Tips for photographing and spotting

From Wondertree in the departure lounge there are great views out over the runway.

There are panoramic runway views from the No.1 Traveller Lounge (a charge applies), and more intimate views from some of the departure gates.

You’ll find our View Heathrow observation deck (near Gates 15 and 16) the perfect vantage point, with its 270-degree panoramic view of the southern runway, binoculars and flight-tracking touch screens.

Once you’re in the departure lounge there are airfield views almost everywhere, but Gordon Ramsay Plane Food and wagamama offer particularly fine ones.

There’s a covered viewing stand for non-passengers at the Heathrow Academy building (formerly the visitor centre) in Newall Road, looking on to the northern runway (postcode TW6 2RQ). There is a charge for parking but the stand itself is free to use at all times.

Outside of the airport perimeter, you’ll often also find a host of #AvGeeks at Myrtle Avenue which is to the South of the airport, just off Great South West Road.

Heathrow has teamed up with the MET Police to create a membership scheme for aviation enthusiasts run by the Met’s Aviation Policing Unit.

The scheme works by providing members with a photo identity card and lanyard to wear, so they can be easily identified by police and security teams at the airport.

Find out more, here.