Why there are longer waits at Des Moines International Airport
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Many are itching to travel this summer, but an influx of vacation-goers is resulting in slightly longer wait times at the Des Moines Airport, officials say.
Why it matters: We're used to getting through security quickly, but you might want to consider showing up a little earlier for your flight.
State of play: More inexperienced flyers are taking to the skies this summer, many of whom don't have TSA PreCheck.
- Pre-pandemic, 50% of Des Moines Airport flyers were business travelers who knew the security screening process or had PreCheck, said airport spokesperson Kayla Kovarna.
- But many companies are waiting to resume business travel until this fall. There's also a surge in "infrequent" flyers — particularly family and friends wanting to travel after being cooped up over the last year — that's making the security line longer, Kovarna said.
- Only 15% of recent travelers in Des Moines had TSA PreCheck versus the typical 40% of local business travelers, according to Kovarna.
The other issue: Airlines are hurting from worker shortages, resulting in flights possibly being canceled or delayed.
Between the lines: Airport passengers can expect to wait at least 25 minutes in the TSA screening line and travelers should arrive at least 90 minutes prior to their departure time, Kovarna said.
- It's not the 20-minute in-and-out you brag to your friends about, but it still beats O'Hare.