$218 Find Deals on Flights from Des Moines - Compare and Save

1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

Save 21% or more on flights. Compare deals from all over the web.

Never overpay with our price tracking tools.

Filter searches by price, airline and more to find your best flights.

Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Find Cheap Flights from Des Moines

Where can I fly from Des Moines?Prices from DSM, departing Tue 9/29 and returning Tue 10/6
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for flights from Des Moines

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

Which are the most popular places to fly to from Des Moines?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular place to fly from Des Moines is New York (11% of total searches). The next most popular destinations are Denver Intl (6%) and Dallas (5%).

What are the most popular international flights out of Des Moines?

There are many international destinations you can fly to from Des Moines. The most popular international destinations among KAYAK users are Cancún, Cancún and Punta Cana.

Which cities can I fly to direct from Des Moines?

There are loads of places you can fly direct to from Des Moines. The most popular destinations for direct flights among KAYAK users are Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles and Orlando. On average, the cheapest of these destinations on KAYAK over the last 2 weeks for a return flight was Jacksonville at $63, while the most expensive was Dallas, at $524.

What is the longest direct flight from Des Moines?

The longest direct flight you can take from Des Moines is to John Wayne (Santa Ana), with a duration of 3h 55m. The next longest is Los Angeles at 3h 54m, followed by a flight to Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Airport at 3h 24m.

What are the cheapest places to fly to from Des Moines?

The cheapest destination for a flight from Des Moines found on KAYAK in the last two weeks was Las Vegas and cost $49. The next cheapest destinations were Philadelphia at $55 and Nashville at $55.

Good to know

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$48
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 6% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 18% increase in price.
Flight from Des Moines to Las Vegas

FAQs for booking flights out of Des Moines

  • What are my parking options at Des Moines International Airport (DSM)?

    If you will be driving your own car to the airport and will need to leave it there for the duration of your trip, you will be happy to know that there are several parking options available. You can take advantage of any of the four economy lots: green, blue, red, or grey. If you are planning to be gone a bit longer, make use of either the long-term lot or the long-term premium lot. All parking lots and garages offer free shuttles to the terminal once you have parked your vehicle. Check the availability of each of these lots on the DSM website to avoid hiccups upon arrival.

  • Does the Des Moines International Airport offer any services for business travelers?

    Corporate travelers that need to get some work done ahead of their flight out of Des Moines will be glad to know that DSM offers meeting and conference rooms onsite. There are two conference rooms on the Airport Skywalk level, one holding up to 12 people and the other holding up to 80. For smaller meeting rooms, you need to personally contact the airport.

  • How can I get to the Des Moines airport from downtown Des Moines?

    If you need to get to DSM from downtown Des Moines without driving your own car, you have a few options. If you are looking to save money, opt for the public bus. You can either take bus 6 from Platform C or bus 7 from Platform D to reach the airport directly from downtown. These buses will take about 45 minutes and 1 hour to reach the airport, respectively. Or, you can take a taxi or rideshare like Uber or Lyft. These are more expensive but they will take just over 10 minutes to reach the terminal.

  • Does DSM offer assistance to passengers with reduced mobility?

    Yes, passengers flying from DSM with reduced mobility need not worry. Not only are all facilities within the airport accessible to those with disabilities, but there are also wheelchairs for rent, designated accessible ground transportation available, and service animal-friendly facilities. If you need to take advantage of any of these services or you have a specific need, contact your airline at least 2 days before your departure date.  

  • What is Des Moines also known as?

    Des Moines Airport’s airport code is DSM. It can also be referred to as Des Moines, Des Moines Intl.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from 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 Des Moines.

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

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

    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 your destination with an airline and back to Des Moines with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from 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 from Des Moines up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight out of Des Moines

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from Des Moines to the following destinations at these prices or less: Denver $177 one-way - $308 round-trip; Dallas $240 one-way - $464 round-trip; Chicago $261 one-way - $418 round-trip
  • If you're flying out of Des Moines International Airport (DSM), you'll be happy to know that this airport serves direct flights to over 30 destinations throughout the United States, so getting to your destination will be easy and convenient.
  • If you're being dropped off by a loved one before your flight, it is useful to know that the first 20 minutes in the hourly parking lot are free of charge in case your driver needs to help you with your luggage or simply wants to accompany you in to say goodbye.
  • Those traveling with pets or service animals will be delighted to know that there is a designated pet relief area outside the airport near the parking garage north of the skywalk. It is best to have your pet relieve itself here before entering the airport.
  • If you're hungry ahead of your flight out of Des Moines, head to one of the local food spots inside the airport to get a last taste of the city before you leave. The airport collaborates with several local restaurants to bring some flavor from the city and into your travel experience.
  • If you are taking an international flight from Des Moines, you should know that you need to exchange any currency before arriving at the airport, as there is no place to do so inside DSM.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Des Moines to Worldwide

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Des Moines to Worldwide? 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.
8.0
SouthwestOverall score based on 4199 reviews
7.0Food
7.5Entertainment
8.1Boarding
8.6Crew
8.0Comfort
Airline reviews

Seated at front bulkhead for a smidge extra leg room away from home and on flight back home. Away crew was very proactive about assuring our carryons had space close behind us (because no seat in front of us our personal items had to be in a small bin overhead). They actively required passengers place overhead luggage on its side so more items could fit in bins. Home crew made no such efforts. I had to struggle back rows to get overhead bags upon landing, no crew help then either, and some disgruntled passengers as I and others retrieved our bags. There was a system that worked pretty well. The home bound crew just didn't feel like working.

4.0 OkayMather, Aug 2026
Read more Southwest reviews

Seated at front bulkhead for a smidge extra leg room away from home and on flight back home. Away crew was very proactive about assuring our carryons had space close behind us (because no seat in front of us our personal items had to be in a small bin overhead). They actively required passengers place overhead luggage on its side so more items could fit in bins. Home crew made no such efforts. I had to struggle back rows to get overhead bags upon landing, no crew help then either, and some disgruntled passengers as I and others retrieved our bags. There was a system that worked pretty well. The home bound crew just didn't feel like working.

Southwest has inacted unfriendly customer policies like other airlines. Watch the fine print very carefully if you are having to alter flight arrangements. Rules are now complicated and very stilted to travelers sacrificing travel funds (unlike before where the simple, straight forward flight change policy was worth the extra premium for ticket price.) On the positive side, SW Flight crews are still wonderfully helpful.

Flight left on time and was early landing. Seats not comfortable and not enough space…

Flight left on time. Seat spacing is way too small…

It would have been better if the flight was on time

Fairly good - the seats seemed more comfortable on this flight. The staff out of Detroit were quite friendly. But they directed us to the wrong carousel for luggage. :(

Just crazy with times being pushed and pushed and pushed and gate crew at Philly super rude and unprofessional with many under stress with delays.

I liked the new boarding process. I thought the buyup options (legroom, early boarding) to be easy to request and reasonably priced. All the Southwest team from gate to in-flight were so nice.

Flight time kept changing and so did the gate. It was very frustrating

Exceptional. The gate crew responded quickly and got me onto this earlier flight as the final passenger, saving me more than four hours of wait time for my reserved flight.

The actual flight was smooth and we arrived earlier than expected which was great. The flight attendants gave unclear instructions and were rude. They seemed overwhelmed or flustered for the flight. Inflight service was delayed and unsure why.

Everything went smooth from check in, thru TSA, then boarding, and a smooth flight to ATL.

There were weather issues in the area apparently; however, that was not obvious from what we saw outside of LaGuardia. We were delayed leaving (which I understand); however, once we were on the plane we didn't leave for a long time. It may have been two hours?? - all I know is that we sat there for a long time with no information as to why we were not taking off. Finally, after 45 minutes to an hour (maybe?), the pilot gave us an update that no planes were able to go in the our flight path direction (or something like that) due to weather. There was nothing additional added. What does this mean? Why is this? What are the options? When will you give us another update? There were no updates for maybe another 30-45 minutes. There was no explanation as to why we couldn't be rerouted to avoid the weather. We had no information at all. We just sat on the plane (for about 2 hours) with very limited information. All I would have wanted is an explanation as to what was going on. Tell me there is bad weather coming our way. Tell me they are working to reroute us around it (which is what they did). Tell me SOMETHING.

My 4pm flight did not leave until about 10pm. I did not enjoy this experience.

I had an extensive delay on my previous flight and we had another delay due to the crew not being there. We were scheduled to have a late arrival but due to the delay it was even longer.

Had one of the worst travel experiences I've ever had. 1.5-hour delay turned into being held on the tarmac and our pilots timing out. Was supposed to take off at 4pm and didn't take off until 10:30pm.

Delayed 7 hours Crew and employees were nice Extra long flight but at least we got in

The flight was delayed at the very last minute and no information, both of my round trip flights were delayed at least the BNA to Boston was informed earlier but the return one was horrible

Nothing really it’s just the flight availability that hurts sometimes

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.

Flight delayed and then cancelled (due to mechanical issues + weather). Poor communication. No one there to help with rebooking and accommodations for the night we had to stay in Newark. Our luggage was taken off the original flight and apparently left on the tarmac in the rain. Items were soaking rain. The following day, the flight was also delayed due to mechanical issues. The second year in a row that I had to sleep in an airport flying from Tokyo to Newark due to mechanical issues compounded by bad weather. Partly bad luck and partly just poor service.

Terrible service - they don’t want to be there and bad food. Entertainment system in economy from the 2000s

I did bought anything… I don’t understand how this book appears to me . Ridiculous

Leaving at 7 when scheduled to leave at 4:20 - you tell me. Understood there was a ground stop. Then having to "reboot" the plane because of a lighting strike, also understood. But basically the flight was a "clusterf#$%".

No drink service but there was no N/A as an option to choose. Seats were extremely tight. I am under 5.5 and I bumped my knees have no idea how taller people could manage.

1 flight cancelled Had to fly out of different city Flight at new departure city was delayed 3 hours causing us to miss connecting flights. By the time we did make it to Prague our luggage did not. Had to wait day and a half for luggage to be delivered. Customer service was not good. Agents did not arrive at gate until 5-10 minutes before boarding

It was better than excellent. The staff in Mason City were great. The young woman that pushed my wheelchair did more than could be expected of her. She came from India 17 years ago. I don't remember her name.

Very rough getting into denver. my kid threw up it was so rough.

Liked that we left on time for each flight. Snacks not the best, but we're okay.

I had requested wheelchair assistance prior to flight. The airport staff had no record of it. It was not provided at Cedar Rapids which was a small airport, so I managed on my own. At O'Hare airport the same thing happened. The staff told me they had no record of my request for a wheel chair. But they finally provided it after a delay when I insisted that I needed it.

The landing the pilot was very smooth. The flight attendant was kind of rude.The boarding the plane in punta Gorda was not great made us wait out in the heat 😞

My exit seat was very comfortable Coffee was to be purchased but sodas free 😏

It was poor a four hour delay and no explanation for the delay. What’s a 35 dollars going to do. It also made me miss my car rental,

It was on time. Flight was comfortable. Staff was nice. It was the way a flight should always be.

The price was the only good thing about this flight. It was scary during takeoff when the plane tilted side to side. It made me feel very nervous as I have never had a take-off that unsmooth. There was no on-flight movie or music options and the only complimentary option was water. Other airlines offer trail mix or a caramel cookie and pop options as complimentary. This flight was a 2.5 hour flight. I understand for shorter flights not having options, but a flight 2 hours or longer should offer more complimentary options and in flight entertainment. Also the seats did not recline and for a longer flight reclining seats are a must for comfort.

A very pleasant flight but it would be greatly improved with wifi to help entertain kids

This is a no frills, get it done, efficient airline. The seat is a lawn chair. You better bring your own entertainment. If you want something other than water you need to pay for it. But they will get you to your destination quickly, on time, and then they will turn the flight around and go right back where they came from. Reliably. Couple times a week tops. If it fits into your schedule, you can’t get there cheaper or faster.

A three hour delay to board and then another hour on the tarmac because they couldn't get a tractor? Ugh.

Allegiant canceled the flight. The flight the next day was full. Allegiant did not provide any compensation besides a refund. Last time on Allegiant.

Seats were very uncomfortable and being charged for snacks and water.........

It was my first time flying with Alaska Airlines and it was a pleasure!

DFW notification of changing the gate notice was an inconvenience.

Our gate was changed several times, and the gate agents were just as in the dark as all of us in knowing when our plane would arrive at PHL.

The plane was experiencing problems with the HVAC system, it was very cold in the front of the plane and very hot in the back.

The boarding process needs to be fixed. The zone don't work, especially when there is hardly anyone in zones 3, 4,and 5, leaving the majority of the passengers backed up in the aisle, especially because passengers seated near the front are blocking passengers who are seated in the rear of the plane. It would also help if the size of carry on bags was more strictly enforced.

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.

Delayed, missed connecting flight, ground crew double charged for international charges, were super rude and told me to just”deal with it” when I complained. Horrible airline, very frustrating.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Des Moines

Information on your arrival and departure airports