Best Airports in America for Planespotting, According to Experts

by Jessica Puckett
Last updated: 1:05 PM ET, Tue March 24, 2026

For many travelers, it’s hard not to feel excitement and awe when seeing planes take off and land.

To help travelers and aviation geeks chase that sense of wonder, the experts at Upgraded Points have compiled a list of the best airports in the United States for planespotting.

The team analyzed the 50 busiest U.S. airports across 11 categories, like the number of runways and daily takeoffs and landings, and gave each airport a score out of 100. Based on that methodology, there were a few standout airports where aircraft enthusiasts should be sure to visit.

Miami International Airport (MIA) is the best airport in the country for spotting planes, according to Upgraded Points.

The South Florida hub scored high marks across multiple categories, including a larger amount of takeoffs and landings (1,370 per day) and one of the highest number of places for planespotting of any U.S. airport with 18 locations.

MIA “also benefits from relatively few foggy days and a strong mix of international carriers, which means wide-body aircraft are a regular sight,” the study noted. Plus, it has “The Holes,” which is a spot dedicated to photographing planes with camera-sized holes in the airport’s fence to allow for clear pictures.

Second and third place on the list went to New York’s John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW), respectively, due to their multiple runways and high number of international long-haul flights that bring interesting aircraft to the hubs.

Both airports also offer unique locations for planespotting. JFK has the outdoor rooftop bar at the TWA Hotel complete with a plunge pool, and DFW has Founders Plaza, a grassy area just outside the airport that has stunning runway views, plus picnic tables, telescopes, and a radio that broadcasts air traffic control communications from the airport’s tower.

Rounding out the top five in the rankings are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in fourth place and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) in fifth place.

Here’s a look at the list of the top 15 airports in the U.S. that are best for planespotting, according to Upgraded Points:

1. Miami International Airport (MIA) — 69.7

2. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) — 64.4

3. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — 62.4

4. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — 62.2

5. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) — 62.0

6. Denver International Airport (DEN) — 60.6

7. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) — 59.2

8. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — 54.5

9. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) — 51.6

10. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) — 51.4