Dallas Love Field Airport
| Continent: North America | Country: United States | Region: Texas |
| Dallas Love Field Airport | |
| Location | Dallas, Texas |
| IATA code | DAL |
| ICAO code | KDAL |
| Airport type | Commercial |
| Website | http://www.dallas-lovefield.com |
| Overview map | Google Maps |
| Communications | |
| Tower | |
| Ground | |
| Clearance | |
| Approach | |
| ATIS | |
Official Spotting Locations
Bachman Lake Park
The best location at Dallas Love Field is from the park along Bachman Lake, which runs along the North edge of the airport property. DAL has 2 parallel runways: 13L/31R and 13R/31L. The wind normally blows from the South at DAL. Southwest Airlines' aircraft typically land on and depart from 13R with wind from the South. Alerican Eagle and Continental Express usually land on the opposite side, 13L. Either side of the lake is good for spotting, however the Shorecrest Drive side gives you a truely close experience, much like Maho Beach at St Maarten (SXM/TNCM). At the park there are several locations where you can spot from, as this is a public park area. Sunlight will not be a factor, because you can simply move to where the light is best.
Other Spotting Locations
Parking Garage
Other spotters have had great success at the Love Field parking garage. It is located within walking distance of the passenger terminal. It affords a close mid-runway view of 13R/31L, so you will see mostly Southwest Airlines' operations. I have never been there myself so I do not know how friendly police and security are to spotters.
You must shoot here only in the morning, because afternoon sun will be in your face.
I have had a lot of success shooting from from Parking Garage "B". I head to the top floor if the weather is good or the next to top floor if not. You can get stunning views of takeoffs and taxiing. Here's an example:
Locations to Avoid
I have spent dozens of hours in the parking garage "B" shooting and never, not once, been approached by law officers.