Des Moines Airport DSM Airport Traveler Guide

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At Des Moines Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated curbside areas outside of the Main Terminal and Concourses A and C. However, there are strict restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times while waiting for passengers.

If you need to wait for your arriving passenger, the airport offers a convenient cell-phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area allows drivers to park for free and wait in their vehicles until their passenger has arrived and retrieved their luggage. Once the passenger is ready to be picked up, the driver can quickly proceed to the curbside area for pick-up.

Parking Facilities & Options

Des Moines Airport offers several parking options for travelers, including on-site parking and off-airport parking. The airport has three parking areas, including the Hourly Parking Lot, the Daily Parking Lot, and the Economy Parking Lot. The Hourly Parking Lot is located in front of the terminal, providing easy access to the airport. The Daily Parking Lot is located just a short walk from the terminal, and the Economy Parking Lot is located further away from the terminal, but offers the most affordable parking rates.

For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, the airport has a Cell Phone Waiting Area located just outside the terminal. This area provides a convenient place to wait for passengers to arrive, without having to pay for parking.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots, with designated spaces located close to the terminal. There are also shuttle buses available to transport passengers from the Economy Parking Lot to the terminal, making it easier for those with mobility issues to get to the airport.

Off-airport parking is also available for those looking for a more economical parking option. These parking lots are located near the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminal. Many off-airport parking lots offer lower rates than on-site parking, making them a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

Get details about DSM parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

DSM offers a variety of ground transportation options to help you get to your destination. Whether you prefer renting a car, taking a taxi, using shared ride services, or public transportation, the airport has you covered.

• Rental Cars: If you need to rent a car, the airport has several car rental companies to choose from, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. The rental car facilities are located just across from the terminal building, and you can easily access them via a covered walkway.
• Taxis: For those who prefer taking a taxi, you can find them outside of the baggage claim area. The airport has established a flat rate system, so you know exactly how much your ride will cost before you get in the car. The flat rate is $25 for a one-way trip to downtown Des Moines, and $32 for a one-way trip to West Des Moines.
• Ride Share Services: If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can use shared ride services like Uber or Lyft. The pickup area for these services is located outside of the baggage claim area, and you can request a ride using the app on your smartphone. Keep in mind that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers or amount of luggage you can bring, so be sure to check the app before booking your ride.
• Airport Shuttles: The airport also offers shuttle services to nearby hotels and other destinations. The shuttle pickup area is located outside of the baggage claim area, and you can purchase tickets from the shuttle driver. Fares vary depending on your destination, so be sure to ask the driver for the current rates.
• Public Transportation: Finally, if you prefer using public transportation, the airport is served by the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). You can catch the bus at the bus stop located outside of the terminal building. The fare is $2 per ride.

Airport Hotels

Searching for the perfect hotel near the airport? Look no further. We've compiled a list of hotels that offer not only convenience but also comfortable accommodations and great amenities. From the Quality Inn & Suites, just 0.8 miles away, to the Baymont by Wyndham, located 2.2 miles away, there are options to suit every traveler's needs. Each hotel offers unique amenities, such as complimentary airport shuttle services, WiFi, and even indoor swimming pools. Discover the best hotel options with our comprehensive guide on the airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Des Moines Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there's something for everyone.

For those in a rush, there are several fast food options available throughout the airport, including McDonald's, Subway, and Dunkin Donuts. For a more leisurely meal, try B-Bop's, a local favorite for burgers and fries. B-Bop's is located in Concourse C.

If you're in the mood for a drink, head to the Full Court Press bar in the Main Terminal. They offer a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails, along with a menu of appetizers and sandwiches.

When it comes to shopping, DSM has a variety of stores to choose from. For last-minute travel essentials, visit the CNBC Newsstand in Concourse A or the InMotion Entertainment store in the Main Terminal. For souvenirs and gifts, check out the Iowa Marketplace in Concourse C.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at DSM Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, explore the facilities at this link.

Passenger Services

DSM Airport is a modern airport with a range of passenger services available to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the main terminal. For families with children, there are designated children's play areas located in both concourse A and concourse C.

Special-needs services are available upon request, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms. For those in need of medical assistance, a first aid station is available in the main terminal. For banking needs, there are ATMs located throughout the airport.

The airport is committed to providing excellent passenger services to ensure a stress-free travel experience.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight, especially if there are any delays, cancelations, or gate changes. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status information at Des Moines Airport.

One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the terminal and provide real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, and gate information. Simply find the display that corresponds to your flight and check the status.

Another convenient way to stay informed about your flight is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to view your flight status, receive push notifications about delays or gate changes, and even check in for your flight. Make sure to download your airline's app before you arrive at the airport.

In addition to mobile apps, airlines also offer other methods of communication, such as text, email, and push notifications. These options can be set up through your airline's website or app and will alert you if there are any changes to your flight status.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Des Moines Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

• Location: Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States.
• Terminals: The airport features a Main Terminal, which includes Concourse A and Concourse C.
• Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the DSM Airlines Served page.
• Passenger Traffic: Des Moines International handles approximately 10,000 passengers daily.
• Daily Flights: The airport sees around 100 daily flights.
• Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from DSM are Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Phoenix.
• Hub Status: DSM is a hub for several cargo carriers, including FedEx Express, UPS Airlines, and DHL Aviation.

Airport History

The Des Moines Airport, also known as the Des Moines International Airport, is located in Polk County, Iowa, United States. It was established in 1933 and has since undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the increasing number of passengers.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

• 1933 - The airport was established as a municipal airport with a single runway.
• 1942 - The airport was taken over by the US Army Air Corps and used as a training base during World War II.
• 1946 - The airport was returned to the city of Des Moines and commercial flights resumed.
• 1950s - The airport underwent significant expansion, including the addition of a new terminal building and longer runways.
• 1970s - The airport continued to expand with the addition of a new concourse and parking garage.
• 1990s - The airport underwent a major renovation, including the construction of a new terminal building and the addition of new amenities.
• 2010s - The airport continued to modernize with the addition of new technology and upgrades to the runway and taxiway systems.

Today, the Des Moines Airport serves over 2 million passengers annually and offers nonstop flights to several major cities in the United States.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Des Moines International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

• IATA Code: DSM
• Airport Website
• Phone: +1 515-256-5050
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Des Moines International Airport, 5800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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