DSM Passenger Traffic Expected to Soar over the Fourth of July

June 28, 2022

Des Moines, Iowa (June 28, 2022):  The Des Moines International Airport is preparing for a busy holiday travel weekend starting on Thursday, June 30 with over 5,600 passengers expected to pass through the Transportation Security Administration Security Checkpoint.  Monday, July 4, is expected to be the busiest travel day with nearly 5,800 people projected to process through the checkpoint.  From Thursday to Monday, the Des Moines International Airport estimates 26,815 passengers will process through the TSA Checkpoint representing a 28.6% increase compared to the same weekend in 2019.  

"Iowans are ready to travel, and we are excited to welcome so many people to the Des Moines International Airport this holiday weekend," said Kayla Kovarna, Deputy Director of Communications, Marketing, and Air Service Development for the Des Moines Airport Authority. "Our airlines are serving 29 nonstop destinations plus countless connections to all the places Iowans want to go enticing more people to jump on a plane and experience somewhere new.”

Passenger traffic at the Airport has increased over the summer months, reaching 94% of pre-pandemic levels in June.  A 38% increase in the number of destinations compared to summer 2019 along with pent-up travel demand has boosted the return to travel locally.  

The Des Moines Airport Authority offers these tips improve the travel experience:

  • Pack smart – check your airline's luggage allowances, follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels and review what items can be in carry-on bags.

  • Download the airline mobile app – airlines publish flight delays and cancellations to their mobile apps first, plus it is a quick and easy way to check in for your flight.

  • Be early – arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure. If you are checking bags, make sure you verify the times your airline ticket counter is open and allow extra time for long lines.

  • Know where to park – visit www.flydsm.com for real-time parking availability on the day of your flight. DSM offers parking starting at just $6/day in the Grey lot along with free shuttles to the terminal. Economy parkers can avoid traffic congestion by entering the Green, Blue, and Grey economy parking lots off Leland Ave. rather than looping through Cowles Dr. and the busy terminal entrance road.

  • Stay calm – Everything is likely to go just fine; however, unexpected hiccups can occur possibly even delays or cancellations.  With your patience packed, assume the best as everyone from the restaurant staff to the airline’s gate agents and ground crews work hard to get you to where you need to go safely and efficiently.

Kayla Kovarna is available on Wednesday, June 29 for in-person interviews.  No other on-air interviews will be accommodated by Authority staff.  Media outlets interested in interviewing passengers at the Airport should coordinate in advance of arrival by emailing the request to kmkovarna@dsmairport.com.  

 

Press Release Here