DSM - CAE

$274 Find Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Columbia - 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 Des Moines to Columbia departing on 9/23. 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
$295
Typical prices: $348-$446
American Airlines
Sat 9/26Sat 10/3
DSM - CAE • 1 stop
Cheapest one-way
$274
United Airlines
Wed 9/23
DSM - CAE • 1 stop
Top airlines
Cheapest • from $295 (round-trip)
Best reviews • 7.8 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
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Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Nonstop flights
Not available
There are currently no direct flights between Des Moines and Columbia. You'll need at least 1 connection.
Insights
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Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $299 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 35m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 100% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
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Good to know
+1
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We hope you love your trip to Columbia!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Columbia (DSM-CAE)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Des Moines to Columbia 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 Des Moines to Columbia

Sat, Sep 26 - Sat, Oct 3
American Airlines Logo
1:30 pm - 7:08 pm
DSM
-
CAE
4h 38m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
8:18 am - 12:04 pm
CAE
-
DSM
4h 46m
1 stop
$295American Airlines
Sat, Sep 12 - Tue, Sep 22
American Airlines Logo
12:34 pm - 7:08 pm
DSM
-
CAE
5h 34m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
6:47 pm - 11:41 pm
CAE
-
DSM
5h 54m
1 stop
$295American Airlines
Wed, Sep 9 - Fri, Sep 11
American Airlines Logo
5:56 pm - 12:03 am
DSM
-
CAE
5h 07m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
6:47 pm - 11:41 pm
CAE
-
DSM
5h 54m
1 stop
$295American Airlines
Sat, Sep 12 - Sat, Sep 19
American Airlines Logo
5:57 pm - 12:03 am
DSM
-
CAE
5h 06m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
8:18 am - 12:04 pm
CAE
-
DSM
4h 46m
1 stop
$296American Airlines
Sat, Sep 26 - Sat, Oct 3
United Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 2:26 pm
DSM
-
CAE
7h 26m
2 stops
United Airlines Logo
5:37 pm - 9:23 pm
CAE
-
DSM
4h 46m
1 stop
$300United Airlines
Sat, Sep 12 - Mon, Sep 14
United Airlines Logo
6:24 am - 1:40 pm
DSM
-
CAE
6h 16m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
10:22 am - 9:28 pm
CAE
-
DSM
12h 06m
2 stops
$312United Airlines
Sat, Sep 12 - Mon, Sep 14
American Airlines Logo
12:34 pm - 7:08 pm
DSM
-
CAE
5h 34m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
6:47 pm - 11:41 pm
CAE
-
DSM
5h 54m
1 stop
$317American Airlines
Sat, Sep 12 - Tue, Sep 22
United Airlines Logo
6:24 am - 7:07 pm
DSM
-
CAE
11h 43m
2 stops
United Airlines Logo
6:25 am - 10:31 am
CAE
-
DSM
5h 06m
1 stop
$320United Airlines
Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 23
United Airlines Logo
8:00 am - 1:40 pm
DSM
-
CAE
4h 40m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
10:22 am - 9:27 pm
CAE
-
DSM
12h 05m
2 stops
$337United Airlines
Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 23
Delta Logo
5:45 am - 11:12 am
DSM
-
CAE
4h 27m
1 stop
Delta Logo
1:59 pm - 6:09 pm
CAE
-
DSM
5h 10m
1 stop
$386Delta
Booking Insights

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

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

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Des Moines to Columbia, 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 Des Moines to Columbia is February, where tickets cost $0 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are August and July, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $831 and $726 respectively.

Good to know

Cheapest flight

$274
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 22% lower on average.
Flight from Des Moines to Columbia

When to book flights from Des Moines to Columbia

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Des Moines to Columbia 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 Des Moines to Columbia

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

    In the last 5 days, the lowest price for a flight from Des Moines to Columbia was $274 for a one-way ticket and $295 for a round-trip.

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

    No, a passport isn't needed to fly from Des Moines to Columbia. However, local authorities might ask for an official ID.

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

    We unfortunately don’t have that data for this specific route.

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

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

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

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Des Moines to Columbia are Delta and American Airlines. With an average price for the route of $523 and an overall rating of 7.8, Delta is the most popular choice. American Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $321 and an overall rating of 7.1.

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

    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 Des Moines to Columbia.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Columbia from Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Columbia?

    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 Columbia with an airline and back to Des Moines with another airline. Booking your flights between Des Moines and CAE can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

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

    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 Columbia from Des Moines up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Reviews of the top airlines flying from Des Moines to Columbia

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Des Moines to Columbia. 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 Des Moines to Columbia? 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.
7.8
DeltaOverall score based on 8497 reviews
7.8Comfort
8.5Crew
7.2Food
8.1Boarding
7.8Entertainment
Airline reviews

Comfortable seats. Nice service online. Short flight, so not a lot of time to enjoy.

8.0 ExcellentMichael, Jul 2026
SEA - SMF
Read more Delta reviews

Comfortable seats. Nice service online. Short flight, so not a lot of time to enjoy.

Flight was delayed before take off and at landing. Baggage took 20 minutes. Flight crew would not serve full soft drink and had to ask multiple times before receiving water.

For some reason, TSA Atlanta didn’t have my bag on the flight on time and they don’t have to provide Delta a reason for that.

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the poor service and unprofessional staff we encountered when traveling with an infant. Our flight was delayed, and the gate staff failed to manage the boarding process appropriately. Due to incorrect, unavailable, or missing 'pink tag' stroller and car seat check-in procedures at the gate, we were forced to board last. Furthermore, the gate staff was rude and dismissive, causing significant distress to our infant. To make matters worse, one of our checked items—an infant sleeper/lounger—was returned to us broken. Given the unsafe handling of essential equipment and unprofessional treatment, I expect a prompt resolution regarding compensation for the damaged items.

I am still at the Airport! Delayed Delayed and Delyaed

The landing was the worst I’ve experienced with a flight.

It was last minute due to weather - considering - it was amazing! Good smiles, friendly staff and they were making sure we knew what was going on when and where.

All good on Delta's part. Passengers could be a little more courteous to each other.

The pilots were good. Disappointing when planes don't have electrical ports

No complaints - left 20 minutes later than planned but still arrived on time.

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

Poor seat in rear of aircraft Food at Admiral’s Club Terminal D at DFW inedible

In flight connectivity (via T-Mobile) was often not working.

Terrible. Internet/kiosk glitch prevented baggage checkin. Line at ticket co in Ter was under serviced and did not move. Agents did not call for flight but rather allowed time to pass. Then told each person as they reached the front if line that it was too late to check bags so they’d have to rebook flights. At least 15 people missed the flight as a result of this incompetence.

It was exactly what I expected, actually arriving sooner than scheduled.

Terrible, they canceled my flight due to an issue they had, couldn't fly me into the same place within 24 hrs so had to fly in 2.5 hrs away from my destination and spend even more money. The customer service was terrible (except at the airport in Charleston). Had to call to get my checked baggage fees reimbursed 2 wks later in which one customer service agent was very rude, wouldn't listen and then hung up on me. The second lady I spoke with was actually able to help me with that part thankfully. Would not recommend flying AA.

Multiple gate changes and significant delay leaving DFW. Made for a late arrival

For the price of the ticket you get nothing. The plane had 1 bathroom in the back and when the flight attendant did service no one could use it. No announcement just was told to go back to my seat. Ridiculous and rude.

In-flight Wi-Fi didn’t work and the flight was 25 minutes late. The Embraer plane I was on was pretty old and the tray table was broken.

American Airlines no longer has Bischoff biscuits. This is intolerable.

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports