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Observation Area on SW 39th St. is still open, thanks to an extensive
petition campaign after 9/11, although the holes in the
fence designated as "photo use only" have been removed.
Also, the airport will close this viewing area any time the National
Terror Alert Level is raised to orange. One
spot that will not close is the parking garage. The east and west
corner of the roof level of the Hibiscus Garage have been officially
dedicated an "Aircraft Observation Area" by the airport authority with
signs posted and benches to sit. From this spot you will get a good view of the terminals on the north side and
also runway 9L/27R.
There is a small park located along the south
Perimeter Rd. near the intersection with Griffin Rd, just east of the
end of runway 13/31. However, not much traffic uses this
runway. Mostly general aviation (small planes) use the south
runway (9R/27L) so the best bet really is either the Observation Area of
parking garage (parking fee required).
There is always a lot of traffic here - during
peak periods there are frequent delays due to very high traffic and one
runway. You'll see all
the major airlines in America and Canada, but not much in the way of international
traffic - most of that goes to Miami. I would give FLL a 4 based
on the location of the viewing areas, easy access, and frequent traffic.
Click here to see photos from the Observation Area
Click here to see photos from the parking garage
Back to the Airport ratings
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