If you are an aviation geek or just like watching aircraft taking off and landing, there is nothing better than an outdoor airport observation deck. While still hugely popular at many European airports, outdoor observation decks at American airports suffered after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the need for heightened security.
Airports also did not want passengers outside looking at planes but preferred them to be indoors spending money. Thankfully, some airports in the USA still haven’t gotten rid of their observation decks. Sadly though, many of them are glass enclosed and located airside, so you will need a boarding pass to gain access. With this in mind, we have compiled a short list of some of the best airport observation decks in the world where you can while away the hours watching planes.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
The Panorama Terrace at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offers planespotters an expansive view over the airport runways. The Panorama Terrace also has an old KLM Fokker 100 plane on display that you can go onboard and explore.
To access the observation deck take the stairs or escalator in Departure Hall 1 to the second floor. From there, take the footbridge to the terrace. The observation deck is open daily from 07:00 to 21:00, but is closed during bad weather.
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BER)
The observation deck at Berlin’s new Brandenburg Airport (BER) is open daily from 08:00 to 20:00 and costs 3€ for ninety minutes of access. Tickets can be purchased online from the airport’s website or a cashless ticket kiosk. The observation deck at BER offers expansive views of the airport apron and is located in Terminal 1.
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Home to the national flag carrier Swiss, the country’s busiest airport has two observation decks. One is in the public area before security, and the other is air side.
Photo: Zurich Airport
Observation Deck B is open to all airport visitors daily from 10:00 to 18:00 and costs CHF 5. Observation Deck E is open all year round from 08:00 to 21:30 for passengers with a boarding pass.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
While MSP has a dedicated spotting area with picnic tables near the airfield, passengers can get a close-up view of the planes by visiting the observation deck on the departure level off Concourse D.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
When JFK’s old TWA terminal opened as a 4-star aviation-themed hotel in 2019, the developers added a rooftop infinity pool, bar, and 10,000-square-foot observation deck that offers views of the airport’s Bay Runway.
Photo: TWA Hotel
The observation deck is $25 for hotel guests and $50 for non-hotel guests with reservations.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
The Delta Sky Club Lounge at ATL is a good place to relax before your flight and has an outdoor deck with great views. Free to Delta Sky Club members and American Express Platinum cardholders. You can use the Sky Club for $50 if you are neither of these. The lounge is located on the mezzanine floor near Gate 10 in Concourse F.
