Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) Guide
Welcome to the sunny shores of Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport! This airport, located in the beautiful state of Florida, is the perfect gateway to your beach vacation. With its convenient location and helpful amenities, you'll be soaking up the sun in no time.
Looking for a stress-free travel experience? Look no further than our extensive guide to VPS. We provide all the information and tips you need to get from your door to your gate, including flight status and tracking, airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, terminal maps, and even food and shopping directories. Let us help you make the most of your beach vacation!
For more information about other major commercial airports, check out iFly's Airport Guide.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended to arrive at VPS Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are during holidays, weekends, and early morning and late afternoon flights.
Getting to the Airport
The best way to get to VPS is by car. There are several car rental companies available at the airport and it is also easily accessible by taxi or rideshare services. If you prefer public transportation, there are shuttle services available from nearby cities.
Getting Oriented
To get oriented at VPS, use iFly.com's interactive airport maps. These maps provide detailed information about the airport's layout, including the location of gates, restaurants, restrooms, and other amenities. You can also use the maps to find your way to baggage claim and ground transportation.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at VPS, make sure to arrive early and check in online before your flight. Also, be aware of any weather conditions that may affect your flight and sign up for flight alerts from your airline. If you do experience a delay, stay updated on the status of your flight and be prepared to be flexible with your travel plans.
Security Wait Times
At the airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the season. During peak travel times, such as holidays and summer months, wait times can be longer. However, the airport has implemented measures to help expedite the security process, such as TSA PreCheck and Clear. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to check-in, drop off bags, and go through security. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) Terminals
Navigating VPS's Terminals
Destin Airport has one terminal building with two levels. The terminal has 12 gates, numbered from 1 to 12. The terminal is divided into two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has gates A1 to A6, while Concourse B has gates B1 to B6.
Major airlines operating from VPS include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines use Concourse A, while United Airlines and Allegiant Air use Concourse B.
Passengers can easily navigate through the terminal building as it is compact and easy to access. The baggage claim area is located on the lower level of the terminal building, and the ticketing and check-in counters are located on the upper level.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport has one terminal building which houses both domestic and international flights. The terminal is easy to navigate, with all gates accessible from the main concourse. The walking time between gates is minimal, and there are no train or shuttle bus options available as the terminal is compact and easily accessible on foot.
If you have a layover at VPS, there are several dining and shopping options available within the terminal to keep you occupied during your wait. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, making it easy to stay connected while you travel.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
When it comes to dining and shopping options, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport has plenty to offer. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you'll find a variety of options to suit your taste buds. One of the recommended restaurants is the Emerald Coast Bar & Grill, located in the main terminal. They serve delicious American cuisine, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Another great option is the Coastal Express, which offers grab-and-go sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.
If you're in the mood for some shopping, head to the Coastal Marketplace. This store offers a wide range of products, including souvenirs, clothing, and travel essentials. For those who love to read, there's also a Hudson Booksellers where you can browse and purchase your favorite books and magazines. And if you need to stock up on snacks or drinks for your flight, the Coastal News & Gifts store has got you covered.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at VPS can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, discover what's available here.
Airport Hotels
When traveling, finding a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport can significantly enhance your travel experience. We have compiled a list of some of the best hotels that cater to different needs and budgets. From cozy townhomes to budget inns and luxurious suites, there is something for everyone. Many of these hotels are just a short drive from the airport and offer additional features such as complimentary WiFi, private parking, and even outdoor swimming pools. Discover the perfect accommodation for your next trip by exploring our list of Okaloosa County Airport Hotels.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At VPS Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated curbside areas outside of the terminal buildings. It is important to note that parking at the curbside areas is not allowed, and vehicles must be attended at all times. Unattended vehicles may be towed at the owner's expense.
For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, the airport offers a cell-phone waiting area located just a few minutes away from the terminal buildings. This area allows drivers to park and wait for their passengers to call or text upon their arrival, without the need to circle the airport or pay for parking. Once the passenger has retrieved their luggage and is ready to be picked up, the driver can proceed to the curbside area for pick-up.
Parking Facilities & Options
The airport offers several parking options for travelers. There are both short-term and long-term parking lots located within walking distance of the terminal building. There is also a covered parking garage available for those who prefer covered parking.
If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, there is a cell phone waiting area located just outside the terminal building. This area allows you to park for free for up to 30 minutes while you wait for your passenger to arrive.
Handicapped parking is available in all of the parking lots and the parking garage. There are designated spaces located near the terminal building for easy access to the terminal.
For those looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available. These parking lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a more affordable option for longer trips.
Get details about Destin Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help travelers get to their destination. Visitors can choose from car rentals, taxi services, shared ride services, airport shuttles, and public transportation.
Major car rental providers, such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National, have counters located in the baggage claim area of the airport. Visitors can easily rent a car and explore the beautiful beaches and attractions in the area.
Taxi services are available at the airport, with drop-off areas located outside the baggage claim area. The fare for a taxi ride to the nearby Destin area is approximately $35.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at the airport. Pickup areas for these services are located outside the baggage claim area. However, there are some restrictions for these services, including a limited number of passengers and luggage.
Airport shuttles are a convenient option for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of driving. The shuttle service is provided by various companies, and pickup areas are located outside the baggage claim area. Fares may vary depending on the destination.
For those who prefer public transportation, the Okaloosa County Transit provides bus services to and from the airport. The bus stop is located outside the baggage claim area, and the fare is $2 per person.
Passenger Services
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, located in the United States, offers a variety of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible.
For those needing to stay connected, free wifi access is available throughout the airport. If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found department is located near baggage claim. Families traveling with children can take advantage of the children's play area, which is equipped with toys and games to keep little ones entertained.
Special-needs services are available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms. If you need medical help, the airport has a first aid station located near the baggage claim area. Banking services are also available, with ATMs located throughout the airport.
Overall, VPS offers a range of passenger services to ensure a stress-free travel experience for all passengers.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure, especially if there are any delays, cancelations, or gate changes. Luckily, there are several ways to get flight status information at Metropolitan Oakland Airport.
One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate your flight on the display and check the status.
Another convenient way to stay informed is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to check flight status, receive alerts about delays or cancelations, and even change your seat or upgrade your ticket. You can also sign up for text, email, or push notifications to receive updates directly to your phone.
Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Metropolitan Oakland Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is a regional airport located in the United States, serving the Florida Panhandle region. The airport has one terminal building, which houses all of its facilities.
The top airlines with the most daily flights at VPS are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. On average, the airport handles around 8,000 passengers daily, with approximately 80 daily flights.
VPS serves a number of destinations, with an average of 15 destinations served on a daily basis. The top 5 destinations served by the airport are Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Houston, and Nashville.
Several air carriers use VPS as a hub, including Allegiant Air and Southern Airways Express.
Airport History
The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, located in Okaloosa County, Florida, has a rich history dating back to the 1950s. Originally known as the Eglin Air Force Base Auxiliary Field, the airport was primarily used for military purposes until the mid-1960s.
In 1967, the airport was officially opened to the public and became known as the Okaloosa Regional Airport. Over the years, the airport underwent several renovations and expansions, including the addition of a new terminal building in 1981 and the construction of a new runway in 2004.
In 2015, the airport underwent a major rebranding effort and was renamed the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport to better reflect its location and to attract more tourists to the area. Today, the airport serves as a hub for several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, and offers non-stop flights to several popular destinations across the United States.
Some significant events in the airport's history include:
- 1957: Eglin Air Force Base Auxiliary Field is established
- 1967: The airport is opened to the public as Okaloosa Regional Airport
- 1981: A new terminal building is constructed
- 2004: A new runway is built
- 2015: The airport is rebranded as VPS Airport
Airport Contact Info
For more information about the airport, visit their website.
To contact the airport, call their phone number at (850) 651-7160 or send an email to [email protected].
If you need to send mail to the airport, use the following address:
1701 State Road 85 NorthEglin AFB, FL 32542