Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your November journey
In November, El Paso International Airport (ELP) sees consistent service on major domestic routes; direct flights to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) remain rare, so travelers should expect one-stop itineraries through DFW, DEN, or PHX. Early to mid-November often offers lower fares and fewer crowds compared with the Thanksgiving travel peak; secure cheap flights by booking 3–6 weeks in advance and setting fare alerts. Travelers from nearby cities and destinations such as Las Cruces, Ciudad Juárez, and Albuquerque should account for driving times and border traffic when planning airport arrival. For smoother travel: enroll in TSA PreCheck, reserve airport parking in advance, and check carrier alerts the night before departure.
Direct nonstop service between El Paso International Airport (ELP) and Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is uncommon year-round and still rare in November. Most itineraries require one stop, typically through a hub such as Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Phoenix (PHX) or Chicago (ORD). Check carriers for seasonal or charter changes and book early if a one-stop itinerary is acceptable.
Average total door-to-door travel time for ELP to DSM with one connection is typically 4.5 to 7 hours in November, depending on connection length and route. Actual airborne time is usually around 3 to 3.5 hours; add hub connection time of 1–3 hours for realistic planning. Monitor weather advisories since Midwest winter conditions can add delays late in the month.
To find cheap flights ELP to DSM in November, search midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday), book 3–8 weeks ahead, and use fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner. Avoid the Thanksgiving week spike (late November) when fares typically rise; target early or mid-November for shoulder-season savings. Consider flexible dates and one-stop itineraries via major hubs for the best prices.
Plan for 30–45 minutes driving from nearby suburbs like Las Cruces or central El Paso and allow extra time for parking and shuttle transfers. Rideshare, taxis, and local shuttle services run reliably; consider reserving airport parking in advance during holiday weekends. In November, morning fog is possible in the border region—leave earlier to avoid missing check-in.
For domestic travel from El Paso International Airport (ELP) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), U.S. citizens need a federally accepted photo ID such as a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or passport. Non-U.S. citizens should carry passports and any required immigration documents. If you plan to cross into Juárez or return from Mexico during your trip, carry appropriate passports and review CBP guidelines.
El Paso typically has mild to cool November weather with low precipitation, so departures are usually on time; however, early- and late-November can bring strong crosswinds or regional fog that briefly affect operations. Midwest connections through hubs like Denver or Chicago may face snow or low ceilings, so build buffer time for connections. Check airline alerts the evening before travel for weather-related schedule changes.
Arriving at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in November after a flight from El Paso International Airport (ELP) usually requires attention to seasonal weather and holiday traffic. Early- and mid-November are ideal for lower crowds and easier rental-car availability; Thanksgiving week often sees a surge in passengers and higher rental rates. For transfers to nearby major centers like Cedar Rapids, Ames, Iowa City, or Omaha, reserve rental cars or shuttles in advance and monitor local forecasts for snow or ice. Use rideshare or the DSM cellphone lot for efficient pickups, and check airline baggage policies if you have connecting segments that started in El Paso.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) offers rental cars, rideshare pickup, taxis, and limited public transit; rental desks are in the terminal and rideshare pickup points are clearly marked. In November, roads can be slick due to early winter weather, so allow extra time for ground transfers and consider booking a rental in advance during holiday weekends. For trips to nearby cities such as Cedar Rapids, Ames, or Omaha, renting a car is often the fastest and most flexible option.
November in Des Moines can be cold with temperatures ranging from the 20s to 50s (°F) and the first snowfalls are possible, so dress in layers and bring a warm coat. Expect occasional delays or longer transfer times during snow or ice events—check local forecasts and follow airline notifications for de-icing or arrival adjustments. Pack an extra layer in carry-on luggage for sudden temperature drops after deplaning.
Flights from El Paso International Airport (ELP) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) are domestic, so standard domestic baggage claim procedures apply and there is no customs processing. Check your itinerary—if you routed through a gateway that required re-checking baggage, confirm whether your bag is checked through to DSM or must be rechecked at the connection. For oversized or sports equipment, verify airline-specific fees and size rules before travel.
From Des Moines International Airport (DSM) you have convenient access to nearby major cities and top destinations such as Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Ames (Iowa State University), Omaha, and Minneapolis. Many travelers use DSM as a hub for regional road trips or university visits—November road conditions should be checked before driving to outlying destinations. For intercity travel, regional bus and shuttle providers may reduce frequency in late-season months, so book transfers ahead.
Evening arrivals in November can be busier during Thanksgiving week; plan to arrive at the cellphone lot or designated pickup area 10–20 minutes after the scheduled landing due to deplaning and baggage claim time. Airport surface conditions may slow exits during winter weather—coordinate pick-ups via text to match the actual baggage carousel. Use the DSM parking app or airport signage to find the most convenient curbside pickup point.
Late November brings holiday parades, tree-lighting events and increased shopping traffic, especially the weekend of Thanksgiving; these events can increase ground traffic and parking demand around DSM and downtown Des Moines. If you plan to attend seasonal festivals or holiday markets, allow extra time and consider public transit or rideshare to avoid parking congestion. Check local event calendars before travel for specific dates and recommended arrival times.
November hosts several notable events that affect travel flow for both El Paso and Des Moines. El Paso and the border region celebrate Día de los Muertos (All Souls’ Day) in early November, drawing visitors to cultural events and cemeteries in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez; expect hotel occupancy and some local traffic to increase. In Des Moines, late November marks the start of holiday markets, tree-lighting ceremonies, and Thanksgiving-related activities which can raise ground-transport demand and parking usage near downtown and the airport. If traveling around these events, book flights and car rentals early and allow additional time for airport pickups and drop-offs.
For November travel between El Paso International Airport (ELP) and Des Moines International Airport (DSM), the optimal window is early-to-mid November for lower fares and fewer crowds. Avoid late-November dates immediately surrounding Thanksgiving—fare spikes and fuller flights are common. Flying midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) often results in lower prices; choose morning departures from ELP to minimize ripple delays from winter weather in connecting hubs.
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