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Find Cheap Flights from Des Moines

Where can I fly from Des Moines?Prices from DSM, departing Thu 10/29 and returning Thu 11/5
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 Phoenix (8%) and Denver Intl (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, Punta Cana and Cancún.

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, New York, Los Angeles, Boston and Phoenix. On average, the cheapest of these destinations on KAYAK over the last 2 weeks for a return flight was Boston at $117, while the most expensive was Los Angeles, at $480.

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 $43. The next cheapest destinations were Nashville at $45 and Boston at $70.

Good to know

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$34
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 7% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 16% increase in price.
Flight from Des Moines to Philadelphia

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 $186 one-way - $339 round-trip; Dallas $328 one-way - $468 round-trip; Chicago $239 one-way - $430 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 4203 reviews
8.6Crew
7.0Food
8.1Boarding
7.5Entertainment
8.0Comfort
Airline reviews

I like the staff members they were super nice and helpful very sweet people :)

8.0 ExcellentAleia, Sep 2026
Read more Southwest reviews

I like the staff members they were super nice and helpful very sweet people :)

Unfortunately, I left my headphone's case in the bag of the front seat. I was seating on 9C. Hopefully the found it and I can get it back. I have not been able to get in contact with Southwest. Other than that, everything went fine.

Maybe different snack selection. To much sodium in them. I know refrigerators are not available but there has to be healthier items.

Wifi was terrible. I couldn't get any work done on the long flight

It's a shame that SW was previously my preferred carrier until they started imposing all these fees (luggage, seats,etc) and pulling back on other perks. I only flew with them this time due to time frame I needed to be at destination. Wasn't provided gate info during check-in, Gate info wasn't displayed at airport until last minute, gate info didn't match what SW personnel announced at fate. Kind of a mess.

Flight was fine. Only thing was flight was delayed nearly 2 hours. Flight was originally scheduled to depart at 7:50pm but didn't depart until 9:50pm. I got home around midnight. It was later than desired and I had to get up early next day to take kids to practice. I have noticed that last flight of day on West Coast for Southwest always tend to have delays.

Wasn't expecting this, but, we actually ended up getting assigned to the first row of seats!!!!! The extra legroom came in handy

Trash experience on all my flights this week. Delay after delay. The flight I’m waiting for has been delayed 6 times and nearly 3 hours.

Southwest has been a nightmare. Delayed flights, missed connections, systems down. Never again am I flying southwest.

had to check bag at gate when there was still overhead bin space. As usual the WIFI didn't really work.

Late flight, screens not working and still had to pay for a drink

great! appreciated the last minute upgrade to Comfort+ exit row, as well

Crew completed ignored our aisle when giving snacks and coffee

The seats were great and the service was even better. Thank you!

The WiFi on the plane was out. I also thought movie options were lacking.

They changed my seat assignment from window to middle. I have a physical need to sit by the window because of spinal issues. I unboarded in pain, I also was placed between 2 very large men. I am very disappointed and now dealing with the physical aftermath.

These Delta 717 jets are ancient. No entertainment and you have to pay for WiFi that barely works and goes in and out the whole flight. Delta should be ashamed flying this garbage.

The crew were awesome and ready to help as much as possible. The gate agent in Atlanta was tremendously helpful. The delays were ridiculous. Getting home at 4am when I could have driven home faster was unimpressive. Being delayed for countless hours through the night wasn't a great travel experience.

The staff and crew were wonderful. The delays were atrocious. The missed connections problematic. Getting home at 4am and having to go to work at 8 am, not a great situation. The gate agent in Huntsville was amazing. She helped everyone efficiently and with excellent problem solving skills. Her communication was helpful, timely, and thoughtful.

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.

Good, our flight was delayed but that was totally out of their control due to weather and a presidential visit.

overall a very good travel experience - left on time, arrived early. Mostly a smooth flight. Polaris seats were excellent, very good service and nice food with options.

The very best airline service I have experienced. Better than domestic airlines first class and I flew Economy Plus!

When we boarded we were treated with care and it never stopped. Got towels before breakfast and after snacks was a lovely touch!

Price was crazy watch it if you Chan he your flight

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 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.

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.

My feedback from the trip to Columbia to Chicago was meant for Chicago to Denver.

The plane was delayed after we boarded - although they sent an email to my work email (which I did not get until later) there was no announcement from the PA about the delay in flight. Fortunately, they made up the time in the air and we landed around the original time.

I couldn’t get a beverage because my tray table was broken

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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