Westerlies — Week 1
6:00am – 3:00pm
Arrivals: 27L
Departures: 27R
3:00pm – 11:00pm
Arrivals: 27R
Departures: 27L
Aviation fans Worldwide
Heathrow
Spotting Guide
Westerlies on 27L and 27R, alternating each week, plus where to stand when Heathrow switches to easterlies.
Heathrow normally operates on westerly winds, using runways 27L and 27R. The landing runway alternates each week to give local communities a break from aircraft noise. The following week, week 1 reverses. Wind and operational requirements can change which runways Heathrow uses.
Westerlies — Week 2
6:00am – 3:00pm
Arrivals: 27R
Departures: 27L
3:00pm – 11:00pm
Arrivals: 27L
Departures: 27R
This pattern normally alternates every week.
Where to watch
27L arrivals
When aircraft are landing on 27L, they fly directly overhead just before touchdown.
Where to watch
27R arrivals
Several good choices when aircraft are landing on 27R.
Heathrow Park & Ride — Terminals 2/3
Near the start of the runway on Heathrow’s perimeter road, beside the Purple Parking area.
View guide →Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel
A great location for watching 27R traffic and one of the regular Jet Stream spotting locations.
View guide →Courtyard by Marriott
The restaurant provides runway views after 5pm. There is normally a £25 minimum spend, although this can vary; visitors should expect to buy at least a drink or something from the restaurant.
View guide →Hilton Garden Inn Heathrow Terminal 2
The viewing area/balcony opens from around 3pm. There is a £25 per-person minimum spend, charged on arrival.
View guide →Departures
Watching 27L departures
For 27L take-offs, the best proper viewing option is the Hilton Garden Inn. There aren’t really any other locations that give you the same clear view of 27L departures.
Departures
Watching 27R departures
You’ve got more options for 27R.
Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel
Good option throughout the day when aircraft are departing 27R.
View guide →Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5
Good morning or evening option. Smaller aircraft often begin their take-off roll further down the runway, but heavy and wide-body aircraft can give fantastic views as they power up and depart in front of the hotel.
View guide →Courtyard by Marriott
Another option after 5pm.
View guide →Easterlies
When Heathrow switches to easterlies
When the wind changes direction, Heathrow can switch to 09 operations. This is much simpler because there is normally no afternoon runway alternation.
09L — arrivals
Aircraft land on 09L throughout the day.
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Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5
A great location because arriving aircraft come down in front of you.
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The mound near the start of 09L
The raised hill used by plane spotters at the start of 09L.
09R — departures
Aircraft normally depart from 09R throughout the day. Departures fly out towards and over the Myrtle Avenue side.
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Myrtle Avenue side
09R departures climb out towards and over this side.
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Hilton Garden Inn Heathrow Terminal 2
You can also watch from around 3pm.
Important
Always check the current Heathrow runway operation before travelling.
Quick call
Runway → best spot
Match the live strip and role (arrivals or departures). Northern strip = 27R / 09L. Southern strip = 27L / 09R.
| Mode | Strip | Role | Runway | Best spot | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| westerlies | Southern | arrivals | 27L | Myrtle Avenue | Aircraft fly directly overhead just before touchdown |
| westerlies | Northern | arrivals | 27R | Park & Ride T2/3 | Perimeter road beside Purple Parking, near the start of the runway |
| westerlies | Northern | arrivals | 27R | Renaissance London Heathrow | Regular Jet Stream location for 27R traffic |
| westerlies | Northern | arrivals | 27R | Courtyard by Marriott | Restaurant views after 5pm. Normally a £25 minimum spend |
| westerlies | Northern | arrivals | 27R | Hilton Garden Inn T2 | Balcony from around 3pm. £25 per person, charged on arrival |
| westerlies | Southern | departures | 27L | Hilton Garden Inn T2 | Rooftop from around 3pm · £25 per person on arrival |
| westerlies | Northern | departures | 27R | Renaissance / Thistle T5 | Renaissance all day; Thistle morning or evening for heavies |
| westerlies | Northern | departures | 27R | Courtyard by Marriott | Another 27R departure option after 5pm |
| easterlies | Northern | arrivals | 09L | Thistle T5 / 09L mound | Arrivals come down in front of the hotel; mound at the start of 09L |
| easterlies | Southern | departures | 09R | Myrtle Avenue side | Departures fly out towards and over Myrtle; Hilton T2 from 3pm |