Orlando International Airport’s Planespotting Program for Aviation Enthusiasts

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One of the more interesting hobbies for frequent travelers is plane spotting. That’s when you visit airports, airshows, and other aviation-related events to watch planes take off, land, take pictures, and collect information about the planes. It can even turn into a collection where plane spotters can keep track of the planes they spot, such as the airline, flight number, and aircraft type.

This is more than knowing the difference between an Airbus and a Boeing plane. Serious plane spotters are a combination of aviation geeks and professional photographers. When we visited LAX this year, several of them were set up on the roof of the nearby H Hotel, as it offered great views of the approach and runways.  Here’s my attempt to get a picture of a Viva plane taking off at LAX with my iPhone.

It was amazing to watch them track the aircraft using websites like FlightRadar 24 and know which ones would be on each runway and get situated so they could get a picture of the plane they needed with their zoom lenses.

Although Orlando International Airport (MCO) doesn’t host a wide variety of aircraft, it serves many airlines that regularly visit. And while we don’t have any regular service with widebody aircraft, the airport can handle 747s, many of which traveled to MCO from England and Germany over the years.

It's a half century for an icon of aviation! As the @BoeingAirplanes 747 turns 50 today, we reflect on some of our favorite moments of the Queen gracing us with her presence at MCO. Long may she reign! 👑 #avgeek pic.twitter.com/QXcJbKmraS

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) October 1, 2018

MCO’s new Terminal C was designed to handle flights from the A380, occasionally being used as a diversion point when there’s inclement weather in Miami.

TODAY’S SPECIAL VISITOR: @British_Airways A380!! 🤩 This big boy was diverted to our airport (due to weather at MIA) for a quick refuel. This was the first time that our Terminal C received an A380 aircraft on the ramp. Come back anytime, Superjumbo Speedbird. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/BXLRPCzftY

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) April 15, 2023

Although planespotting can be a thrilling activity, it’s reasonable for airports to be cautious about allowing individuals to engage in it on airport premises. There’s very little to differentiate between someone who is enjoying a harmless hobby and someone who is gathering information for malicious purposes.

So, Orlando International Airport has started a planespotting program where interested parties can register with the airport. Once approved, they can set up their gear on Levels 9 and 10 of the Terminal Top Parking Garage above Terminals A & B, Level 6 of Parking Garage C near Terminal C and the South Park Place Economy Lot. The Terminal Top Parking Garage provides a panoramic view of most of the airfield and aircraft gates.

The application for planespotting at MCO can be found on the airport’s website.

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary