Main terminal (ticketing level)
Airline ticket counters, baggage claim and the animal relief area on the grassy strip outside baggage claim.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Des Moines, Iowa KDSM #85 US airport by passengers
Des Moines, Iowa, at 5800 Fleur Drive.
- FAA status
- No delays reported Updated 2 min ago
- Weather now
- VFR 60°F Observed 1 h ago
- Late departures
- 21.4%May 2026 to July 2026
- Security line
- No recent reportsAdd yours
DSM at a glance
Des Moines International Airport runs free 24/7 shuttles to and from its parking lots. The TSA checkpoint opens at 3:45 a.m. and stays open until the last scheduled flight.
The airport has no airline clubs or lounges, but it does offer free, unlimited Wi-Fi, a Global Entry enrollment center and conference rooms for business meetings.
Main airlines: American, Southwest, Allegiant and Frontier are among the carriers serving Des Moines. Check flydsm.com for the current list before you fly.
FAA delay status for DSM
The FAA is not reporting a ground stop, ground delay program or other delay at DSM right now.
Source: FAA National Airspace System Status, checked 2 min ago. Airline-specific delays are not shown here.
Current conditions at DSM
VFR
60°F16°C
Good visibility and high cloud base. Normal operations are typical.
- Wind
- 170° 6 mph
- Visibility
- 10+ mi
- Clouds
- Clear
- Ceiling
- None
- Pressure
- 29.89 inHg
METARMETAR KDSM 111254Z 17005KT 10SM CLR 16/12 A2989 RMK AO2 SLP118 T01560122
Source: NOAA Aviation Weather Center. Observed 1 h ago.
Full weather, TAF, forecast and runways →
On-time performance at DSM
Based on 4,153 departures from May 2026 to July 2026. A flight counts as late when it leaves 15 or more minutes after schedule.
21.4%Departures late
27.3%Arrivals late
2.29%Cancelled
22.2 minAverage departure delay
| Airline | Departures | Late |
|---|---|---|
| SkyWest Airlines | 660 | 19.7% |
| American Airlines | 635 | 29.6% |
| Allegiant Air | 592 | 25.2% |
| United Airlines | 568 | 17.1% |
| Southwest Airlines | 469 | 25.2% |
| Delta Air Lines | 351 | 15.7% |
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
Airport Skywalk Level
Conference rooms for business meetings, holding up to 12 people. The Cloud Room is a larger space for up to 80.
Post-security area
Gates are reached after the TSA checkpoint. Family restrooms and the Mamava nursing pod are located post-security.
Moving between terminals
Everything is in the main terminal building. Passengers go through the TSA checkpoint before they reach the gates, so plan your time at the checkpoint, not in the lobby.
Getting to and from DSM
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Shuttle
Parking shuttles
Free 24/7 shuttles run from the Grey and Blue economy lots and the Red lot. Grey and Blue shuttles come about every 10 minutes, and the Red shuttle comes every 15 minutes. Track the shuttles in real time on the airport website.
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Rideshare and taxi
Rideshare, taxis and limos
The airport's ground transportation page lists ride-share, taxis and limos. The terminal curb is for quick drop-off and pickup only, and unattended vehicles can be ticketed or towed.
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Rental car
Rental cars
The airport's ground transportation page lists car rentals. Check there for the current pickup location before you travel.
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Bus and paratransit
Buses and paratransit
Buses and paratransit serve the airport. Check the airport's ground transportation page for current routes and schedules.
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Hotel shuttle
Nearby hotels with shuttles
Fairfield Inn and Suites, about one mile from the airport, offers a shuttle from 4 a.m. to midnight. Homewood Suites offers a shuttle on a schedule that varies by day. Confirm the shuttle before you book.
Tips for DSM
- Three family restrooms are in the terminal. One is across from the Southwest ticket counter near baggage claim, and two are post-security: one near Gate C7 and one at the end of the A concourse downstairs (A5).
- A Mamava nursing pod, sponsored by UnityPoint Health, is located immediately after the TSA checkpoint, across from the DSM Police desk.
- Use the live shuttle tracker on flydsm.com to see when the next shuttle arrives.
- Conference rooms are available for business meetings. Contact the airport at (515) 256-5100 for rental information.
Frequently asked questions
Does Des Moines airport have a lounge?
No. American Airlines lists no clubs or lounges at DSM. Use the seating areas and restaurants after security.
When does the security checkpoint open at DSM?
The TSA checkpoint opens at 3:45 a.m. daily and stays open until the last regularly scheduled flight departs. The airport recommends arriving 90 minutes to two hours early.
Is there free Wi-Fi at Des Moines airport?
Yes. Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is provided through Boingo. Connect to the "DSM Free Wi-Fi" network.
How much does parking cost at DSM?
The Hourly Garage charges $2 per hour after the first two free hours, with a $48 daily rate. The Daily Garage is $2 per hour with a $21 daily maximum. The economy lots range from $7 to $14 per day, and all of them have free 24/7 shuttles.
Can I get a Global Entry interview at DSM?
Yes. DSM is an official Global Entry enrollment center. Interviews are held Tuesday through Thursday from 12 to 4 p.m., and you schedule them through the CBP Trusted Traveler Program website.
How busy is DSM?
About 1,596,784 passengers boarded flights at Des Moines International Airport in 2025, according to FAA enplanement data. That ranks it number 85 among US airports.
How often are flights late at DSM?
Over May 2026 to July 2026, 21.4% of departures at DSM left 15 or more minutes late, and 2.29% of flights were cancelled (Bureau of Transportation Statistics).
Guide content last reviewed October 9, 2026. Report a correction