Spotting in LAX

[iain32]

Hi,

I will be visiting Los Angeles on holiday for 5 days at the beginning of September and I want to spend a day at LAX taking pictures but I was wondering what day of the week is the best in terms of variety of movements etc ?.

Thanks.

[AndoniP]

Aren't the Americans a bit pernickety about things like that? :suspect:

[SpringHeeledJack]

What about camping out at the famous 'In n Out' burger bar car park just before the ILS to the east of the airport (Aviation Blvd?). Advantages being other like minded individuals also taking photos, therefore cops less confrontational and some of the best quality fast food in America ;) Or on the beach at the end of the westbound runway(s) end (Deckweiler Beach State Park), advantages beach, sunbathing, scantily dressed persons around :E.

Also for a difference how about hanging about in the Theme Building in the airport center ? It's the Star Trek looking place in white. Great food and drinks and an observation deck LAX THEME BUILDING OBSERVATION DECK TO CELEBRATE LAX 50th ANNIVERSARY ON SUNDAY, JUNE - FlyerTalk Forums (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/los-angeles/1227830-lax-theme-building-observation-deck-celebrate-lax-50th-anniversary-sunday-june.html)

Have fun :ok:



SHJ

[AdamFrisch]

Generally, you get the Asian/Australian heavies in the morning and the European/Middle Eastern heavies in the afternoon/evening. Afternoon until evening is the busiest time at LAX.

[Skipness One Echo]

Aren't the Americans a bit pernickety about things like that?

LAX is West Coast and much more relaxed and sensible. My favourite spot is Imperial Avenue on Imperial Hill to the south west. Awesome for departure photos and you can see everything on the southern runways. There are benches and lots of local food outlets nearby and the local Police are well aware what all the odd men with the big lenses are up to. I think the name is Jim Cutter Park. Have a google.

Photos: Boeing 777-367/ER Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Cathay-Pacific-Airways/Boeing-777-367-ER/2116969/&sid=f53754521d028f996aab87c353389dce)
Photos: Boeing 767-316/ER Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/LAN-Airlines/Boeing-767-316-ER/2111964/&sid=f53754521d028f996aab87c353389dce)

The north side is trickier but again there are spots where one can shoot good photos of landers or simply watch. You can walk around from the LAX terminal area to either position, though if you want to go south, it's easier to get a courtesy bus for one of the nearby hotels.
Photos: Boeing 737-890 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Alaska-Airlines/Boeing-737-890/2113611/&sid=f53754521d028f996aab87c353389dce)
Photos: Boeing 777-223/ER Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/American-Airlines/Boeing-777-223-ER/2113339/&sid=f53754521d028f996aab87c353389dce)

Like LHR, LAX is much the same every day with less short haul at weekends.

[jackieofalltrades]

I've stayed at the Raddison on W Century Blvd. You'd be hard pushed to find a hotel closer to the airport. Great views of arrivals on 25L/R (and departures when on easterlies).

[Mark 1]

I don't know about day of the week, but the marine layer is rolling in and out fairly regularly typically out late morning and in towards dusk (less likely in September, but still possible).
Some great opportunities to see condensing vortices on the wing tips as they approach through super saturated air.

When my commute took me past Sepulveda/Lincoln on the NE corner, you got some impressive sights while waiting for the traffic lights.

The Proud Bird restaurant has a great aviation theme and excellently situated for watching the inbound while you dine.

More interesting aircraft at places like Chino, Camarillo and Santa Paula, but each to their own!

[Hotel Tango]

Imperial Hill is always a good bet. The car park of the Proud Bird restaurant is used by the locals for photography of westerly landings on the southerly runway. Good photography of Westerly landings on the northerly runway is possible from the long stay car park (Lot C). I have never been questioned but I have always been there with a car. It might be that without a car you could get moved on. All days are pretty good for variety at LAX. My personal recommendation is start the day early at the Proud Bird car park. Around 11:30 move to Imperial Hill. Consider Lot C sometime after 14:30. Use of runways depends on the incoming routing and also the prevailing traffic situation at the time of arrival. LAX is a great place for photography and the authorities keep an eye on you but leave you alone.