If you like to photograph and shoot video of Continental Airlines aircraft, then Newark Airport is the place to be. There are several places around the airport that can make for some excellent photo locations, but many of those locations represent the worst of security. Newark consists of a three-runway operation, with the majority of the arrivals and departures taking place on the 4s or 22s, depending on the wind direction. During some occasions, the cross runway 11/29 is used when the wind is in an unusual direction.

Please pardon the crudeness of the map. Copying a map from online and putting it on Steve's Airshow World represents copyright infringement. I HIGHLY recommend you buy a map of the area before making a trip up to this area. This particular map is only shown to give a rough idea of what the area roads look like.Do not use this map as your only guide for the roads in the area. The four dark blue dots represent spotting locations that I personally have spotted at.

Both shots above taken with at least 75% zoom.

About the Spot/What You'll See

I have not spotted at every possible location at Newark, since I have only made one trip there. The prime spot to watch from is the Ikea parking lot, which is located on the other side of the New Jersey Turnpike (EWR is on the southbound side while Ikea is on the northbound side of the Turnpike). It is a great spot to watch 4R arrivals as well as the approach pattern and notice the lineup of aircraft wanting to land at Newark. As noted earlier, you will see a lot of Continental Airlines traffic, and you will see a good deal of international traffic operating as well. Typically, you will see international arrivals start to filter in around 2:00 PM and international departures starting around 6:00 PM. Singapore Airlines brings in an A340-500, Lufthansa brings in an A340 and A319 (charter), TAP brings an A310, Alitalia with a 777, to name a few. Most of the snaps were taken with at least 75% zoom, since you do have to look beyond fourteen lanes of traffic and four tracks.

I cannot remember how to get to the spot, but I would imagine that taking exit 13A from the Turnpike would be your best bet. I do recall there being signs to Ikea along the way, since the time I visited, I came up Route 1.

All the shots above taken with at least 75% zoom.

Security

Run-ins with security at the Ikea spot will happen at least 95% of the time. I was told by someone representing a privately-run security firm when I was there that filming from the location was prohibited, as there were NO SIGNS on the fence justifying her action. She stated that I was allowed to stay there and watch but not film. My advice is to be very careful when getting some of the action from Newark since security can be on your case in a heartbeat. It took about an hour for that person to come up to me and mention about my actions there - however, she happened to be circling the parking lot the whole time I was there, observing my actions.

The 777 and 767 shots were taken with about 50-70% zoom while the A340 was about 85% zoom.

More locations I have spotted at are located below. They are sorted by state. Locations not linked (when the rest have been linked) show places I have not spotted at as of yet.

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