DSM

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$146
Typical prices: $297-$548
Multiple Airlines
Sun 10/28Thu 11/1
ATL - DSM • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$176
Typical prices: $214-$479
Frontier
Mon 10/1Fri 10/5
DEN - DSM • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with American Airlines, United Airlines and others. Average duration is 2h 07m.
FAQs
FAQs
Top airlines
Most flights • 124 per week
Best reviews • 8.0 score
Airline reviews
+1
Airline reviews
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 61% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 24 weeks in advance save around 43% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 13% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
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Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights to Des Moines

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals to Des Moines

Wed, Oct 28 - Sun, Nov 1
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:11 pm - 2:42 pmATL  Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson-DSM Des Moines
23h 31m1 stop Philadelphia
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:00 am - 10:57 amDSM  Des Moines-ATL Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
25h 57m1 stop Philadelphia
$146Multiple Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Sun, Oct 18
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:07 pm - 2:42 pmATL  Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson-DSM Des Moines
18h 35m1 stop Philadelphia
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:43 am - 11:00 amDSM  Des Moines-ATL Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
25h 17m1 stop Philadelphia
$146Multiple Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Mon, Oct 5
Frontier Logo
8:00 am - 10:44 amDEN  Denver Intl-DSM Des Moines
1h 44mnonstop
Frontier Logo
8:30 pm - 9:29 pmDSM  Des Moines-DEN Denver Intl
1h 59mnonstop
$176Frontier
Thu, Sep 24 - Sun, Sep 27
Frontier Logo
8:00 am - 10:44 amDEN  Denver Intl-DSM Des Moines
1h 44mnonstop
Frontier Logo
11:29 am - 12:26 pmDSM  Des Moines-DEN Denver Intl
1h 57mnonstop
$178Frontier
Thu, Feb 25 - Sat, Feb 27
American Airlines Logo
5:29 pm - 7:09 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-DSM Des Moines
1h 40mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
7:52 pm - 9:30 pmDSM  Des Moines-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
1h 38mnonstop
$237American Airlines
Wed, Sep 30 - Tue, Oct 6
American Airlines Logo
3:50 pm - 5:26 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-DSM Des Moines
1h 36mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
9:26 am - 11:10 amDSM  Des Moines-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
1h 44mnonstop
$237American Airlines
Wed, Oct 7 - Mon, Oct 12
United Airlines Logo
1:37 pm - 4:20 pmDEN  Denver Intl-DSM Des Moines
1h 43mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
5:22 pm - 6:25 pmDSM  Des Moines-DEN Denver Intl
2h 03mnonstop
$237United Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Mon, Oct 26
United Airlines Logo
6:10 pm - 9:01 pmDEN  Denver Intl-DSM Des Moines
1h 51mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
1:27 pm - 2:39 pmDSM  Des Moines-DEN Denver Intl
2h 12mnonstop
$237United Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 2
Southwest Logo
7:35 pm - 10:20 pmDEN  Denver Intl-DSM Des Moines
1h 45mnonstop
Southwest Logo
7:15 pm - 8:05 pmDSM  Des Moines-DEN Denver Intl
1h 50mnonstop
$237Southwest
Tue, Sep 29 - Mon, Oct 5
Southwest Logo
11:15 am - 1:55 pmDEN  Denver Intl-DSM Des Moines
1h 40mnonstop
Southwest Logo
7:10 pm - 8:00 pmDSM  Des Moines-DEN Denver Intl
1h 50mnonstop
$237Southwest
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for United States to Des Moines flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from the United States to Des Moines with more confidence.

What is the cheapest flight to Des Moines?

Atlanta to Des Moines is the cheapest route at $146 round-trip, found in the past 5 days on KAYAK. Denver to Des Moines is the most popular connection with round-trip deals from $176.

How much is a flight to Des Moines?

A round-trip flight to Des Moines costs $410 on average, based on data over the past 12 months on KAYAK. Round-trip fares from Nashville average $135, while Houston Hobby Airport runs a bit higher at $139.

What is the cheapest day to fly to Des Moines?

Thursday is the cheapest day to fly to Des Moines at $395 round-trip on average over the past 12 months on KAYAK. Sunday is the most expensive at $500.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Des Moines?

  • October is the cheapest month to fly to Des Moines with an average price of $358 round-trip.
  • March ($445) and July ($443) are the most expensive.
  • Based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Des Moines?

Afternoon flights to Des Moines are the cheapest at $408 round-trip on average. Evening flights are the most expensive at $430.

What is a good deal for flights to Des Moines?

Flights under $297 are considered a good deal. 25% of KAYAK users found round-trip flights to Des Moines at or below these prices, with the lowest fares from:

  • Nashville $95
  • Houston Hobby Airport $104
  • Las Vegas $142
.

When are flights to Des Moines the cheapest?

Flights to Des Moines are cheapest 24 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 43% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight to Des Moines

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines, Delta and Frontier

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Daniel Scheffler

Daniel Scheffler

Expert on Allegiant Air

Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, podcaster, and producer. Born in Africa, bred in Europe and now living in America he has traveled to 140 countries (and all 50 U.S. states). Plus he has stayed at over 2500 hotels across the globe. His original shows Everywhere and Without Maps (available on Spotify) showcase his beliefs, travel is about humanity and sharing that beauty. And thus it reminds you that you shouldn’t believe everything you think.

Key details for flights to Des Moines

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$66
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 3% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 6% increase in price.
Flight from Denver to Des Moines

When to book flights to Des Moines

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel 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

Your questions about flights to Des Moines, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • How to get from Des Moines International Airport to Des Moines city center?

    There are various ways to get from Des Moines International Airport to the city center after your flight to Des Moines: buses run daily from one place to the other, connecting the airport to the city for the convenience of all travelers, and a number of hotels in the area offer free shuttle services. Moreover, car rental desks and taxi ranks are conveniently located at the Arrivals Terminal for those who prefer to travel independently.

  • What kind of services does Des Moines International Airport offer?

    In order to stay at the top of its game and satisfy all travelers, Des Moines International Airport offers a range of services such as free Wi-Fi, ATM machines, mobile charging stations, massage chairs, a notary service, and cots to sleep on in the event of flight cancellations due to strikes or bad weather.

  • What attractions is Des Moines International Airport close to?

    Des Moines International Airport is indeed very close to Des Moines city center, but that is not all: the airport is also ideally located to visit attractions such as the Blank Park Zoo (2.3 miles to the east), the Willow Creek Golf Course (4.1 miles to the west), and the breathtaking Walnut Woods State Park (7.2 miles to the west), on the beautiful Raccoon River.

  • Are there malls near Des Moines International Airport?

    Yes, there are. If you are stuck on a long stopover and have exhausted all shopping options inside the airport, head out to one of the malls located not far from the Des Moines International Airport: the Southridge Mall and the Southgate Shopping Centre are the closest (3.2 and 4.1 miles to the east respectively), but there is also Shops at Roosevelt (6.3 miles to the north) and the Valley West Mall (8.8 miles to the northwest).

  • What domestic destinations can I connect to from Des Moines International Airport?

    There are ten popular domestic destinations from DSM that you can connect to from the airport. DSM to Denver is the busiest route served by Frontier, Southwest, and United Airlines. Delta Airlines offers flights to Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Detroit, while Southwest Airlines serves routes from DSM to Las Vegas and St. Louis. American Airlines offers flights to Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, and Charlotte.

  • Does Des Moines International Airport offer accessibility services?

    DSM is fully accessible to passengers with special needs. The airport has ramps, lifts, accessible washrooms, and TDD phones in the main terminal area and the concourses. If you have reduced mobility, you can request a wheelchair with your airline. The airlines and airport offer special assistance services to passengers needing assistance around the airport. DSM also provides accessible transport services to and from the airport by prior arrangements.

  • Are there on-site car rental agencies at Des Moines International Airport?

    DSM's on-site car rental agencies include Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, National, Hertz, and American Rent-A-Car, with counters in the baggage claim area. The pick-up and drop-off location is adjacent to the South Garage car park. The minimum age for renting a car at DSM is 21 years. You must present a driver's license valid for the whole rental period. The airport does not allow digital licenses.

  • Is there a hotel in Des Moines International Airport?

    Although DSM doesn't have a hotel within the airport, there are three hotels across the street from the airport that you can visit upon landing. All these hotels are about a 2-minute drive. The hotels have free 24-hour shuttle services for transit from the airport's parking lot.

  • What is the difference between the most popular and the most frequent airline at Des Moines?

    American Airlines operates the most flights from the United States to Des Moines at 124 per week, and for this route American Airlines is also the airline most often selected by KAYAK users searching for flights from the United States to Des Moines. The two are often different because flight volume reflects an airline's schedule, while popularity reflects traveler choice.

  • How long are nonstop flights to Des Moines from different departure cities?

    Nonstop flight time to Des Moines varies depending on your departure city:
    • from Charlotte: 2h 20m
    • from Nashville: 1h 38m
    • from Las Vegas: 2h 45m
    • from Denver: 1h 35m
    • from Chicago: 1h 20m

  • Where can I fly from to get the cheapest fares to Des Moines?

    Based on fares booked in the past 5 days, the cheapest flights to Des Moines are from:
    • Chicago, from $237 round-trip

  • How many flights serve Des Moines?

    Des Moines receives 52 flights per day and 361 per week from across the world. Chicago has the most flights to Des Moines, with 84 weekly flights.

  • How do I know if a flight to Des Moines is a good deal?

    A good deal on a flight to Des Moines is around $297 round-trip. This fare is in the lowest 25% of round-trip prices searched on KAYAK, averaged across the cities most often searched as origins by KAYAK users.

  • How expensive are last-minute flights to Des Moines?

    Last-minute fares to Des Moines – booked within 2 weeks of departure – run 19% above the average round-trip fare of $410.

  • Which airlines should I consider for flights to Des Moines?

Your guide to booking Des Moines flights

From booking to airport arrival, find tips to help you plan your flight with more confidence.
  • For the best chance at a low fare to Des Moines, aim to book around 24 weeks before you fly. That window historically saves about 43% versus last-minute pricing based on KAYAK booking data over the last 12 months.
  • For flights to Des Moines, recent KAYAK data shows that stronger deals tend to land around $297 round-trip. If you see a fare below that threshold, it's a strong deal – book before the price climbs back up.
  • If you can choose when to go, time your trip to Des Moines around October. Round-trip fares historically average $358 that month – typically the cheapest month to travel based on the last 12 months.
  • Before you book:

    • Check the route's typical price range so you can spot a deal.
    • Confirm baggage fees and seat-selection costs on budget carriers.
    • Verify whether you need any travel documents beyond ID.
    • Pick a departure airport, since your nearest may not be the cheapest origin.
  • Shift your departure to noon to save up to $22 per round-trip. Noon flights to Des Moines average $408 compared to $430 for afternoon flights. See the time-of-day chart above for the full breakdown.
  • Bag allowances vary by airline, fare type, cabin class and route. On flights to Des Moines, some airlines may include bags at no extra cost. For example, Allegiant Air includes a checked bag in Economy Class, American Airlines includes a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class and United Airlines includes a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class. Always check the fare details before booking, since bag policies can change by ticket type.
  • Once you arrive in Des Moines, a few great places to start are Iowa Events Center, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines and Des Moines Civic Center. These are popular with first-time visitors and can give you a good feel for the area.
  • Although smaller than other airports in the country, Des Moines International Airport still features a number of stores in which to do some last minute shopping while you are waiting for your flight. Head to the Capitol News & Gift shop in the lobby for souvenirs, newspapers, snacks, and University of Iowa apparel.
  • Eating at Des Moines International Airport is also not a problem as the Food Court, located on the first floors, offers a plethora of choices that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Moreover, there is also a number of restaurants if you prefer a proper, sit-down meal.
  • If you have emails to write or want to conduct some business while waiting for your flight, head to the Business Center. It is fully equipped with workstations, internet access, and fax and photocopy services.
  • Perhaps your flight to Des Moines has arrived late and you don’t want to travel into the city, or your connecting flight doesn’t leave until the morning and you don’t fancy the idea of sleeping in the airport. Whatever the reason, if you want to spend the night in a comfortable bed, book a room at one of the hotels located just minutes from the airport, many of which offer free shuttle services as well as day rooms.
  • Traveling with a pet? Des Moines International Airport features a Pet Relief Area where your furry friends can do their business and rest a moment before or after your flight. It is located outside the terminal, not far from the parking garage.
  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is the main airport serving Des Moines. DSM also serves nearby cities without airports, including West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, and Johnston.
  • Upon arrival at DSM from long flights, go to the airside, on the second floor of the main terminal, and take advantage of the on-site massage chairs available in each concourse to relieve tension in your back.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying to Des Moines

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with 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 4200 reviews
8.1Boarding
8.6Crew
8.0Comfort
7.0Food
7.5Entertainment
Airline reviews

Delayed and once landed waited very long for the luggage

6.0 GoodIngeborg, Sep 2026
Read more Southwest reviews

Delayed and once landed waited very long for the luggage

Nice managed … it was a smaller plane, so the seating wasn’t as comfortable.

The Southwest airline was ok. A big thank you to Kayak team (David), who worked with me on Sunday afternoon to rebook my travel from Burbank, CA, to CVG. My original flight on Sunday was delayed, so I had to cancel Sunday flight and rebook my travel to Monday. Could not have done it without help from David from Kayak team. Ante Soda GE Aerospace

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. :(

Love Southwest! Always a good trip with a happy crew who goes out of their way to be kind and fun.

Both legs on the way were smaller planes, each had a mechanical issue causing a delay

Delta exceeded my expectations! I am beyond satisfied. Thank you!

Flight was on time! That's the most important thing for me.

Delayed flight. Dirty seats, dirty seat belts with food stuck on it from previous passengers maybe. No one cleaned the seats or flight.

The flight was delayed and knowing I was going to miss my connection, nothing was done proactively to try and get me rebooked. It was an act of congress to do so. This is not on the crew, but on the experience itself

No headphones, forced to sit in another seat that I did not book, had to check my carry on when I boarded the plane I saw backpacks and other non carry on items stuffed in the carry on holder! Horrible experience Wi-Fi did not work either

Sat in the tarmac at O’Hare for 65 minutes. This is a regular occurrence for delta at O’Hare

Delta is getting worst by the minute. Where this was at one point my only go to airline, it has become like a budget airline

All was fine. Small plane so no food or entertainment.

Very disappointed in the crew as they did not pick up my trash nor offer headsets

Crew was great. Seats are cramped and uncomfortable and I’m a small person.

Awful. Delay after delay. And then again on the tarmac.

WiFi was slow as compared to trip down. Maybe because it was a night flight and more people were using it?

Excellent except for the 2 screaming kids who wouldn’t stop crying and screaming for the entire flight but what are you going to do? The flight was early- good experience

Kept changing the takeoff time and the moved it up so arrived when boarding had already started. Then sat waiting to taxi in for a long time

A long delay. Don't travel late in the day.

The seat was comfortable. There was a lot of turbulence. If it weren't for that,it would have been okay.

It was great, I’m very grateful for the pilots and crew flight attendants for everything.

Flight was great. Efficient boarding. Short flight. Early arrival. Friendly flight crew. The entertainment system did not work well. Could not access it until the aircraft reached 10K feet or more. Lots of glitches.

No food service almost missed because of first flight delays

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.........

My flights were all delayed , mostly due to technical issues with AA aircrafts. I had to rebook my trip 4 times . I lost my whole day and finally arrived in LAX around midnight. This was a very bad experience with American airlines , I will always try to avoid flying with them

AA was fine....the overall experience was subpar, but not due to the airline due to broader issues

Delayed and WIFI was not working for most of flight.

The big challenge here was that the inbound flight was delayed, THEN, the aircraft was deemed in need of service, so we had to deplane after being a few minutes away from departure, THEN we had to switch terminals, where another plane in our gate had maintenance issues so we had to change gates again. I am a regular flyer (not on American) so I understand these things happen. The crew was great. The pilot in particular was gracious and understanding and stayed with the passengers the whole time to answer questions and give updates - that was impressive. But the flight was massively delayed as a result, and today I really wanted to be home in time. Sigh The flight was otherwise great.

I am Plstinum Pro snd was standby on earlier flight. They gave seats to people that asked rather than follow standby order. When realized what was happening was too late to get on as no seats left. My scheduled flight was late. Then filled the seat beside me Ruth rude person that they had to move from her original seat

The boarding by groups is pointless. The first two groups worked fine, but almost Noone boarded in goups three thru five leaving the vast majority boarding when group six was called. It defeated the purpose of spreading out the crowd.

I blame kayak for my last trip to dca. Kayak cancelled my direct flight and put on a one stop flight and made lost whole day from my vacation and had not even refunded my ticket.

delayed multiple times. no resolution on anything from AA customer service. was put on hold in chat to talk to manager. was 6th in line to talk to manager for more than TWELVE HOURS - from sometime around 9AM until well after I had gone to bed that evening. no explanation, no attempt to make it right. just a five hour delay because of repeated maintenance claims

Was the most uncomfortable I ever had in the air. Felt like I was trapped in the seat legs cramped and was just horrible. The flight to DSM was a lot better. Even being on a smaller plane was better. Staff are outstanding. No complaints about the people.

It was exactly as I expected, on time, smooth flight, courteous staff.

Traveling to a place near Des Moines?

Book flights to Des Moines if you plan to visit one of these locations
West Des Moines
Altoona
Urbandale
Newton
Osceola
Johnston
Grinnell
Carlisle

More options for your flight to Des Moines