RNO has two parallel runways and a single concourse divided into two terminals. You won’t see many big planes...a couple 757’s, an Emery DC-8, and a FedEx A310 once a day, but everything else is 737’s, MD-80’s, and a few 727’s and A320’s. Southwest has inherited Reno Air's mantle as the dominant airline, and variety of liveries is sharply limited.

OUTDOORS:
-Peckham Ln. Observation Deck. On the south side of the airport, right off Peckham Ln., there is a public observation area with a parking lot, park benches, and a port-a-potty. Most days see the planes departing to the south, and depending on how quickly the plane rotates, the views of takeoffs range from pretty good to marvelously incredible, depending on the amount of runway used.
-Rock Park. On the north side of the airport, where approaches are more common than takeoffs, there is a public park along the Truckee River just west of the corner of Rock Blvd. and Greg St. This park, unlike the Peckham Ln. one, was not specifically designed for aircraft observation, but it’s still a good place to watch approaches at less than 500 ft.
-Central Parking Garage. The parking garage at RNO is only three stories high, making it tough to see over the terminals, but the top floor is still a pretty good place to watch the action.

INDOORS:
-Viewing Area Between Terminal B and C. In between the terminals there is a viewing area. Best view is of aircraft taxiing to and from the gates. Pretty good, although obstructed, view of takeoffs and landings, but an exceptional up-close view of aircraft at the gates.
-Terminal C, Gate C9: Nice view of all action on the south side of the field, which means takeoffs on 16 or arrivals on 34.

PRE-9/11 SECURITY REPORT:
-A smaller airport with a lesser security presence. Along the perimeter they'll drive by occassionally, but in any of the terminal areas or in any of the outdoor locations, you shouldn't be bothered.