LAX Planespotting 7/8/09
 

I've posted some pictures from planespotting at LAX two days ago. Enjoy.

http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/lax070809

And these ones from April:

http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/lax041909

Some great shots rk! I love the big birds. Did you see the A380 landing, or just on the tarmac? The 747s just seem to glide slowly through the air upon approach, so I'm sure the A380 is the same, but more.

The A380 arrives mid-day and then departs late evening. I was there in late afternoon, and it still hadn't been towed to TBIT by the time I left, around 7:30p.

Oh Ray, I always so enjoy your pictures! My dad loved planespotting too, and had many great photos. He always loved to go to SFO on a Sunday afternoon.

I hope you are feeling 100% well now. Thanks for again sharing your pictures. Wish I was on one of those planes!

LoveItaly - Thanks. LAX is a good place for planespotting. Lots of carriers, lots of widebodies. With flights to/from places like Sydney, Fiji, Tahiti, Dubai and many other Asian and European airports.

Hello rkkwan :)

When we lived in Southern California, we used to do the same as you, planespotting! I remember this little place on Imperial Highway that was perfect for viewing. Seems like there was also a restaurant with big picture windows just across the highway that was popular for the same.

Seeing that photo of the A380, I'm just not sure I'd be comfortable on a two-story plane. I wonder just how popular this one will be in the years to come.

Happy travels!

Ray - nice job as usual. You don't see many B727s any more. Guess you get a little more variety than IAH, uh?

Hope you've fully recovered.

Ray..

I've never lived in SoCal but have visited many times. When I was young, my uncle (who lived there and worked for one of the airplane manufacturers.. can't recall which one...this was 50 years ago) would take me down to LAX and watch the planes. Always fun to do.

Your photos are great! I keep thinking I'll see an A380 at NRT or BKK, as I think they are landing there. But none yet. I want to see one.. have not decided if I would want to FLY on one. I still like the B747 the best, for long hauls.

Carol

Carol - The best place to spot A380s right now are SYD and LHR. All three carriers operating them - Singapore, Qantas and Emirates - fly them to Sydney and London.

When these carriers receive more aircraft, you'll see them more. For example, SQ just started HKG service with it this week.

And when Air France gets its later this year, it'll be flown on CDG-JFK. I think QF's A380 from SYD and MEL are the only flights into the US right now, as Emirates switch its JFK service back to 777 and move the plane to Toronto.

<i>And when Air France gets its later this year, it'll be flown on CDG-JFK</i>

I'm hoping it'll be on AF7 :D

Ray
I have an invitation to a wedding in Sydney next March. Maybe I should try to fly on an A380...?? I've flown Qantas to OZ on at least two of my 6 trips there so far. They are a very good airline IMO. But Singapore would be better, I'll bet.
Carol

Carol - I don't know what the schedule is for next March, but the A380 is currently on only selected days of the week to both SYD and MEL, with most of the flights still on 747-400. You need to choose your dates carefully and hope that they don't change it if you must fly on QF's A380.

Patty - Currently, AF10/11 is 744 while the other 3 flights are 772/773. I think those are the flights most likely to get the 380. If not, the earlier 6/7.

The QF A380 business class seats look really nice! But, alas, the price is also probably pretty nice... If I attend the wedding, I will probably just stick with UA, where I can use miles and upgrade, maybe even get a free biz class ticket ... Haven't yet decided if I can make the wedding, but would love to be able to.

380's fly LA to Mel on Mondays and Wednesday currently.
Qantas Premium economy on 747 is good and much less than business. I wouldn't bother paying the extra for business any more.

BTW husband loved the pictures!!!!

<b>rkkwan</b>,

For great plane spotting get a runway facing room at the Narita Hilton.

I was staying on the higher floor and sat at the window for couple of hours, mesmerized by all the wide bodies landing every few seconds. Every livery that I knew and many that I didn't. It was so close that I felt I could reach out and touch the planes.

I took few photos so I thought I share them here:

http://aafrequentflyer.zenfolio.com/p35650533

btw, the zenfolio site is very nice and easy to use.

Patty - Someone on a.net says it will indeed be AF6/7 that gets the 380. Inaugural flight (fares auction for charity) 11/20 westbound. Regular service starts 11/23.

Yup just saw this morning that it's official! Looks like it's still 773 on Wednesdays but I'm flying on a Saturday. I'll be connecting to SQ's 380 to SIN. Can't wait!