Lois Larson
Airport observation decks are spaces where people can watch aircraft taking off and landing. They are popular among aviation enthusiasts, and some airports have more than one observation deck. Some airport observation decks are free to access, while others require a fee. Observation decks can be located inside or outside the airport, and some offer additional amenities such as telescopes, museums, and interactive displays.
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What You'll Learn
Observation decks may be making a comeback in the US
Airport observation decks are popular features at airports, especially in Europe. They offer expansive views of the airport, allowing visitors to watch aircraft taking off and landing. In the US, however, the popularity of observation decks declined after the 9/11 terrorist attacks due to heightened security concerns and the pressure to generate revenue. Airports preferred passengers to remain indoors and spend money rather than looking at planes from outdoor observation decks.
Despite this, some US airports have retained their observation decks, although many are now glass-enclosed and located airside, requiring a boarding pass for access. Nonetheless, there are signs that observation decks may be making a comeback at American airports. For example, San Francisco International Airport opened a new 2,997-square-foot post-security outdoor terrace in its International Terminal in February 2019, featuring 10-foot-high glass panels, furniture, landscaping, sculptures, and 180-degree views of the airfield. A second observation deck in Terminal 2 was scheduled to open in October of the same year.
Albuquerque International Sunport also features a post-security observation deck with views of the main runway, gate activity, and the nearby Manzano Mountains. Additionally, Baltimore/Washington International Airport, which opened in 1950, has an outdoor observation deck. Tennessee's Tri-Cities Airport boasts an open-air deck with views of the airfield, Boone Lake, and the Appalachian Mountains.
Some airports are even adding new observation decks. For instance, a new terminal expansion project at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City includes a pre-security viewing space, providing south-facing views of the terminal ramp and jet bridge/gate areas. This new amenity is expected to enhance the visitor experience and alleviate congestion in the terminal lobby and meeter/greeter lounges.
While the popularity of observation decks in US airports may have waned after 9/11, there is evidence of a resurgence, with new decks being constructed and old ones being rediscovered by travellers. These observation decks offer a unique experience, combining the magic of flying with panoramic views of airfields and, in some cases, surrounding natural landmarks.
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Some observation decks are free, some cost money
Some airport observation decks are free to enter, while others require a fee. The observation deck at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport (BER), for example, offers expansive views of the airport apron and costs €3 for ninety minutes of access. Similarly, the observation deck at Berlin Tegel Airport costs €2 for adults and €1 for children, providing close-up views of planes and the runway. On the other hand, certain observation decks, such as the one at Dresden Airport, provide free access to incredible views of the tarmac and nearby landmarks.
The cost of accessing an airport observation deck can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Some observation decks may be free, while others may charge a fee for entry. Additionally, some airports offer multiple observation decks with different access requirements. For example, Zurich Airport, Switzerland's busiest airport, has two observation decks. Observation Deck B is open to all airport visitors daily from 10:00 to 18:00 and costs CHF 5, while Observation Deck E is open all year round from 08:00 to 21:30 exclusively for passengers with a boarding pass.
In some cases, the fee for accessing an observation deck may be included in the price of other services or amenities. For instance, the Delta Sky Club Lounge at ATL offers an outdoor deck with great views and is free for Delta Sky Club members and American Express Platinum cardholders, while non-members can pay $50 to access the lounge and the observation deck. Similarly, the observation deck at JFK's old TWA terminal, which offers views of the airport's Bay Runway, is $25 for hotel guests and $50 for non-guests with reservations.
The availability of free or paid observation decks can also depend on the region and airport policies. While many European airports still have popular outdoor observation decks, American airports reduced their availability after the 9/11 terrorist attacks due to heightened security concerns. However, some US airports are reconsidering the inclusion of observation decks, with Pittsburgh International Airport planning to include one in their new terminal to meet public demand.
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They offer panoramic views of runways and aircrafts
Many airports around the world offer observation decks with panoramic views of runways and aircraft. Some are free to access, while others charge an entry fee.
The Panorama Terrace at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offers expansive views over the airport runways. The observation deck at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) provides a similar experience, with views of the airport apron. For €3, visitors can enjoy 90 minutes of access to this deck, which is located in Terminal 1. Berlin Tegel Airport also has an observation deck in Terminal D, above the departure ring, offering close-up views of planes and the runway for just €2 for adults and €1 for children.
Some observation decks are located outdoors, providing a unique perspective of the airport. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport features Delta's Sky Deck, an outdoor terrace with amazing views of the runway and planes. Similarly, Dresden Airport's observation deck on the gallery level offers incredible views of the tarmac. Dusseldorf Airport has two large observation decks that provide views of multiple terminals and runway action for approximately €2.20. The Sky Deck at Hong Kong International Airport also offers free access to stunning views of the tarmac.
Observation decks can also be found in various locations within an airport. Munich Airport's observation terrace stretches across the terminal, offering binocular machines to magnify views of the runway and tarmac. The Capetown International Airport observation deck is located on the mezzanine level of the landside section of the international terminal, providing a great vantage point for viewing planes readying for takeoff and parking after landing. At Los Angeles International Airport, an observation gallery can be found on Concourse D at Terminal 1, offering views of one of the airport's runways.
Some airports have multiple observation decks to choose from. Switzerland's busiest airport has two observation decks, one in the public area before security and the other airside. Auckland Airport's observation deck sits on the top floor of the international terminal, providing up-close-and-personal views of planes, while Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) offers an additional outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the airport.
Whether free or paid, airport observation decks provide a unique opportunity for aviation enthusiasts and curious travellers alike to enjoy panoramic views of runways and aircraft, offering a different perspective of the airport experience.
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Some are located indoors, others outdoors
Observation decks are usually located outdoors, offering expansive views of the airport runways and aircraft taking off and landing. However, some observation decks are located indoors, often enclosed in glass, providing a more restricted view of the airport activities.
Indoor observation decks are typically located within the airport terminal, either pre-security or post-security, and may offer views of the tarmac, runways, and aircraft. Some indoor observation decks may be enclosed within the airport building but located outdoors, such as the open-air walkways at Honolulu International Airport, which serve as observation decks, providing up-close views of aircraft parked at the gates and on the tarmac.
The benefits of indoor observation decks include protection from the weather and, in some cases, additional amenities such as restaurants or cafes. For example, the observation deck at Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport in Oregon is a glass-enclosed space located next to the Sky House restaurant, offering a unique dining experience with views of planes.
On the other hand, outdoor observation decks provide a more immersive experience, allowing visitors to feel the airport's pulse and offering unobstructed views of the airport's operations. These decks are often located on rooftops or upper levels of airport terminals, providing panoramic views of the runways, tarmac, and aircraft movements.
Some outdoor observation decks may also offer additional features such as seating, landscaping, and even infinity pools, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. An excellent example of this is the observation deck at JFK's old TWA terminal, which features a rooftop infinity pool and bar, providing a luxurious setting to enjoy aircraft views.
In conclusion, both indoor and outdoor observation decks offer unique experiences for aviation enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. While indoor decks provide a more sheltered and intimate experience, outdoor decks offer a broader perspective and a closer connection to the airport's bustling atmosphere.
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They are usually located in the airport terminal
Airport observation decks are usually located within the airport terminal, either pre- or post-security. Some are free to access, while others charge a fee. They can be found on various floors of the terminal, from the second floor to the mezzanine level, and even on rooftops. Some observation decks are enclosed, offering panoramic views through glass panels, while others are open-air terraces.
The Berlin Brandenburg Airport, for example, offers an observation deck in Terminal 1 with expansive views of the airport apron. Similarly, Dresden Airport's observation deck is located on the gallery level of the terminal, providing views of the tarmac and Moritzburg Castle. Munich Airport's observation terrace stretches across the terminal, offering binocular machines to enhance the viewing experience.
In some cases, observation decks are located in areas adjacent to the terminal. For instance, the observation deck at Berlin Tegel Airport is situated in Terminal D, above the departure ring, providing close-up views of planes and the runway. The Capetown International Airport observation deck is on the mezzanine level of the landside section of the international terminal, offering a unique perspective of planes preparing for takeoff and parking after landing.
While some observation decks are located within the secure areas of the terminal, others are positioned in publicly accessible spaces. For instance, Observation Deck B at Zurich Airport is open to all airport visitors, while Observation Deck E is exclusively for passengers with a boarding pass. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport features the Delta Sky Club in Terminal F, offering a unique outdoor terrace with views of the runway and planes for a fee.
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Frequently asked questions
An observation deck is an area in an airport where people can observe the airport's runways, apron, and tarmac, as well as aircraft taking off, landing, and parked at the gates.
No, not all airports have observation decks. While they were a popular feature in many airports, some airports have removed them.
It depends on the airport. Some airport observation decks are free, while others charge a fee for entry.
Airport observation decks are usually located in the terminal buildings, either pre-security or post-security. Some may be located outdoors on the rooftop of the terminal, while others may be enclosed with glass windows.
Yes, there are several notable airport observation decks around the world. Some examples include the Panorama Terrace at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the Sky Deck at Hong Kong International Airport, and the observation deck at Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Other unique observation decks include the one at JFK's old TWA terminal, which offers views of the Bay Runway from a rooftop infinity pool, and the open-air walkways at Honolulu International Airport that serve as observation decks.
