Oh, you've done it now, haven't you? You've put down that fascinating airport mystery novel and glanced up from your coffee, only to be ensnared by the absolute allure of a shiny metal bird taxiing down the runway.
Suddenly, your inner avgeek rears its nerdy head, and you find yourself embarking on the thrilling expedition of plane spotting at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. How very predictable, yet utterly adventurous of you. Yet, there's a twist in the plot—ever thought about the enticing practice of phone spotting there?
In the sea of bored travelers and restless wanderers, there's a mosaic of stories told through the rectangular screens clutched in their hands. Snazzy smartphones with exotic covers, that grandma's ancient flip-phone still hanging in there, or the business tycoon scrolling through his emails on the latest gadget that costs more than your monthly rent—there's a spectacle, indeed. It's a display as riveting as the aircraft themselves, if not more.
Buckle up, my friends, for the snarky, unsolicited guide to this unconventional sport you didn't know you needed. Lean back in your seat and adjust your binoculars: Here are the best spots.
A Marvelous View: Terminal 4 Parking Garage
Ah, the Terminal 4 Parking Garage, or as I affectionately refer to it, the Theater of Telecommunication. Here, you'll find an unparalleled showcase of smart devices in their natural habitat. It's all very David Attenborough meets Silicon Valley.
The Vantage Point
If you thought arriving at the airport was a stressful experience, just wait until you have to find the parking garage of Terminal 4! With multiple levels and winding corridors that all seem to look the same, it can be a daunting task. But don't worry, if you take the free shuttle bus that connects all the terminals then you can make your way to Level 6 or higher and find the parking garage. And then you'll have three choices for where to go next: you can take an elevator directly to the ground level, use a pedestrian bridge, or take the stairs. No matter which option you choose, just remember that patience is key.
Terminal 4 Parking Garage
If you're looking to get some snaps of airplanes taking off and landing, then the parking garage of Terminal 3 is pretty good Just don't forget your camera and a tripod if you want to get clear shots without any blur. The best levels for unobstructed bird's-eye views are 6 and 8, although Level 7 should be avoided at all costs – there's a big fence blocking the view, apparently. So don't waste your time trying to squeeze yourself through gaps in the fence. Just stick with 6 and 8, and you'll get some fantastic aerial photos.
The Terminal 3 PHX Sky Train® Station
One of the better spots to go for an up-close look at planes taking off and landing is Terminal 3 PHX Sky Train® Station. With its elevated platform, you can see the different aircraft up close as they taxi in and out of the gates. Plus, you get a great view of downtown Phoenix from above. So if you're an aviation enthusiast or just looking for some interesting sights to look at while waiting for your flight, Terminal 3 PHX Sky Train® Station is definitely the place to go.
Terminal 4 D Concourses and the Terminal 3 South Concourse
From the four D Concourses in Terminal 4 to the South Concourse of Terminal 3, you're sure to see an array of planes that will have you reaching for your camera. Whether it's birds from American and Southwest or other airlines, there's sure to be a plane or two you'll want to capture with your lens. Plus, no one will bat an eye when you whip out your camera and take pictures. So if you're looking for a great spot to watch planes, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is definitely the place to go. Just make sure you have your ticket ready. It's for ticketed flyers only.