Airliners.net

Posted: **Fri Jul 14, 2000 11:01 pm**

I've got some space-available passes from Continental, and I wanted to take a quick one-night spotter's trip this weekend. Any suggestions? What are some good hotels with good views of airside ops in the US? I was thinking about SAN, ANC, LAX, and SEA. Any comments would be welcome.

Posted: **Fri Jul 14, 2000 11:07 pm**

Well, If you want to see a whole lot of different kinds of planes, the Hilton hotel at LAX should be good if you have a view of the airport. If by some reason you want to go to SAN to see planes (and not do other things), then a top floor of the Sheraton Harbor Island facing the airport would be good also. Don't know about ANC or SEA.

Aaron G.

Posted: **Sat Jul 15, 2000 3:40 am**

Not so good now for transit traffic but very interesting floatplane base on the peremiter. Plus the big Douglas aircraft of Northern Air Cargo.

Posted: **Sun Jul 16, 2000 12:59 pm**

I agree with Trvlr. The LAX Hilton is great! I've stayed there 2 times and depending on your room, you can get a great view of the south (25L/R) or north (24L/R) complex. The aircraft fly right past the hotel on their finals. Additionally, there is a great street (don't know the name) that is directly under the approach path for 24R. I had a Northwest 747 fly right over my head. It was unbelievable. If you watch the aircraft approach the airport, you can figure out where this special place is!

Posted: **Sun Jul 16, 2000 4:13 pm**

Although you were not thinking of this place, you NEED to check it out, if you haven't already!!!!

Where am I talking about? Why the greatest airport sitting in the greatest environment possible. High, jagged peaks, lots of great weather. Beautiful sunsets and magnificent storms. A large variety of commercial aircraft. A photographer's dream! Where am I talking about?? Why, it's beautiful Salt Lake City!!!
Although I live very close to SLC, an it's the airport I'm most familiar with, I have to say that SLC simply RULES. There's not many international airports in the world that have such stunning scenery as SLC does. I love the maontains in the background as jets blast away from the ground. It's fantastic.
One of the most memorable things I ever did at SLC was when I was young, but I'd do it again a thousand times. Go to SLC early in the morning, like 5 AM or so. It's worth it. Go to concourses A or B. Now, watch activity at the airport rise as the sun comes up. The colors are magnificent, and the mountains really add to the effect. As activity picks up at the airport, amazing colors provide the backdrop for the great thing all of us here love, aviation. Just imagine blazing reds, golds, yellows, blues, and pinks with giant, sleek, silvery jets flashing by in the glint of the unborn sun. Ahhhh...so beautiful, so relaxing. I can't think of any place in the world I'd rather be. How lovely. You should seriously make a trip to SLC just to see nature's show. You won't regret it.
Personally, I think SLC is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It ranks right up there with Honolulu, in my opinion. I can't say the same for LAX or JFK, etc, because I've never been there. Will soon though!!!
Seriously, though, you don't know what you're missing until you see an early-morning sunrise over the Wasatch Range at SLC. Amazing.
Well I'm done babling, here's some pics!

Click for large version

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