Des Moines International Airport
| Continent: North America | Country: United States | Region: Iowa |
| Des Moines International Airport | |
| Location | Des Moines, Iowa |
| IATA code | DSM |
| ICAO code | KDSM |
| Airport type | Commercial |
| Website | http://www.dsmairport.com |
| Overview map | Google Maps |
| Communications | |
| Tower | 118.3 |
| Ground | 121.9 |
| Clearance | 134.15 |
| Approach | |
| ATIS | 119.55 |
Official Spotting Locations
There is not an official spotting location at the Des Moines International Airport.
Other Spotting Locations
Parking Garage
The parking Garage at DSM gives you a view of most of the airport. You can walk from the North side to the South side, depending on where the traffic is approaching and departing. Fees are $1 USD/hour. Security usually leaves you alone, as long as you keep a low profile. I've never been approached by security here. At most times, you would be the only spotter at this place. You can take good photos of aircraft landing on both runways 23 and 31. Park on the lowest level, and take the elevator, which is near the terminal drop-off area.
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="41.533102" lon="-93.647418" zoom="18"></googlemap>
Best Western/Bennigan's Grill & Tavern
Park on the South side of the building to see arrivals on runway 31. Photography is good from this spot, however; like at the Hampton Inn, don't loiter outside of your car for too long.
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="41.52556" lon="-93.64075" zoom="17">41.540458, -93.643073</googlemap>
Perkins
Has great views of arrivals on runway 23. Don't loiter out of your car for long periods of time.
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="41.540442" lon="-93.643008" zoom="18">41.540458, -93.643073</googlemap>
Locations to Avoid
Fence
Avoid stading next to the fence, which draws suspicion to security. Don't take photos of military aircraft, unless you have permission. The Iowa National Gaurd has been known to ask you to leave, and also have been known to take your camera.
SW 42nd St
The end of SW 42nd Street, north of Army Post Road, is a great spot to catch landings on runway 5. However, don't stay here long. There is usually a patrol car trying to catch speeders. Here's a Google Maps image of this spot:
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="41.52058" lon="-93.674862" zoom="16"> 41.520856, -93.674282 </googlemap>
Regular Traffic
Passenger
- AirTran Airways: Boeing 717 & CRJ-200; to Milwaukee and Orlando
- Allegiant Air: MD-80; to Las Vegas, Los Aneles, Orlando and St. Petersburg
- American Airlines: ERJ-135/145; to Chicago and Dallas
- Continental Airlines: ERJ-145; to Houston
- Delta Airlines: CRJ-100/200/700/900; to Minneapolis, Detroit, Atlanta, Memphis and Washington, D.C.
- Frontier Airlines: Embraer E190; to Denver
- United Airlines: Airbus A319/320, E170 & CRJ-200; to Denver and Chicago
- US Airways: CRJ-200/900; to Phoenix
Cargo
- Fedex: Boeing 727; to Cedar Rapids, Memphis and Madison
- UPS: Boeing 757/767 and Airbus A300; to Burbank, Cedar Rapids, Newark, Spokane, Sacramento, Portland, Philadelphia, and Louisville