Des Moines International Airport

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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

1. 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>

2. Hampton Inn

Park on the North side of the hotel. You can easily see and/or take photos of arrivals on runway 23. Hotel employees may come out as long as you don't stand outside of your car for long periods of time.

<googlemap version="0.9" lat="41.538699" lon="-93.644114" zoom="17"></googlemap>

3. 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

Cargo