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Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with eight runways and four passenger terminals. This makes it a great place for plane spotting. There are several locations around the airport where you can spot planes, including ground lots, parking structures, and public streets. One popular spot is near the intersection of Scott Street and Mannheim Road, on the east side of the airport. Another good location is the gravel driveway at the end of runway 28C, which offers a public vantage point with planes flying directly overhead. Plane spotters have also suggested the Sheraton Suites Hotel across from the West Higgins Road, where you can photograph aircraft from the guest rooms on the fifth floor and above.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Chicago O'Hare International Airport |
| Suggested Viewing Locations | Beeline Road in Bensenville, Ruby Street Metra station car park, Rosemont Metra Station, Terminal 2 Hilton Hotel, ground lots, parking structures, public streets |
| Suggested Equipment | Binoculars, long lens |
| Runway Information | Wind direction impacts runway use; e.g. wind from the east: arrivals use runways 9L, 10R, 10C, departures use runways 10L and 4L |
| Other Information | All law enforcement recognizes airport watchers' vests |
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What You'll Learn
Gravel driveway at the end of runway 28C
O'Hare International Airport has two sets of parallel runways, with each airfield containing three parallel east-west runways. The north side runways are 9L/27R, 9C/27C, and 9R/27L, while the south side runways are 10L/28R, 10C/28C, and 10R/28L.
Runway 10C/28C, located on the south side of the airport, has been paved with concrete on its east and west ends. This runway was built to accommodate new, large aircraft designs. The South Cargo Area is located between runways 10R/28L and 10C/28C.
If you're looking for a spot to watch planes at O'Hare International Airport, the gravel driveway at the end of runway 28C could be a great option. This runway, also known as 10C/28C, is located on the south side of the airport.
To get to the gravel driveway at the end of runway 28C, you can follow these instructions:
- Find out the exact location of the driveway by using a map or navigation app. This will ensure that you have the most up-to-date and accurate information, as construction and airport layout changes may occur over time.
- Make your way to the south side of the airport, where the 10L/28R, 10C/28C, and 10R/28L runways are located.
- Navigate to the end of runway 28C, which is also known as runway 10C/28C. This runway has been specifically designed to handle large aircraft.
- Once you reach the end of runway 28C, you should see the gravel driveway. This area may provide a great vantage point to watch planes take off and land.
It's important to note that airports are constantly evolving with construction projects and operational changes. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check for any recent updates or restrictions that may impact your plane-watching experience. Additionally, please ensure that you follow all safety guidelines and regulations when visiting the airport and viewing planes.
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Sheraton Suites Hotel
The hotel offers all-suite accommodation, ensuring guests have ample space and comfort during their stay. Each suite is equipped with a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, a separate living area, a sofa bed, and a private bathroom. The suites also feature a wet bar, and guests can enjoy room service during their stay.
On-site, the hotel features a restaurant and lounge, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy a selection of healthy lunch options and a delicious dinner menu at FLIGHT Restaurant and Lounge, the in-hotel contemporary American restaurant. The hotel also serves Starbucks beverages in the lobby café, and there is a 24-hour lobby market where guests can purchase snacks and coffee.
For those looking to stay active during their stay, the hotel has a 24-hour fitness centre equipped with strength training equipment and cardio machines. The hotel also offers other amenities such as a business centre, meeting rooms, laundry service, and a 24-hour front desk.
With its proximity to the airport, spacious accommodations, and range of amenities, Sheraton Suites Hotel in Chicago O'Hare provides a comfortable and convenient stay for travellers.
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FedEx parking lot
The FedEx parking lot is an excellent spot for plane spotting at O'Hare International Airport. This lot is located near the cargo terminal and offers a unique perspective for photographers and aviation enthusiasts alike. From this vantage point, one can witness the majestic take-offs and landings of various aircraft, capturing stunning visuals that will leave an unforgettable impression.
Upon arriving at the airport, head towards the cargo terminal area. The FedEx parking lot is situated conveniently close by. It is recommended to adhere to parking regulations and avoid restricted areas to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Once you've secured a spot in the FedEx lot, you'll only be a short stroll away from the action.
A mere 50-foot walk from the FedEx parking lot will lead you to a fence alongside one of the runways. Here, you can observe aircraft in their element, soaring into the sky or gracefully touching down on the tarmac. The proximity of this location allows for breathtaking photographs, capturing the power and beauty of aviation up close.
For those seeking a more comprehensive view of the airport's operations, the FedEx parking lot provides a strategic vantage point. From here, you can witness a variety of cargo carriers, including common companies like FedEx and UPS, as well as rarer sights such as Western Global Airlines and Asian carriers. The diversity of aircraft types is also impressive, ranging from B747s and MD11s to A300s and B777s.
Additionally, the FedEx parking lot offers a glimpse into the bustling world of cargo operations. With FedEx being a major cargo airline, you'll likely witness the efficient handling of freight and packages, destined for their respective locations across the globe. The nearby cargo terminal further enhances the experience, providing a behind-the-scenes perspective of airport logistics.
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Robinson Woods South
O'Hare Airport is a popular spot for plane spotting, and one of the best places to do this is at Robinson Woods South. Located just a few minutes from the airport, this small forest preserve offers a unique and up-close plane-watching experience. Here is everything you need to know about plane spotting at Robinson Woods South.
When visiting Robinson Woods South, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, this is an active airport area, so always be mindful of your surroundings and stay in the designated safe spots for viewers. Second, the spot can get quite busy, especially during peak hours or when rare or unique aircraft are expected. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Plane spotters at Robinson Woods South can expect to see a variety of aircraft, including large commercial jets, private planes, and occasionally, military aircraft. The spot is particularly good for capturing photos of the planes with the city skyline in the background, especially during sunset. For the best viewing experience, it is recommended to bring binoculars or a telescope, and for photography enthusiasts, a camera with a good zoom lens.
There are also a few amenities located nearby. A small parking lot is available for visitors, and there are some fast-food restaurants and cafes a short drive away on Mannheim Road. Plane spotters should be mindful of the preserve's opening hours and any special regulations, especially if arriving early in the morning or planning a night of plane spotting.
Plane spotting at O'Hare Airport's Robinson Woods South offers a unique and exciting experience. It is a great spot for aviation enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone curious to witness the mighty aircraft up close. With its convenient location and the variety of aircraft on offer, it is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in plane spotting at one of the world's busiest airports.
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Rosemont Marketplace parking lot
Chicago O'Hare Airport is the third busiest airport in the United States, and while it is not an easy place to photograph planes, there are a couple of good spots to do so. One of these spots is the Rosemont Marketplace parking lot.
The Rosemont Marketplace parking lot is located on the north side of O'Hare Airport, on Mannheim Rd. near Touhy Ave. If planes are landing on runway 22R, you will get a good view from this spot. However, if they are taking off on runway 4L, they will likely be too high by the time they reach this point. If you are hoping to see planes landing on runway 27R, you might get a good view, but you will be facing south, which can make photography difficult.
There are a few other spots near Rosemont Marketplace that are also worth considering. Just south of Rosemont Marketplace, past the I-90 overpass at the corner of Mannheim and Higgins Rd, is the McDonald's parking lot. This spot provides a nice view of approaches to runways 27R and 27L, or departures from runways 9L and 9R. Additionally, the Entertainment district of Rosemont offers parking garages and the option to walk around, although you may need to check dog rules in that area.
If you are specifically interested in photographing planes, it is recommended to use a camera with a minimum of a 300mm lens to get decent photos at O'Hare Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several spots around O'Hare Airport where you can watch planes. One popular spot is near the intersection of Scott Street and Mannheim Road, on the east side of the airport. Another good location is the gravel driveway at the end of runway 28C, which offers a public vantage point with planes flying directly overhead. Other spots include the FedEx parking lot near the cargo terminal, the office buildings near a flight path, and Robinson Woods South on Lawrence, just east of the Des Plaines River.
It is recommended to join the O'Hare Plane Spotters Association to gain special access to the airport a few times a year and ensure legitimacy when photographing. It is also important to respect all rules and regulations and check signs to ensure you have permission to be in any area. Additionally, some suggest using the Flight Radar 24 app to track the approach of planes.
O'Hare Airport is a great place to spot a variety of airlines, including common carriers like FedEx, UPS, and Lufthansa Cargo, as well as rarer ones like Western Global Airlines and Asian carriers. Interesting airlines for plane spotters include Aeromexico, Avianca El Salvador, EVA Air, Interjet, Royal Jordanian, and Volaris.
