Saving money at the airport begins when you arrive.
If a friend hasn't dropped you off, you should look into the Airport 2 Economy Parking Lot. It's secure. It has a free shuttle, and it's dirt cheap. "(It costs) four bucks a day. We like to say you can't park at home for that cheap," says Des Moines International Airport Spokesman Roy Criss.
The trouble with airlines is fees and policies that constantly change. Delta's Des Moines Station Manage Wade Wells said you should keep up to date on the various airline websites. Wells says, "United may be doing something we're not or vice versa." For example, if you're flying Allegiant Air, you should book your tickets at the ticket counter otherwise you'll spend an extra $28 per person, round trip to book them online. It costs an extra $48 per person, round trip if you book them over the phone. Check the web site www.dsmairport.com for the ticket counter hours.
Of course, it's cheapest to stow your bags as carry-on, but did you know if you check fewer bags you will not necessarily save money? Wells says, "One overweight bag can cost you up to about $90, and if you check two bags, that'll save you approximately $30." It's also smart to put off your Christmas shopping until you get to the airport. Wouldn't your loved ones from out of town like an Iowa State or an Iowa t-shirt? At the gift shop, they're two for just $20. You can also save on airplane reading at the gift shop when you buy it, read it, return it, and get a 50% refund.
For the next 90 days, you can surf the airport's wireless internet service for free. There are signs everywhere to explain the promotion by Google and Boingo. But don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the airport to check your flight status. Roy Criss says, "The better prepared you are before you get here, the better it's going to go for you and you don't have any surprises that's going to upset your holiday."
If a friend hasn't dropped you off, you should look into the Airport 2 Economy Parking Lot. It's secure. It has a free shuttle, and it's dirt cheap. "(It costs) four bucks a day. We like to say you can't park at home for that cheap," says Des Moines International Airport Spokesman Roy Criss.
The trouble with airlines is fees and policies that constantly change. Delta's Des Moines Station Manage Wade Wells said you should keep up to date on the various airline websites. Wells says, "United may be doing something we're not or vice versa." For example, if you're flying Allegiant Air, you should book your tickets at the ticket counter otherwise you'll spend an extra $28 per person, round trip to book them online. It costs an extra $48 per person, round trip if you book them over the phone. Check the web site www.dsmairport.com for the ticket counter hours.
Of course, it's cheapest to stow your bags as carry-on, but did you know if you check fewer bags you will not necessarily save money? Wells says, "One overweight bag can cost you up to about $90, and if you check two bags, that'll save you approximately $30." It's also smart to put off your Christmas shopping until you get to the airport. Wouldn't your loved ones from out of town like an Iowa State or an Iowa t-shirt? At the gift shop, they're two for just $20. You can also save on airplane reading at the gift shop when you buy it, read it, return it, and get a 50% refund.
For the next 90 days, you can surf the airport's wireless internet service for free. There are signs everywhere to explain the promotion by Google and Boingo. But don't make the mistake of waiting until you get to the airport to check your flight status. Roy Criss says, "The better prepared you are before you get here, the better it's going to go for you and you don't have any surprises that's going to upset your holiday."
