Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)/KSJC) – named after former politician and San Jose mayor Norman Yoshio Mineta – is the second largest airport serving the bay area behind SFO. In 2018, it surpassed OAK and also crossed the 14 million passengers mark for the first time. Despite being in the shadow of its big brother up north, it does get quite a variety of traffic, including a handful of international flights.

Alaska Airlines (incl. subsidary Horizon Air) and Southwest Airlines dominate the pitch, but mainline carriers Delta, United and American are regulars as well. JetBlue and Hawaiian (A321neo) complete the domestic menu, but are less frequent visitors.

International connections: Offering services to several destinations in Mexico, Volaris is the most present international carrier and ZIP Air to NRT respectively. FedEx and UPS are the only cargo carriers serving SJC. Their flights are usually operated by a mix of A300 and 767. Additionally, the airport sees a lot of business and corporate jets. The GAT is located on the west side, adjacent to runway 12R/30L.

Written by Thomas Okaty and Gao Andrew. Last Update: March 2024  (Spot 2 updated)

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
12L/30R	3353 m (11,000 ft)
12R/30L	3353 m (11,000 ft)
Terminals	Terminal A, which also accommodates international arrivals, and Terminal B.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not required and not recommended.
Car/Public Transport	Car required to get to spots #2 and #3. Spots #1 and #4 are in walking distance from the terminal.
Restrooms	In the terminal (spot #1). Gas stations and restaurants in walking distance from spot #2 and #3.
Drinks/Food	In the terminal (spot #1). Gas stations and restaurants in walking distance from spot #2 and #3.
Hotels	Various hotels are available between the terminal and highway 101.
Season	Year round, but best from October until April to avoid heat haze.
Runway Usage
12L/30R	Mainly used for departures, in rare cases also for arrivals.
12R/30L	Mainly used for arrivals. Also used by business and private jets for departure.

	Spot #1 – Hourly Lot 2 – Both runways and adjacent taxiways
WHERE	From the terminal just walk over to the Hourly Lot 2 garage and take the elevator to the highest level. If you arrive by car, then just follow the signs to “Hourly Lot 2”. For parking rates check the FlySanJose website.
WHAT	All arrivals and departures.
TIME	From Sunrise until around 11am in the summer. In the winter it’s only a very short window from sunrise until it becomes backlit.
MISC.	Food, drinks and restrooms can be found in the Terminal. Heat haze can be an issue. Some lamp posts disturb the view, but the gaps are wide enough.
FOCAL LENGTH	150-300mm for traffic on 12R/30L 100-200mm for traffic on 12L/30R 50-150mm for traffic on parallel taxiways between terminal and runway 12L/30R

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	Spot #2 – Viewing Area Coleman Ave – Arrivals 30L & 30R
WHERE	This location is an official viewing park. Coming from the airport, follow signs to “880 / Coleman Ave”. The road (Airport Blvd) will take you along and around the southern end of the airport. Once past the runway approach zone make a right at the light and make another immediate right onto the parking lot of the viewing park. Position yourself in the park or somewhere near the airport sign at intersection of Airport Blvd and Coleman Ave. UPDATE MARCH 2024: The area has been completely fenced off but potting is possible from the airport sign (see photo below).
WHAT	All arrivals on runway 30L and also 30R.
TIME	From around noon until sunset.
MISC.	There are various restaurants and fast food places as well as a gas station across the street.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-200mm (70mm for 787-9 on 30L)

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	Spot #3 – Martin Ave Parking Lot – Departures 30L/30R
WHERE	This spot is located on the westside of the airport and can be best reached by car. From the airport, follow signs towards “101 North” and “101 North San Francisco”, then take exit “Trimble Road / De La Cruz Blvd”. Keep to the left and at the light turn left onto De La Cruz Blvd. Follow the road for about a mile / 1.5 km and make a left onto Martin Ave. Once on Martin Ave you will see the entrance to the parking lot coming up on your left. This lot isn’t explicitly marked as public parking, therefore, we do not recommend to park there. Alternatively, parking is available along Martin Ave. All sample pictures were taken from near the open gate (see overview picture). Mind the cars exiting or entering the parking lot!
WHAT	Departures from runway 30L/30R in climb.
TIME	From around noon until sunset.
MISC.	There is a gas station on the corner of Martin Ave and De La Cruz Blvd. Some lamp posts force proper timing during early climb phase.
FOCAL LENGTH	200-400mm

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	Spot #4 – Hourly Lot 5 – Both runways and adjacent taxiways
WHERE	This spot is at the southern end of Hourly Lot 5. To get to this spot, follow the signs for “Hourly Lot 5” by car or by foot easily from the terminal. There is a fence at this spot, but you can shoot through it with a telephoto lens or bypass it with a small enough lens.
WHAT	30L and 30R, arrivals and departures, planes on the taxiway/ramp
TIME	Runway: sunrise to 11am during summer, sunrise to 9am during winter. Ramp: sunrise until afternoon
MISC.	Ground crew vehicles do pass by on the other side of the fence often, depending on timing this could impact shots.
FOCAL LENGTH	35-150mm for taxiing aircraft 150-350mm for arrivals and departures

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