CHI - DSM

$69 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Des Moines - Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Chicago to Des Moines departing on 9/10. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$154
Typical prices: $183-$406
Multiple Airlines
Thu 8/27Sun 8/30
ORD - DSM • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$209
Typical prices: $183-$406
United Airlines
Thu 8/27Mon 8/31
ORD - DSM • Non-stop
Top airlines
Cheapest • from $207 (round-trip)
Best reviews • 7.4 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with American Airlines, Southwest and United Airlines. Average duration is 1h 29m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 2% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $217 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 08m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 29% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
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Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Des Moines (CHI-DSM)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Chicago to Des Moines that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to Des Moines

Thu, Aug 27 - Sun, Aug 30
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 7:54 pm
ORD
-
DSM
13h 54m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:55 pm - 7:29 am
DSM
-
ORD
17h 34m
1 stop
$154Multiple Airlines
Thu, Aug 27 - Mon, Aug 31
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 7:54 pm
ORD
-
DSM
13h 54m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:19 pm - 1:36 pm
DSM
-
ORD
23h 17m
1 stop
$156Multiple Airlines
Thu, Aug 27 - Mon, Aug 31
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 7:54 pm
ORD
-
DSM
13h 54m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:19 pm - 1:36 pm
DSM
-
ORD
23h 17m
1 stop
$157Multiple Airlines
Thu, Aug 20 - Sun, Aug 23
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 7:54 pm
ORD
-
DSM
13h 54m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:55 pm - 7:29 am
DSM
-
ORD
17h 34m
1 stop
$174Multiple Airlines
Thu, Aug 27 - Mon, Aug 31
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 7:54 pm
ORD
-
DSM
13h 54m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:19 pm - 1:36 pm
DSM
-
ORD
23h 17m
1 stop
$188Multiple Airlines
Thu, Aug 27 - Mon, Aug 31
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 7:54 pm
ORD
-
DSM
13h 54m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:19 pm - 1:36 pm
DSM
-
ORD
23h 17m
1 stop
$196Multiple Airlines
Wed, Aug 5 - Mon, Aug 10
American Airlines Logo
10:50 pm - 12:25 am
ORD
-
DSM
1h 35mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
7:49 pm - 9:37 pm
DSM
-
ORD
1h 48mnonstop
$207American Airlines
Mon, Aug 24 - Mon, Aug 31
Southwest Logo
8:50 pm - 10:10 pm
MDW
-
DSM
1h 20mnonstop
Southwest Logo
3:50 pm - 5:10 pm
DSM
-
MDW
1h 20mnonstop
$209Southwest
Sat, Aug 8 - Mon, Aug 10
Southwest Logo
6:00 pm - 7:25 pm
MDW
-
DSM
1h 25mnonstop
Southwest Logo
5:40 am - 7:00 am
DSM
-
MDW
1h 20mnonstop
$210Southwest
Wed, Aug 5 - Wed, Aug 12
Delta Logo
9:59 am - 2:04 pm
MDW
-
DSM
4h 05m
1 stop
Delta Logo
6:00 am - 12:39 pm
DSM
-
MDW
6h 39m
1 stop
$227Delta
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to Des Moines flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Chicago to Des Moines to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a round-trip flight from Chicago to Des Moines?

This analysis is based on the cheapest round-trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Chicago to Des Moines departing in August.

What is the cheapest Chicago to Des Moines flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The absolute cheapest return flight from Chicago to Des Moines costs $329 on the route between Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) and Des Moines (DSM). However, over the past month, flights between Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) and Des Moines (DSM) were, on average, 2% cheaper than other Chicago-Des Moines routes. The most popular route is between Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) and Des Moines (DSM).

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Des Moines?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Chicago to Des Moines clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

When flying from Chicago to Des Moines, you should consider leaving on a Saturday and avoid Tuesdays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to Chicago, you’ll find the best rates on Thursdays and the most expensive ones on Mondays.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Des Moines?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to Des Moines, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Chicago to Des Moines is February, where tickets cost $126 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and July, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $249 and $199 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Chicago to Des Moines?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

Yes, flying with a layover may cost you more time, but you can also save money on the route, with a 1 stop layover the cheapest option at $326 on average.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Chicago to Des Moines

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Good to know

Low seasonAugust
Cheapest flight$69
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 41% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 4% lower on average.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Des Moines

When to book flights from Chicago to Des Moines

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Chicago to Des Moines based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from Chicago to Des Moines

  • What is the cheapest flight from Chicago to Des Moines?

    In the last 5 days, the lowest price for a flight from Chicago to Des Moines was $69 for a one-way ticket and $154 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Chicago and Des Moines?

    No

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Chicago to Des Moines?

    When flying out of Chicago you will be using one of these airports: Chicago Midway or Chicago O'Hare Intl. You will be landing at Des Moines.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Chicago to Des Moines?

    American Airlines, and JetBlue offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Chicago to Des Moines flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Chicago to Des Moines?

    The Airbus A319 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Chicago to Des Moines flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Chicago to Des Moines?

    oneworld, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between Chicago and Des Moines, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Chicago to Des Moines?

    There are nonstop flights from Chicago to Des Moines on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Chicago to Des Moines, United Airlines or American Airlines?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Chicago to Des Moines are United Airlines and American Airlines. With an average price for the route of $426 and an overall rating of 7.4, United Airlines is the most popular choice. American Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $323 and an overall rating of 7.1.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Chicago to Des Moines?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Chicago to Des Moines.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Chicago to Des Moines?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Des Moines from Chicago is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Chicago to Des Moines?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Des Moines with an airline and back to Chicago with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Chicago to Des Moines?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Des Moines from Chicago up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Chicago to Des Moines

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $221 or less one-way and $383 or less round-trip.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to Des Moines?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Chicago to Des Moines.
Find which airlines fly direct from Chicago to Des Moines Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Chicago to Des Moines

Monday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Friday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Des Moines to Chicago

Monday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Friday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top airlines flying from Chicago to Des Moines

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Chicago to Des Moines. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Chicago to Des Moines? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.4
United AirlinesOverall score based on 9983 reviews
6.7Food
8.1Crew
7.7Boarding
7.3Comfort
7.1Entertainment
Airline reviews

Have not had a flight out or returning to Norfolk that has not required maintenance, and a gate delay. Properly staff the crew so maintenance can be performed without last minute emergencies on each flight and there is enough staff to have gates prepared for inbound flights. Staff to ensure the safety and on time service vs. profit.

2.0 MediocreMary, Jul 2026
ORD - ORF
Read more United Airlines reviews

Have not had a flight out or returning to Norfolk that has not required maintenance, and a gate delay. Properly staff the crew so maintenance can be performed without last minute emergencies on each flight and there is enough staff to have gates prepared for inbound flights. Staff to ensure the safety and on time service vs. profit.

My original flight was cancelled and that affected my trip and my plans and I got no compensation and customer service was hard to reach as well

The flight was delayed by a hour and I wish they had communicated it sooner. No issues on the plane, it did take a while for food to come.

Know that the movies that you are going to be offered are the oldest be rated movies they could possibly get. They may have one or two new movies that they keep advertising but when you’re flying 15 hours, there is nothing to see past the first new movie.

Great experience. Boarding was fast, staff were very nice and funny, everything at the seat worked well.

Horrible! Several delays and then was cancelled! I spent over 24 hours in the airport and was unable to get a hotel or food voucher.

A long delay. Don't travel late in the day.

The seat was comfortable. There was a lot of turbulence. If it weren't for that,it would have been okay.

It was great, I’m very grateful for the pilots and crew flight attendants for everything.

Flight was great. Efficient boarding. Short flight. Early arrival. Friendly flight crew. The entertainment system did not work well. Could not access it until the aircraft reached 10K feet or more. Lots of glitches.

Flight was delayed, boarded, sat at the gate for more than 30 minutes, left the gate then waited on the pad for another 30 to 60 minutes then returned to the gate, deboarded and was cancelled... alternative flight was not booked automatically. Waited in line for 30 minutes but fortunately an alternate flight to a different destination was found ... no thanks to the travel agent used by kayak

The flight from Milwaukee to Dallas was great the staff absolutely amazing. After that EVERYTHING WENT DOWN HILL!!! ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!!! WILL NOT FLY THIS AIRLINE AGAIN

I was very unhappy with the lack of communication from the cockpit. It took close to a half an hour before we took off after the doors were closed, and we got no announcements as to progress. It would be nice to get some acknowledgement of the situation and updates as to when we are taking off.

The seat was not even cleaned. It has full of cookie crums probably from last flight's passenger. Its basic expectation that, seats are clean.

Very turbulent flight, no drinks, very little service, unorganized boarding, gate changed multiple times

The flight was delayed significantly. Communication during the flight was abrupt and caused some panic as we were navigating turbulence. It was also too loud and every announcement felt startling. The flight attendants did not offer any assurances and I felt unsettled most of the flight. The seats, floor and tray table was very dirty. The seat next to me was broken and the passenger sitting there was very uncomfortable. He had a spring in his back and his seat made terrible squeaking noises through the flight.

Significant delays on my trip to Chicago and my trip back to NY

The boarding by groups is pointless. The first two groups worked fine, but almost Noone boarded in goups three thru five leaving the vast majority boarding when group six was called. It defeated the purpose of spreading out the crowd.

Was the most uncomfortable I ever had in the air. Felt like I was trapped in the seat legs cramped and was just horrible. The flight to DSM was a lot better. Even being on a smaller plane was better. Staff are outstanding. No complaints about the people.

It was exactly as I expected, on time, smooth flight, courteous staff.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Chicago to Des Moines

Information on your arrival and departure airports