber.
-Julian
Thanks Julian! I had just returned from my long 10-day trip from multiple places but just to recap my plane spotting trip at LAX, I did spot from not only Imperial Hill, but also nearby In-N-Out Burger in the morning hours of my last day in LA (May 20th), as I had a rental car to drive with; I had better luck with the sunlight at the nearby In-N-Out Burger for early morning spotting (before 8am), though I still have a few that appear to be backlit at some point. Other than that, it was a fun plane spotting trip for me and would come back to LAX to spot more planes, as I had taken a lot of photos of various aircraft that I wouldn’t spot at my hometown.
Hi all
Has anyone tried spot 10 without car ? Been at Proud Bird last September but didnt like it much..Should try spot 8 within 2 weeks since Im heading to LAX again…
Best wishes all
Hi, I moved your topic from the SAN guide to the correct one.
The Flight Path Museum on Imperial Hwy (red and blue building, near GateGourmet) is also very good, with some great views of 25R and L. It has ramp access with a guide, but you can’t carry a camera. I recommend staying within the fenced area by the building. There are restrooms inside as well.
Hi Julian!
First of all many thanks to you and all the team as Spotterguide has helped me a lot at various airfields around Europe!
First trip to LAX in October, obviously doing IMP Hill and possibly 2 days on the North Runways. Has anyone had any issues up on the multi stories without a car?
Many thanks to you all
Hi Daniel, thanks for your kind words. I would give it a try. They can just kick you out, thats all. Otherwise you can go downstairs to #7, which is a nice spot too!
Have fun, Julian!
Cheers Julian I will report back in October
Hi Julian,
My first trip to LAX as well from October 2nd. Staying at Hilton Embassey Suites so may catch you at Imperial Hill !
Regards
David
Will hopefully see you around somewhere at LAX David! 🙂
Hi, has anybody ever tried to take photos from the bridge on Pershing rd ? Is it possible to go there by bus 625 ? Thanks. Pavel
Visiting in about a month for 2-1/2 days and I have a couple questions.
For Spot 6, do you think it will attract too much negative attention if I bring a camp chair of some sort? Spending extended time standing there seems uncomfortable.
Also looking at some extended time at Spot 1. For either that or 6, how bad is the light? It seems like most of the summer photos I’m seeing around the ‘net are from Westchester and there’s very little from Imperial Hill. Is that due to poor lighting?
Thanks!
Hi Paul, spot #6 is at a busy road so I would not use a chair. But you are there in the evening for just 1-2hours so I think it’s possible without one.
You can use #1 from the late morning morning and move in the evening to #6.
Westchester is only possible during summer maybe that’s why you have seen more pics from there.
-Julian
Hi Paul,
I have been to both spots in early April this year. At Imperial Hill, there are a few benches, so you don’t necessarily need to bring a chair, however, it’s no problem to set up a chair either, since it’s a commonly known spot and a lot of people including non-spotters stop by during the day to watch the southside traffic. For Westchester, as Julian said, you only want to spot there from 5pm-ish until sunset. When I was there, Westchester Pkwy wasn’t busy at all (but that was on a Friday and Saturday, might be different during the week) and the sidewalk is fairly wide, so I’d say it’s ok to bring a chair, as this spot is also commonly known. I had several police cars as well as airport security passing by and they didn’t seem to consider me and a few other spotters as a threat. What you really want to try though is to secure that spot on top of the wall where the fence begins on the bridge over Lincoln Blvd. That slightly elevated position will give you a chance – depending on your own height (I am 6’2″) – to get some of the light posts not out of the frame, but at least out of the center, so they don’t interfere in shots of planes touching down.
Happy spotting,
Thomas
Hi, can you recommend a good Hotel in LA, I am going to LA in july a I want a Hotel with view to the airport
Thanks in advance
Paul
Hi Julian just one little question is there internet at spot 2 or do you need your own thanks Mick I’m doing lax later this month April 2018 thxs
Hi Mick, I have never been to the new Proud Bird restaurant but usually in the USA every restaurant offers free WiFi. So I would say yes.
-Julian
Hi guys,
I’m looking for a spot to get a nice backside view of aircraft landing. Any recom? Thks in advance.
Hi Luke, for backside view go to the In-N Out Burger, spot #4.
-Julian
does anyone no whether the theme building still opens on a sunday sorry not been to lax since 1998 lot happened since then hoping to visit in sept for 4 days
Hi, my latest info is that its open on Saturday and Sunday from 9-17.
-Julian
great article thank you
RECOMMENDATION: can you recomend on a good spot to photography exeactly under the airplane?
I need the biggest airplains exeactly under and cimetrical also…
Thanks
Hi Josh, for the northern runway you can stand on the sidewalk at Sepulveda Blvd. between #4 and #7.
For the southern runway its on the Aviation Blvd. just next to #2, the Proud Bird restaurant.
-Julian
If arrivals using 06/07, has anyone tried shooting arrivals from the beach? Is this a viable alternative? Has anyone ever considered Hilcrest St off West Imperial Highway and doing arrivals here?
Hi Tim, I have never seen photos from arrivals coming from the west but for 07R the W Imperial corner Hillcrest St sounds good to me if I check the Street View photos. Its opposite of the airports fire training area. For 06R maybe the “Vista del Mar park” is the place to be.
Let us know if you find an adequate location!
-Julian
About the location number 3, Ace Parking/Quick car parking. I want to know if you can stay there taking pictures without a car parked on the building?
Because I’m staying in a hotel on center LA, but I go to the airport by metro, bus, and uber.
Hi, I would say yes if you stay between some cars. Otherwise just go down and use spot #7 instead if they cick you off the ground.
-Julian
Hi Isaac
I used this spot in March 2015, for a morning, without incident. Lots of Southwest, but spectacular shots of arrivals with snow capped mountains in the background. Lastly, as they always say, don’t be seen leaning over the edge.
Where are those people spotting from when they get those amazing above-plane shots? The tower?
Helicopter. Visit https://www.star-helicopters.com/aerial-services/plane-spotting/plane-spotting/
Finally coming to LAX next year but in the first week of September.
Just wondering if the heat haze is a big problem taking pics from the Imperial Hill?
Regards
Brian
Hi Brian, heat haze is only a problem for ground photos from the imperial hill. Take offs are all in the air at the Imperial Hill and there is no heat.
-Julian
thanks mate. I guess the haze is only at it worst around midday!
Yes midday it’s terrible! Afternoon it’s getting better.
But keep in mind all planes exit earlier and won’t pass the hill if they arrive on 06
Thanks mate!
A note for people visiting LAX. This weekend (28th and 29th Jan) spotters have been removed from all spots and told by police that photographs are not allowed to be taken. The police have directed everybody to the Flightpath Museum or The Hill. Even tough we were on a public sidewalk and so were about 10 other spotters I’ve spoken to and we were all told the same thing. I will update over the next few days/weeks to see if this is going to be a long term issue
Hi Mark, thanks for this info. I hope this is not a long term issue too and we can spot in LAX again. Please let us know if you know something new.
-Julian
HI all, I visited LAX in week 13-17FEB and there were no problem . I was on spot 7 – bridge and parking C and also spot 8. Evereything was fine and great. Many thanks for this guide O:)
Bohus
This “clearing” only takes place when there is a airplane with high security load is approaching or taking off. For example if there is a emergency landing, president of the United States in VC25000 Air Force One, etc. That was also the case when the Space Shuttle Endeavour was delivered on runway 25L but plans changed when what seemed to be a 100,000 spotters showed up to fill every empty space on the hill and all the way down the Imperial Blvd, as well as down the Imperial Highway/Interstate 105.
Rest of the time though, the spot is empty with no hassles
Hi all,
does anybody know where these pictures were taken at? Looks like from somewhere from high above with a zoom. It’s been taken from the south but I can’t find anything around that area that is so high.
https://img.planespotters.net/photo/734000/original/n971at-delta-air-lines-boeing-717-2bd_PlanespottersNet_734129.jpg
https://img.planespotters.net/photo/599000/original/g-xlec-british-airways-airbus-a380-841_PlanespottersNet_599601.jpg
Thanks and regards,
Mai
Hi,
these photos were made from a helicopter. Check out the last paragraph in our guide for more infos.
-Julian
I there any problem on spot 7 on the brigde whit police
Thanks
Joao santos
In LAX you get soon or later in contact with the police at almost every spotting location. But usually they just check your ID and let you continue your hobby.
-Julian
Hi Joao,
Was here last year and spent some hours up on the bridge which crosses Sepulveda. Apparently they are not fond of groups being up on the bridge! As I was alone I was not disturbed by the Police even though they passed me many times(there is a Police station next to the bridge!).
Good luck,
Chris
I was in 2012 at LAX and thought to use this bridge as spotting locacion but did not want to risk it.
the next time will be there because it seems like a good place for morning arrivals.
Thanks
Chris
Hey all, we get into LAX on Sunday the 13th on QF99, what would be the best place to catch KLM departing which is accessible from the terminals (no car)?
Thanks!
Hi Guys.
I will be having 3 nights in the Embassy Suites South in March 2017 for spotting/photography before flying up to SFO to join family on a vacation , i will have no transport and plan on spending a couple of days at Imperial hill.
Question1:…are there any food outlets near this spot so i dont have to go back to the hotel?
Question2:…what temperatures can i expect last week in march(roughly)?
Question3:…is there shelter there?
Hope you can help
Regards.
Howard Grant.
Hi Howard,
1. Yes there are is a 7eleven and some fast food restaurants a few minutes from the spot. Just walk along the road westwards.
2. I refer to the weather statistic you can find on the net. But March is warm but not hot 🙂
3. Some small trees are at this spot.
-Julian
Hi Julian.
Thanks for the info….really looking forward to a couple of days here as i have not been to LAX since 1991!
Regards.
Howard Grant.
Embassy Suites North is a pretty good spotting hotel for 300mm and up lenses if you get a high floor facing north. It has a balcony so you don’t have to shoot through a window. East facing room might get you arrivals on both runways. I had to shoot through a window to get south runway stuff from a hallway at the hotel since my room faces north. I am currently staying at Embassy Suites North during my time in LA. Embassy Suites South used to be a good spotting hotel but the Atlantic FBO built a hangar that blocks the view of the field from the room.
Any know he walking time/distance from the Embassy Suites LAX South to Imperial Hill?
Ill be staying at the hotel!
regards
Brian
Hi Brian!
It’s gonna be a 12mins walk for you, Sir and 0.6 miles to cover from the Embassy Suites Hotel to the Imperial Hill. You simply walk down E Imperial Ave all the way westwards until Clutter’s Park appears on the righ hand side of the street.
Cheers and have a lovely trip!
Marlin
Thanks Marlin, much appreciated!
regards
Hello from ORD. I’ll be at LAX in a few hours and I’ll be in LA for about a week. I’m planning some time for spotting and hopefully will be able to meet up with some experienced LAX spotters throughout the day. Disappointing to hear about Proud Bird; I was really looking forward to going there as well.
Hi all, just last week returned from LAX and indeed the ProudBird is close, a sign says until November 2016, but the nextdoor neighbour told me that all work had stopped recently and nothing was happening, so lets keep our fingers crossed it will open again.
I can upload photos prving this but do not know how?
Next to the proudbrid is the Campersite, DO NOT enter this, they (security) do not like this and very agressieve tell you to leave, you can stand at their entrance at both sides without any problem or at a small parking area a bit further without any problems.
Maybe an alternative for taking landing pictures at 24R instead of the W96ST Skyway, you can stand in Jenny Ave, where the AVIS parkinglot is just after the employe busstop, only one lamp pole to deal with and something you wacht out for the busses in your view, I never had a problem. Police passed me many times but never stopped, compaired to the Skyway were I was question 8 times in one day.
Hi, thanks for the guide, but I have slight correction on spot #3.
I was walking towards ACE parking and found out a somewhat better parking garage at corner of Vicksburg avenue.
No hassle there for two hours of morning spotting, and since it is a lot closer to airport you can take photos of 24R taxi to departure.
(200mm was enough for heavies)
Hi Tomislav,
thanks for the information. This garage didn´t exists during my visit some years ago but I will update the guide.
Regards
Julian
Hello all – I am planning to visit Point 1 – Imperial Hill on 15th April; en-route from Fort Lauderdale FL to Brisbane, Australia.
I will stay at the Embassy Suites south – as suggested, because it is walking distance to the mound.
A quick question – will my 100-300mm be sufficient from this point?
Many thanks,
Bryan.
P.S. dont forget to visit Fort Lauderdale as it has some great spotting areas and spotter friendly too!!
Hi Bryan, you need more than 300mm for the regional jets taking off or smaller jets on the taxiway. Heavies are no problem.
We will update the guide soon with this info.
-Julian
For APS-C will be good.
Hi,
When I was spotting at position 8 I was approached by police. They sent me away as parking and loitering is forbidden there. They said it would be not their decision but they were called to move me away. My friends were there the day before and had no issues for several hours.
Seems it’s not clear if this spot is off limits or not. Maybe it’s worth a try just to be there for specific aircrafts landing on the southern runway and to not to stay too long…
Hi, I am at LAX 9-14th March for the first time. I am from the Czech Republic. Will any other spotters be there ? 🙂
…i will be there after 12pm(probably not the best time for lighting)at spot 1 in imperial hill location
Hi,
I will be in LAX soon. As I found the Proud Bird restaurant is currently closed for renovation, is it still possible to access the parking or the theme park for spotting? If not is there any alternative position for 25R approaches?
Thanks
Marcus
Hi Marcus,
Unfortunately we do not have any info whether it is possible to take photos from the parking or theme park. It is likely but we cannot guarantee.
We will let you know as soon as we have received info about that.
We also don’t know about alternatives unfortunately but we try to find that out for you. Please also check our facebook page for updates if possible.
Thanks
Marlin
Hi, is it possible to take some pictures at N Douglas St ?? Landing on 25L.
I will be at LAX in March for the first time. Thanks.
Pavel
Hi, I don´t think so as the I105 blocks the sight. We don´t know an alternative for the Proud Bird Restaurant yet but I would try something next to it.
Regards
Julian
Hi and thanks for posting!! Quick question, have you ever tried on top of the One Parking Spot garage right be In n Out Burger?
Hi, no we didn´t used the garage but the CVS parking (Spot5) instead as its free of charge.
Regards
Julian
Here are directions to Imperial Hill via bus
Take local transit to LAX City Bus Center then take Beach Cities Transit bus 109 which runs 7 days a week to Imperial Hill. From within LAX take shuttle to Lot C which is next to LAX City Bus Center and take the above bus to Imperial Hill. You can also get above bus from Metro Green Line Aviation Station.
Thanks for this info Roy! We added it to the guide.
Regards
Julian
Hi All,
I’m staying at the Embassy Suites south in January, I wont have a car,
I believe its possible to walk to Spot 1, is that true,
Are any of the other points reachable by foot or public transport??
many thanks Guys
Hi Peter,
yes its possible and pretty easy to walk to the Imperial Hill from the hotel. You may use the shuttle bus of the hotel to the aiport and walk from there to spots 3,4,5 & 7. Public transport is possible but not that easy.
Regards
Julian
Hey Julian,
Thanks for getting back to me,
Which hotel would you recommend staying at?
I was thinking of changing and staying in the airport complex so I can go to different areas opposed to being on the south of the airfield
Regards
Pete
Hi Peter,
we mentioned it in the guide. We can´t recommend a special hotel.
Regards
Julian
Hey Julian,
Just back from LAX,
Amazing time,
would highly recommend staying at Embassy Suites South as you can literally walk to the museum and Imperial Hill
Cheers
Pete
Hello Fellow Plane Spotters!
I will be going to spend some 8 hours laying over from the Pacific to Europe (between 1100 and 1900 LT). I read this amazing (and very handy) article and now I have a few questions:
Q1:It is possible to walk fromTBIA to spot #4 (In-N-Out Burger)? If so, how to get there?
Q2: If walking is not possible, how to proceed by public transportation
Q3: Is there an easy way to reach the Imperial hill also by public transportation?
Many many thanks in advance for your attention on my questions.
I wish you all a great time!
Marcel
Hi Marcel, there is a sidewalk to get to the In-N out burger so no public transport is needed. It’s pretty easy to find. Get to the ground level and head to the hotels and when you reached the HWY 1. Turn left and you have just have to walk to the approach path. You will see the burger signs in the distance.
Google maps and street view is the tool you need to get prepared.
The imperial hill can be reached by public transport but it’s difficult and can take up to an hour. There is a bus stop below the hill.
Have a nice trip
Julian
Hi fellow aircraft enthusiasts,
I will be leaving for LAX in about three weeks time, an airport I am well acquainted with. Even though I have visited LAX numerous times, and are well informed on all locations, there is one question I still have. Is it possible to photograph from the W96st fly over(bridge that crosses Sepulveda Blvd and looks over the approach of 24L and 24R), or is this frowned upon by the authorities?
Regards,
Chris
Hi Chris,
in general I would say yes, its possible to take pictures from there. But this is a busy road and you will be spotted soon or later by the police and ask you to leave as the sidewalk is very small. The cops are very present along the airports perimeter. I was checked too but at an other location. Usually they are friendly and know what we are doing here. Alternatives are Spot 3 & 7 in our guide which are very close to your spot.
Kind regards
Julian
Thanks Julian.
It is possible I have been there a couple of years ago and did not get into any trouble.
The sidewalk is indeed small and it is a quite busy road.
The lightpoles along side the road may be a problem.
I know it is to late for you but maybe other users of this great site can use this informatoin.
Greetings,
Edsard
Hi all, just a query looking at the above map, is is possible to shoot from the beach front? or is there no point with the prevailing wind being from the ocean?
Will be in Redondo Beach for a few days next month, will try to pop up to Imperial Hill for an hour or two, any tips on busy period for heavies? late morning or afternoon?