LaGuardia Airport (LGA / KLGA) is the third busiest airport in the New York Metropolitan area. The airport mainly handles domestic traffic (30 million passengers in 2018, domestic in this case includes Canada) and ranks #21 in the USA. Due to its sandwiched location expansion options are very limited.

LGA is a hub for American and American Eagle (25%), Delta and Delta Connection (40%), Southwest, United, Spirit, JetBlue and Frontier. The only non-US carriers currently serving the airport are WestJet and Air Canada. There is some General Aviation traffic, but cargo carriers are a no-show.

Written by Thomas Okaty and pictures provided by Haofeng Yu as well as Stan Ev. Last change: August 2022 (Spot 4 updated)

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
04/22	2.134 m (7.001ft)
13/31	2.135 m (7.003ft)
Terminals
A (Marine)	JetBlue
B	Air Canada, American, Southwest, United
C	Delta, Frontier, Spirit
D	Delta, WestJet
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed at any of the locations.
Car/Public Transport	Spots #1 and #2 are within walking distance from the terminals. For all other spots a car is required.
Restrooms	None directly at the spotting locations.
Drinks/Food	Several options available in the terminals and on Astoria Blvd.
Hotels	There are a few hotels on Ditmars Blvd just south of the terminal complex.
Season	No specific season as traffic is constant throughout the year. As the airport is located in the center of a metropolis and adjacent to Flushing Bay it gets very hazy in the summer!
Runway Usage
General Info	Dominating procedures: 04 in use for arrivals -> 13 in use for departures 22 in use for arrivals -> 31 in use for departures 31 in use for arrivals -> 04 in use for departures Though the runways active at JFK often drive the selection of the procedure at LGA.
04/22	Used for both arrivals and departures.
13/31	Used for both arrivals and departures.

	Spot #1 – Planeview Park 23rd Ave – 04 and some 22 arrivals
WHERE	This little park is located near the runway 04 threshold. From the airport, take 94th St across Grand Central Pkwy, then turn right onto 23rd Ave and follow this road until a little grassy area becomes visible on your right. Parking is available free of charge roadside next to the park. Follow the same directions if you want to walk from the terminal to the park, but it’s about a 20 minute hike. You will need to stand on one of the benches in the park to be able to shoot over the fence. The top of the fence will still be visible in the frame (see sample pics). Alternatively, set up a 2-3 step ladder – which we usually do not recommend at any US airport – however, make sure to set it up away from the fence.
WHAT	Arrivals on 04 and 22. Technically, also departures on 22 (rotation and in climb), but 22 is rarely being used for takeoffs.
TIME	From Sunrise until around noon (04 arrivals) and late afternoon (22 arrivals, when vacating the runway).
MISC.	Food, drinks and restrooms can be found in the Terminal. There are also several restaurants, stores and gas stations along Astoria Blvd (one block south of 23rd Ave).
FOCAL LENGTH	Around 100mm for arrivals

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	Spot #2 – Shell Station – 04 arrivals
WHERE	This spot is also located near the runway 04 threshold. From the airport, follow Runway Dr along the airport perimeter fence. Once you are past the runway threshold go across the intersection, the Shell station will come up on your right. Parking is a bit of an issue here, there are a few spaces on the gas station’s property, but obviously those are for customers and employees only. Perhaps you want to purchase gas or food and drinks here, then it might be OK, however, be prepared to be questioned about what you are doing and possibly to get kicked out at some point. Always stay calm, be nice and cooperative!
WHAT	All arrivals on runway 04. Technically, also departures on 22 (in climb), but 22 is rarely being used for takeoffs.
TIME	From early afternoon until sunset.
MISC.	Food, drinks and restrooms are right there. More options can be found on Astoria Blvd on the other side of Grand Central Pkwy.
FOCAL LENGTH	Around 100mm

Sample pictures looks like this. Please don`t hesitate to contact us if you can provide more pictures from this location.

	Spot #3 – Grand Central Pkwy Overpass – 31 arrivals
WHERE	This spot is in a residential area at the end of a pedestrian overpass over Grand Central Pkwy. From the airport, take 94th St and once you have crossed Grand Central Pkwy turn left at the light onto Ditmars Blvd. Follow Ditmars for about a mile until you hit the 31st Drive junction. The entrance to the overpass is across from 31st Dr, parking is available free of charge along Ditmars Blvd. On the overpass, a few trees will limit the viewing window, so alternatively walk down to the little park and position yourself right at the bay.
WHAT	Arrivals on runway 31.
TIME	From late morning until sunset.
MISC.	Nothing there, bring what you need.
FOCAL LENGTH	737/A320: 400mm

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	Spot #4 – Flushing Bay Promenade – 31 arrivals (expressway approach)
WHERE	It’s a bit complicated to get to this location from the airport. If available, we recommend to use Google Maps and punch in “Marina East, Flushing Bay Promenade”. Follow the directions, which will lead to the parking lot right at Flushing Bay Promenade. Once there head do the eastermost corner and position yourself at the area as marked on the map. It is a bit tricky to photograph the banking aircraft as trees and light poles disturb the sight partially. Be prepared to wait a while until a space becomes available as a lot of people come here to spend an afternoon or a stroll along the bay, ride their bikes, walk their dogs etc. On weekends, it naturally gets really crowded, so you might be better off to park on Ditmars Blvd (see directions for spot #3) and to take the hike across the footbridge and along Flushing Bay.
WHAT	Arrivals on runway 31.
TIME	From around noon until sunset.
MISC.	Nothing there, bring what you need.
FOCAL LENGTH	For banking shots at least 400mm. 90 degree A320 = 300mm

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	Spot #5 – Hermon A Macneil Park – 22 arrivals
WHERE	The spot is located inside Hermon A Macneil Park. Parking is available free of charge on Poppenhusen Ave just outside along the park. Once inside the park just walk along the western promenade  until you find your prefered spot.
WHAT	All runway 22 arrivals.
TIME	Light is good from sunrise until noon.
MISC.	There are some benches to relax and lots of trees provide shade. No restaurants or stores in or near the park, bring everything you need.
FOCAL LENGTH	737/A320: 350mm; ERJ145: 400mm

	Spot #6 – Employee Parking – 31 departures
WHERE	The spot is on the employee parking lot which is a short hump from the Marine Terminal A. Best way to get there is by shuttle bus to terminal A and from there it is just a short walk to the parking. In general you can stand everywhere on the huge lot but we recommend to look for a hidden place where you won`t be spot easily. If you arrive by car you can park at the “terminal B wait area”. The first three hours are free to park in there but drivers must remain in their vehicles.
WHAT	Runway 31 departures.
TIME	From late morning until sunset.
MISC.	Keep a low profile at this location and hide your camera! Terminal A is very close where you can find all amenities.
FOCAL LENGTH	300-400mm

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