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, because this is the place they will refer you to go and they allow photography 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, as well as departures from runways 5 and 13. Park on the lowest level, and take the elevator, which is near the terminal drop-off area, or drive to the top.
Walgreens
Great location to catch airplanes seconds away from landing on runway 23. Located on Fluer Drive on the Northeast side of the airport. I recomend using a smaller lens, due to you being so close to the aircraft. The link below will show you a photo from this location.
Locations to Avoid
Fence
Avoid stading next to the fence, which draws suspicion to security. They will usually come check your ID, and look at your pictures to look at what you are taking pictures of.
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.
Regular Traffic
Passenger
- AirTran Airways: Boeing 717 (Ending September 29, 2012)
- Allegiant Air: MD-80
- American Airlines: MD-80
- American Eagle: ERJ 135/145
- Delta Airlines: CRJ-100/200/700/900, MD-80
- Frontier Airlines: Embraer E190, Airbus A319
- Southwest Airlines: Boeing 737 (Begins September 30, 2012)
- United Airlines: Airbus A319/320
- United Express: E170, E145, CRJ-200
- US Airways Express: CRJ-200/700/900, E170
Cargo
- Fedex: Boeing 727-200, 757-200
- UPS: Boeing 757-200, Boeing 767 and Airbus A300