Written by: The Proficient Airman, Mubashar Yasin.

Want to know the BEST spot for a coffee with a view at London Heathrow Airport? Keep reading and find out…

3. Myrtle Avenue – 27L (approach/Takeoff)

If you’re like me then a good spot is all too important when it comes to catching a glimpse of the planes on approach or climbing out of Heathrow. I’m sure you’ll all know about the wonders of Myrtle Avenue, Hounslow. It’s a fantastic spot when spotting planes departing or arriving on 27L. On a good day you could even set up a picnic and invite some friends to indulge in watching a few triple 777s roar past.

The easiest way to get to Myrtle Avenue is by car – insert the postcode TW14 9QU into your satnav and drive down. There is on-street parking with a few parking slots at the end of the road just before you walk onto the small field. It’s not too far from Hatton Cross station – so it might be an idea to catch the train if you’re travelling from London and want to be sustainable.

Heathrow airport has a runway change at 3pm everyday – so you might just be able to catch planes land AND line up for takeoff without you having to change spots. How great is that?!

2. Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy – 27R (approach)

Another great viewing area is a spot just outside the Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy. To the right of the building in the car park there is a massive canopy where you can stand under and view planes landing on 27R. Not only do you see the planes land on 27R but you can also see planes climbing out of Heathrow (from 27L) in the distance – it’s pretty special seeing an A380 crawl its way up slowly.

If you’re lucky and the weather is on your side you might just be able to see the wonderful queue of planes on the glide slope on approach. However, with that being said if its a rainy day don’t fret as you’ll have the great canopy to keep you nice and dry!

There is a caveat. Sorry – there always is. You will need to pay to park at the Heathrow academy – the car park is regulated by APCOA Parking and I can tell you from experience they aren’t forgiving when it comes to being naughty and parking without paying. BUT there’s a silver lining. From past experiences being there, the camera is not operational and hasn’t been for a while (it’s facing the floor – not great!) so you could perhaps get away parking there for a little while.

However, have you noticed… both spots above do not offer COFFEE with views… see if you’re a plane fanatic like me and want an iced coffee on a hot day (or a hot mocha on a cold day) then you’ll know coffee is just as important as a good view when it comes to spotting planes.. Lo and be hold and let me introduce you to the BEST spot there is for spotting planes…

1. Café Nero – Terminal 5 Departures – (Level 5)

Make no mistake in assuming it’s just another coffee shop. It’s a coffee shop with the BEST spot for the BEST views. This spot is my go-to especially if I have some work or revision to do and want to view planes as they come to land.

This spot is great if you have any work to do or simply want a nice coffee before checking in at T5. You will be able to spot planes approaching on runway 09L and watch them as they flare for landing. The A350s are a personal favourite – it’s always a treat seeing it flare and land.

Another advantage of this spot is you can see the hustle and bustle of Heathrow airport. It’s amazing seeing people from all walks of life as they embark on long or short haul journeys to a whole different part of the world. Whether that’s Bangalore, Hong Kong, Riyadh or Cape Town.

There’s more! From the window you’ll see the beautiful A319 and A320s being loaded with cargo and passengers. Pilots carrying out external checks and ground crew walking towards the aircraft as they use their fancy remote controlled electric tugs now at Terminal 5. Not too long after, the pilot is then carrying out the before-taxi checklist and commences taxi. Moments later another A319 approaches the stand and the cycle starts again!

For an aspiring pilot this is the perfect spot – the planes, the airport rush, the apron, the passengers, and catching a glimpse of the pilots in the cockpit. If you want a change from Myrtle avenue, why not come and have a look at this great spot. How do I get there you ask? Keep reading below.

How can I reach Terminal 5?

I usually take a free shuttle bus from Long stay, terminal 5 which come every 5 mins or so. This will take you to the ground level of terminal 5. You either take a lift or the escalators (inside the terminal) to Level 5 and walk inside the departures terminal. Here you want to locate Café Nero (which is the far left of the terminal: past the check in desks, and towards runway 09L). Then pick a good seat – usually the ones near the window and enjoy!

Side note – Iced latte with salted caramel is a must drink. Happy plane-spotting.