IAH Observation Area (Lee Road)

A gravel clearing at the end of the runway on Lee Road, north of the field, with aircraft passing directly overhead on approach. Chemical toilets on site and plenty of room to park and watch from your car. Honest caveat from regulars: this position mostly sees United traffic landing, and other airlines tend to use runways further north, so variety is limited. The lot is uneven with potholes and puddles badly after rain.

Lens guide

24-70mm for aircraft directly overhead; 100-400mm down the approach.

Best time

Open 05:00-19:30, dawn to dusk. Best during westbound landings. Afternoons are heavily 737-dominated.

Parking

Large gravel parking lot, free, but uneven and potholed. Chemical toilets on site.