Arrivals pickup guide

DSMCell Phone Lot: Location, Time Limit & Tips

Picking someone up at Des Moines (DSM)? The Cell Phone Waiting Lotis the free designated waiting area where drivers park at no charge while their passenger's flight lands and bags are collected. Below you will find exact directions, the time limit and fee rules, how to know when your passenger is ready, and what to do if the lot is full.

Where is the DSM cell phone lot?

The DSM cell phone lot is called the Cell Phone Waiting Lot. The free Cell Phone Waiting Lot is on airport property off Fleur Drive, south of the terminal near the airport entrance road (5800 Fleur Drive, Des Moines). From Fleur Drive, follow the signed airport entrance road and watch for "Cell Phone Lot" signage before you reach the terminal and parking garage — it sits close to the main entrance rather than requiring a long detour.

Open the Cell Phone Waiting Lot in Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation to the lot entrance.

How long can I wait in the DSM cell phone lot?

No published enforced time limit; intended for free short-term waiting until your passenger is ready for curbside pickup. There is no charge regardless of how long you stay, but plan your timing so you pull up to arrivals right as your passenger steps outside — circling burns time and fuel, and curbside officers will wave you on if you stop too early.

Capacity: DSM has not published an official vehicle count for the Cell Phone Waiting Lot. Expect the lot to fill quickly during peak arrival banks — if it is full when you arrive, see the options in the last section below.

How do I know when my passenger is ready?

Track your passenger's flight status online or via the airline app and have them text you once they've landed and are heading to baggage claim — DSM's compact single-terminal layout means the drive from the lot to the arrivals curb takes only a few minutes.

As a general rule, ask your passenger to text you only after they have their bags and are physically walking toward the arrivals curb — not when the plane touches down. Checked-bag passengers typically need 15–25 minutes after landing for baggage claim at domestic airports, and 45–60 minutesafter landing at international gates where customs adds extra time. Once you get the “at curb with bags” message, pull out and head straight there — a precise pick-up beats circling every time.

DSM cell phone lot tips

DSM's terminal curb only allows active loading and unloading — unattended vehicles can be ticketed or towed — so use the free Cell Phone Waiting Lot instead of idling at arrivals. It's only a couple of minutes from the terminal, so there's no need to leave the lot before your passenger has bags in hand.

• Have the flight number ready. You can track any U.S. flight for free on FlightAware or Flightradar24 — search by flight number to see the live gate arrival time and baggage carousel, not just scheduled wheels-down.
• Agree on a text trigger in advance.Tell your passenger: “Text me ‘bags and outside’ when you are standing on the curb with everything.” That single message is your cue to pull out — no guessing, no phone calls while driving.
• Do not leave the engine running unattended. Most cell phone lots prohibit unattended idling vehicles and some may be towed. If you need to stretch or use a restroom, look for any on-site amenities before the lot, or use a nearby gas station or convenience store.
• Check the arrivals board. Many cell phone lots have on-site flight information display screens — use them alongside your phone to confirm the flight has actually arrived at the gate before you start the clock on baggage claim wait time.

What if the DSM cell phone lot is full?

If the Cell Phone Waiting Lot is full when you arrive, you have three practical options:

• Pull into short-term or daily parking. Most DSM parking garages offer a free or low-cost grace period (typically 15–30 minutes) and have covered, comfortable waiting areas. Check the rate boards before you commit to staying longer.
• Do one slow loop of the airport road. A single circuit of the terminal access road takes 5–8 minutes at most airports. By the time you complete the loop, a space may have opened up, or your passenger may have texted that they are almost ready.
• Wait in an adjacent surface lot or road. Some airports have overflow areas or nearby public streets where brief waiting is tolerated — check local signage. Never stop on the terminal curbside or in a no-stopping zone; officers will direct you to move immediately.

Frequently asked questions