Best Flights starting from $236
from$236economy
Chicago (ORD)
Sun, Aug 9
Roundtrip
Des Moines (DSM)
Wed, Aug 12
from$250economy
Chicago (ORD)
Tue, Aug 4
Roundtrip
Des Moines (DSM)
Fri, Aug 7
from$300economy
Chicago (ORD)
Fri, Aug 7
Roundtrip
Des Moines (DSM)
Mon, Aug 10
from$306economy
Chicago (ORD)
Thu, Aug 6
Roundtrip
Des Moines (DSM)
Sun, Aug 9
from$329economy
Chicago (ORD)
Mon, Aug 3
Roundtrip
Des Moines (DSM)
Thu, Aug 6
from$329economy
Chicago (ORD)
Wed, Aug 5
Roundtrip
Des Moines (DSM)
Sat, Aug 8
from$329economy
Chicago (ORD)
Sat, Aug 8
Roundtrip
Des Moines (DSM)
Tue, Aug 11
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Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Chicago (ORD) to Newark (EWR) in August from $164
From $164
Chicago (ORD) to San Juan (SJU) in August from $198
From $198
Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $250
From $250
Chicago (ORD) to Reno (RNO) in August from $268
From $268
Chicago (ORD) to London (LHR) in August from $287
From $287
Chicago (ORD) to Queretaro (QRO) in August from $349
From $349
Flights from Other Cities
Dallas (Any) to Des Moines (DSM) in October from $143
From $143
Los Angeles (LAX) to Des Moines (DSM) in October from $202
From $202
Burbank (BUR) to Des Moines (DSM) in October from $487
From $487
El Paso (ELP) to Des Moines (DSM) in November from $94
From $94
Los Angeles (LAX) to Des Moines (DSM) in November from $208
From $208
Charlotte (CLT) to Des Moines (DSM) in November from $357
From $357
✈️ Flight Guide: Chicago (ORD) → Des Moines (DSM)
Complete travel information for your August journey
Departing from Chicago (ORD) FAQs
To find the cheapest flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in June, monitor fare alerts, compare low-cost carriers and legacy airlines, and book mid-week for lower prices. Use flexible-date search tools and check nearby hubs like Chicago (ORD), Minneapolis (MSP), and Dallas (DFW) for cheaper connections. Sign up for airline newsletters and set price alerts to capture flash sales and economy fare drops.
Arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic economy flight at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to allow time for security screening and parking, especially during weekday morning peaks or summer travel months. If you need to check luggage or travel during holidays, give yourself two hours to avoid stress. Check airport real-time security wait times and use mobile boarding passes to speed the process.
Popular, budget-friendly routes from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) often include Chicago (ORD), Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), and Orlando (MCO) depending on seasonal demand. Use fare comparison engines to identify months with low demand — for example, fall shoulder season often brings cheaper economy tickets to leisure hotspots. Consider connecting flights through major hubs to access more low-cost routing options.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) offers on-site short-term and long-term parking, ride-shares, taxis, and scheduled shuttle services; long-term parking is usually the cheapest for extended trips. Consider off-site parking shuttles for the lowest rates, or use public transit and ride-share carpooling if traveling light. Booking airport parking in advance can save money during peak travel months.
Yes — economy fares from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) typically peak during summer (June–August) and winter holiday periods, while spring shoulder months (April–May) and fall (September–November) often offer lower prices. Use monthly fare trend reports and flexible-date searches to capture seasonal dips. Setting fare alerts for specific routes will notify you when economy fares drop.
Finding cheap last-minute economy flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in November can be hit-or-miss; weekdays after mid-November and the week after Thanksgiving often have higher demand. For best chances of a bargain, look for midweek red-eyes or connect through larger hubs like Chicago (ORD) or Minneapolis (MSP). Use last-minute fare aggregators and airline standby options for potential savings.
Arriving at Des Moines (DSM) FAQs
Cheapest Economy Fare (ECONOMY) refers to the lowest-priced economy-class ticket available for a route and typically includes basic seat selection, limited or no checked baggage allowance, and fewer change/refund options. Travelers should expect standard economy seating and may pay extra for add-ons like priority boarding or extra legroom. Always review the fare rules and baggage policy before booking to avoid surprise fees upon arrival.
Though 'Cheapest Economy Fare (ECONOMY)' is a fare class rather than a physical airport, travelers often use economy tickets to reach nearby major cities such as Des Moines (DSM), Omaha, Kansas City, Minneapolis, and Chicago; these hubs provide onward connections. When planning arrival logistics, consider proximity to these metropolises and available ground transport to reach your final destination. Comparing connecting hub options can reveal cheaper routes and better arrival times.
To find the cheapest economy arrival times in November, search flexible dates, target mid-week arrivals (Tuesday–Thursday), and avoid peak holiday windows around Thanksgiving. Use fare calendars and flight comparison sites to compare arrival-time price differences; late-night and early-morning arrivals often cost less. Set fare alerts and book when a consistent downward trend appears.
Yes, cheapest economy fares frequently limit checked baggage and may only include a personal item and one small carry-on, depending on the airline’s policy. Additional baggage, seat selection, and priority boarding are usually offered as paid extras. Check the airline’s fare rules before arrival to avoid fees at the gate or baggage counter.
Arrival procedures (immigration, baggage claim, customs) are based on the airport and route rather than the fare class; however, cheapest economy passengers may not have access to expedited arrival services like fast-track immigration or baggage priority. Plan for standard processing times and consider purchasing fast-track or priority services separately if you need quicker arrivals at major hubs. Review airport arrival maps for easiest transfer routes and ground transport.
You can combine cheapest economy fares into multi-destination itineraries by booking through an airline alliance or using multi-city search tools on aggregators; watch connections and layover minimums carefully to avoid missed flights. Low-cost carriers may require separate tickets for each leg, which increases transfer risk and baggage fees. For complex multi-city travel, consider a slightly higher fare with protected connections for peace of mind.
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Events & Festivals That Affect Des Moines International Airport (DSM) Economy Fares
Key events that impact DSM economy fares: Iowa State Fair (late July) — causes regional price spikes and increased demand for flights; RAGBRAI cycling festival (summer) — affects travel to Iowa gateways; World Food & Music Festival in nearby cities and major conventions in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Kansas City can also raise fares. National events like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer holidays drive significant price increases across all routes. Plan trips during off-peak weeks, or book well in advance, to avoid event-related fare surges. CTA: Check event calendars and compare alternate dates to find the cheapest DSM economy fares around festival periods.
Best Time to Fly from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) — Save on Economy Fares
Best times to fly from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) for cheapest economy fares are typically January, February, September, and October — shoulder months where demand is lower. Book domestic economy flights 1–3 months in advance for non-peak travel and 2–6 months for busy summer or holiday periods. Mid-week departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and early-morning or late-night flights often yield lower prices. CTA: Use a fare calendar to find the best booking window for your DSM economy trip.
Direct vs Connecting Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) — Economy Trade-offs
Direct flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) save time and minimize transfer risks but are often priced higher than connecting itineraries. Connecting flights through hubs like Chicago (ORD), Minneapolis (MSP), or Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) can significantly lower the cost of economy fares, but require careful planning — allow ample connection time and consider baggage transfer rules. For budget travel, prioritize connecting itineraries booked on a single ticket to ensure protection in case of delays. CTA: Compare direct and connecting DSM routes to find the best economy value for your schedule.
Airline Comparison for Economy Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Common carriers and economy fare considerations at Des Moines International Airport (DSM): - American Airlines (via DFW/ORD): solid hub connectivity and frequent schedules; basic economy may restrict seat selection. - Delta Air Lines (via MSP/ATL): strong Midwest network and reliable connections; check baggage policies for basic fares. - United Airlines (via ORD/DEN): expansive route options through Chicago and Denver; compare add-on fees for the cheapest economy tickets. Low-cost carriers or seasonal services may offer attractive headline prices, but tally baggage and seat fees to determine the true cheapest option. CTA: Compare airline fares and add-on fees from DSM to pick the cheapest economy experience that meets your needs.
Seasonal Travel Tips for Economy Flyers from Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Winter: Expect occasional delays; book flexible fares and arrive early for security. Spring: Shoulder-season bargains — ideal for flexible-date travelers. Summer: Peak demand and higher economy fares; book months in advance and avoid holiday weekends. Fall: One of the best seasons for cheaper economy tickets and pleasant travel conditions — mid-week travel often yields the best prices. Always check baggage rules, pack light to avoid fees, and set price alerts for seasonal sales. CTA: Search seasonal DSM economy deals and sign up for tailored fare alerts to save.
Flight Times & Schedules from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Major Hubs — Economy Guide
Typical flight durations from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to major hubs: DSM → Chicago (ORD): ~1 hour 20 minutes nonstop; DSM → Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP): ~1 hour 5 minutes; DSM → Denver (DEN): ~2 hours 10 minutes; DSM → Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): ~2 hours 10 minutes; DSM → Atlanta (ATL): ~2 hours 20 minutes. For economy travelers, early-morning and late-evening flights can be cheaper. Allow 60–90 minutes for domestic connections at major hubs if you have carry-on only, and 90–120 minutes if checking bags or during peak travel windows. CTA: Check current DSM schedules and compare flight durations to plan the cheapest and most efficient itinerary.
Cheap Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) — Economy Fare Strategies
To secure cheap flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), use flexible-date search tools, set fare alerts, and compare connecting flights through major hubs like Chicago (ORD), Minneapolis (MSP), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). Consider low-cost carriers for basic economy fares, but always add up baggage and seat fees to get the true price. For best results, search 1–3 months ahead for domestic economy routes and 2–6 months ahead for peak-season travel. CTA: Compare prices now for cheap DSM economy flights and sign up for alerts to catch flash sales.