DESTIN FORT WALTON BEACH AIRPORT (VPS) INFORMATION

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is a commercial and military facility within the Eglin Air Force Base, in Okaloosa County, Florida, near the cities of Destin and Fort Walton Beach.

It is approximately 8 kilometers from Valparaiso, 14 kilometers from Fort Walton, and 26 kilometers from Destin, Florida.

This facility is also known as Northwest Florida Regional Airport (until 2015) and Okaloosa Regional Airport (until 2008).

Due to its status as an active military facility, only commercial air traffic is allowed at VPS, such as the transport of passengers, cargo, mail, or other valuable considerations.

All non-commercial operations by general aviation and business aircraft must use the nearby Destin Executive Airport.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport opened initially as Okaloosa County Air Terminal in 1957 on Eglin Air Force Base, Destin-Ft. Walton Beach Airport.

Later on, it underwent a significant expansion program, including a public and aircraft parking apron, a taxiway, landscaping, and a new passenger terminal.

Its two-level terminal was opened in November 2004, and the old terminal building was demolished soon after.

The new terminal's design allows for future expansion. The first level has Gates A1, A2, and A3, while the second level has Gates B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6.

It has ticketing and visitor information counters, restaurants and food options, coffee counters, gift shops, wireless internet access, ground transportation ports, restrooms, ATMs, etc.

Some of the busiest domestic routes from VPS include Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, Charlotte, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, Cincinnati, Ohio, Houston–Intercontinental, Texas, St. Louis–Belleville, Illinois, Dallas–Love, Texas, Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois, and Baltimore, Maryland.

The city of Fort Walton Beach in Florida is known as an all-year-long beach and fishing resort and is a trendy destination for Spring Break. It is part of the Emerald Coast, well known for its white-sand beaches and beautiful ocean water.

The best times to visit Fort Walton Beach for general outdoor tourist activities are from early April to late May and late September to late October.

For hot-weather activities, the best times of year to visit are from early May to late June and from late August to early October.

In Fort Walton Beach, the summers are long and hot; the winters are short, cold, and windy; and it is wet and partly cloudy year-round. The temperature here typically varies from 45°F to 88°F and is rarely below 31°F or above 93°F.

The hot season lasts for 4.2 months, from May 24 to September 30, with an average daily high temperature above 83°F. The hottest month is July, with an average high of 88°F and a low of 76°F.

The cool season lasts for 3.0 months, from December 4 to March 3, with an average daily high temperature below 66°F. The coldest month is January, with an average low of 45°F and a high of 61°F.

The chance of wet days in Fort Walton Beach varies significantly throughout the year.

The wetter season lasts 2.9 months, from June 9 to September 5. The month with the wettest days is July, with an average of 17.5 days.

The drier season lasts 9.1 months, from September 5 to June 9. The month with the fewest wet days in Fort Walton Beach is October, with an average of 6.7 days.

Rain falls throughout the year in Fort Walton Beach, with the most precipitation in July, while May is the month with the least rainfall.

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport covers 6,500 acres, has two asphalt runways, and sits 27 meters above sea level at 30°29′00″N and 086°31′31″W in Florida, USA.

Transfer Services at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Passengers at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport can use several modes of comfortable transportation.

Services to/from VPS include rental cars, taxis, rideshares, and shuttles in front of the airport terminal building.

There is no train station connected to the facility.

The Airport is only a few kilometers away from the Downtown areas of Valparaiso (8 km), Destin (26 km), and Fort Walton (14 km).

The quickest way to get to the city center is by taxi, rideshare, or car rental, available from the Airport.

Planning your transfer options before hitting the road will give you peace of mind in Florida.

Before leaving your home, know what items are allowed in your carry-on bag, what you can pack in your checked baggage, and what items are prohibited.

For the convenience and direction of the riding public, passengers may approach the Airport Information Desk Office for transport assistance anytime.

Travelers should only transact at the airport counters and other legitimate establishments for their safety.

Rental Car Services at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Car Rental Service Counters are available at the Arrivals Hall near the terminal's Baggage Claim area.

Generally, the rental facility is open 24/7, but you can also inquire about specific service hours and return procedures at your service provider.

To speed up the process when picking up your vehicle at the facility, please have your valid driving license, passport, and credit card ready to present at the counter.

As soon as you have submitted any necessary paperwork, someone will bring you your car key and lead you to where your vehicle is stored.

Plan and book your rental car as soon as possible ahead of your trip. Also, check with your rental car company to confirm your reservation ahead of your trip.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If you're not sure where to go, give the rental company a call.

When renting a vehicle, customers must abide by the Terms and Conditions of the rental company at all times. See and compare all rental car companies at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Don't hesitate to contact the rental car company directly for item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle.

If you believe you lost anything near the rental offices, contact the VPS Lost and Found Office at +1 850-651-7166.

Ideally, they will keep them in the Lost Property Office for 30 days.

Ride Shares at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Rideshares pick up and drop their passengers at the designated area in front of the terminal building.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company's app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver.

They can also request a ride a few days before their flight to avoid the inconvenience.

For added safety, ridesharing apps should let users verify the identity of drivers by checking out their faces, license plates, and colors.

Taxis at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Upon exit from the Baggage Claim area, proceed to the Ground Transportation Center and wait for your turn for the next available taxi.

Taxi fares are distance-dependent. See more information about taxis at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

From Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, passengers can quickly get a taxi to the Downtown areas of Valparaiso, Destin, and Fort Walton for less than $15, $60, and $30, respectively.

Trains at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Trains are not available at the Airport. Please approach the Airport Information Desk for updated information about available services or other transportation-related inquiries. More information about train services near Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Buses at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Public buses are not available from the Ground Transportation Center. More information about buses to and from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Please consult the Airport Information Desk if you have trouble looking for your transportation option from the Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Many airports offer shuttle services that will take you directly to your hotel, which can be a great option if you are looking for convenience and affordability.

Please check with your hotel if they provide this service at the Airport.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the Ground Transportation Center in front of the terminal or a designated location at the Airport, per instruction by the shuttle service provider.

Parking at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

The Airport provides safe and comfortable—but limited parking spaces for its customers.

Cash, debit, and credit card payments are accepted at the facility. See more information about short and long term parking at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Call the Airport Management Office at +1 850-651-4612 if you have other parking-related concerns.

Other Services at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Wi-Fi at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in this facility.

ATMs at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

There are several ATMs in the Arrivals and Departures hall. The cash machines accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. Fees may apply.

When you use your debit or credit card at ATMs and for purchases overseas, understanding how the fees work can help you plan appropriately and minimize your costs.

While some banks provide restrictions when drawing funds from an international location, using a foreign ATM usually results in a fee upward of $5 charged by your home bank.

You can eliminate these fees in a few ways, including using internationally recognized banks or structuring your home account to include free foreign ATM withdrawals.

Please inquire at your bank for more information.

Currency Exchange at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Currency exchange is not available at the Airport.

Airports worldwide are using ATMs as an alternative to exchanging currency at the Airport's ticketing counters. You might consider this option.

Nursing Stations at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Nursing mothers traveling through airports require a designated place to nurse and pump milk in privacy.

It is a space that provides comfort for moms who need to nurse their children while on the go.

If you are a nursing mother who needs some privacy, please approach the Airport Information Desk for assistance.

Restrooms at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

The Airport provides well-maintained restrooms and is committed to providing a pleasant experience for its guests.

Accessible restrooms and regular restrooms are available throughout the building.

Food and Beverages at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

There are food and beverages shops throughout the airport terminals. Most food concessions operate on varying schedules.

Note that food and beverages at the Airport can be a bit pricey.

Shopping at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Passengers can do some last-minute shopping upon arrival or departure from this facility.

Generally, shopping at any Airport is not ideal unless you are looking for last-minute travel items or gifts. The prices are high, and the selection is usually quite limited.

However, if you have to purchase something at the Airport, you can do a few things to make the experience less expensive and more convenient.

If you don't need any special clothing or electronics, avoid buying them at the Airport.

Smoking at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Generally, smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the terminals.

These areas are essential for smokers because they provide a place to smoke without leaving the facility and smoking in public.

It also benefits non-smokers because they keep smokers from smoking inside the Airport, which can bother other passengers.

Please follow smoking regulations at the Airport to avoid the inconvenience.

Lost and Found Section at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Contact your respective airline if you lost any of your belongings on an aircraft or at the gate area.

Contact the lost and found section if you lost an item anywhere at the terminals or concourses, including the Security Checkpoints and Airport transport vehicles.

Airport Lost & Found Section: +1 850-651-7166.

Items left behind at Airport Security Checkpoints are held for a minimum of 30 days or until the thing is reunited with the original owner.

Please file a report at the Information Desk or the Lost and Found Section before moving to your next destination.

Don't forget to include your full name, contact details, phone number, Email, and a description of the item(s).

Ticketing Services at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Each airline has its operating hours, but typically, airlines open their ticket counters two hours before departure time, even for early morning flights.

Contact the airline directly for fares, ticket purchases, and flight schedules. Also, consider the advantages of booking a flight ahead of time.

All information and ticket purchases can be made directly by the passenger or its representative on your airline's Website.

When traveling, some people choose to buy their airline tickets through the airport kiosks.

It is a convenient option because it allows travelers to purchase tickets right before their flight, and sometimes the prices are lower than if they were to buy the tickets online.

However, there are some drawbacks to buying airline tickets at the Airport. For example, sometimes the prices are higher, and the selection of flights may be more limited.

Whichever option you choose, the ticketing counters are at the Airport terminal building.

Airport Information Desk at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

The Airport Information Office can help you obtain valuable guidelines on flights, facilities, and travel options in and around the Airport.

Airport Information Desk: +1 850-609-4738.

Please look for it in the main lobby of the terminal building.

Pet Relief at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

There is a convenient pet relief area between the parking lot and the terminal where you can bring your pet before and after flights.

You can either look for signages to the direction or approach the Information Desk for proper guidance.

One of the best innovations in airports over the last few years is the addition of pet relief areas. It allows passengers with pets to relieve their animals before or after a flight without going outside the airport complex.

However, before flying with your pet to this facility, please check any restrictions or special rules with the airline.

• It would help if you also verified whether any health certificates are required.
• When allowed, pets must be in containers (kennels) that are strong enough to withstand breaking and prevent escape.
• Pet owners have to respect the community rules regarding the movements of pet animals in enclosed public spaces.
• All information about the necessary documents needed for your pet is available thru your airline.

Baggage Claim at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

Please retrieve luggage at your designated Baggage Claim on the Ground Level of the terminal. Carts are available to assist passengers with special needs.

In the case of missing items, contact your respective airline or their airline ticket counter.

Report to the Lost and Found Office for lost or damaged luggage at +1 850-651-7166.

When leaving a message, include your name, Email, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item(s).

Disabled Passengers at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

This Airport in Florida is fully accessible to passengers with special needs, and wheelchairs are allowed at the gates and aircraft doors.

For travelers with disabilities or medical needs who have questions about the airport policies or procedures at security checkpoints, please call +1 850-651-7160.

Additionally, they may notify the airline, travel agent, ticketing agent, flight attendant, or gate agent when carts, wheelchairs, or medical transportation is needed.

When possible, the travel plan should include to and from airport transfers, including transportation options and emergency care, when applicable.

Make these arrangements well in advance to avoid frustration upon arrival or departure.

Finally, please arrive at the airport one hour earlier than advised. It will allow time for accommodations to be made and avoid delays through the security gates.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport Contacts

Address: 1701 FL-85, Eglin AFB, Florida, USA
General Phone: +1 850-651-7160
Information Desk: +1 850-609-4738
General Email: info@flyvps.com
Lost and Found Phone: +1 850-651-7166
Official Website: https://flyvps.com

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Electricity: 120V/60Hz.
Plug: A, B
Currency: USD, US$, $
Wi-Fi at Airport: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.