Mineta San José International Airport: Difference between revisions

''HOWEVER'', police have regularly asked spotters to leave from this location and instead go to the SJSU parking lot just up the street.  It's never been a big deal, but I've been told it's a safety issue with the proximity to the road and lack of sidewalk.  To avoid this issue, it was suggested park in the SJSU lot, walk out onto Airport Blvd when it's time to get your photo, and then walk back to "safety".  However, with the closure of the SJSU lot, alternative parking/waiting locations near this spot are unclear.

====The Dirt Hill====

Across Airport Blvd from the former SJSU parking lot, at Coleman Ave, there is a slight dirt hill that is in the middle of the curve made by Airport Blvd, near the I-880 ramps.  Park a chair here and watch planes takeoff and land from both runways.  You used to be able to drive a car up onto the hill but they caught onto it and chained off the driveway, however it is still open to pedestrians.

===Terminal A Parking Garage===

The Long Term parking lot has excellent views of both runways along their entire length.  You are also within a couple feet of the taxiway that most (if not all) private jets and general aviation aircraft use.  Park along the chain-link fence and use either a step-ladder or truck bed to see over it.  Parking is $1.00/20min.  Security/police will usually question what you are doing, ask if you are paying for parking, and then usually will let you be.  Don't park outside to avoid the parking fees, since they will ask you to leave if you aren't a paying customer.  Late-afternoon/evening lighting is best for photos, and a long lens (200mm+) is recommended.  

===Guadalupe Park===