Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: Difference between revisions

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===Terminal 1 Concourse D Observation Deck (Ticketed Passengers Only)===
===Terminal 1 Concourse D Observation Deck (Ticketed Passengers Only)===
The observation deck at MSP is located just prior to the Concourse D departure lounge, and is up a flight of stairs marked "Observation Deck", but the stairway and sign are somewhat concealed (it's immediately to your left as you transition from the hallway outside Quizno's to the departure lounge).  The deck offers good views of Concourse C, D & E and on Runway 12L/30R, as well as traffic to and from Concourses A, B, C, D and E on the taxiway paralleling Runway 12L/30R.  A lens of about 200mm on a 1.6 DSLR should be plenty for just about all operations visible from this location. The observation deck is covered by windows on all sides.
The observation deck at MSP is located just prior to the Concourse D departure lounge, and is up a flight of stairs marked "Observation Deck", but the stairway and sign are somewhat concealed (it's immediately to your left as you transition from the hallway outside Quizno's to the departure lounge).  The deck offers good views of Concourse C, D & E and on Runway 12L/30R, as well as traffic to and from Concourses A, B, C, D and E on the taxiway paralleling Runway 12L/30R.  A lens of about 200mm on a 1.6 DSLR should be plenty for just about all operations visible from this location. The observation deck is covered by windows on all sides.
===New Cargo Road Spotting Lot (Free)===
The airport's newest viewing area is next to the FedEx shipping center on the airfield near the intersection of runways 12R/30L and 4/22. It has parking, picnic tables, benches and trees that will eventually provide shade. Open every day from dawn to dusk, the free viewing area is now the closest option for aircraft spotting. From MN77 take the 66th Street exit and then take Longfellow Avenue to the south to Cargo Road. Turn left on Cargo road and take it all the way to the end, just past the FedEx shipping center.


==Other Spotting Locations==
==Other Spotting Locations==
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===Mall Of America East Parking Ramp (Free)===
===Mall Of America East Parking Ramp (Free)===
Located south of I-494 and east of 24th Ave South. Go to the top floor of the eastside parking ramp. You will get arrivals and departures of runway 17/35. Also a descent view of the Delta maintenance hangars. Mall security might ask you to leave if not using the mall.
Located south of I-494 and east of 24th Ave South. Go to the top floor of the eastside parking ramp. You will get arrivals and departures of runway 17/35. Also a descent view of the Delta maintenance hangars. Mall security might ask you to leave if not using the mall.
===New Cargo Road Spotting Lot (Free)===
The airport's newest viewing area is next to the FedEx shipping center on the airfield near the intersection of runways 12R/30L and 4/22. It has parking, picnic tables, benches and trees that will eventually provide shade. Open every day from dawn to dusk, the free viewing area is now the closest option for aircraft spotting. From MN77 take the 66th Street exit and then take Longfellow Avenue to the south to Cargo Road. Turn left on Cargo road and take it all the way to the end, just past the FedEx shipping center.


==Locations to Avoid==
==Locations to Avoid==