DSM

Best window seat at Des Moines International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Downtown Des Moines skyline, confluence of Des Moines River and Raccoon River, State Capitol building dome

LandingRIGHT

Downtown Des Moines skyline, Iowa State Capitol's gold dome, confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers

🛫 Taking Off from Des Moines (DSM)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting on Runway 31 heads northwest, and downtown Des Moines sits just north-northeast of the airport. That puts the skyline, plus the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, on the right side of the aircraft shortly after liftoff.
Look forDowntown Des Moines skyline, confluence of Des Moines River and Raccoon River, State Capitol building dome, Principal Park (minor league ballpark) near the riverfront

🛬 Landing at Des Moines (DSM)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on Runway 31 means you're flying northwest, approaching from the southeast side of the airport. Downtown Des Moines, with its skyline and the Des Moines/Raccoon River confluence, sits north-northeast of the airport, so it lines up nicely on the right side of the plane during the final few minutes of descent.
Look forDowntown Des Moines skyline, Iowa State Capitol's gold dome, confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, Gray's Lake

DSM is a mid-sized single-terminal airport serving central Iowa, with a straightforward layout that makes for easy connections and short walks between gates.

⛰️ Elevation958 ft
🛫 Runways2 (5/23, 13/31)
📍 NearbyFOD 76 mi

Connecting at DSM?

Find out if your layover is long enough at Des Moines International.

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Des Moines International (DSM)?

At Des Moines International in Des Moines: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Downtown Des Moines skyline, confluence of Des Moines River and Raccoon River, State Capitol building dome, Principal Park (minor league ballpark) near the riverfront.

What can I see during takeoff from Des Moines International in Des Moines?

When taking off from Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on Runway 31 heads northwest, and downtown Des Moines sits just north-northeast of the airport. That puts the skyline, plus the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, on the right side of the aircraft shortly after liftoff. Notable sights include: Downtown Des Moines skyline, confluence of Des Moines River and Raccoon River, State Capitol building dome, Principal Park (minor league ballpark) near the riverfront.

What can I see when landing at Des Moines International in Des Moines?

When landing at Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on Runway 31 means you're flying northwest, approaching from the southeast side of the airport. Downtown Des Moines, with its skyline and the Des Moines/Raccoon River confluence, sits north-northeast of the airport, so it lines up nicely on the right side of the plane during the final few minutes of descent. Notable sights include: Downtown Des Moines skyline, Iowa State Capitol's gold dome, confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, Gray's Lake.

What factors affect the best window seat at Des Moines International?

The best window seat at Des Moines International (DSM) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Des Moines (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.