Airport hotels blog

Any hobby which involves “spotting” has got a bad reputation.  Whether it’s trains, birds or planes, the image of the bespectacled anorak is a hard one to shake.  Most people see it as a rather dull pastime, tame, boring and geeky, but essentially harmless.

So the news in 2001 that a group of British plane spotters had been charged with “espionage” was greeted with much amusement.  With a bright rain jacket and a bobble hat, your average plane spotter hardly looks like a character from a James Bond film.  But for the people involved it was no joke.  They were facing 20 years in prison for their alleged crimes at a Greek military air base.  Eventually they were released, having  – with great difficulty – convinced the authorities that they were only at the base because they enjoyed taking notes of planes for hours on end.

Britain has traditionally been more tolerant of this kind of eccentric hobby.  In fact, the skills of spotters were once much valued.  During the war years, a Royal Observers Corps was set up to keep its eyes on the skies.  It was important for them to be able to identify planes by their silhouette, so that they could report sightings of any enemy aircraft.  And, later, as passenger air travel increased, most airports were happy to provide a viewing terrace for anyone who wanted to watch the action.

But more recently, spotters have found the friendly welcome lacking a little.  Security fears have meant that viewing facilities have been reduced and many airports now try to discourage spotters.  However, others have taken a different view.  Some police forces are enlisting the help of the spotters by asking them to keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour at the airports.  And journalists investigating the controversial and mysterious US policy of “extraordinary rendition” have made use of their flight logs, notes and pictures.  The spotters’ evidence helped to reveal the truth about what was going on.

So it seems we can’t underestimate the plane spotter.  He’s on the front line in the fight against terror and he’s uncovering government secrets…maybe he’s got more in common with James Bond than we gave him credit for.  So, plane spotters of Britain, we salute you.  Just for you, here’s a quick guide to 5 of the best airports in Europe for followers of this noble and daring hobby.  Just let us know if you see anything interesting.

Manchester Airport

This is the real deal, knee-trembling stuff for the plane-o-phile.  Excellent viewing facilities and a busy mix of different aircraft coming in from across the Atlantic, Asia and the Middle East.  There are cargo carriers providing daily widebody aircraft for added excitement.

To be right amongst all the action, you could book a room for the night at the on-site Radission SAS Hotel Manchester Airport.  Although it can be expensive, it’s the best hotel for spotting in Manchester.  It’s located behind Terminal 2, and you can get a good view of the runways and aprons from the restaurant and the bedrooms on high floors.

Frankfurt Airport

Germany’s busiest airport has an exotic mix of aircraft on show from all over the world.   It’s one of the few places in Europe where you can see Russian models in abundance.  Good viewing facilities.

While you’re there, you could stay at the InterCity Hotel Frankfurt Airport.  It’s on the south side of the airport and some rooms have a limited view of the runways.  There are TV screens in the lobby which often have information on aircraft registrations and movements.

Paris – Charles de Gaulle Airport

Plenty of action on the runway here, with both native and overseas airlines.  There are good spotting locations but if you want to take photographs, you’ll need a permit.  Apply to xavier.huby@seine-saint-denis.pref.gouv.fr

For overnight accommodation, you could try the Ibis Hotel.  Less expensive than some of the other airport hotels, it still offers great opportunities for spotting.  If you want views over the runways at Terminal 2, choose a north facing room.  South facing rooms look out over Terminal 1 and the charter terminal.

Rome – Fiumicino/Leonardo da Vinci Airport

An opportunity to get a look at some Italian models rarely seen outside the country, as well as a large number of international airlines.  The road around the perimeter offers a chance to pull up and take pictures.  But you’ll have to be quick, because the Italian police disapprove of this kind of activity.

If you’re travelling here, you could book into the Hilton Hotel Rome Airport.  Go for a room on a high floor with a number ending in 10.  These offer views of the planes at the domestic terminal. 

Zurich Airport

A mouthwatering daily mixture of aircraft from across Europe, North America and Asia.  In January, the World Economic Forum brings in fleets of private jets from across the globe.  Viewing facilities are amongst the best in Europe.

A nearby hotel is the Park Inn Zurich Airport.  It can be costly, but if you ask for a room overlooking the airport, it’ll be worth it because you’ll be able to see most of the action from your window.  However, it’s not so great for photography, because of the distance.

Credits

Photo 1 – Pseudonym

Photo 2 – FotoIntern

Photo 3 – How Stuff Works

Photo 4 – Aloxe

We’d like to hear from you!

Which is your favourite airport for plane spotting?  Please leave your comments below.