Photo Copyright: Blair McFarlain

Spotting guide for: KIAH - George Bush Intercontinental

Map courtesy of Google Maps mapping service

Guide to map icons:
	Publicly accessible areas that do not require any prior notification to spot.
	Areas such as parking garages that require prior approval or notification to airport security to spot.
	Areas that to not require notification to spot, but are at your own risk!  You may be asked to leave by Airport security or by police.
	Restricted area!  Do not spot here, or you will be asked to leave by airport security or police.
	Food / Drink!  Spotting sometimes requires a lot of time out in the sun.  Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, and get food when you need it.
	Gas!
	These orange lines indicate where the final approach path of a runway intersect or pass near a spotting area.

WARNING: The information provided on this page is intended for the sole use of aviation enthusiasts to properly practice their hobby. HoustonSpotters.net or its members assumes no responsibility for any actions and/or conduct during their hobby practices, or any consequences of following the instructions provided here. The user acknowledges and understands that aviation enthusiasm can draw attention and suspicion from others, and all enthusiasts are encouraged to act in a respectful and open manner towards law enforcement officers, to carry their ID on them at all times, and to report truly suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.

You can get to the garages by following the signs from either Will Clayton Parkway, or JFK Boulevard.

The garages are one of the spots that require you to inform HAS (Houston Airport System) security before spotting or taking photos there. Call in to security either when you get there, or shortly before.

Their phone number is 281-230-1300

Examples of photos taken from D/E Garage:







  Site 4: DB Schenker(East Cargo, Formerly BAX Global) The DB Schenker (Formerly Bax Global) parking lot (see Google map above for exact location), is technically private property. If you are asked to leave, you must comply with their wishes. With that said, we have not been run off from there, as it is very publicly accessible.

This spot provides a view of planes landing on 26L, and you are nearly underneath them.

This spot requires that you inform HAS (Houston Airport System) security before spotting or taking photos there. Call in to security either when you get there, or shortly before.

Their phone number is 281-230-1300

Examples of photos taken from Bax (East Cargo):







  Site 5: Aviators Pub Aviators is a pub located at: 2738 Greens Rd Houston, TX 77032

They are located right off of the approach end of the 15's. This is private property and if you are asked to leave, you must comply with their wishes! With that said, we have not been run off from there, as it is publicly accessible. We have asked for permission to spot there before, and have never been turned away.

Even though this spot is off of airport property, you must still inform HAS (Houston Airport System) security before spotting here. Call in to security either when you get there, or shortly before.

Their phone number is 281-230-1300

The best time of day to get photos from here is the late afternoon when the sun is setting and behind you.

Examples of photos taken from Aviators Pub:







  Site 6: C Garage

C Garage is located right in the middle (east-west speaking) of the row of garages. On the south side you have a great view of the United traffic as well as many heavies taxiing by for takeoff on the 15's.

The north side gives you a good view of the arrivals on 26L/8R since it is about as much in the middle of the runway as you can get.

There are two actual structures for C garage, and both will yield different results. One is more to the west and you'll get planes that are near / closer to the Marriott hotel and the east side gets you closer to the international terminal.

You can get to the C garage by driving and following the signs, or you can park on D/E garage and walk or drive over on one of the lower levels. It is a fair bit of walking, especially if you want to get to the west side so be prepared.

It also gives you a nice angle on the north side of the D/E garage. Sometimes the planes parking on D4 or D5 will not be at an angle to get a clean shot from the roof of the D/E garage. This does put you a bit further away, but you get the better angle. 200mm is the minimum you need here but 400 is recommended, if you plan to shoot all the way to D/E from C.

Examples of photos taken from C Garage:

Rankin road is the best spot to take photos of planes departing the 15 / 33 runways in the afternoon with the sun setting behind you.

It is located at the end of Rankin Road, just off of Greens road.

Airport security has asked that we pass along this information:

• Please park your vehicles on the asphalt surface, not in the grass.
• Please use the established call-in procedures to advise the Airport Communication Center (ACC) of your presence at the location, this would be calling 281-230-1300 and advising that you are at the Rankin Road spotting location.
• Please do not climb the perimeter fence.
• As in all situations, use common sense and safety precautions to maintain the safety and security of yourself and your posessions.
• Keep in mind that this location can become heavily used during periods of construction at IAH.
• As with the other spotting locations, please report suspicious activities to the ACC at the phone number listed above.

Photo by Thomas Millard

Photo by Thomas Millard

Photo by Thomas Millard

Photo by Thomas Millard