The 12th installment of our annual fall aircraft observation campaign, Only days left until #SpotLAX2025. Here’s all the information you need to make the most of this exciting event!
First, a description of the event. SpotLAX was originally conceived as an informal gathering of aircraft watchers, and that spirit still exists to a large extent today. This is an event where old and new friends come together to chat, enjoy the aviation atmosphere, and take photos. We hope everyone feels welcome at #SpotLAX2025, especially our new attendees. Please feel free to join the conversation. While some of us may gather together like old friends we haven’t seen in a year, we all look forward to seeing new faces every year as much as we enjoy seeing old ones.
again this year, Jabil Will LAX is free all weekend This way you can keep an eye on the best planes arriving and departing. Also, be sure to get a list of aircraft from JetTip’s Nick Benson. This is a fun way to keep track of all the different airlines and aircraft types you’ll see this weekend.
If you have any questions over the weekend, please ask one of our SpotLAX Ambassadors.
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This year’s #SpotLAX2025 ambassadors include: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, JL Johnson, Jillian Johnson, Nick Benson, Glenn Beltz, Tom Rainey, Kent Mattheson, Henry Griffiths, Annie Kwan, Sean Whisenhunt, Connor McCauley, Claudi Sayers and Peter Melander. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact any of them, or contact Ben Granucci and Heather Abbott.
Any updates we make as #SpotLAX2025 approaches will be posted here,
you can Join our email newsletter Get updates on the weekend and upcoming events.
Join the SpotLAX WhatsApp chat here!
travel
In addition to car rentals, taxis, and private rideshare services, there are several other options for getting around the LAX area. There are several bus routes that provide low-cost transportation from the LAX Transit Center to various locations around the airport. There is also a cheap public ride option. Check out our new Los Angeles International Airport Public Transportation Page Make a summary. As of 2025, bus routes now operate out of the LAX/Metro Transit Center on Aviation Blvd.
Popular places to see around Los Angeles International Airport
There are several popular viewing locations around Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Details of many of these can be found in our recently updated Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) viewing guide.
The guide didn’t mention the rooftop deck at the H Hotel in Los Angeles, which was the site of our room section this year and our Friday night rooftop viewing party. 
The view from the H Hotel’s 12th-floor rooftop deck is unparalleled. Aircraft on Runway 24R are nearly level with you as they approach the runway. You can also overlook Runway 24L and see the entire length of the runway. Although often backlit, arrivals and departures can also be seen on the south side of the airport. You will need at least a 300mm to 400mm lens. Longer lenses will also work. The photo on the left was taken with the Sigma 150-600mm lens almost fully extended.
The roof deck is for hotel guests only. They may have day passes, ask at the front desk. There is a bathroom on the 12th floor. There is a cafe and bar on the first floor, and there is a subway outside the back door.
Activity
Friday, September 12
6:30 AM – 4:00 PM: All day viewing!
Enjoy various viewing locations around LAX. Meet up with friends and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the airport. Flight Path Museum Located on the Imperial Highway near Qantas Cargo, open from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm. The H Hotel’s H Overlook rooftop deck opens to guests at 6:30 am.
4:00pm – 9:00pm: SOLD OUT #SpotLAX2025 Rooftop Viewing Party
Our Friday night rooftop viewing party with friends at Airline Videos Live returns for the third year running. It will be held on the rooftop of the H Hotel Los Angeles (6151 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045). The event is open to everyone and provides a great opportunity to meet new people, renew friendships and spend an evening talking about all aviation topics against the backdrop of aircraft taking off and landing. This is a ticketed event sold out. We do not anticipate any in-person tickets this year. Registration will begin at 3:30 p.m. Thank you Gemini Jets for your thoughtful support of the rooftop party
Saturday, September 13
6:30am – 11:00am: Morning viewing
Enjoy the golden morning sunshine! Freight and flights from Australia were the highlights of the first hour. Flights from Asia and South America were the highlights of the rest of the morning.
8:00 – 11:00 AM: Grumpy Dorkfest Ramp Tour
The Flight Path Museum’s tarmac tours return for a third consecutive year. This event is full and the waiting list is now closed.
11:00am: Grumpy Dorkfest
Crankyflier’s annual Cranky Dorkfest will be held at In-n-Out Burger (9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045). There was a chance to meet all of the weekend’s attendees as planes of all sizes buzzed overhead. This year, raffle tickets will not be given out on the day of the event and you must pre-register to win. Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 10th to be entered into the drawing. No pre-registration is required to attend. For more information about Grumpy Dorkfest, Click here.
1:00pm – 4:30pm: Afternoon viewing
Choose a location of your choice around LAX. While you’re there, you’re bound to meet some other watchers.
4:30pm – 8:30pm: Annual #SpotLAX2025 Dinner and Raffle
By popular demand we have retained the rear terrace again proud bird Dinner this year. To avoid long waits when ordering and receiving food and drinks this year, we Highly recommended to order early this year. Please be kind to the Proud Bird staff as we had a much larger group than the usual number of people in the restaurant on a Saturday night.
because Jabil, Flight Radar 24, Departs every weekGabe Resendez and Mike Daus, among others, for their generous raffle prize donations. Proud Bird is open until 9pm on Saturday nights.
8:00pm – 10:00pm: After Dark at LAX
Bring a tripod and a quick lens and enjoy one of the most photogenic airports at night! Imperial Hill, In-N-Out Burger and H Hotel Roof Deck all offer colorful opportunities for night photography.
Sunday, September 14
6:30am – 9:00am: Early morning viewing
Capture your favorite flights from Asia, Australia, South America, and more!
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Donuts on the Mountain, sponsored by JetTip
This perennial favorite is back! Head to Imperial Hill (aka Clutters Park) for a cup of coffee and a donut or two from world-famous Randy’s Donuts. we appreciate Jabil Sponsor this event again.
11:00am – 5:30pm: Afternoon viewing and farewell
Enjoy a quiet afternoon around LAX.
5:30pm – 7:30pm: Homeless Party at Westchester Parkway Bridge
For those who haven’t yet, check out one of our favorite LAX attractions: the Westchester Parkway Bridge over Lincoln Avenue.
Keep an eye on this post for other exciting events that will be part of the weekend festivities. Please remember to use the hashtag #SpotLAX2025 on any social media posts so we can share them.
We look forward to meeting SpotLAX in Los Angeles!