Des Moines International Airport
Iowa’s main airport may say ‘international’ but in actuality, it only handles domestic flights to a limited number of American cities. Each year fewer than two million passengers fly into Des Moines, primarily on United Airlines. Allegiant Air, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, American, and US airways are the other main carriers currently operating regularly scheduled flights to De Moines. There are also a limited number of seasonal flights to Florida during the winter months. The main connection from Des Moines runs to Chicago, followed by services to Denver, Minneapolis, Dallas, Atlanta, Detroit, and Milwaukee.
The single terminal has wireless internet throughout the facility for a fee and ATMs in both the terminal and concourse areas. A Federal Express post office is available before security and a massage parlor is located inside the concourse area. Though there are only a handful of eateries in the terminal, there is full menu Capital City Brew Pub in the concourse with sit-down restaurant and views of the tarmac. A food court with Pizza Hut, Freidrich’s Coffee, and the American Grill are available airside. Shopping is limited to a comprehensive gift shop, sundry shop, and flower store.
Ground transportation is provided mainly by taxi and limo. Travelers to Iowa can also join the Executive Express shuttle van to specific regional cities or use the public Des Moines bus. Rental cars from 10 major chains are on hand as well, including Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and National. The airport is located just a few miles from downtown Des Moines right off the I-235 interstate.
Eastern Iowa Airport
Iowa’s second biggest airport is located just two miles south of Cedar Rapids in the eastern section of the state. It handles around 500,000 passengers annually from about 10 American destinations. The busiest route is from Cedar Rapids to Chicago, followed by Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, Detroit, Houston, and Phoenix. The carriers that run regular service here include Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, and United.
Among the useful services at the airport are free Wi-Fi internet in the terminal and valet parking. There is a small business center, a gift shop, and a couple of options to eat in the main area. ATMs are also located on site, and ground transportation is provided by taxis, shuttle vans, or rental car. Avis, Hertz, National, and Enterprise are the four car rental firms on site. The airport is right off of Interstate 35 for easy access into Cedar Rapids and other destinations.