Tag Archives: airtrain

DFW

Returning from a work trip to Dallas, I was flying out of DFW.  I got to the airport in plenty of time so, with a bit of time to kill, I decided to take a ride on the train that runs between the terminals.  It makes a loop of the whole airport in both directions.  I decided to see what you could see from the train and did a whole loop of the airport.

First, it is not a great photo platform.  Aside from shooting through the windows (which were actually not that bad), the stations are not well located for viewing the ramps and, when it has a clearer view, it is moving at speed and is a pretty unsteady base for shooting.  There are always reflections too, of course.

DFW is an American hub and that is pretty obvious as you head around the terminals.  No shortage of American jets including a few remaining MD-80s and one of the special scheme jets too.  The longer view across the gates with the multiple fins was a shot you could get at a number of places.  It wasn’t just American though.  Obviously other airlines use the airport.  It happened that a British Airways 747-400 had pushed as we got there and the train runs around the perimeter of that ramp so we saw it from almost all sides.

If you have a bit of spare time while waiting for a flight at DFW, I would definitely take a ride around the terminals.  It is a lot more interesting than sitting waiting at a gate and the food options weren’t great either so take a ride and see what is going on and where people are going to and coming from.

Just Not Quite the Right Spot

As I was heading to the tower for my visit, I decided to check out a spot that I had read about for photography.  The Airtrain Terminal 2 station has open ends that provide a view of the runways and taxiways.  You can get a view of the operations which is quite good.  However, you are looking out at each end.  The middle of the view is obscured by the terminal buildings – at least for now until demolition takes them away to be replaced with something new.  (Supposedly, the new building will include a viewing terrace!)

Unfortunately, some of the most interesting moments take place in the obscured area.  Rotations for takeoff and touchdowns for landing can be just out of sight.  This is unfortunate.  Consequently, this is not a spot I shall try much but it does provide a slightly different view of things at SFO which is at least worth a try.  Reverse operations were in effect so I might want to see how it is when things are operating the other way.