The Official LAX Spotting Guide
Everything you need to know about where to go, when to go, and what the pilots and air traffic control are talking about.
Understanding LAX Operations - The Flow
West Flow (The Standard)
East Flow (The Reverse)
Frequency: Most common operational flow (approx. 95% of the time).
Runways Used: 24L/R (North Complex) and 25L/R (South Complex). Takeoffs/Landings proceed West, over the ocean.
Best for seeing Landings from the East (e.g., Imperial Hill, In-N-Out) and Westward Takeoffs (Westchester Bridge).
Trigger: Activated primarily due to storms and strong Santa Ana winds blowing from the East.
Runways Used: 6L/R (North Complex) and 7L/R (South Complex). Takeoffs/Landings proceed East, over the city.
Best for seeing Landings from the West (e.g., Dockweiler Beach) and Takeoffs heading East (e.g., Imperial Hill, In-N-Out).
Best Spotting Locations
Clutters Park/Imperial Hill
Best for viewing south runway take offs and ground operations
Located in El Segundo, this spot offers a panoramic, elevated view directly overlooking the south complex runways (25R/7L). Excellent lighting for sunset spotting.
Essential Spotter Terminology
Decode what ATC and other spotters are saying with this quick glossary.
LAX operates with two primary flow configurations, which dictate the direction planes take off and land. Knowing the flow is crucial for choosing your spotting location.
The Flow
The operational configuration of the airport (West or East) determining the active runway directions.
Final Approach (Final)
The last, straight-line segment of the landing sequence, where the aircraft is aligned with the runway.
Go-Around / Missed Approach
When a pilot aborts a landing and adds power to circle for another attempt, often due to an unstable approach or runway blockage.
Taxi
The movement of an aircraft on the ground under its own power, typically moving between the gate and the runway.
Rotation (Rotate)
The moment during takeoff when the nose of the aircraft lifts off the ground, initiated when the aircraft reaches its VR speed.
Heavy
A designation for large aircraft (like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A380) used by ATC for wake turbulence separation.
Livery
The unique paint scheme, colors, and graphics on the exterior of an aircraft, often identifying the airline or a special theme.
Squawk Code
A four-digit transponder code assigned by air traffic control to uniquely identify an aircraft on radar.
In-N-Out Burger
Best for having a plane fly directly over your head
The iconic location where planes pass directly overhead before touching down on the north runways (24L/R). Great for close up photography and video with burgers next door.
Dockweiler Beach
Best for having planes fly above you on final approach during reverse operations
Standard flow allows views of plane departures over the Pacific Ocean. Sand, sea and spotting!
Proud Bird Food Hall
Best for South Runway landing views & dining
An aviation-themed food hall offering fantastic views of final approach to the south runways (25R/7L). Great historical aircraft displays and a patio for spotting while you eat.
Westchester Bridge
Best for elevated North Runway Views
The road bridge on Westchester Parkway offers excellent, elevated views of planes on final approach to the north runways (24L/R). See the tires smoke on the landings.
LAX Happy Hour (The Rooftop Stream)
Best for digital, unobstructed spotting
The premier spot for digital spotting! Our private rooftop provides clear, unobstructed, high-definition views of the south runways (25L/R) for our channel. Catch it all from home!
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