Des Moines International Airport
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Wait Time History — Des Moines International Airport
HistoricalSecurity wait times at DSM over time, based on live sensor and API data.
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Tips for Des Moines International Airport
- Arrive at least 90 minutes early for domestic and 150 minutes for international flights.
- Security is typically busiest 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM. Midday flights (11 AM-2 PM) usually have the shortest queues.
- TSA PreCheck is available here. Enrolled travelers typically wait about 4 minutes — roughly half the standard line.
- Check in online and use mobile boarding passes to skip the check-in counter and head straight to security.
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically have the lightest passenger traffic. Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings are usually the busiest.
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Des Moines International Airport (DSM) provides real-time security, check-in, and immigration wait time data. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR availability information included. Sign up for detailed wait time estimates.
Last updated: August 8, 2026
About Des Moines International Airport
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) serves Des Moines in United States. Travelers flying through DSM should plan for variable security wait times depending on time of day and season.
TSA PreCheck is available at DSM, letting enrolled travelers skip the standard screening line.
The busiest travel periods at DSM are Jul, Aug, Dec. During these months, wait times can be 30-50% longer than average. Arriving early is always recommended during busy periods.