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The Fort Lauderdale airport has an Observation Area on SW 39th St. It is quite popular and offers a great view of planes landing or waiting to take off on runway 9L. This spot was closed after 9/11 but thanks to an extensive petition campaign, it was reopened although the holes in the fence designated as “photo use only” have been removed.
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 authorities 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 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, as well as some from the Caribbean. Most of the larger international flights use Miami however.
Click for photos from the Observation Area
Click for photos from the parking garage