Are direct flights from Chicago to Des Moines always the best option?

Direct flights offer convenience by reducing travel time and avoiding layovers. However, they are not always the most economical choice. Flights with connections can sometimes be more affordable, depending on your priorities.

Can flexible travel dates help on Chicago to Des Moines flights?

Yes, being flexible with your travel dates can often lead to finding better flight deals. Prices may vary significantly between different days of the week or even within the same month. Adjusting your departure or return by a day or two can sometimes make a difference.

What extra costs should I check before booking Chicago to Des Moines flights?

Before booking, always check for potential extra costs such as baggage fees, seat selection charges, and any additional taxes. Some airlines may also charge for in-flight services or priority boarding. Understanding these fees helps in calculating the total travel expense.

Flights From Chicago

To Des Moines

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Des Moines

Browse current best options from Chicago. Become a member to unlock all deals and get alerts when new deals appear.

Deals from

Chicago

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

Prices updated 7 days ago

483 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Oct 26, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Chicago to Des Moines

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Chicago to Des Moines

2026-11-19 – 2026-11-23
CHI - Des Moines
40% AI deal score
$144
$195
Round trip
2026-11-17 – 2026-11-18
CHI - Des Moines
40% AI deal score
$146
$195
Round trip
2026-11-25 – 2026-11-27
CHI - Des Moines
39% AI deal score
$144
$215
Round trip
2027-01-28 – 2027-01-31
CHI - Des Moines
38% AI deal score
$222
$234
Round trip
2027-02-03 – 2027-02-16
CHI - Des Moines
39% AI deal score
$253
$270
Round trip
2027-02-03 – 2027-02-25
CHI - Des Moines
38% AI deal score
$248
$273
Round trip
2027-02-07 – 2027-02-16
CHI - Des Moines
37% AI deal score
$226
$274
Round trip
2027-01-21 – 2027-02-16
CHI - Des Moines
37% AI deal score
$191
$274
Round trip
2027-02-07 – 2027-02-25
CHI - Des Moines
36% AI deal score
$212
$278
Round trip
2027-01-21 – 2027-02-04
CHI - Des Moines
36% AI deal score
$199
$282
Round trip

Chicago to Des Moines: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to Des Moines

Flights from Chicago to Des Moines cover a distance of 480 km, classifying this as a short-haul route. This means you can expect a relatively quick journey between these two cities.

For travelers seeking cheap flights from Chicago to Des Moines, fares typically range from $352–$842, with a median of $559. Right now, fares are near the typical level, and about 1% of recent fares were classified as a good price.

If you are wondering when is the cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Des Moines, the data indicates that January is the most affordable month, with a median fare of $178. Following closely are December, with a median of $263, and November, with a median of $302.

Regarding direct flights from Chicago to Des Moines, 29.9% of recent itineraries were non-stop. This means that most itineraries connect at least once, with a typical number of 3 stopovers when connecting.

A typical journey from Chicago to Des Moines takes about 1h 32m, including connections. For non-stop flights, the median flight time is also 1h 32m, while connecting itineraries typically have a median duration of 18h 19m.

How much is a round trip from Chicago to Des Moines

Regular price: $109 - $298

Prices for flights from Chicago to Des Moines are currently within the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Chicago to Des Moines is USD 109 to USD 298. The current lowest deal is USD 215 with Southwest Airlines, for travel from Nov 25-Nov 27.

now $215

Low $109

High $298

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Des Moines

The cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Des Moines is January, with a median price of $178. The most expensive month is October, with a median price of $562. Generally, prices are lower from January to December.

January

Cheapest

Flights from $178

October

Most Expensive

Flights from $562

Jan

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Chicago to Des Moines

United Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Chicago to Des Moines

Sun, Nov 1

⌛ Last-Minute

RFD - Des Moines

Chicago (RFD) - Des Moines (DSM)

Allegiant Air

$347

$392

One-way

Mon, Nov 2

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Des Moines

Chicago (ORD) - Des Moines (DSM)

Air Canada, WestJet

$285

$1,949

One-way

Wed, Nov 11

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Des Moines

Chicago (ORD) - Des Moines (DSM)

Frontier Airlines

$280

$401

One-way

Fri, Nov 13

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Des Moines

Chicago (ORD) - Des Moines (DSM)

Air Canada, WestJet

$273

$2,172

One-way

Tue, Nov 17

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - Des Moines

Chicago (MDW) - Des Moines (DSM)

Southwest Airlines

$146

$194

One-way

Thu, Nov 19

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Des Moines

Chicago (ORD) - Des Moines (DSM)

American Airlines

$139

$194

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Chicago to Des Moines

3 nights

Dec 3 - Dec 6

$298 → $234

21%

15 nights

Nov 1 - Nov 16

$348 → $318

5 nights

Dec 9 - Dec 14

$291 → $287

13 nights

Feb 3 - Feb 16

$253 → $279

10%

Popular Airports to fly from Chicago to Des Moines

Chicago - Des Moines route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are near the typical level.

Recent fares for Chicago to Des Moines are near the typical level of $559.

📅 Best time to fly

January is historically the cheapest month to fly.

Historically, January offers the lowest median price at $178 for this route.

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights average 1h 32m.

Direct flights to Des Moines from Chicago typically take 1h 32m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant on this route.

Connecting flights make up 70.1% of recent routes, with a median of 3 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

United Airlines offers direct flights.

United Airlines has offered direct flights on this route recently.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are rare for this route.

Deals for flights from Chicago to Des Moines are rare, appearing infrequently.

Chicago main airports to depart from

O Hare International (ORD)

Cheapest

Depart from O'Hare International for flights to Des Moines, often offering competitive prices.

📍 ~25 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car or train).

💸 Flights from ~$195

Chicago Midway International (MDW)

Consider Chicago Midway International for a departure option to Des Moines.

📍 ~14 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car or train).

💸 Flights from ~$234

Chicago Rockford International (RFD)

Chicago Rockford International provides another departure choice for your journey to Des Moines.

📍 ~126 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car).

💸 Flights from ~$283

Des Moines main airports to arrive at

Des Moines International (DSM)

Cheapest

Des Moines International Airport is a convenient arrival choice for flights from Chicago to Des Moines.

📍 ~8 km from Des Moines (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$195

Airports nearby Des Moines used as alternative

Eppley Airfield (OMA)

Eppley Airfield is a major regional hub offering higher flight frequency and diverse cabin classes.

📍 ~190 km from Des Moines (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$217

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Des Moines

Discover luxury on the budget with premium cabin class on flights from Chicago to Des Moines.

Elite

Best Elite deals to Des Moines

Exclusive daily First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy flight deals, refreshed every 24 hours.

From ORD

Elite

Dec 03

Des Moines, United States

41% AI deal score

$2,327

Porter Airlines, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Dec 03

Des Moines, United States

41% AI deal score

$2,491

Porter Airlines, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Nov 30

Des Moines, United States

40% AI deal score

$2,334

Air Transat, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Nov 29

Des Moines, United States

40% AI deal score

$2,448

Porter Airlines, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Nov 30

Des Moines, United States

40% AI deal score

$2,498

Air Transat, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Dec 02

Des Moines, United States

40% AI deal score

$2,507

Porter Airlines, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Nov 11

Des Moines, United States

40% AI deal score

$2,742

Porter Airlines, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Dec 01

Des Moines, United States

39% AI deal score

$2,896

Aeroméxico, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Nov 08

Des Moines, United States

39% AI deal score

$2,970

Aeroméxico, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Dec 01

Des Moines, United States

39% AI deal score

$3,061

Aeroméxico, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Dec 02

Des Moines, United States

39% AI deal score

$3,168

Aeroméxico, +1

Business Class

From ORD

Elite

Nov 09

Des Moines, United States

39% AI deal score

$3,223

Aeroméxico, +1

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Des Moines

To find more affordable flights, consider being flexible with your travel dates and times. Comparing prices across different airlines and booking sites can often reveal better deals. Setting up price alerts may also help you catch drops in fares.

Booking in advance is often recommended, though the ideal window can vary. Prices may fluctuate, so monitoring fares over time can help you decide. Weekday bookings sometimes offer different pricing compared to weekends.

Comparing nearby airports can sometimes lead to more flight options or different pricing. While it may require additional travel to and from these airports, it could be a worthwhile consideration. Always factor in the total cost and convenience.

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More routes from Chicago

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Flights to Des Moines from other cities

Flights from Denver to Des Moines Flights from Fayetteville to Des Moines Flights from Manchester to Des Moines Flights from New York to Des Moines Flights from Phoenix to Des Moines Flights from Venice to Des Moines

Chicago to Des Moines: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to Des Moines

Flights from Chicago to Des Moines cover a distance of 480 km, classifying this as a short-haul route. This means you can expect a relatively quick journey between these two cities.

How much is a round trip from Chicago to Des Moines

Regular price: $109 - $298

Prices for flights from Chicago to Des Moines are currently within the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Chicago to Des Moines is USD 109 to USD 298. The current lowest deal is USD 215 with Southwest Airlines, for travel from Nov 25-Nov 27.

now $215

Low $109

High $298

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Des Moines

January

Cheapest

Flights from $178

October

Most Expensive

Flights from $562

Jan

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Chicago to Des Moines

United Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Chicago to Des Moines

Sun, Nov 1

⌛ Last-Minute

RFD - Des Moines

Chicago (RFD) - Des Moines (DSM)

Allegiant Air

$347

$392

One-way

Mon, Nov 2

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Des Moines

Chicago (ORD) - Des Moines (DSM)

Air Canada, WestJet

$285

$1,949

One-way

Wed, Nov 11

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Des Moines

Chicago (ORD) - Des Moines (DSM)

Frontier Airlines

$280

$401

One-way

Fri, Nov 13

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Des Moines

Chicago (ORD) - Des Moines (DSM)

Air Canada, WestJet

$273

$2,172

One-way

Tue, Nov 17

⌛ Last-Minute

MDW - Des Moines

Chicago (MDW) - Des Moines (DSM)

Southwest Airlines

$146

$194

One-way

Thu, Nov 19

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Des Moines

Chicago (ORD) - Des Moines (DSM)

American Airlines

$139

$194

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Chicago to Des Moines

3 nights

Dec 3 - Dec 6

$298 → $234

21%

15 nights

Nov 1 - Nov 16

$348 → $318

5 nights

Dec 9 - Dec 14

$291 → $287

13 nights

Feb 3 - Feb 16

$253 → $279

10%

Popular Airports to fly from Chicago to Des Moines

Chicago - Des Moines route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are near the typical level.

Recent fares for Chicago to Des Moines are near the typical level of $559.

📅 Best time to fly

January is historically the cheapest month to fly.

Historically, January offers the lowest median price at $178 for this route.

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights average 1h 32m.

Direct flights to Des Moines from Chicago typically take 1h 32m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant on this route.

Connecting flights make up 70.1% of recent routes, with a median of 3 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

United Airlines offers direct flights.

United Airlines has offered direct flights on this route recently.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are rare for this route.

Deals for flights from Chicago to Des Moines are rare, appearing infrequently.

Chicago main airports to depart from

O Hare International (ORD)

Cheapest

Depart from O'Hare International for flights to Des Moines, often offering competitive prices.

📍 ~25 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car or train).

💸 Flights from ~$195

Chicago Midway International (MDW)

Consider Chicago Midway International for a departure option to Des Moines.

📍 ~14 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car or train).

💸 Flights from ~$234

Chicago Rockford International (RFD)

Chicago Rockford International provides another departure choice for your journey to Des Moines.

📍 ~126 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car).

💸 Flights from ~$283

Des Moines main airports to arrive at

Des Moines International (DSM)

Cheapest

Des Moines International Airport is a convenient arrival choice for flights from Chicago to Des Moines.

📍 ~8 km from Des Moines (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$195

Airports nearby Des Moines used as alternative

Eppley Airfield (OMA)

Eppley Airfield is a major regional hub offering higher flight frequency and diverse cabin classes.

📍 ~190 km from Des Moines (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$217

Des Moines, United States

39% AI deal score

$3,223

Aeroméxico, +1

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Des Moines

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Des Moines

Today’s best flight deals from Chicago to Des Moines

Chicago to Des Moines: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to Des Moines

How much is a round trip from Chicago to Des Moines

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Des Moines

Direct flights from Chicago to Des Moines

Last-minute flights going from Chicago to Des Moines

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Chicago to Des Moines

Popular Airports to fly from Chicago to Des Moines

Chicago - Des Moines route insights

Recent fares are near the typical level.

January is historically the cheapest month to fly.

Direct flights average 1h 32m.

Connecting flights are dominant on this route.

United Airlines offers direct flights.

Deals are rare for this route.

Chicago main airports to depart from

Des Moines main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Des Moines used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Des Moines

Best Elite deals to Des Moines

Dec 03

Dec 03

Nov 30

Nov 29

Nov 30

Dec 02

Nov 11

Dec 01

Nov 08

Dec 01

Dec 02

Nov 09

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Des Moines

How can I find cheap flights from Chicago to Des Moines?

When should I book flights from Chicago to Des Moines?

Should I compare nearby airports for flights from Chicago to Des Moines?

Are direct flights from Chicago to Des Moines always the best option?

Can flexible travel dates help on Chicago to Des Moines flights?

What extra costs should I check before booking Chicago to Des Moines flights?

Related routes

More routes from Chicago

Flights to Des Moines from other cities

Chicago to Des Moines: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to Des Moines

How much is a round trip from Chicago to Des Moines

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Des Moines

Direct flights from Chicago to Des Moines

Last-minute flights going from Chicago to Des Moines

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Chicago to Des Moines

Popular Airports to fly from Chicago to Des Moines

Chicago - Des Moines route insights

Recent fares are near the typical level.

January is historically the cheapest month to fly.

Direct flights average 1h 32m.

Connecting flights are dominant on this route.

United Airlines offers direct flights.

Deals are rare for this route.

Chicago main airports to depart from

Des Moines main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Des Moines used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Des Moines

Best Elite deals to Des Moines

Dec 03

Dec 03

Nov 30

Nov 29

Nov 30

Dec 02

Nov 11

Dec 01

Nov 08

Dec 01

Dec 02

Nov 09

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Des Moines

How can I find cheap flights from Chicago to Des Moines?

When should I book flights from Chicago to Des Moines?

Should I compare nearby airports for flights from Chicago to Des Moines?