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.

• Flickr sample photo - Landing 23

• Flickr sample photo - Taxiing to Gate

• Flickr sample photo - Departing 5

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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.

• Flickr sample photo - Air Force One Landing 23

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

Commercial Airlines, Plane Type, and Concourse

Airline	Aircraft	Concourse
Allegiant Airlines	MD-80	A
American Airlines	A319, MD-80, MD-83	C
American Eagle	CRJ-700, CRJ-900, E145, E170	C
Delta Air Lines	MD-88	C
Delta Connection	CRJ-900	C
Frontier Airlines	A319	C
Southwest Airlines	737-700	A
United Airlines	A319, A320, 737-900	A
United Express	CRJ-100, CRJ-700, E135, E170	A

Cargo

• Fedex: Boeing 727-200, 757-200
• UPS: Boeing 757-200, Boeing 767 and Airbus A300