HomeSearch by dateVacation packagesHotelsFlight dealsCar rentalTravel tips & news
Chicago

$81+ Cheap flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago (CHI)

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 3/10. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
DSM — CHI
Jan 8 — Jan 151
Thu 1/8
Thu 1/15
1 adult, Economy
We work with more than 300 partners to bring you better travel deals

Find cheap flights from Des Moines to Chicago with Cheapflights

1. Tell us where you want to go

Enter your travel information like dates, passengers, trip type (one-way or round trip), and preferred cabin class then click “Find deals”

2. Select your favorite providers

We find the providers serving your travel needs. Choose up to four travel providers to compare side-by-side for flights, hotels, or car rentals.

3. Compare prices and book

Review each provider’s pricing and select the best option for you! Book through your favorite provider’s website for a seamless experience.

Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Des Moines to Chicago are usually found in September or October, booked 83 days in advance, depart on a Thursday or Friday and return on a Thursday

Cheap flight deals from Des Moines to Chicago

Cheapest flights from Des Moines to Chicago
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Des Moines to Chicago. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on December 9, 2025.

This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/8. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/318:00 amDSM - ORD
Nonstop1h 38mUnited Airlines
Sat 1/38:10 pmORD - DSM
Nonstop1h 30mUnited Airlines
Deal found 12/8$189
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/6. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 12/238:00 amDSM - ORD
Nonstop1h 38mUnited Airlines
Sun 12/288:10 pmORD - DSM
Nonstop1h 30mUnited Airlines
Deal found 12/6$204
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/7. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 12/218:45 amDSM - ORD
Nonstop1h 44mAmerican Airlines
Tue 1/272:50 pmORD - DSM
Nonstop1h 34mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 12/7$205
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/8. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 12/238:00 amDSM - ORD
Nonstop1h 38mUnited Airlines
Sat 12/278:10 pmORD - DSM
Nonstop1h 30mUnited Airlines
Deal found 12/8$219
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/7. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 12/216:59 amDSM - MDW
1 stop4h 07mDelta
Tue 1/279:50 amMDW - DSM
1 stop5h 51mDelta
Deal found 12/7$224
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/7. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 12/215:55 pmDSM - ORD
1 stop3h 39mDelta
Tue 1/271:58 pmORD - DSM
1 stop6h 56mDelta
Deal found 12/7$224
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/7. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/171:17 pmDSM - ORD
Nonstop1h 50mAmerican Airlines
Fri 1/162:50 pmORD - DSM
Nonstop1h 34mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 12/7$234
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/8. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/171:17 pmDSM - ORD
Nonstop1h 50mAmerican Airlines
Sun 1/119:40 amORD - DSM
Nonstop1h 32mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 12/8$235
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/7. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 12/198:00 amDSM - ORD
Nonstop1h 38mUnited Airlines
Sun 1/188:20 pmORD - DSM
Nonstop1h 30mUnited Airlines
Deal found 12/7$249
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/8. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 12/196:50 amDSM - MDW
1 stop6h 20mDelta
Sat 1/105:00 pmMDW - DSM
1 stop4h 24mDelta
Deal found 12/8$254
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/7. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/174:59 pmDSM - ORD
1 stop4h 41mDelta
Mon 1/126:50 amORD - DSM
1 stop4h 34mDelta
Deal found 12/7$254
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/7. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/1711:15 amDSM - ORD
2 stops27h 47mMultiple Airlines
Tue 1/138:08 pmORD - DSM
1 stop21h 16mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 12/7$256

Find flight deals from Des Moines to Chicago

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago (CHI). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated December 9, 2025.

Most accurate provider

eDreams
3 stars

Most trusted provider

eDreams
3 stars

Round-trip from

$186
(American Airlines)

One-way from

$81
(Frontier)

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

September

Average price

$290

Good round-trip deal

$426 or less

Good one-way deal

$244 or less
Provider with most accurate pricing for Des Moines-Chicago (CHI) flight deals.
Search Deals
Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Des Moines-Chicago (CHI) flights.
Search Deals
From Des Moines to Chicago (CHI)
Search Deals
One-way flight from Des Moines to Chicago (CHI)
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 4% potential increase in price ($13 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($4 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in December 2025
Search Deals
Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Des Moines to Chicago (CHI).
Search Deals
Price to beat on a one-way flight from Des Moines to Chicago (CHI).
Search Deals

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Des Moines to Chicago that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated December 9, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Des Moines to Chicago that are best for you.

Fly from

Des Moines

Fly to

Chicago

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Des MoinesChicago

DSM - ORD

DSMORD

Des Moines

Fri 1/2

6:40 am-8:20 am

Nonstop1h 40m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 1/5

11:30 am-12:54 pm

Nonstop1h 24m

$189

Des MoinesChicago

DSM - ORD

DSMORD

Des Moines

Fri 1/9

5:01 pm-6:48 pm

Nonstop1h 47m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 1/11

7:35 pm-9:04 pm

Nonstop1h 29m

$189

Des MoinesChicago

DSM - ORD

DSMORD

Des Moines

Mon 12/29

6:52 pm-8:43 pm

Nonstop1h 51m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 1/1

6:40 am-8:15 am

Nonstop1h 35m

$189

Des MoinesChicago

DSM - ORD

DSMORD

Des Moines

Thu 1/22

11:42 am-1:18 pm

Nonstop1h 36m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 1/29

2:50 pm-4:24 pm

Nonstop1h 34m

$190

Des MoinesChicago

DSM - ORD

DSMORD

Des Moines

Fri 12/26

6:46 pm-8:25 pm

Nonstop1h 39m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 12/28

8:10 pm-9:40 pm

Nonstop1h 30m

$204

Des MoinesChicago

DSM - MDW

DSMMDW

Des Moines

Thu 1/22

6:24 am-12:46 pm

1 stop6h 22m

Chicago Midway

Thu 1/29

9:50 am-3:41 pm

1 stop5h 51m

$209

Des MoinesChicago

DSM - MDW

DSMMDW

Des Moines

Thu 1/8

8:35 am-3:25 pm

1 stop6h 50m

Chicago Midway

Mon 1/12

6:10 am-11:25 am

1 stop5h 15m

$209

Des MoinesChicago

DSM - MDW

DSMMDW

Des Moines

Wed 1/21

12:25 pm-5:55 pm

1 stop5h 30m

Chicago Midway

Wed 1/28

9:50 am-3:41 pm

1 stop5h 51m

$209

Des MoinesChicago

DSM - MDW

DSMMDW

Des Moines

Tue 1/20

6:10 am-9:30 am

1 stop3h 20m

Chicago Midway

Tue 1/27

2:10 pm-7:20 pm

1 stop5h 10m

$209

Des MoinesChicago

DSM - MDW

DSMMDW

Des Moines

Fri 1/23

6:24 am-12:46 pm

1 stop6h 22m

Chicago Midway

Sun 1/25

9:50 am-3:41 pm

1 stop5h 51m

$209

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 12/7

Showing 1-10 of 45 results
1
2
3
...
5

Compare providers for flights from Des Moines to Chicago

Provider information is updated monthly. Please note that these providers often have deals for this flight, but the availability may vary on a day-by-day basis on Cheapflights.
Use the table below to compare price accuracy, trust ratings, and cancellation policies for each provider offering flight deals from Des Moines to Chicago in December.
ProviderPrice AccuracyTrust Score*
ExpediaPrice Accuracy2 starsTrust Score*3 stars
FlightHubPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*1 star
eDreamsPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars
PricelinePrice Accuracy1 starTrust Score*3 stars

*The Trust Score is based on feedback from users after their booking experience. It measures overall satisfaction, helping us identify issues like hidden fees, problems during the ticketing process, and the quality of customer service. This score is our best indicator of the provider's quality and reliability.

  • Most accurate provider: When it comes to deals on Des Moines-Chicago flights, users find the pricing of eDreams to be most consistent on Cheapflights vs. eDreams Users can find the same prices on Des Moines-Chicago flight deals on Cheapflights vs. eDreams >95% of the time. Price accuracy is based on data collected from Des Moines-Chicago flight searches over the past month and is updated monthly.
  • Most trusted provider: When it comes to deals on Des Moines-Chicago flights, Cheapflights users trust eDreams the most. eDreams has received a user feedback score of 3 out of 3 stars (3 being the best), meaning they have been trusted the most by Cheapflights users looking for Des Moines-Chicago flight deals. Provider user feedback score is based on Cheapflights searches over the past month and is updated monthly.

Best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Chicago

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Chicago from Des Moines with our price prediction graph.
Estimated round-trip price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Des Moines to Chicago

How far ahead should I book a flight from Des Moines to Chicago?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from Des Moines to Chicago. Price data was last updated on December 5, 2025.

Booking 81 days in advance of your planned departure date is, on average, the best time to get cheap flights from Des Moines to Chicago. The general trend is that the closer you book to the departure date, the more expensive your flight will be.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Des Moines to Chicago?

Currently, January is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to Chicago (average of $189). Flying from Des Moines to Chicago in January is currently the most expensive (average of $189). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from DSM to CHI?

Find hourly flight availability from Des Moines to Chicago. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated December 9, 2025.

Unlike in the evening, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 47% on flights from Des Moines to Chicago by exploring options for tickets in the morning.

Weekly flight availability from Des Moines to Chicago

Explore weekly flight availability from Des Moines to Chicago. Discover flights operating on different days of the week, giving you the flexibility to choose a travel day that best fits your plans. Compare info to find the most convenient option for your journey. Data last updated December 9, 2025.

The most flights from DSM to CHI are scheduled on a Monday (43 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Saturday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (30 on average).

The best insider tips for Des Moines to Chicago flights

AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
Cheapflights partnered with top experts to bring you the best recommendations for your Des Moines to Chicago trip
Airlines
British Airways

BA's Executive Club offers free seat selection for oneworld Sapphire or Emerald members.


BA's Avios can be transferred between IAG airlines, offering flexible redemption options.

Read more about British AirwaysBy Gabriel Leigh
United Airlines

United's Economy Plus offers extra legroom and priority boarding for a more comfortable short flight.


Prepay checked bags 24 hours before to save on fees; premium cabins include free checked bags.

Read more about United AirlinesBy Harriet Baskas
Our travel experts
Gabriel Leigh

Gabriel Leigh

Expert on British Airways

Gabriel Leigh

Gabriel Leigh

Gabriel is a writer and video creator. As senior content producer for Flightradar24 and Monocle’s transport correspondent, he keeps a close eye on aviation in particular. He has also written travel articles for the likes of The New York Times. Born in New York but raised around the world, he now lives in Sweden. He’s been to 75 countries, flying 2.3 million miles on 113 airlines and through 234 airports in the process.

Read more
Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on United Airlines

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

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.

Read more

Reviews of airlines servicing Chicago

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Chicago. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Chicago. Reviews last updated December 9, 2025.
See what other customers who have flown with Southwest, United Airlines, and American Airlines from Des Moines to Chicago have to say. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,254 reviews

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Thomas,Dec 2025

SEA - DEN

Plane two hours late in leaving 1:00 pm west coat time got home next day at 2:45am most car rental places are closed and don’t open till 5am
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,254 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,254 reviews

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Thomas,Dec 2025

SEA - DEN

Plane two hours late in leaving 1:00 pm west coat time got home next day at 2:45am most car rental places are closed and don’t open till 5am
United Airlines
7.4
Good
9,089 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,254 reviews

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Thomas,Dec 2025

SEA - DEN

Plane two hours late in leaving 1:00 pm west coat time got home next day at 2:45am most car rental places are closed and don’t open till 5am
American Airlines
7.2
Good
11,045 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,254 reviews

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Thomas,Dec 2025

SEA - DEN

Plane two hours late in leaving 1:00 pm west coat time got home next day at 2:45am most car rental places are closed and don’t open till 5am

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Des Moines to Chicago. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airport do you fly from for flights from Des Moines to Chicago?

    Most people fly from Des Moines (DSM) if they book a flight from Des Moines to Chicago. On average, Des Moines has 38 outbound flights to Chicago per day from 2 airlines. Des Moines is conveniently located just 3.6 mi from Des Moines’s city center.

  • How long is the flight from Des Moines to Chicago?

    Airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest fly from Des Moines to Chicago in about 1h 40m. The time it takes to get you to your destination can typically vary by up to 5h 10m. Airlines will cover a distance of 298 mi. This flight may include one or multiple stops.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Des Moines to Chicago round-trip?

    Our cheapest airline available from Des Moines to Chicago is American Airlines. Our recent data shows that you can find tickets from as low as $189 on this airline. An additional option worth looking into is United Airlines, starting at $189. American Airlines is currently priced 25% below the average price you’ll pay for this route.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Des Moines to Chicago one-way?

    The cheapest airlines for a one-way flight from Des Moines to Chicago are American Airlines ($94), Southwest ($98), and United Airlines ($124).

  • What are the most popular routes from Des Moines to Chicago?

    When deciding which route to take from Des Moines to Chicago consider Des Moines - Chicago O'Hare Intl, Des Moines - Chicago Midway or Des Moines - Chicago Greater Rockford as they are the most popular.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from Des Moines to Chicago?

    Looking for the most reliable airlines to get you to your destination on time? Our data shows these are most likely to get you from Des Moines to Chicago on time: Envoy Air (90%), Copa Airlines (84%), Japan Airlines (78%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Des Moines to Chicago?

    Looking for the cheapest flight from Des Moines to Chicago? While on average our users pay $1,146, our data indicates the cheapest price to be $172. The most popular route (Des Moines - Chicago O'Hare Intl), is priced around $189.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Des Moines to Chicago that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Des Moines to Chicago flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Des Moines to Chicago?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Des Moines to Chicago.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Des Moines to Chicago?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Des Moines to Chicago by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Des Moines to Chicago?

    Currently, January is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to Chicago (average of $189). Flying from Des Moines to Chicago in January is currently the most expensive (average of $189). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Traveling to a place near Chicago?

Book flights to Chicago if you plan to visit one of these locations
Lansing
Merrillville
Hammond
Porter
Benton Harbor

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on Cheapflights for your next trip.

Alternative routes for Des Moines to Chicago

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
Omaha to O'Hare Intl flights
Des Moines to O'Hare Intl flights
Omaha to Midway flights
Des Moines to Midway flights
Cedar Rapids to O'Hare Intl flights
Mason City to O'Hare Intl flights
Moline to O'Hare Intl flights
Omaha to St. Louis flights
Des Moines to St. Louis flights
Omaha to Rockford flights
Sioux City to O'Hare Intl flights
Waterloo to O'Hare Intl flights
Omaha to Moline flights
Dubuque to O'Hare Intl flights
Burlington to O'Hare Intl flights
Cedar Rapids to Midway flights
Des Moines to Rockford flights
La Crosse to O'Hare Intl flights
La Crosse to St. Louis flights
Moline to Midway flights
Moline to Peoria flights
Omaha to Evansville flights
La Crosse to Midway flights
Omaha to Bloomington flights
La Crosse to Peoria flights
Waterloo to St. Louis flights

Top 2 airlines flying from Des Moines to Chicago

Discover the top 2 airlines that operate flights from Des Moines to Chicago. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated December 9, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
American AirlinesCheapest$189Average$249FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$189Average$255FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%

100% Free

Cheapflights is completely free to use, so you can start saving the moment you arrive.

Book with Flexibility

Our users can plan ahead with confidence and find flights with no change fees

Travel Smart

Millions of people come to us for their flight needs every year. We help make travel planning easy by providing useful insights and data-driven graphs that can inform your decisions.