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Find Cheap Flights from Des Moines

Where can I fly from Des Moines?Prices from DSM, departing Fri 12/4 and returning Fri 12/11
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 (18% of total searches). The next most popular destinations are Phoenix (7%) and Houston (7%).

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 San Juan.

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 Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale and Boston. On average, the cheapest of these destinations on KAYAK over the last 2 weeks for a return flight was Fort Lauderdale at $112, while the most expensive was Los Angeles, at $515.

What is the longest direct flight from Des Moines?

The longest direct flight you can take from Des Moines is to Los Angeles, with a duration of 3h 57m. The next longest is John Wayne (Santa Ana) at 3h 55m, followed by a flight to Miami at 3h 22m.

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 Philadelphia and cost $34. The next cheapest destinations were Nashville at $50 and Austin at $62.

Good to know

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$58
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 6% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 15% 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 $176 one-way - $366 round-trip; Dallas $245 one-way - $505 round-trip; Chicago $286 one-way - $456 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 4214 reviews
7.5Entertainment
8.6Crew
7.0Food
8.1Boarding
8.0Comfort
Airline reviews

When I made my reservation it would have been nice if kayak would have included my luggage. Unaware that I had to pay $45 each way. Should have asked at reservation time if luggage was being checked

8.0 ExcellentJeremy, Nov 2026
Read more Southwest reviews

When I made my reservation it would have been nice if kayak would have included my luggage. Unaware that I had to pay $45 each way. Should have asked at reservation time if luggage was being checked

Crew was a little surly. But plane left on time and arrived early. All one can ask for. New 737 Max was nice.

Flight was delayed about 50 minutes and completely full. they did the usual demand for people to check carry-ons. they called all groups to board very fast only to stand in the gangway after having boarding passes scanned. Why don't airlines board from the back to front - since they now have assigned seats? our stewardess got drink orders confused, so she just called out "cranberry". etc.,.. I wish they wouldn't serve pretzels snacks with a powdered coating, as it sticks to your hands and they don't have wet wipes. don't want to lick my fingers after hanging out in the terminal for over an hour.

Delayed over 3 hours, extremely rough landing on all four flights. Would not recommend

Boarding, crew and inflight entertainment was great. Could have better food options for a long flight. Paid money and got a seat with extra leg space but was asked to keep my carry on under the seat in front of me which defeats the purpose of buying a extra space seat.

On time departure and arrival. Had to be the oldest plane in the SWA fleet but it got me where I needed to be.

Flight was delayed out of BWI unexpectedly / without a reason given but otherwise ok.

I got a bit sick on the flight, and was so grateful when the male flight attendant explained to me they keep the back row open for cases like mine. He took such great care of me! I was incredibly grateful.

Friendly crew. Snacks were carb-heavy. Flight was quite delaye

The service was fine, about the same as you get on most lower end airlines. I dont understand the perks of flying them much anymore for the cost.

I used by Skymiles to upgrade to First so that I could comfortably work using my laptop. But WiFi was intermittent and unavailable for long periods. I feel like I wasted 70,000 miles :(

Great as one can be for a one connection 6 hour flight

Packed flight and not sure why dinner service would start at midnight while passengers we’re trying to sleep

The gate attendant was not clear w message on flight delays.

Chairs don’t recline and the ones that do recline, barely do recline. It was most uncomfortable flight i ever been on.

Good but not on par when compared with foreign flag carriers.

Good service but not on par when compared to foreign flag carriers.

Mechanical delay of 2 hours without telling us Canadians of the potential compensation for this delay. As this caused 2 out of three people in our travelling party to miss their connecting flights until the next day.

Travelling with 2 others for work. Delta asked to check their carry ons due to the fullness of the plane. This was all good until the next leg of the flight. One of the 3 had their carry on checked through to the final destination but their passport on in their checked bag. Which they could not get to and he was not allowed on to the plane. Even though Delta had to retrieve his bag, because he was not allowed on. So they got his bag and he was in the terminal, but even when the flight was delayed, due to mechanical issues, he was not allowed to come onto the plane. Since the delay was nearly 2 hours, he was finally allowed back on the plane.

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.

1 person checking us as we boarded, left gate on time, 12.30 we are told we were held for 15 mins as other flights were waiting to take off, captain due to rain … they were having a longer gap between take offs , 3pm we took off , they went land route via New Orleans in to Florida landed at 5.45pm offered coffee and a biscuit

Service was slow Flight was very loud at back of plane

There was no internet on the flight. As an executive flying during prime business hours, having internet is critical for a smooth experience. This impacted productivity and time that will need to be spent later to do the work I could have done on flight.

Terrible boarding - 4 flights boarded from the same gate. Chaos there; long ramps to the plane.

Flight delay in lax which delayed our connecting flight to Copenhagen. Was placed on standby the following day and got delayed again at Scandinavian air. Bad bad counter service at ar Canada in Toronto by the name of Camilla who said that she was doing us a courtesy for even finding a earlier flight for us after we the customer are the ones being inconvenient by the cancellation of our flight. Btw, we are going on a tour. Air Canada is the worse

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.

Terrible. We needed to change return flights due to an incoming hurricane. They would not refund our return flight.

The employees at Sioux Falls airport were friendly and helpful. As a veteran/retired military Allegiant allows two checked bags, one carry on bag and a seat on the plane all at no cost. The flight crew and pilots were friendly and very competent.

The check-in and flight crew employees are excellent. The flight was good and the seats were adequate.

The flights to and from Cincinnati were great at being on time for both, departures and arrivals. The planes could use some updating.

It was a dismal experience. The flight was delayed for 4 hours, and we spent hours in the plane, without air, during the summer. We were not provided with water, and the medical assistance was inadequate when it arose.

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.

The flight was delayed and gate changed so that was not fun and the flight to Dallas from LAX was very delayed on Sunday. It was just not a great experience due to the delays both ways.

Fine. No announcement for Concierge Key to board. Not a big issue just pointing it out.

Totally uninformed of the situation. Not yet sure about compensation. Highly disappointed.

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.

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