Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is approximately 7 miles from downtown Des Moines and is easily reached by taxi, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), airport shuttle, and regional bus services. In October, expect mild fall traffic and occasional early morning fog; plan for 30–45 minutes from downtown during peak hours. For the best fares on parking and curbside pickup, book rideshares in advance or use pre-paid parking options at DSM.
There are typically no daily nonstop commercial flights between Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Ontario International Airport (ONT) year-round; most itineraries in October are one-stop with a connection via a hub such as Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), or Chicago (ORD). Use airline filters for 'nonstop' or '1 stop' when searching in October to compare travel time and price.
Round-trip fares from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Ontario International Airport (ONT) in October typically range from $220 to $450 depending on how far in advance you book, day of week, and airline. Booking 3–7 weeks in advance and being flexible with midweek travel can secure lower prices; use price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner to capture deals.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) offers TSA PreCheck enrollment partners, baggage services, rental car counters, free Wi-Fi, dining options, and a business lounge. In October you can expect seasonal menus at some eateries and typical operational hours; check the DSM official website for holiday hours and temporary construction notices before travel.
October in Des Moines can bring cool days, crisp nights, and occasional rain or early frost; average highs are in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C). Dress in layers for airport security and possible delays, pack a light jacket, and monitor airline status for weather-related adjustments. Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic departures during peak fall travel weekends to allow for security lines.
In October many carriers and online travel agencies offer fall sale fares and promotional codes—especially midweek—to stimulate shoulder-season travel. Check airline newsletters, student discount sites, and credit card promotions for reduced fares from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Southern California. Signing up for fare alerts and setting flexible date searches improves your chances of finding an October deal.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) offers taxis, rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), rental cars, and regional shuttles connecting to nearby cities like Riverside, San Bernardino, and Anaheim. In October, traffic volumes are moderate—allow extra time for transfers to Los Angeles or Disneyland area during weekend events. For best rates, pre-book rental cars or schedule shared shuttles.
Total elapsed time from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Ontario International Airport (ONT) typically ranges from 5 to 8+ hours depending on the number and length of connections; there are usually no direct nonstop options. Actual in-air flight time for the longest segment (e.g., DSM to DEN or DFW) is roughly 1.5–3 hours, with connecting legs to ONT adding additional time.
October in the Inland Empire near Ontario International Airport (ONT) features mild, dry weather with average highs in the mid-70s°F (around 24°C), making arrival comfortable. Crowds fluctuate with Southern California events—expect higher volumes during fall festivals, sports games, or major theme-park weekends. Check airline arrival status and local traffic to plan transfers.
October brings a variety of events that can influence travel between Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Ontario International Airport (ONT). In the Inland Empire, fall festivals, college football games, and Halloween events at theme parks near Anaheim can increase demand for ONT flights and rental cars. In Iowa, October may include fall college and high school sports, harvest festivals, and local cultural events that affect outbound traffic at DSM. Be aware of regional events—concerts, university homecoming weekends, and holiday-adjacent festivals—that could raise fares and hotel prices.
The best time to fly DSM to ONT in October is typically midweek—Tuesday through Thursday—when fares dip and airport crowds are lower. Book 3–8 weeks in advance for the best balance of price and availability. If your schedule is flexible, aim for early-morning DSM departures to minimize connection risk and arrive mid-day into Ontario International Airport (ONT). Avoid holiday weekends and major local events that drive up demand around Southern California destinations.
Nonstop flights between Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Ontario International Airport (ONT) are rare, so most travelers choose one-stop itineraries in October. Connecting flights often cost less but increase total travel time and the risk of missed connections; direct flights (when available to larger Southern California airports) save time but can be more expensive. For October travel, if you prioritize cost, select a single-connection itinerary via a reliable hub with sufficient layover time. If convenience and speed are essential, consider flying into a larger nonstop-access airport (e.g., LAX) if a nonstop is available and then drive or transfer to ONT.
Common carriers serving the DSM→ONT market with one-stop itineraries include American Airlines (via DFW), United (via DEN or ORD), and Delta (via ATL or DTW). Southwest may offer competitive fares through DEN or LAS in some months. In October, compare total trip cost (including baggage and seat fees), schedule convenience, and loyalty benefits. American often provides efficient DFW connections to ONT, United can offer DEN or ORD routings with tight hub connections, and Delta may route through ATL with longer total times but sometimes lower fares.
October travel between Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Ontario International Airport (ONT) is typically smooth, but travelers should prepare for seasonal variability. Pack layered clothing for chilly mornings and warm afternoons at ONT, and include a light rain jacket for possible showers in Des Moines. Arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights during peak October weekends, confirm connection times when booking one-stop itineraries, and download airline apps for real-time updates. Consider travel insurance or refundable fares if attending events with unpredictable schedules.
Most DSM to ONT itineraries in October involve one connection. Typical total journey times range from roughly 5 to 8+ hours depending on the length of the connection. Common junctions are Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), and Chicago O'Hare (ORD). When comparing schedules, prioritize short layovers (minimum connection times vary by airline and terminal) to reduce overall travel time but allow enough buffer for delays. Early morning departures from Des Moines often provide smooth connections to late-morning or early-afternoon arrivals in Southern California.
To find cheap flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Ontario International Airport (ONT) in October, start monitoring fares 6–8 weeks before departure. Use flexible-date searches and compare one-stop itineraries via major hubs like DFW, DEN, and ORD. Midweek departures (Tues–Thurs) usually offer lower prices than weekend travel, and red-eye or early-morning flights can unlock additional savings. Consider bundled packages (flight + hotel) and sign up for airline newsletters and credit card alerts to catch flash sales. Always compare total trip cost including baggage fees—basic economy may be cheaper but add costs for bags and seat selection.
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Book your economy class flight from Des Moines (DSM) to Ontario (ONT)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Starting from $209
Book your economy class flight from Des Moines (DSM) to Ontario (ONT)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Starting from $213
Book your economy class flight from Des Moines (DSM) to Ontario (ONT)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Starting from $213
Book your economy class flight from Des Moines (DSM) to Ontario (ONT)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Starting from $357
Book your economy class flight from Des Moines (DSM) to Ontario (ONT)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Starting from $357
Book your economy class flight from Des Moines (DSM) to Ontario (ONT)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Planning a trip from Des Moines (DSM) to Ontario (ONT) in october? SlickTrip helps you find the cheapest economy class flights with our comprehensive flight comparison tool. Whether you prefer direct flights for convenience or multi-stop flights for savings, we have options for every budget and schedule.
From Ontario International Airport (ONT), best options to reach Los Angeles or Anaheim include rental cars (30–50 minute drive depending on traffic), shared shuttles, or rideshares. In October, midweek drives are faster; weekends and event days (concerts, sports, theme park events) can increase travel time. For Disneyland trips, check shuttle packages or look for hotel shuttles that provide direct service.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) serves the Inland Empire and is a convenient gateway to Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, Pomona, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Palm Springs. Many travelers flying into ONT choose it for easier access to Southern California attractions like Disneyland, the Pomona Fairplex events, and Southern California wine country in October.
For October travel, compare off-airport hotels with park-and-fly packages, and use hotel booking sites to lock in nonrefundable rates if your dates are firm. Many hotels near Ontario International Airport (ONT) offer shuttle service and discounted long-term parking—book in advance for weekend or event travel periods. Also cross-check package deals that bundle flights and hotels for better savings.
