Ground level
Gates A1, A2 and A3 are on the ground level, close to the terminal entrance. Ticketing and check-in counters are also near the entrance, and the USO Freedom Lounge is across from the check-in counters.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
Valparaiso, Florida KVPS #99 US airport by passengers
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is in Valparaiso, Florida, and shares its runways with Eglin Air Force Base. It is about 20 minutes by car to Destin and under 20 minutes to Fort Walton Beach, according to a shuttle company serving the airport.
- FAA status
- No delays reported Updated 2 min ago
- Weather now
- MVFR 64°F Observed 3 h ago
- Late departures
- 29.1%May 2026 to July 2026
- Security line
- No recent reportsAdd yours
VPS at a glance
VPS is a compact airport with one main terminal. Gates A1 to A3 are on the ground level, Gates B1 to B6 are on the upper level, and Concourse C serves Allegiant on the west side of the terminal.
Parking is inexpensive. The first 10 minutes are free, then $1.50 for 15 to 60 minutes and $1.50 for each additional hour, with a daily maximum of $8.50 plus 7% Florida sales tax. A free shuttle runs between the lots and the terminal.
There are no airline clubs or Priority Pass lounges. The only lounge is the USO Freedom Lounge, which is free for active-duty military members and their immediate dependents. Free Wi-Fi covers the terminal and gate areas.
Main airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, Sun Country, JetBlue and Allegiant serve VPS, according to a third-party airport guide. Allegiant uses Concourse C on the west side of the main terminal. Check flyvps.com for the current airline list.
FAA delay status for VPS
The FAA is not reporting a ground stop, ground delay program or other delay at VPS right now.
Source: FAA National Airspace System Status, checked 2 min ago. Airline-specific delays are not shown here.
Current conditions at VPS
MVFR
64°F18°C
Marginal: lower cloud or reduced visibility. Some delays are possible.
- Wind
- Calm
- Visibility
- 10+ mi
- Clouds
- OVC 1,500 ft
- Ceiling
- 1,500 ft
- Conditions
- -DZ
- Pressure
- 29.82 inHg
METARSPECI KVPS 101225Z AUTO M 10SM -DZ OVC015 18/15 A2982 RMK AO2 SLP105 FZRANO $
Source: NOAA Aviation Weather Center. Observed 3 h ago.
Active weather alerts
- High Surf AdvisoryHigh Surf Advisory issued October 10 at 9:07AM CDT until October 10 at 3:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
- Rip Current StatementRip Current Statement issued October 10 at 9:07AM CDT until October 11 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
- Tropical Cyclone Local StatementTropical Cyclone Local Statement issued October 10 at 4:11AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Full weather, TAF, forecast and runways →
On-time performance at VPS
Based on 3,716 departures from May 2026 to July 2026. A flight counts as late when it leaves 15 or more minutes after schedule.
29.1%Departures late
31.8%Arrivals late
1.45%Cancelled
25.5 minAverage departure delay
| Airline | Departures | Late |
|---|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | 1,145 | 31.5% |
| Delta Air Lines | 777 | 22.3% |
| American Airlines | 652 | 41.1% |
| Southwest Airlines | 652 | 25.6% |
| Envoy Air | 221 | 10.9% |
| PSA Airlines | 137 | 40.1% |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, On-Time Performance of reporting carriers. Smaller regional carriers and some airlines are not included.
Late departures by month
Terminals
Upper level
Gates B1 through B6 are reached by escalator or elevator. B3 and B5 are used less often, and B5 is reached by a narrow stairwell. A restaurant is on this level.
Concourse C
Allegiant flights depart from Concourse C, on the west side of the main terminal. A shuttle runs about every 10 minutes between the terminal and Concourse C, according to a terminal guide.
Dining
Before security, Dunkin' and The Market are in the main terminal lobby. After security, Emerald Coast Bar & Grill, the Dunkin' Truck, Destiny Bar, The Junction, and Concourse C eateries Doolittle's Cantina and Doolittle's Annex are open.
Moving between terminals
The terminal is compact, and most passengers walk directly from the gate to baggage claim without a long walk. Allegiant passengers use Concourse C and a shuttle, so allow extra time if you fly Allegiant.
Getting to and from VPS
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Rental car
Rental cars
Rental counters for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National are in the lower-level baggage claim lobby. Vehicles are parked close to the terminal, and there is no rental car shuttle bus.
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Taxi
Taxis
Taxis wait 24 hours a day in the arrivals area and offer fixed-rate transfers, according to a third-party guide.
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Rideshare
Uber and Lyft
Uber and Lyft pick up and drop off at the designated commercial curb outside baggage claim.
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Shuttle
Authorized private shuttles
Private shuttle companies operate at the airport under authorization. The airport publishes its ground transportation rates for these operators, updated February 24, 2026. Minimum charges vary by company and destination, so compare quotes.
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Bus
No public bus or rail
There is no public bus or rail service between the airport and Destin, Fort Walton Beach or the beaches.
Tips for VPS
- Park in the Short-Term Lot for quick drop-offs, or use the long-term lots for trips of several days at the $8.50 daily maximum.
- For Allegiant flights, allow extra time for the Concourse C shuttle.
- Book an authorized shuttle or private transfer in advance, since taxi and rideshare availability can be limited.
- Military families with valid ID can use the USO Freedom Lounge, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Fully disabled veterans with a Florida DV plate park free.
Frequently asked questions
How much does parking cost at VPS?
The first 10 minutes are free. Then parking costs $1.50 for 15 to 60 minutes and $1.50 for each additional hour, with a daily maximum of $8.50 plus 7% Florida sales tax. Payment is due when you exit.
Is there a free shuttle at VPS?
Yes. A free shuttle runs continuously between all parking lots and the terminal curbside from 5 a.m. until the last flight arrives.
Is there public transit from VPS to Destin or Fort Walton Beach?
No. There is no public bus or rail service between the airport and Destin, Fort Walton Beach or the beaches. Use an authorized shuttle, taxi, rideshare or rental car.
Does VPS have a lounge?
The only lounge is the USO Freedom Lounge, across from the check-in counters and open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It is free for active-duty military members and their immediate dependents. The airport has no commercial airline clubs or Priority Pass lounges.
Is there free Wi-Fi at VPS?
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available across the terminal, the concourses and the gate waiting areas.
What time does the VPS terminal open?
The terminal opens daily at 4 a.m. to accommodate early departures. Airline check-in counters generally open about two hours before the first scheduled flight.
Are rental cars available at VPS?
Yes. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National have counters in the lower-level baggage claim lobby, and their vehicles are parked close to the terminal.
Are there hotels near VPS with shuttles?
Some hotels in Niceville and Shalimar, about 3.5 to 3.7 miles from the airport, are listed with complimentary shuttles by a third-party guide. Sources disagree, and one hotel listing says it has no shuttle, so confirm with the hotel before you book.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at VPS?
At the designated commercial curb outside the baggage claim area.
Does VPS have TSA PreCheck?
Yes. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the airport. I did not confirm Touchless ID or CLEAR at VPS.
How busy is VPS?
About 1,221,553 passengers boarded flights at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport in 2025, according to FAA enplanement data. That ranks it number 99 among US airports.
How often are flights late at VPS?
Over May 2026 to July 2026, 29.1% of departures at VPS left 15 or more minutes late, and 1.45% of flights were cancelled (Bureau of Transportation Statistics).
Guide content last reviewed October 9, 2026. Report a correction