KORD--O'Hare

[Phil_0816]

Next month I'm going to a Cubs game and will be spending a couple days in Chicago with my camera (wife and dughter also BTW) and have already told the boss I'd like to visit O'Hare since my local airports have nothing bigger than A319's and 737's basically. I want some 747 pics!!

So, my question to you fine folks is where can I view incoming/outgoing flights for some great pictures. Before you say go to the O'Hare website, let me say that is one of the poorest websites I've visited in a while. There is nothing there stating anything about public viewing areas anywhere. It took 20 minutes of searching just to find their address, everything listed as a PO Box. My newly acquired 100-400 L wants a workout so point me in the right direction.

Thanks

[photodrew]

In the past, you could park on Irving Park Road (Southern edge of the airport) & watch the planes right overhead, but since 9-11, I think you will not have that opportunity, I think the local authorities will show up rather quickly if you stop at the side of the air port. The other alternative is north of the air port, near the Allstate Arena you may be able to park in some shopping mall parking lots for a few quick shots. Either of these locations may or may not have air traffic depending on routes & runway usage on that particular day. Or you could drive around till you find an approach to an active runway. (almost any near suburb, or the north side of the city.

[DiCampo]

http://www.pprune.org/spectators-balcony-spotters-corner-52/

If you try asking (&searching the archives) on that site, you are bound to get a good answer real quick.

[gjl711]

In the past, you could park on Irving Park Road (Southern edge of the airport) ... Irving park is still good. You will get chased away so when you pull over, make sure that there are several cars behind you. Then when the TSA come to chase you away you can watch them work up the line and before they get to you, take off yourself. About a mile up the road you can turn around and do it all over again.

[katodog]

Me and a guy from another forum were on a side street off of York road, and we were directly under the planes as they came in. If you pick the right time of day, the Sun won't kill your shots. Looking at a map, it looks like we might have been on Beeline Drive. We went on a Saturday, so the businesses were closed. We parked in a lot and stayed for a good hour or two with no problems whatsoever.