SEA - DSM

$57 Find Cheap Flights from Seattle to Des Moines

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Seattle to Des Moines departing on 12/18. 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

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Des Moines

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Seattle to Des Moines.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Seattle to Des Moines.
Travelers love KAYAK
41,299,237 searches in the past 7 days on KAYAK

Save 24% or moreCompare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track pricesNot ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Bundle and saveSave money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Filter your dealsChoose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$247
Overall average: $636
Multiple Airlines
Thu 11/27Thu 12/4
SEA - DSM • 1 stop
Cheapest one-way
$57
Typical prices: $253-$488
Frontier
Thu 12/18
SEA - DSM • 1 stop
Top airlines
Frontier
Cheapest • from $274 (round-trip)
Southwest
Best reviews • 8.0 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
When to book
4 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 42% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
October
Cheapest • 21% price drop
April
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Start a new search
KAYAK searches 100s of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Des Moines!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Seattle to Des Moines (SEA-DSM)

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

Thu, Nov 27 - Thu, Dec 4
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:01 pm - 7:01 pmSEA-DSM
28h 00m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 10:06 amDSM-SEA
29h 06m2 stops
$247Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Mon, Dec 22 - Sun, Jan 4
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:33 pm - 1:40 pmSEA-DSM
17h 07m2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:50 am - 10:11 amDSM-SEA
24h 21m1 stop
$258Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Tue, Nov 25 - Thu, Dec 4
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:46 pm - 1:15 pmSEA-DSM
22h 29m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 10:06 amDSM-SEA
29h 06m2 stops
$270Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, Dec 18 - Sat, Dec 27
Frontier Logo
1:25 pm - 7:44 pmSEA-DSM
28h 19m1 stop
Frontier Logo
8:29 pm - 1:54 pmDSM-SEA
19h 25m2 stops
$274Frontier
Find Deal
Sun, Dec 14 - Sat, Dec 20
Frontier Logo
12:48 pm - 7:03 pmSEA-DSM
28h 15m1 stop
Frontier Logo
8:29 pm - 12:30 pmDSM-SEA
18h 01m1 stop
$283Frontier
Find Deal
Thu, Nov 27 - Thu, Dec 4
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:01 pm - 7:01 pmSEA-DSM
28h 00m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:30 am - 10:06 amDSM-SEA
27h 36m1 stop
$309Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Mon, Dec 22 - Sun, Jan 4
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:54 pm - 1:40 pmSEA-DSM
20h 46m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:50 am - 10:11 amDSM-SEA
24h 21m1 stop
$313Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, Dec 18 - Fri, Dec 26
Frontier Logo
1:25 pm - 7:44 pmSEA-DSM
28h 19m1 stop
Frontier Logo
8:29 pm - 1:54 pmDSM-SEA
19h 25m2 stops
$314Frontier
Find Deal
Thu, Dec 18 - Wed, Dec 24
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:25 pm - 7:44 pmSEA-DSM
28h 19m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:31 am - 12:30 pmDSM-SEA
29h 59m2 stops
$317Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Mon, Nov 24 - Thu, Dec 4
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:01 pm - 7:01 pmSEA-DSM
28h 00m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 10:06 amDSM-SEA
29h 06m2 stops
$319Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Booking Insights

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

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

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

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

If your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to Des Moines on a Wednesday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Sunday is the most expensive day to fly from Seattle to Des Moines. For your return ticket, we recommend flying on a Tuesday and avoiding Sundays for the best deals.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Seattle 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 Seattle to Des Moines is October, where tickets cost $363 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are November and December, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $636 and $636 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Seattle to Des Moines?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Seattle to Des Moines, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Seattle to Des Moines, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 42% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 16 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$57
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 18% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 13% lower on average.
Flight from Seattle to Des Moines

When to book flights from Seattle to Des Moines

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

  • Can I upgrade to first class after booking my Seattle to Des Moines flight ticket?

    We highly recommend upgrading your flight, given the long hours your flight will take. American Airlines offers upgrade options to first class at a reduced fee after you have booked your ticket. American Airlines first class features priority airport check-in, extra baggage allowance, better seat selections, priority boarding, and free meals.

  • What facilities are available with airlines on this route for travelers with disabilities?

    Most airlines on this route feature dedicated assistance personnel to aid passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. United Airlines features armrest release systems to help those with mobility challenges. Also, you can bring scooters, walkers, or electric wheelchairs on board.

  • Can I access airport lounges on this route if I'm not a frequent flyer?

    You can access airline lounges if you purchase their first class or business class option. If you are a Delta One passenger, you can access the Delta Air Lines Delta Sky Club at SEA for free. Similarly, first class travelers on United Airlines will enjoy premium amenities at United Airlines United Club during a layover at ORD.

  • Which alternative airports in Seattle can I use to fly out to Des Moines?

    You can also fly from Snohomish County Airport (PAE) in Seattle to Des Moines, also known as Paine Field Airport. This is a smaller airport compared to SEA, which means shorter lines, less crowded terminals, and potentially quicker check-in and security procedures.

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

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Seattle to Des Moines was $57 for a one-way ticket and $247 for a round-trip.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • What is the most popular layover when flying to Des Moines from Seattle?

    Denver is the most popular layover city among KAYAK users traveling from Seattle to Des Moines.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Seattle to Des Moines, Southwest or Alaska Airlines?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Seattle to Des Moines are Southwest and Alaska Airlines. With an average price for the route of $444 and an overall rating of 8.0, Southwest is the most popular choice. Alaska Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $599 and an overall rating of 8.0.

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

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Des Moines from Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle with another airline. Booking your flights between Seattle and DSM 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle to Des Moines

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is easily accessible from downtown Seattle. The Link Light Rail provides a fast and frequent connection, with trains departing approximately every 10 minutes. The journey lasts for about 38 minutes and is available from 5 am to 1 am on weekdays and from 6 am to midnight on Sundays and holidays.
  • When traveling with a pet from Seattle to Des Moines, your airline may have specific policies. Frontier allows passengers to add a pet to their reservation. Although there's no cap on the number of pets allowed in the cabin, Frontier allows one pet per passenger on board, put inside a pet carrier. Note that the pet carrier needs to be no more than 8 x14 x 8 inches in size.
  • You can book your minor for unaccompanied minor services for a flight from Seattle to Des Moines. United, American, and Frontier Airlines have this service which ensures the safety and comfort of young travelers. Trained staff escorts the children through security checks and assists them during boarding, connecting flights, and arrival procedures.
  • To fly eco-friendly, choose an airline that is committed to reducing carbon emissions and implementing eco-friendly initiatives. Frontier and Delta are the eco-friendly airlines on this route that actively participate in sustainable practices to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the flight route.
  • With a flight of over 6 hours, you want to consider a layover so as to break up the fight and enjoy exploring the layover point. Common layover cities for this route include Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) for a flight with Delta and Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) with United Airlines, American Airlines, or Alaska Airlines. Also, American Airlines has an alternative layover at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).

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

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Seattle 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 Seattle 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.
8.0
SouthwestOverall score based on 4235 reviews
8.0Comfort
8.6Crew
7.0Food
8.1Boarding
7.5Entertainment
Airline reviews

It was rough. The staff was unprofessional, the choice of on board drinks terrible, it was cramped in space at every airport, they always ran out of overhead bin space so they pressured people to check bags for free or we couldn’t leave on the plane— so I did check my bag to help, and they nearly lost my bag. My bag did not arrive on the luggage belt, another man on my flight and I had to waste our time going to the baggage office to search for our bags. I would only fly southwest again if it was my last choice. Also, my flights were consistently delayed over and over again— at one point they straight up told us we were waiting for the pilot to arrive.

2.0 MediocreCharity, Nov 2025MSP - MDW
Read more Southwest reviews

It was rough. The staff was unprofessional, the choice of on board drinks terrible, it was cramped in space at every airport, they always ran out of overhead bin space so they pressured people to check bags for free or we couldn’t leave on the plane— so I did check my bag to help, and they nearly lost my bag. My bag did not arrive on the luggage belt, another man on my flight and I had to waste our time going to the baggage office to search for our bags. I would only fly southwest again if it was my last choice. Also, my flights were consistently delayed over and over again— at one point they straight up told us we were waiting for the pilot to arrive.

Crew could have been friendlier, maybe I'm spoiled by SW crews. In flight wifi was good. Would be nice to have more food offerings on a 4 plus hour flight

Had to get off plane from prior flight even though I had to reboard same plane to continue to my final destination.

Everything a cheap airline should be at normal airline rates.

Plane crashed into a bus or some other vehicle on the ground while pulling out of the gate. No injuries, but wing tip was damaged and returned to gate for “maintenance issues” and we departed 5 hours later because the plane went out of service and new plane was flown in from a nearby airport, Midway.

Ever since Southwest starting charging for bags, passengers don't want to pay to check their bags, so the gate agents have to beg people to check their roller bags now because there's "not enough space". This was a terrible business move by Southwest.

Full cans of soda would be nice. A choice between two snacks would be appreciated.

Tried watching free movie and it kept freezing so I couldn’t finish.

All was good. I just had a hard time getting connected to the WiFi/internet during the flight

Sacrament staff are always polite and helpful. Airport is easy to maneuver and boarding is straightforward.

The ticket agents in West Palm Beach on Friday afternoon Nov. 7th were incredible in getting us on an earlier plane to Atlanta during the government shutdown. Had the taken our original flight we would have missed our connection. She did this on her own, We didn't even have to ask, and she did it all with a smile and showing genuine concern that we would be taken care of. We are very grateful and thankful. We fly often, and now we will be sure to fly Delta.

Flight delayed then cancelled. Misplaced luggage. Still do not have. Rented car 1100 mile drive. I had to buy some overnight Hotels clothes toiletries gas food at my expense. Still not home. Not sure where luggage is. Over 4 hours on hold to Felta

I truly love flying with Delta. They have always treated me with the upmost respect

Our flight attendant in FIRST CLASS was one of the worst I’ve ever had. She was not at all pleasant, nor particularly good at her service.

Everything went well and was good. Nothing exceptional, but no complaints either. Cheap seats are pretty comfortable.

Staff were friendly and happy. Delta could make sure passengers that don't have the app know of changes. Without Kayak I would not have known about the change of gate or the delay. Kayak was faster to notify me.

They ended up paying for the bag twice, but the counter wouldn't take my baggage receipt. Left it to me to resolve. Not sure how to resolve the issue.

The customer service before board was very rude and when I expressed my concerns about making the connecting flight she laughed and told me I bought the wrong ticket. I explained once it showed the flight was delayed it no longer let me change seats or anything. I was trying to upgrade to make sure I would get to the next gate on time.

Non stop on long haul is the way to go. Great experience

The flight used a B767 with a very old interior from before 2014. The entertainment system did not work at all during the flight despite attempts to reset the system. It was like they flew this route just to be competitive.

Starlink wifi on the Embraer E175 is an excellent experience. I was able to connect and work from IAD all the way to approach into BTV.

Older aircraft, no meal, only food was for purchase. Not impressed United.

United needs to step up their game. Delayed flight leaving Seattle, San Francisco. Older aircraft, not very comfortable.

Always wish for more healthy, gluten free options. We have to bring our own.

Having a long layover, I was very appreciative of the ability to stand by for an earlier flight. Other airlines like Delta have refused this to me in the past, just to be mean (because my ticket class wasn't high enough). United went out of their way to help me get to my destination early, which I really appreciated given that it was the third leg of a 24+ hour journey for me.

Other than a way way too cold cabinets for the entire flight, all was great

One bag is incorrect and not acceptable for an international flight. The food was not just good. I won't fly with them again.

Not pleasant trip cross country when the entertainment and WiFi system not working. No entertainment for entirety of route. Staff was rather nonchalant in that they dismissed the problem due to age of plane. It would have been nice to know this up front so I could have come prepared to read or download movies before boarding Coincidentally or not, there was a similar issue with the entertainment system on my previous flight I took on my fist leg of the trip. There are no seat TVs, so you must rely on the app when it works. United can do better. Also, what use it it to pay for boarding group 2 when half of the passengers are in the same line as you?

Plane boarded early a quickly, was mostly full. We left close to on time. And landed early.

Premium Plus is a really good idea for longer flights

we landed at cmh ten minutes early but had to sit on tarmac for twenty minutes because a plane was at our gate despite the fact that 3 other gates were open.

The experience with American Airlines was good, although the Philippines Airlines flight was much better (better seats, better food, better entertainment options, overall better). Again, the MIA to LAX flight was fine, but nothing in comparison to the comfort and accommodations of the Philippines Airlines flight from LAX to MNL.

I have a gluten allergy so did have any food

I have a gluten allergy so didn't have any food

Loved the crew . Absolutely no complaints. Except for luggage lost

Everything was good The connects, with no blame to crew. Or pilots. I understand they are short staffed. Everything went well for me. I'll be using you guys again in May if not sooner.

this plane was really old, had exit row seats and tray was in arm of seat so super uncomfortable to use. another seat they could t even use the tray it was broke. seat i. front of me had duct tape on it cause seat was ripped open... this plane should either be updated or retired.

Baggage handling poor. Second time this has happened. My bag went to San Francisco instead of Fiji. No apology. Luckily Nadi airport staff are fantastic. My bag arrived in Fiji the next day.

We loved the steward on the plane. He made the night enjoyable

I enjoyed the extra leg room compared to other airlines. The first stewards made my daughter’s birthday special by giving her an extra snack. Then the last one coming home from Chicago to Appleton made our night really enjoyable Thanks for making our trip enjoyable

When I wanted to check in 3 hours prior to boarding time, the employees mentioned “a little over an hour delay” so I waited for an hour then I went to go look for food in the terminal and most people from that flight were in the same area looking for food. Finally I decided after food to check to see if it’s anytime closer and now it’s 2 mins until boarding closes?! What are you kidding me? I didn’t receive anything via sms about boarding now nor via email or on the intercom. I luckily made it through, barely, and then there’s no room for my carry on mind you I’m in the very first row so I had to place my purse in one further row back and my carry on sections down. Not sure who pays for better seats to get your stuff placed all over the plane but that was the worst experience I’ve ever had flying with anyone.

Better than expected. Staff were friendly and nice on both flights.

There was no one at the counter to assist with our check in. The app didn’t work, so I arrived at the airport with time to check in and I couldn’t because no employees were there. When I finally got someone on the phone, it was inside the 60min rule and they said I could no longer check in and they could sell me another ticket. We had to scramble and pay an additional $800 for tickets and THEN AFTER (about 60 min from my original convo with customer service and 10min after original departure time) I had boarded my new flight, there was email saying my original flight from Frontier was delayed and leaving 2hr 50min later, but I STILL wouldn’t have been able to check in. Which means customer service should have been able to see it and let me check in because I was well within my check in time. When I call Frontier, they hang up on me. So their app didn’t work and they employees left and they take zero responsibility or assistance with their “customer service”

Terrible. Flight cancelled with no reasoning and no flights to rebook. Employees were useless and did nothing to help. Did not even know where to retrieve luggage from the cancelled flight. Flyers beware.

No fault of Frontier staff: plane was very late, reached Orlando at 1 am, took a while to get luggage. Weather, gov financial shutdown impact on TSA, air controllers seemed to have multiple flights backed up. Frontier staff seemed to cope as gracefully as possible. It did reassure me that I and my new hip could adapt to travel challenges. Food/entertainment were irrelevant to my trip.

Terrible. The canceled my entire flight when I requested a refund for a trip frontier canceled trip one way.

Boarding was on time and plane departed as scheduled. There are obviously no amenities (food, drink, entertainment) on Frontier, but there also didn't seem to be any issues with luggage space either.

Inbound plane was on time and flight departed on time with no issues while boarding.

I knew going into this that Frontier, being a low cost carrier, would be pretty bare bones and charge for most extras but this was made up for by the fact that the airplane was a reasonably new Airbus, every employee was great and best of all, Everett Washington is an amazing airport - thanks Frontier for flying there!!!

i was unable to check in the flight. refund requested

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports