Get ready for the 11th edition of our annual fall planespotting event, #SpotLAX2024, happening in just two weeks! Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy this thrilling experience to the fullest!
To start, let’s talk about the activities. SpotLAX began as a casual gathering of planespotters, and this essence still thrives today. It’s a place for friends—both old and new—to come together, share stories, soak in the aviation atmosphere, and snap some incredible photos. We want everyone, especially newcomers, to feel included at SpotLAX. Don’t hesitate to jump in and engage in discussions! While some of us might reconnect like long-lost friends, we eagerly anticipate welcoming fresh faces each year.
This year, JetTip will once again be free for LAX throughout the weekend, allowing you to monitor the best arrivals and departures. Be sure to pick up an aircraft checklist from JetTip’s Nick Benson—it’s a fun way to track all the different airlines and aircraft models you encounter this weekend.
If you have any questions during the weekend, feel free to approach one of our SpotLAX Ambassadors. Stay tuned for more details on who they are and how to find them.
Notices
We will post any updates as #SpotLAX2024 approaches here.
Join our email newsletter for updates throughout the weekend and for information on future events.
New this year, we have introduced a SpotLAX WhatsApp Chat! Join us here!
Getting Around
Alongside rental cars, taxis, and private rideshare services, there are several additional options for getting around the LAX area. Multiple bus routes provide affordable transportation from the LAX Transit Center to various airport locations. There is also an economical public rideshare option available. Check out our new LAX Public Transportation page for a quick overview.
Popular Spotting Locations Around LAX
Several favored spotting locations are available around LAX. You can find detailed information about many of them in our newly updated LAX Spotting Guide.
A notable mention not included in the guide is the rooftop deck at the H Hotel Los Angeles. This location serves as our designated room block this year and will host the Rooftop Spotting Party on Friday evening.
The stunning view from the 12th-floor roof deck at the H Hotel is unparalleled. You’ll witness arrivals on Runway 24R almost at eye level as they approach, alongside excellent overhead sights of Runway 24L, showcasing the entire runway’s length. Despite often being backlit, you can also catch views of arrivals and departures on the airport’s south side. A lens between 300mm to 400mm is recommended for this location; even longer lenses can also be effective. The accompanying image was taken with a nearly fully extended Sigma 150-600mm lens.
Access to the roof deck is reserved for hotel guests, though day passes may be available—please ask at the front desk. Restrooms are located on the 12th floor, and there’s a coffee shop and bar on the first floor, with a Subway outlet outside the back entrance.
Events
Friday, September 13
6:30am – 4:00pm: All-Day Spotting!
Explore various spotting locations around LAX, mingle with friends, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the airport. The Flight Path Museum on Imperial Highway, near Qantas Cargo, will be open from noon until 4:00pm. The H Overlook roof deck at the H Hotel opens for guests at 6:30am.
4:00pm – 9:00pm: SOLD OUT #SpotLAX2024 Rooftop Spotting Party
Returning for its second year, the Rooftop Spotting Party will take place on the roof of the H Hotel Los Angeles (6151 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045). This event provides the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and engage in discussions about all things aviation, all while enjoying the backdrop of aircraft taking off and landing. This is a ticketed event that is currently s sold out. Registration opens at 3:30pm.
Saturday, September 9
6:30am – 11:00am: Morning Spotting
Embrace the beautiful golden light of the morning! The first hour will feature cargo flights and arrivals from Australia. Flights from Asia and South America will be the highlights for the rest of the morning.
9:00am – 11:00am: Cranky Dorkfest Ramp Visit
Returning for its second year, this ramp visit at the Flight Path Museum has no hard registration cap this time, although they reserve the right to impose limitations if necessary. You can find more information and sign up here.
11:00am: Cranky Dorkfest
Take part in Crankyflier’s annual Cranky Dorkfest at In-N-Out Burger (9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045). It’s a chance to gather with all the weekend’s attendees amid the buzz of aircraft overhead. For further details about Cranky Dorkfest, visit Crankyflier.com.
1:00pm – 6:30pm: Afternoon Spotting
Choose your preferred location around LAX and you’re sure to find fellow spotters!
6:30pm – 8:30pm: Annual Dinner and Raffle
By popular demand, we’ve reserved the patio behind The Proud Bird for this year’s dinner. You can order directly from the extensive food and beverage options offered by their food hall format, either in person or online. Our raffle will feature memberships to JetTip and FlightRadar24, along with items from Jetset Shirts and others. The Proud Bird is open until 9pm on Saturday evening.
8:00pm – 10:00pm: LAX After Dark
Bring your tripod and fast lenses to make the most of one of the most picturesque airports at night! Locations like Imperial Hill, In-N-Out Burger, and the H Hotel Roof Deck offer great opportunities for capturing nighttime photographs.
Sunday, September 10
6:30am – 9:00am: Early Morning Spotting
Catch your favorite arrivals from Asia, Australia, South America, and more!
9:00am – 11:00am: Donuts on the Hill, Sponsored by JetTip
This beloved event is back! Join us at Imperial Hill (also known as Clutters Park) for coffee and a couple of donuts from the world-famous Randy’s Donuts. Special thanks to JetTip for sponsoring this event once again.
11:00am – 5:30pm: Afternoon Spotting and Farewells
Enjoy a quieter afternoon of spotting around LAX.
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Straggler Meetup at Westchester Parkway Bridge
If you haven’t left yet, join us at the Westchester Parkway Bridge over Lincoln Blvd, one of our favorite LAX spots.
Keep an eye on this post for more exciting events as the weekend approaches. Remember to use the hashtag #SpotLAX2024 in your social media posts so we can share them!
We can’t wait to see everyone in Los Angeles for SpotLAX!
