Click here to get the new printable guide! (Updated 4/18)
(Click on the above image to access the official SFO website).
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At SFO, most of the best photography/spotting locations are inside the gate areas in the terminals. Unfortunately, access to the terminals beyond the security checkpoints is now limited to ticketed passengers only. While the hobby has become more difficult at SFO, it is not impossible. This list is to be used as reference for plane spotting, and the ones we especially recommend are noted below.
Recommendations
If you have to stay at the airport/near the terminals - take the Airtrain Stations at Terminal 1, 2, International Parking Lot A & G.
If you can go off the airport, try the Bayfront Park. Also please consider Anza Fisherman Park and Coyote Point (the latter is especially for the family-friendly activities)
And at the airports, be careful, for this is airport property and there is a (very) small possibility you may be asked to leave by the Police. I've been asked to leave only once, so make sure you're familiar with your rights as a photographer and spotter if stopped. And as always, stay calm and polite.
Recommendations
If you have to stay at the airport/near the terminals - take the Airtrain Stations at Terminal 1, 2, International Parking Lot A & G.
If you can go off the airport, try the Bayfront Park. Also please consider Anza Fisherman Park and Coyote Point (the latter is especially for the family-friendly activities)
And at the airports, be careful, for this is airport property and there is a (very) small possibility you may be asked to leave by the Police. I've been asked to leave only once, so make sure you're familiar with your rights as a photographer and spotter if stopped. And as always, stay calm and polite.
THIS GUIDE is meant to be a reference to be a reference for aviation enthusiasts and photographers. It is organized in sections:
Airlines
Operations
ATC Frequencies
Flight Tracking
Webcams
Plane Spotting Locations
Thank you for visiting Bay Area Spotters! If this guide is useful, feel free to contact us.
Airlines
Operations
ATC Frequencies
Flight Tracking
Webcams
Plane Spotting Locations
Thank you for visiting Bay Area Spotters! If this guide is useful, feel free to contact us.
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AIRLINES:
TERMINAL 1 B/A B (Gates 20-39): NOTE: CERTAIN GATES ARE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED, REMAINING AIRLINES BELOW Frontier Southwest TERMINAL 1 B/A C(Gates 40-48): American Airlines Delta Air Lines Delta Connection TERMINAL 2 (Gates 50 - 59): Alaska Airlines American Airlines American Eagle Virgin America TERMINAL 3 (Gates 60 - 87A): United (Domestic) United Express CARGO CARRIERS: Asiana Cargo China Airlines Cargo DHL (Operated by Atlas Air) DHL (Operated by ABX Air) EVA Air Cargo FedEx Korean Air Cargo Nippon Cargo Airlines |
INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL B/A A: Gates A1-A12: Aeroméxico Air Berlin Air France Alaska Airlines (International) Asiana Avianca/ TACA British Airways Cathay Pacific China Airlines China Eastern Airlines China Southern Airlines Emirates El Al (Coming Nov 18) Fiji Airways Finnair (Seasonal) French Bee (May 18) Hawaiian Airlines Iberia (April 18) Icelandair (Jun 18) Interjet Japan Airlines JetBlue KLM Korean Air Qantas Philippine Airlines Sun Country Airlines Virgin Atlantic Volaris WestJet (Seasonal) XL Airways France (Seasonal) The "A" gates are used mostly by OneWorld Alliance and non-Aligned carriers. |
INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL B/A G: Gates G91-G102: Aer Lingus Air Canada Air Canada Express (May 18) Air China Air India Air New Zealand All Nippon Airways Copa Airlines Eva Air Lufthansa Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Singapore Airlines Swiss International Air Lines Thomas Cook (Seasonal) Turkish Airlines United (International) WestJet (Seasonal) WOW Air The "G" gates are used mostly by United Airlines and Star Alliance carriers. |
Operations:
(Todd Lappin and FAA)
Normal Traffic ("West Plan"): landing on the 28s, take off on the 1s. Heavies bound for Asia and Europe use 28R and 28L, with a few 1R. Rare 1L/R arrival due to wind.
"Southeast Plan": Landing on the 19s, takeoff on the 10s. This is usually used in bad weather.
"Southeast Plan": Landing on the 19s, takeoff on the 10s. This is usually used in bad weather.
Frequencies:
Listen to Live SFO ATC
120.500 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
124.250 - Ground (Alternate)
127.575 - Ramp Tower "A"
131.000 - Ramp Tower "D"/Shadow Tower
119.225 - Ramp Tower "G"
118.200 - Clearance Delivery
118.850 - ATIS - Arrivals
135.450 - ATIS - Departures
135.650 - Bay Approach
120.900 - Bay Departure
135.100 - Bay Departure
129.500 - UAL Ops
130.225 - UAL Maintenance
131.675 AA Ops
129.225 AA Maintenance
131.200 Alaska Airlines Ops
130.100 Delta Ops
131.775 Frontier Ops
136.500 JetBlue Ops
129.675 Skywest Ops (United Express Only)
129.250 Southwest Ops
130.925 Virgin America Ops
Listen to Live SFO ATC
120.500 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
124.250 - Ground (Alternate)
127.575 - Ramp Tower "A"
131.000 - Ramp Tower "D"/Shadow Tower
119.225 - Ramp Tower "G"
118.200 - Clearance Delivery
118.850 - ATIS - Arrivals
135.450 - ATIS - Departures
135.650 - Bay Approach
120.900 - Bay Departure
135.100 - Bay Departure
129.500 - UAL Ops
130.225 - UAL Maintenance
131.675 AA Ops
129.225 AA Maintenance
131.200 Alaska Airlines Ops
130.100 Delta Ops
131.775 Frontier Ops
136.500 JetBlue Ops
129.675 Skywest Ops (United Express Only)
129.250 Southwest Ops
130.925 Virgin America Ops
Flight Tracking:
Please see our page here.
Webcams:
Webcams for the construction at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are now online!
Click the above image to view Terminal 1 construction.
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Click the above image to view the demolition of the old (1954 and 1983) towers and Central Terminal. (DOWN)
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Plane Spotting Locations:
Coming Soon: Terminal 2 Observation Deck (c. 2019)!
On Airport: Airtrain Stations, Long Term Parking Garage, West Field Garage, Rental Car Garage
Off Airport: Bayfront Park, Anza Fishermen Park, Coyote Point, Milbrae Bart Station, San Bruno Overpass
Closed: Parking lot near 1s
On Airport: Airtrain Stations, Long Term Parking Garage, West Field Garage, Rental Car Garage
Off Airport: Bayfront Park, Anza Fishermen Park, Coyote Point, Milbrae Bart Station, San Bruno Overpass
Closed: Parking lot near 1s
On Airport
Terminal 2 Observation Deck (2019)
The original 1954 Central Terminal observation deck was closed before 9/11, however its (sad, for such a historic building) demolition will result in another pre-security observation deck. According to SFO: " In its place, a new space including flexible office space, a café, and a public observation area will be built as the location affords views of all four runways at SFO. The project scope also includes an addition aircraft boarding gate in Terminal 2, located within the footprint of the deconstruction work. This additional gate is anticipated to be ready for use by the end of March. The total project is expected to be completed by the end of January 2019."
Now let's hope they install some wires instead of glass - which will allow for an easier and cleaner plane spotting experience!
The following two pictures are from the SFO page:
Now let's hope they install some wires instead of glass - which will allow for an easier and cleaner plane spotting experience!
The following two pictures are from the SFO page:
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Airport Hotel Observation Deck (2019)
The planned Grand Hyatt Hotel located near International Terminal Pier A and the Int'l parking garage is planned to have a spotting deck - with a good view of the International Terminal Pier and possibly Terminal 1. According to SFO, it is planned to open in July 2019. This hotel is located near where the old airport hotel existed.
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Airtrain Stations
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 Airtrain Station is great for catching the 28 Departures (just go to the northern end facing Terminal 3). The southern end is also good for taking departures off the 1s and those heavies that exit 28L before you can get a shot. However, there is a chance of heat haze during the summer months making 28R departures not so great, however 28L is better. Lighting for the Terminal 1 end (south side) is not that good in the morning. Occasionally a United 737 or 777 will park and obstruct part of the rotating aircraft. A little tip: try on getting the SFO tanks or even the"South San Francisco" hillside sign if you can!
Note: Terminal 1 AT now has a blocked view due to the new Terminal 1 construction, and Terminal 3 isn't that good either.
Note: Terminal 1 AT now has a blocked view due to the new Terminal 1 construction, and Terminal 3 isn't that good either.
International Terminal Parking Garage G/BART
Similarly, the odd numbered G-gates can be spotted from the Garage G Airtrain/BART station. Just go up the stairs and to the right will be a little platform. You can also go down in the elevator to Level 3 (Connector to terminal) and there will be a glassed passageway which you can see from too. It has a good view if the windows are clean (they usually aren't too bad). Try to come in the morning for the G side.
International Terminal Parking Garage A
The Airtrain station in the International Terminal Parking (A side) building offers views of gates A2, A4, A6, A8, and A10/12, through glass. And most of the time you'll be really close to the Qantas 747-400/others parked in the lot.
West Field Garage Roof
This location has good lighting in the afternoon. However, parking is not for the public. At times, the SFO Monthly Spotter Meetup takes place in the garage.
Rental Car Center Garage
Sources state this is one of the "get your photo and leave" type of places.
Long Term Parking Garage/ Cell Phone Lot
Sources state that this is only good for morning departures and there may be security cameras in some locations, and it is risky for the security may ask you to leave. (Get it and go)
Example (Click here)
Example (Click here)
San Bruno Ave. Overpass
Sources state it is at the intersection of McDonnell Road and San Bruno Ave. Good for Asian Departures around noon, but the police may ask you to leave. (Get it and go).
Example (Click Here)
Example (Click Here)
Off Airport
Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park is located at the end of Millbrae Ave. From this location you get a good view of all arrivals and departures at the airport. With a decent pair of binoculars, you will be able to spot all traffic.
NOTE: A chain link fence along Runway 1R separates airport from the park. While viewing is still possible, photography will not yield good results as the fence will be blocking the aircraft. :(
NOTE: A chain link fence along Runway 1R separates airport from the park. While viewing is still possible, photography will not yield good results as the fence will be blocking the aircraft. :(
From this spot you can also photograph some of the Runway 28 departures as they taxi out to the runway.
Departing international flights from the International Terminal "A" concourse will usually taxi across 1L/1R on "Taxiway Mike", and then turn onto "Taxiway Lima" right in front of you. They will continue to “Taxiway Foxtrot” and takeoff on the 28s.
Traffic from International Terminal “G” will taxi using Taxiway “Bravo” and cross the 1s using Taxiway “Foxtrot” then takeoff on the 28s.
For shooting these flights, the sun is good most of the day.
The best spot to see this is right next to the parking lot. There are some benches close to the parking lot along the path and the bay. Lighting here is good from about noon to sunset.
Expect to see Asian departures around noon to 1 pm and European departures in the late afternoon between 4 pm and 6 pm.
Departing international flights from the International Terminal "A" concourse will usually taxi across 1L/1R on "Taxiway Mike", and then turn onto "Taxiway Lima" right in front of you. They will continue to “Taxiway Foxtrot” and takeoff on the 28s.
Traffic from International Terminal “G” will taxi using Taxiway “Bravo” and cross the 1s using Taxiway “Foxtrot” then takeoff on the 28s.
For shooting these flights, the sun is good most of the day.
The best spot to see this is right next to the parking lot. There are some benches close to the parking lot along the path and the bay. Lighting here is good from about noon to sunset.
Expect to see Asian departures around noon to 1 pm and European departures in the late afternoon between 4 pm and 6 pm.
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*NOTE*: When you are in the park, please stay on the paths and the improved areas. DO NOT venture into the swamp or the grassy area for a closer shot. You WILL get visited and warned by the police and you risk of ruining this location for photography for everyone!
HOW TO GET TO BAYFRONT PARK:
Take the Millbrae Ave. exit off of US-101, go "east". Millbrae Ave. will end just east of 101 at Old Bayshore Highway and the park is directly in front of you. To park, make a right turn on Old Bayshore. There is a small FREE public parking lot, located at the north end of the Marriott's lot on your left. The Marriott charges for parking. If free parking in the lot is full, you may be able to find free street parking on Cowan Rd. across the street.
The spot to see Runway 01 is at the far north end of the park. From the parking lot, walk along the path towards the airport to find the benches.
There are also benches right next to the parking lot. That is a better location for 28 traffic.
Take the Millbrae Ave. exit off of US-101, go "east". Millbrae Ave. will end just east of 101 at Old Bayshore Highway and the park is directly in front of you. To park, make a right turn on Old Bayshore. There is a small FREE public parking lot, located at the north end of the Marriott's lot on your left. The Marriott charges for parking. If free parking in the lot is full, you may be able to find free street parking on Cowan Rd. across the street.
The spot to see Runway 01 is at the far north end of the park. From the parking lot, walk along the path towards the airport to find the benches.
There are also benches right next to the parking lot. That is a better location for 28 traffic.
Anza Fisherman's Park near Coyote Point
(Ben Wang)
Note: This is not Coyote Point, which requires an entry fee.
Approach shots can be had at the a fishing park west across the water from Coyote Point. From here, full frame approach shots for large aircraft for both 28L and 28R can be had. Lighting here is good from about noon to sunset. You can also get a view of the airport as well and see what you are missing by not being there! :)
The fishing area closes at 6 pm. This means you need to find another spot for evening arrival shots. See alternate spot, below.
Please note you can only get full frame shots on large aircraft, on a digital crop camera. Example shots:
Approach shots can be had at the a fishing park west across the water from Coyote Point. From here, full frame approach shots for large aircraft for both 28L and 28R can be had. Lighting here is good from about noon to sunset. You can also get a view of the airport as well and see what you are missing by not being there! :)
The fishing area closes at 6 pm. This means you need to find another spot for evening arrival shots. See alternate spot, below.
Please note you can only get full frame shots on large aircraft, on a digital crop camera. Example shots:
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HOW TO GET TO THE FISHING AREA:
From Bayfront Park, take Old Bayshore Highway south. Go about 1.5 miles, the road will end at Broadway. Turn left onto Airport Blvd, continue for another 1.5 miles. Before the road takes a sharp 90 degree turn to the right, you will see the entrance to the fishing place on your left.
From 101 North, take Peninsula Ave. exit. After you exit, turn left on to Airport Blvd. Make a right turn, continuing on Airport Blvd and the park will be straight ahead, before Airport Blvd curves left.
BAY VIEW PLACE, ALTERNATIVE TO THE FISHING AREA:
The fishing area closes early in the evening (around 5 or 6 pm). For evening shots, you may want to try an alternative location at the end of Bay View Place. Go north towards the airport until you come to the first street (Bay View Place). Turn right, go to the end into the restaurant parking lot. There is also a dirt lot if the main parking is full. The shore here is a bit further away from the aircraft than the Fishing Area, however.
From Bayfront Park, take Old Bayshore Highway south. Go about 1.5 miles, the road will end at Broadway. Turn left onto Airport Blvd, continue for another 1.5 miles. Before the road takes a sharp 90 degree turn to the right, you will see the entrance to the fishing place on your left.
From 101 North, take Peninsula Ave. exit. After you exit, turn left on to Airport Blvd. Make a right turn, continuing on Airport Blvd and the park will be straight ahead, before Airport Blvd curves left.
BAY VIEW PLACE, ALTERNATIVE TO THE FISHING AREA:
The fishing area closes early in the evening (around 5 or 6 pm). For evening shots, you may want to try an alternative location at the end of Bay View Place. Go north towards the airport until you come to the first street (Bay View Place). Turn right, go to the end into the restaurant parking lot. There is also a dirt lot if the main parking is full. The shore here is a bit further away from the aircraft than the Fishing Area, however.
Coyote Park
This location is good for arrivals, but charges an entry fee. There is also a beach and a zoo, if you are interested. It's good during the afternoon like the Fisherman's park.
Millbrae BART Station Parking Lot
The Millbrae BART Station is good for catching arrivals on the 1s (1L and 1R) when the wind changes direction (landing on the 1s is very rare but a great sight). For a view of the airport, the area is blocked by power lines.
(Images taken by Jim Riche)
(Images taken by Jim Riche)
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Closed Locations
1R Lot
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For those of you familiar with SFO, the Viewing Park / Bus Staging Lot at the base of Runway 1R (next to the ditch) has been closed. This closure is permanent, and is now obsured by blast fences.
In addition, the old Central Terminal (now Terminal 2) Observation Deck closed before 9/11. However, there are plans to add one somewhere near the former Virgin America offices. |
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Terminal 1
The recent demolition of part of 1963-built Terminal 1 has resulted in a neat little spotting location at the Airtrain Station (best near the end towards the International Terminal). Lighting is good in the morning. NOTE: New Terminal Construction has resulted in a blocked view.
(The original text, which was from Golden Gate Airliners, flygga.tripod.com which is no longer up but used with permission and updated).
