Guide to London Heathrow Airport (LHR / EGLL)

Contributors: busmanglenn, dan330, flcriminal, Flying Red Fox
Updated Tuesday 25th May, 2010

London Heathrow is one of the worlds premier airports, handling a huge amount of airlines operating to destinations around the world. The airport is the busiest in Europe and is very popular with enthusiasts around the world. Heathrow is rather let down though by its complete lack of viewing areas. When compared to other major European airports like Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt and Zurich the facilities provisded are very poor. This situation is made worse by the closure of the one official area photos were possible from, the Queens Building and there is still no word on if or when this will re-open. It should also be said that the security around Heathrow is very tight and although you shouldnt have a problem at the areas below, they are not official areas and you may be approached by police, although most are understanding towards enthusiasts.

The airport offers a fantastic selection of airlines but there are better airports in the UK for photography, namely Manchester. The spots listed below, with the descriptions are from my findings and I have never had problems at them. If anyone has different experiences at the airport then please let us know by discussing it in the forum, a link to which is the right side of the page. My "How To Get There" descriptions are meant only for people driving as my knowledge of public transport is very, very limited, again if anyone has things to add then please use the Heathrow forum.

Radio Frequencies Radio Frequencies

Approach: 119.725 & 134.975
Delivery: 121.975
Director: 120.4
Ground: 121.9 & 121.7
Tower: 118.5 & 118.7

Sunny London Heathrow Airport Weather

All times on the weather descriptions are local

Observed at 23:20 - (23 mins ago)

Sunny

14°C

Sunny
Clouds:
Wind: 060° at 03 knots
Visibility: Greater than 10km
QNH: 1022
Dew Point: 11°C
Runway in Use: Likely Runways 09L/R

Heathrow Runway Alternation

Heathrow use one runway for take-off and one runway for landing in the mornings and then swap the runways at 1500 to use the opposite in the afternoon. The morning / afternoon rotation is then reversed at the start of each week. The details below help you to see which runway is used for landing / take-offs each day.

Note: Between 6am and 7am aircraft may land on both runways.
If runways 09L/R are in use then 09L is used for landing and 09R for take-offs all day.
The allocations are confirmed for 2010, details given for dates beyond that are not confirmed but still highly likely.

Date /
Week Beginning
0600 - 1500 1500 - Last Dep.
Landing Take-Off Landing Take-Off
Mon Aug 30, 2010 27R 27L 27L 27R
Mon Sep 6, 2010 27L 27R 27R 27L
Mon Sep 13, 2010 27R 27L 27L 27R
Mon Sep 20, 2010 27L 27R 27R 27L
Mon Sep 27, 2010 27R 27L 27L 27R
Mon Oct 4, 2010 27L 27R 27R 27L
Mon Oct 11, 2010 27R 27L 27L 27R
Mon Oct 18, 2010 27L 27R 27R 27L
Mon Oct 25, 2010 27R 27L 27L 27R
Mon Nov 1, 2010 27L 27R 27R 27L

View: weeks

Or

View From:

To:

Photo Spot Spot A - Myrtle Avenue Grass Area

The grass area close to Myrtle Avenue at Heathrow has become perhaps the most popular spot at LHR since the closure of the Queens Building viewing area. The spot is perfectly placed on the approach to runway 27L and when this is the landing runway you can get some good approach shots. The area is also the safest in that you will not be bothered by the police or BAA security.

Photos
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Photo Spot Spot B - Renaissance Hotel Room

The Renaissance Hotel overlooks the runway 27R / 09L. Getting a room at the top of the 3 storey building allows you to get some great runway shots. The spot isn't perfect but with the right conditions I feel its probably the best spot at Heathrow. First downside is the cost. You will obviously need to make a reservation to get into the room which will cost £90+. The Hotel is also on the North side of the airfield, meaning the sun is a serious problem. The room is useless in the winter as the sun never works its way around, but in the summer you can get nice shots from 1700-1800 until dark. The spot is at its best when 27R is used for landings in the afternoon / evening. If 27R is used for departures then only taxi shots can be taken, with 27R for landings you can get some great touchdown shots. I've never tried it but I would think 09 movements would make it pretty impossible.
Best to check the runways before you book the room. At Heathrow the runways are switched every week, whatever runway is used for landings in the morning one week is used for take-offs in the morning the week after and so on. The London Aviation website in the links on this page gives details of which runways are used for each week. Obvisouly if 09 is used then this can be ignored and I wouldn't bother going.
One further point to note is that you will be shooting through glass, although didn't cause us many problems at the time of our visit.

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Photo Spot Spot C - Feltham Park

Superb banking shots can be taken of aircraft departing 09R as shown below. The vast majority of aircraft turn sharp right after take-off allowing some really niice shots, particularly on a nice sunny day. It should be noted though that aircraft are a very big lens is required. An A340-300 will require a slight crop in order to be full frame with a 400mm lens on a digital body (ie 680mm). Anything smaller is not worth bothering about. The spot is pretty good throughout the day although you will suffer heat haze on a hot day.

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Photo Spot Spot D - 09L Arrivals

With the new Terminal 5 development complete theres now a grass embankment to the south side of runway 09L where approach shots can be taken from. When runway 09L/R are in use then 09L is used for the vast majority arrivals and so you won't miss much in a day of shooting. I rate this spot better than Myrtle as you are a bit more side on to aircraft rather than underneath as at Myrtle.

The area is best from about 10am until 3pm on a summers day. The sun does tend to work its way round and at about 5pm ends up at 90° to the runway, meaning shots are very difficult by that time. After this time you can walk down to the roundabout on the north side and shoot south, although its probably 7pm before you get the sun behind you.

The best way to get by car is to come off the M25 at the Terminal 4 junction and turn left at the first roundabout. You can park the car up on the side of the road, on a sunny day especially there'll be plenty of others there. The spot is also walkable from Terminal 5 if on foot.

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Photo Spot Spot E - 27R Threshold

It's a good place for taking photos but in cloudy days only (or summer evenings when sun goes down on your right side). You are very close to planes lining up for departure on 27R . Lens around 50-150mm is enough but you have to shoot through the fence which is not easy due to metal bariers hanging on the whole Perimeter Road.

The best way to get there is by public transport. Take a bus from Hatton Cross Station (Bus Stop A) towards Heathrow Central (285, 90, 423) and get off on the bus stop at Hatton Road

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Photo Spot Spot F - Spot F - Take offs 27L (Esso petrol station)

One of the best places to take photos of planes departing from LHR. Situated at the Southern Perimeter Road near Esso petrol station (shop, toilet) is perfect to catch planes taking off from runway 27L. Every lens above 70mm will be good in that area for almost whole day (from around 10am till afternoon)

If you want to use public transport take bus 203 from Hatton Cross Station towards Staines (bus stop E) and get off near petrol station on the junction of Bedfont Road and Clare Road. Follow Bedfont Road for about 60 - 100 meters and then turn right into Riverside Road. There's a pub at the end of that road called Rising Sun , from where I took photo of bmi A330 (below) having a nice ,cold pint of beer. To get to Esso petrol station from there, you just have to turn right to Southern Perimeter Road (via Oaks Road)

You can get there by car via Bedfont Road (free parking space on Oaks Road) or via Southern Perimeter Road (parking space at Esso petrol station)

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Photo Spot Spot G - Southern Perimeter Road

It's a good place for take offs from 09R and line ups on 27L. Situated on a Southern Perimeter Road is only 10 min walking distance from Hatton Cross Station. You have to remember about two things when you want to take photos of planes lining up on 27L. First : heat haze ,second :metal barriers on the fence around Perimeter Road.
Lens 50-200mm is enough for take offs and line-ups.

Photos:

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Photo Spot Spot H - T5 Top Level (Cafe Nero)

Sit and enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate whilst watching planes land or depart on 09L also you can see several stands where the BA A319/A320's park.

Photo Spot Spot I - Spot I - Bedfont Town Football Club Field

Its quieter than Myrtle Avenue and you get really good photos of planes on approach and side on coming in on Runway 27L.

Comments Comments About This Airport / Guide

Posted by: brandon United Kingdom
Wednesday 4th March, 2009 at 04:35 GMT
the airbus a380 landed out heathrow on jan 1st


wow
Posted by: brandon United Kingdom
Wednesday 4th March, 2009 at 04:36 GMT
the 747 is the second biggest passanger plane in the world
Posted by: Andreas Fietz Germany
Wednesday 4th March, 2009 at 08:30 GMT
There is also a very nice spotterpoint at the 09L, where you can walk from terminal 5. But when i was there the SQ A380 landed on RWY 09R.
Posted by: Robert United Kingdom
Tuesday 7th April, 2009 at 01:21 GMT
When they are landing 27r go to east church road/enfield road roundabout. It's next to some hangars and you get good approach shots with landing gear down
Posted by: flcriminal Poland
Monday 13th April, 2009 at 06:14 GMT
Posted by: P United Kingdom
Sunday 10th May, 2009 at 16:11 GMT
Hi guys, its years since I've done any spotting at LHR, last time was when Concorde was being retired. Can you tell me something, there was a perimeter road over where T5 was being built, everyone used to park up on the pavement to see Concorde land or take-off from the top runway (sorry I don't know the names of the runways) but the one closest to the A4, is it still possible to spot from there? Thanks.
Posted by: Simon Pilkington United Kingdom
Saturday 16th May, 2009 at 15:03 GMT
I tried to spend a little time getting registrations from landing aircraft on 09L just a little way along from the Renaissance Hotel. I managed about an hour in the later evening until a very courteous BAA Security man moved me on in a polite manner. There really should be a suitably managed location at Heathrow which would surely be a goldmine! I was lucky in that as I was leaving the SQ A380 landed!
Posted by: Dan Hill United Kingdom
Sunday 17th May, 2009 at 21:45 GMT
P - Haven't been to LHR for ages but I think I've read elsewhere that people still use the road your talking about, not 100% sure though, maybe someone can clarify?
Posted by: mike frost United Kingdom
Wednesday 20th May, 2009 at 19:25 GMT
planning a 2 day trip from plymouth to Myrtle Ave's grassy knoll and hoping planes will be landing on 27L and 27R over these 2 days. Is there any chance they could be using 09L&09R. Is the wind direction the only factor. It's a long way from Plymouth to most places, with the exception of dartmoor and Cornwall.
Any thoughts?
Posted by: Dan Hill United Kingdom
Thursday 21st May, 2009 at 12:07 GMT
Yep wind is the only factor, aircraft must land into the wind. 27L/R are by far the most often used runways though and there are spots on the approach to 09L although I'm not 100% the eact location hence they're not mentioned in this guide. Other good thing about the 09's is they don't change halfway through the day, its 09L for landing 09R for take-offs all day.
Posted by: Pole Hill Sid United Kingdom
Friday 22nd May, 2009 at 07:38 GMT
To get to the spot for 09L landings is quote easy, although there could be quite a walk as I'm not sure about buses/parking (living nr Manchester).

Cross over the foot/cycle bridge at the end of 27R and head towards the landing lights in the field and you're there. Isn't too far from T5 either if you're using the Underground.
Posted by: Jamie Davey United Kingdom
Saturday 23rd May, 2009 at 20:37 GMT
Hey, I have found a new planespotting place. It is at Cafe Nuro located in Terminal 5. It is brilliant when 09L is in use for landing or for holding to take off. it is located at Security North. it has some good window views and it is landside so no problems there. the only downside is at peak times it can get very busy! and I mean VERY busy! grab a seat while you can but you may have to make way for passengers with children who want to look at the plane. This is especially good for rainy days!
Jamie
Posted by: Jack D. United Kingdom
Thursday 28th May, 2009 at 14:58 GMT
Will be visiting LHR for a spotting trip soon, and unfaniliar with the area. Does anyone know if there's a way to get to the Myrtle Avenue Grassy Patch on foot from Hatton Cross Tube Station? Is that a pavement I see on Google Maps running along Great S W Road?
Posted by: aa Afghanistan
Thursday 28th May, 2009 at 19:04 GMT
i love heathrow
Posted by: mike frost United Kingdom
Monday 1st June, 2009 at 18:44 GMT
Jack, the grass area at Myrtle Ave is a 5 minute walk from Hatton Cross tube station. Just cross the great SW road at the lights and turn to your right. go past the filling station and a field with horses in and you're there.enjoy the day. Also check it out on google earth.
Posted by: smsguru United Kingdom
Tuesday 2nd June, 2009 at 23:02 GMT
In the 90's I used to park in the long stay car park adjacent to the north runway (white elephant). Is this a no go now due to security clamp downs or can you still view here? The car park is still there on the map.
Posted by: Jack D. United Kingdom
Saturday 6th June, 2009 at 13:01 GMT
Thanks a lot Mike
Posted by: aa Afghanistan
Sunday 7th June, 2009 at 21:02 GMT
TWO A380 FLEW OVER MOTHER IN LAWS HOUSE 1 QANTAS AND THE OTHER EMIRATES
Posted by: Dan Hill United Kingdom
Tuesday 9th June, 2009 at 20:47 GMT
smsguru - Car park is still there I think but no idea about the security point, you seem to get moved from anywhere near LHR these days so it wouldn't surprise me if you got moved on.
Posted by: Alex Germany
Wednesday 10th June, 2009 at 09:50 GMT
Hi there, coming to LHR from Jul. 17.-19. first time and I'd like to know if theres a place to take pictures of the planes coming in for 27R? Also I'm wondering if theres a place to take Take-Off shots from TO's on RWY 27L?

Greetings from MUC
Posted by: Ali United Arab Emirates
Sunday 14th June, 2009 at 14:01 GMT
Long time ago, there was a shop on the roof of T1/T2 that used to sell aviation books and gifts and there was a cafe as well. Can someone tell me if that shop is still there or if it hs moved to another location.
Posted by: Clare United Kingdom
Monday 22nd June, 2009 at 21:35 GMT
Hi could anyone tell me what days the A380 lands/takes off as today i saw 3 airbus's Qantas, Singapore and Emirates
Posted by: Cameron United Kingdom
Tuesday 23rd June, 2009 at 21:44 GMT
For planes coming into 27R, there is a brilliant spot at Northern Perimeter road at the end of 27R, quite close to Esher Crescent. their is a few grass spots for you to photograph and spot. :)
Posted by: Shaun United Kingdom
Friday 26th June, 2009 at 10:23 GMT
Could someone please tell me when is the best time to see the A380 come in...
Thanks :-)
Posted by: Chris United Kingdom
Friday 26th June, 2009 at 22:30 GMT
For Ali, there is an aviation shop at the Visitors Centre near the Renaissance hotel on northside. No cafe, although there is a coffee shop the opposite end and there is always McDonalds across the road. Being done up at present, so only drive-thru at moment. The roof terrace you refer to closed after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
Posted by: David Percy United Kingdom
Saturday 27th June, 2009 at 15:31 GMT
I know this is a last minute request, but my son flies out Tomorrow (Sunday) on the Singapore Airlines A380 from Heathrow.

Where would be the best place to watch/photograph his departure?

Many T hanks.

David.
Posted by: Chris Canada
Sunday 28th June, 2009 at 22:36 GMT
I went to LHR friday not knowing where to go exactly and left without any photos. Returned with the nifty information on this website, some decent weather, and 27L operation and came home with hundreds. Thanks alot for posting this, and I highly suggest Myrtle Park to anyone going to watch and take photos. Just take the advice from here, I continued along Hatton Rd half knowing where to go and luckily found it! Should be good lighting there throughout the day
Posted by: Chris Canada
Sunday 28th June, 2009 at 22:39 GMT
Forgot to mention that Hatton Cross is easily accessible via the underground (Picadilly Line) and follow the directions from above, cross that main road and turn right on it past the petrol station and friendly horsies and you'll find yourself in Myrtle park about a hundred feet later
Posted by: HASSAN Qatar
Wednesday 1st July, 2009 at 17:55 GMT
ALL AIRLINES HAVE TO BE AN AIRBUS A380 I AM THE LEADER
Posted by: Mike Frost United Kingdom
Wednesday 1st July, 2009 at 22:19 GMT
I am coming up by train from Plymouth tomorrow (2nd July) until Saturday.Staying in the premier travel inn. Myrtle Ave is by far my favourite spot. Hope to get lots of great approach shots from there. Fingers crossed the wind changes to the west from Friday so 27L will be in use.
Posted by: Arman USA
Thursday 2nd July, 2009 at 01:11 GMT
We wish to make this Big Aircraft soon on our collections of models at www.showcasemodels.com .
Posted by: mike frost United Kingdom
Saturday 4th July, 2009 at 22:01 GMT
just returned home from Myrtle Ave. Great approach shots plus saw the A380 two days running. They came in to land each day between 1200 and 1300. Most people on the green I spoke to were not from this country. Finally in case anyone didn't know the red buses that run between 27L (Hatton cross bus station) and 27R (the north perimeter) are free. Handy to know if you are staying as I was in Bath road.
Posted by: kestrel332 United Kingdom
Sunday 5th July, 2009 at 16:29 GMT
Hey Mike.. You will probably have seen me then, as I spent the morning and early afternoon at Myrtle Ave on Saturday 4th too. Was a funny old day wasn't it.. sun burning you at 8am, yet raining by 1pm!
Was a few Germans there, going by the football shirts they were wearing.
Nice to bump into Matty (Topgun1983) too.

Regards, Dave
Posted by: Jimo United Kingdom
Sunday 5th July, 2009 at 18:18 GMT
I've been looking to do some plane spotting at LHR airport, I was wondering if someone could suggest a few things. Is there anywhere to go nearby on Spot A? Like a cafe or something to sit by with internet wifi so I can check the plane times? I will be going by myself and I don't know the heathrow area very well. Thanks!
Posted by: indra United Kingdom
Monday 6th July, 2009 at 20:30 GMT
Have been to heathrow numerous times, and I love Hatton cross car park, just next to the runway..the information of heathrow runway Alternation has helped me immensly,as many a times I reach there and find that other runway is used for landings,and with a car you can only be there for few minutes before the cops tell you to bugger off... and its a long way from east london so now I can plan when to go... many thanks!!!!
Posted by: Mike Evans United Kingdom
Saturday 11th July, 2009 at 19:31 GMT
A Singapore A380 lands every evening . Time is around 1900, but over the past month it has varied between about 18.45 and 19.30.

An Emirates 380 takes off (airborne) around 1600 but I'm not sure if it's every day, as on a couple of days last week either it was delayed until late (after 1700 when I left) or it's not a daily flight.
Posted by: Mike Evans United Kingdom
Saturday 11th July, 2009 at 19:49 GMT
Further to the above landing times, a couple of weeks ago I saw the Singapore 380 land on 09R which at the time was being used for take offs. A bit annoying as I'd been waiting an hour to get a photo of it.

I'm currently staying in the Renaissance Mon-Fri for a couple of months. So far I've had a runway view room every week. Great views and hundreds of photos.
Posted by: L@urent Belgium
Friday 17th July, 2009 at 15:23 GMT
Hello !

I am hoping to visit LHR this summer on last minute decision (weather depending) without car.
Can anybody of you tell me where i can fing reasonably priced accomodation close to the airport, or subway ? Hotel or B&B would be fine.

Thanks,

L@urent
Posted by: UKFlyer United Kingdom
Sunday 19th July, 2009 at 08:56 GMT
Hi L@urent

Best idea would be to trawl through the booking sites - expedia etc. and find an airport hotel with a good offer and base your trip round those deals if possible. The Renaissance Hotel is legendary if you get a room with a view of the north runway, get there at 3pm checkin and stay until noon checkout, to pack as much in. They do special spotters packages
(http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/lhrbr-renaissance-london-heathrow-hotel/)

UKFlyer
Posted by: michel76 Netherlands
Friday 24th July, 2009 at 07:03 GMT
goodmoring to all of you. tomorrow it will be my first visit to LHR. is there a website with some expected visitors for next weekend? thanx in advance.greetz michel
Posted by: Trevor Elliott United Kingdom
Monday 27th July, 2009 at 19:04 GMT
I would like to know the postcode for Myrtle Avenue at Heathrow?
Cheers, Trevor
Posted by: Paul United Kingdom
Monday 3rd August, 2009 at 04:47 GMT
Well, I made it to Heathrow on Saturday 1st August 2009 and went to the Myrtle Avenue spot. A short walk from Hatton Cross tube although I believe that there are two local buses that go right passed the end of the avenue - however the walk is better as you get to hear the planes!

Sadly it was raining at the time however there is a tree at the end of Myrtle Avenue which is suitable to 'hide' underneath if it is raining at all yet it still allows you to see and hear the planes.

Only real downside to the location is the road between you and the perimeter - a couple of buses and lorries ended up getting in the way of some photographs. On the plus side, I had no problem with either Police, BAA or the locals.

My thanks go to Plane-Ma
Posted by: planes1997 United Kingdom
Monday 3rd August, 2009 at 12:08 GMT
hi i was just wondering where the best place is to spot aircraft takeing off e.g listen to the roar of the engins on take off its just that i am geting really confused
if i should go to myrtle avenue
or to the heathrow academy on the side of the runway.
please tell me as my family are going to spot this week end.
Posted by: pinkmoyley United Kingdom
Monday 3rd August, 2009 at 12:28 GMT
Myrtle Avenue is amazing!! Went there yesterday (2nd Aug) for the first time and cant wait to go back. Fabulous views of planes landing. Really enjoyed it!
Posted by: Adam F United Kingdom
Wednesday 5th August, 2009 at 01:45 GMT
How does one get to the 09L photo spot from Terminal 5 on foot. I tired walking up past the taxi queue to the roundabout but ran out of pavement. HELP
Posted by: Ross United Kingdom
Thursday 6th August, 2009 at 18:15 GMT
I am a regular visitor to Myrtle Avenue's famous park and would recommend to any photographer/enthusiast!
I must say I think it's terrible that there is no official viewing area such as the Queen's Building and I'm sure most people would even be prepared to pay an entry fee - such as the great terrace at Frankfurt! Come on BAA!
Posted by: colin United Kingdom
Sunday 9th August, 2009 at 20:29 GMT
surely its a no brainer NOT to have a viewing tower close to Heathrow.
it surely would be a money maker.

just got back from London theatre break and would have loved and happily PAID to view the new A380 airbus.
Posted by: Ross United Kingdom
Monday 10th August, 2009 at 00:48 GMT
Went to Myrtle Avenue Park today waited for the SQ A380 it soared in at 19:25 just as the sun peeked out from the clouds - Gorgeous!!!
Posted by: oli United Kingdom
Monday 10th August, 2009 at 17:40 GMT
i went to lhr in october last year for my birthday and runway 27r was in use i must have been up probs past 11 o clock lol i saw 2 airbus a380 sqs it was awsome by the way if your planning on goin go terminal 5 dont bother theirs nowhere to watch them

hope that heloed oz
Posted by: oli United Kingdom
Monday 10th August, 2009 at 17:42 GMT
lol sorry guys about my spelling my keyboard is not very good the connection int very good but yeah lhr is my first choice for spotting photography etc..
Posted by: C.S Chaulk United Kingdom
Thursday 13th August, 2009 at 21:06 GMT
Spotting places at Heathrow - a spectors grandstand is available at the Heathrow Academy and is popular with spotters getting reg's - I don't recommend it if wanting to take pictures as you have trees and lampost everywhere. You have to pay around £7 for 5 hours to park in the car park.
Advantage is that Mac D's is a 5 minute walk away and a model shop is available at the Heathrow Academy.

Park up and walk towards the fence right by the runway and if you have a good lense shot through the fence, or walk up to the find a good spot.

Hatton Cross car park is £4 to park for the day at weekends if wanting to go to Myrtle Aveneue, you can then get the tube to T5 if wanted to shoot there or you can take a 20 minute walk to 27R.
Posted by: SAMCLARK United Kingdom
Tuesday 18th August, 2009 at 09:34 GMT
what are planes like to see from legoland???
Posted by: londonboi United Kingdom
Tuesday 18th August, 2009 at 12:16 GMT
how do i get there

does any one know the postcode of this area

which is the nearest station
Posted by: Jerry Philippines
Thursday 27th August, 2009 at 11:20 GMT
I have passed through Heathrow several time and always took the Tube to the city center to see the sites, but after reading the information here and another site I am off to Myrtle Ave next time. I am tired of being harassed within the terminal trying to shoot aircraft through the terminal glass windows. Unreal, but if you want to take pics IN the terminal no problem.
Posted by: planes1997 United Kingdom
Thursday 27th August, 2009 at 11:54 GMT
is the heathrow academy (visitors center) a good place to go to listen to them when thay take off and maybe see them land?
Posted by: planes1997 United Kingdom
Thursday 27th August, 2009 at 11:58 GMT
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Posted by: ANDYS United Kingdom
Monday 31st August, 2009 at 20:15 GMT
Just had a weekend at LHR (family hols). Stayed at the Travelodge near T5. Top floor room and spent the evenings wathcing the planes coming directly at me. Perfect for spotting (not for photos) and very cheap (£19/room. Spent Saturday morning at Myrtle Av with my son a confirmed spotter now. PERFECT
Posted by: planecrazy United Kingdom
Wednesday 2nd September, 2009 at 23:33 GMT
Has anyone tried the Tesco Car Park at Faggs Road, Feltham? They have a coffee shop at the back of the store if you get cold!
Posted by: Ross United Kingdom
Thursday 3rd September, 2009 at 01:02 GMT
Who remembers the BA 757 G-BPEI go around on the 9th of Aug? Great stuff! It was due to an Airbus crossing 27L that didnt cross quickly enough!
Posted by: Greg United Kingdom
Friday 4th September, 2009 at 17:22 GMT
SPOTTERS AT LHR THIS EVENING! - Royal Air Maroc RAM800/801 due to arrive 20:30 is operated by Viking Airlines 737-800 SE-RHX GET OUT THERE AND GET A PIC!
Posted by: Ross United Kingdom
Sunday 6th September, 2009 at 02:20 GMT
Had a great days spotting at Myrtle Ave park on the 3rd of Sept lots of exec jet action including TS-IAM Challenger CL-600, M-FALC Falcon 900 EX, M-GBAL BD700 Global Express, A6-DAS 737-700 BBJ Abu Dhabi Amiri Flight and SX-RFA 757-200 Gainjet Aviation. Also saw pure white A319 LZ-FBB of Hemus Air!
Posted by: ALI United Kingdom
Sunday 6th September, 2009 at 18:15 GMT
Just got back from myrtle ave, had a great time. saw some real nice planes. Lots of people there if you were there post a comment. (19:15)
Posted by: Chris United Kingdom
Tuesday 8th September, 2009 at 19:43 GMT
I was there at around 4pm. Lots to see, and lots of us enjoying the afternoon!
Didn't wait for the A380 but saw it over Windsor at 12:30.
Posted by: Steve Afghanistan
Monday 14th September, 2009 at 13:43 GMT
Can anyone describe me the best way by foot from Terminal 5 to the grass area at 09L ?? Thanks !!
Posted by: Steve Poland
Saturday 19th September, 2009 at 09:12 GMT
Is it possible to park on Myrtle? A friend is taking me down and i dont want him to get a ticket or clamped.
Posted by: Steve Poland
Saturday 19th September, 2009 at 09:29 GMT
Also is there anywhere other than the Hotel for 27R arrivals?
Posted by: Chris United Kingdom
Saturday 19th September, 2009 at 19:44 GMT
You can park in Myrtle or nearby, no risk.
Posted by: Ross United Kingdom
Sunday 20th September, 2009 at 18:33 GMT
Does anyone know the story behind the Philippines 747-400 that's been parked up at LHR over the last few days? Could it be a diversion, tech or government visit??
Posted by: Clare United Kingdom
Monday 21st September, 2009 at 16:24 GMT
To get a great view of the planes when they are taking off on runway 09L go to the esso garage on the Southern peremiter road great views
Posted by: Dave United Kingdom
Monday 21st September, 2009 at 21:29 GMT
The Philipines 747 had engines covered on 18th, was gone by the time I returned today, unsure of reg or reason for visit....
Posted by: Ross United Kingdom
Thursday 24th September, 2009 at 15:15 GMT
Went to Myrtle Avenue park on the 22nd Sept with my brother had a great day saw Swiss A321 HB-IOF and El Al 747-400 4X-ELA both go around! The gorgeous Iran Air 747SP EP-IAA arrived at 14:43 to round the day off nicely!
Posted by: Taz United Kingdom
Thursday 1st October, 2009 at 18:54 GMT
i work at the airport. lovely place. i started working at terminal 5 from the day it was opened last year. on that day we the staff were given a specail book called THE MAKING OF TERMINAL 5. only limisted edition specially for the staff only in limited number. its one of the best book of its kind including details and special pictures from the starting of the making of terminal 5 till the finished building. this book is a dream book for any plane watcher or anyone interested in planes / heathrow. i am currently selling it. any one interested. i have had it advertised on a special plane watcher website and few poeple made offers on it but they werent as i expected it to be. any one interested get in touch and i can email you the pics or answ
Posted by: Taz United Kingdom
Thursday 1st October, 2009 at 18:59 GMT
email is mk10c180@hotmail.com
Posted by: RF Ireland
Sunday 4th October, 2009 at 21:48 GMT
How much abuse do you get of passing traffic at myrtle avenue? does the traffic come to a stop at times?
Posted by: birdy United Kingdom
Monday 12th October, 2009 at 15:37 GMT
Does anyone know when the 09L runway is being used for arrivals? Is it timetabled like the 27L/R?

Many thanks for any help.
Posted by: lawrence harrop United Kingdom
Tuesday 13th October, 2009 at 12:27 GMT
coming to lhr soon for photos. can anyone tell me if the a380 lands every day or which day does it land. thank.
Posted by: lawrence harrop United Kingdom
Tuesday 13th October, 2009 at 12:27 GMT
coming to lhr soon for photos. can anyone tell me if the a380 lands every day or which day does it land. thank.
Posted by: Steve Poland
Wednesday 14th October, 2009 at 16:29 GMT
Lawrence the A380 is everyday, SIA lands early morning departs around 12,EK lands at 12-ish & i think departs evening, QF lands about 6pm and departs early morn i think. your best bet is to go when the 27L is used foe arrivals and go to Myrtle avenue for the EK,hopefully weather will be nice.
Posted by: lawrence harrop United Kingdom
Saturday 17th October, 2009 at 16:56 GMT
thanks steve great info, i hope the weather is nice.
Posted by: lars Netherlands
Friday 23rd October, 2009 at 15:39 GMT
Lawrence, some more details for the A380 @ LHR.
SQ arrival: 530AM SQ322 & 710PM SQ318 both daily
QF arrival: 540AM QF 31 136
EK arrival: 1215PM EK1 daily
SQ departure: 1155AM SQ317 & 1005PM both daily
QF departure: 1215PM QF 32 247
EK departure: 215PM EK2 daily

remember, this are still SU9 timetables.
Posted by: helen bilgic United Kingdom
Thursday 5th November, 2009 at 08:31 GMT
we are heading to heathrow tomorrow as a treat for my little boys 4th birthday,he is plane mad. we are staying at the premier inn bath road. where are the best places around the airport to take him. would be grateful for any info. as we from up north the area is unknown to us thanx. helen
Posted by: caulkinpeter Afghanistan
Monday 7th December, 2009 at 09:20 GMT
good morning all,i was at myrtle park on 1/12,09 and found the grass area very waterloged so be carefull were you stand,i went and stood at the end of caines lane got some excellent shots and could sit in my car if it started to rain,you can still see the regs sat in your car if you manage to park at the very end of the road,happy spotting,Pete
Posted by: caulkinpeter United Kingdom
Monday 7th December, 2009 at 09:25 GMT
sorry guys im not from Afghanistan forgot to click the from button im from Worcester UK,cheers
Posted by: caulkinpeter United Kingdom
Monday 7th December, 2009 at 10:10 GMT
as you can see i was at lhr on 1/12/09 and saw the qantas a380 but didnt get the reg,ive looked on heathrow movements for that day but it isnt listed can anyone help me please,cheers
peter
Posted by: danny white United Kingdom
Thursday 7th January, 2010 at 21:45 GMT
any 1 help me plz. why was there 2 korean 747s in today? 7-1-10
Posted by: Hans & David Sweden
Sunday 24th January, 2010 at 12:35 GMT
Hi.
We will be in London 4-6 feb 2010.
Any hints how to se A380 at Heathrow?
Company and timetable?

Is Concorde still parked there or not?

Regards
Hans & David in Sweden
Posted by: philistyn United Kingdom
Monday 25th January, 2010 at 15:38 GMT
Similar request to Hans & David. Am coming to Myrtle Ave with friend who's anxious to see an A380.
Coming for Wednesday. Any info on usual times, arrival/departure?
Many thanks.
Posted by: Hans Germany
Wednesday 3rd February, 2010 at 07:37 GMT
Moin ,habe mal ne Frage wo kommen den die besten ( A380,B747) Flugzeuge 27R oder 27L ??
Posted by: danny white United Kingdom
Wednesday 3rd February, 2010 at 17:00 GMT
air caraibes A330, interesting. what was it doing at LHR?
Posted by: Ross United Kingdom
Wednesday 10th February, 2010 at 02:10 GMT
Cant wait to catch the Bangladesh 777 at Myrtle Ave soon!
Posted by: Richard Tarrant United Kingdom
Wednesday 10th February, 2010 at 11:28 GMT
Hi-

Can someone give me directions on the best way to get to Spot D from Terminal 5 by either foot or public transport for the 09L approach? Am getting tired of attempting to shoot pictures through ugh the glass windows at T5s Cafe Nero.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Hans Germany
Thursday 11th February, 2010 at 07:15 GMT
On which runway lands always the a380??
Posted by: Jordan United Kingdom
Saturday 13th February, 2010 at 16:24 GMT
Hans. Normally 09R and 27L cope with A380's due to the proximity of Pier 6 A380 gates. Thx
Posted by: mark wales United Kingdom
Tuesday 23rd February, 2010 at 16:59 GMT
hi just spent a couple of days in london,stayed at travelodge heathrow central
if you go there ask for a room in the east wing upper floors over looking the airport good views from there, also spent time at myrtle ave spotted 40 planes in hour and half ,then went to woodfield road , off the a312 stayed to see the a380 land then it landed on the other runway ,that life .lol
Posted by: Javier Italy
Thursday 25th February, 2010 at 23:45 GMT
Hi ! Going to heathrow at april I´d really like to know where to spot aircrafts at holding positions runways both 27L and 27R??? Because I didn´t find enough info about this issue...
What about spotting places at runways 9L or 9R when landing??
Also, is Jury´s Inn a good hotel to spend a couple of nights there??
Thank you all in advance.
Regards from Italy
Posted by: Javier Italy
Thursday 25th February, 2010 at 23:45 GMT
Posted by: Steve United Kingdom
Wednesday 3rd March, 2010 at 18:56 GMT
Hi - Can anyone point in the direction of a web site that confirms which runways are in use at any given time. I just want to check this before setting out on a trip. Thanks in advance.
Posted by: Steve United Kingdom
Wednesday 3rd March, 2010 at 19:02 GMT
Please ignore last message just realised its on this site. Doh!
Posted by: mishmash United Kingdom
Sunday 7th March, 2010 at 13:09 GMT
Hi everyone. Can someone tell me how I can join the LHR Yahoo Group?

Thanks
Posted by: Lars Netherlands
Saturday 13th March, 2010 at 16:49 GMT
Hi. LHR timetables can be found at www.flightstats.com. it also shows the equipment.
is EK opening the 2nd daily 380 flight to LHR? I tought EK 3/4 starting 1st of july.

I'm also planning to visit the airport in july.

thanx
Posted by: Ross United Kingdom
Monday 15th March, 2010 at 00:47 GMT
Who caught the 2 JASDF 747-400's that visited LHR recently?
Posted by: Carlos Spain
Monday 15th March, 2010 at 13:05 GMT
Quisiera saber si por las mañanas se pueden sacar fotos por Myrtle Ave sobre la 27L o salen a contraluz? gracias. Voy en Junio.
Posted by: J United Kingdom
Wednesday 24th March, 2010 at 01:09 GMT
Following up on Javier's question: Yes the Jury's Inn is a good hotel to stay, as it's a good hotel to watch the planes from. Just ask for an "Airport view" room on the 7th floor for the best views.

The hotel has rooms facing South-East, South-West, North-East and North-West. Overall, the ones facing SW are the best as they overlook the threshold of 27L, so there'll be something to watch regardless of whether they are landing or taking off on 27L. I guess you'd get some very nice head-on views from the 27L approach if you get a SE facing room, but I've only stayed there once and was lucky enough to be on the top floor facing the runway.

PS: there's also a room number 747 (7th floor SW facing), but apparently it's for disable
Posted by: Ross United Kingdom
Wednesday 24th March, 2010 at 02:12 GMT
Went to Myrtle Avenue yesterday saw Open Skies 757 that was operating for BA during the crew strike! Unfortunately they changed runways from 27L/27R to 09L/09R at 10am but a short drive to the end of 09L and you can walk then access a field which isnt fenced off and get some nice shots from there!
Posted by: jimmy United Kingdom
Tuesday 27th April, 2010 at 13:03 GMT
Hi guys can you watch planes take off from iside heathrow airport even if you aint got tickets . just want a day out watching them whilst sitting down in a bar or something in the airport
Posted by: Shazza United Kingdom
Friday 6th August, 2010 at 10:11 GMT
Does anyone have any recomendations for a pocket book for planes with takeoff/land at heathrow?
I live closeby & would like to know a little more......but not too much at the same time. A bit of a fun hobby
Posted by: mark United Kingdom
Sunday 8th August, 2010 at 18:26 GMT
going to heathrow tom am can anyone tell me the best place to see an a380 please
Posted by: Chris Antoniou United Kingdom
Monday 9th August, 2010 at 07:36 GMT
I think we should campaign for a Spotters Area as there used to be at gatwick many years ago until the terrorists , well, started thier terror at public places.
Posted by: Rob Taylor United Kingdom
Thursday 12th August, 2010 at 12:10 GMT
I spent my first full weekend at LHR for several years recently and found this site invaluable. The runway alternation section is great to enable forward planning. I used another site which gave locations of Macdonalds around the airport and noted that it showed one at the Airport Bowl/Aerial Hotel which has gone. When did it disappear?
Posted by: Alan Gale United Kingdom
Wednesday 25th August, 2010 at 19:25 GMT
One of the best spots for arrivals onto 27r is from Aston Green on the Rectory estate, It lies in the centre of the trianguler housing estate that is bordered by the A312 to the west, the A4 to the North and the A30 to the south, Its easily accessable and the views are great. How do i know this. I used to live there !
Posted by: jonthemon United Kingdom
Thursday 26th August, 2010 at 14:22 GMT
can you park in myrtle avenue if not where can you
Posted by: iron United Kingdom
Monday 30th August, 2010 at 13:05 GMT
jonthemon,

i have never had any trouble parking at myrtle but on busy days it does get hard to park,
so i starting parking just down the road on cain's road only takes 5 mins to walk and lots of parking

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