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Des Moines

$87+ Cheap flights from Chicago (CHI) to Des Moines (DSM)

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 10/15. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
CHI — DSM
Oct 16 — Oct 231
Thu 10/16
Thu 10/23
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap flight deals from Chicago to Des Moines

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Chicago (CHI) to Des Moines (DSM). 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 September 16, 2025.

Round-trip from

$148
(Priceline)

One-way from

$87
(Kiwi.com)

Popular in

February

Cheapest in

March

Average price

$259

Good round-trip deal

$189 or less

Good one-way deal

$283 or less
From Chicago (CHI) to Des Moines
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One-way flight from Chicago (CHI) to Des Moines
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 12% potential increase in price ($39 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 6% potential price decrease ($17 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in September 2025
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Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Chicago (CHI) to Des Moines.
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Price to beat on a one-way flight from Chicago (CHI) to Des Moines.
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Find flight deals from Chicago to Des Moines

Cheapest flights from Chicago to Des Moines
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Chicago to Des Moines. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on September 16, 2025.

This Priceline deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/14. 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 Priceline is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 10/25:35 amORD - DSM
1 stop8h 05mFrontier
Mon 10/62:25 pmDSM - ORD
1 stop9h 34mFrontier
Deal found 9/14$148
This Frontier deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/14. 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 Frontier is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 11/146:00 amORD - DSM
1 stop7h 49mFrontier
Sun 11/162:32 pmDSM - ORD
1 stop9h 43mFrontier
Deal found 9/14$158
This Frontier deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. 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 Frontier is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 10/306:00 amORD - DSM
1 stop7h 47mFrontier
Thu 11/62:32 pmDSM - ORD
1 stop9h 43mFrontier
Deal found 9/15$159
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/13. 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.
Sat 11/154:40 pmORD - DSM
Nonstop1h 30mAmerican Airlines
Sun 11/164:02 pmDSM - ORD
Nonstop1h 32mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/13$189
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/14. 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.
Thu 10/96:35 pmORD - DSM
Nonstop1h 36mAmerican Airlines
Sun 10/121:48 pmDSM - ORD
Nonstop1h 33mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/14$190
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/14. 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.
Thu 10/24:06 pmORD - DSM
Nonstop1h 33mAmerican Airlines
Mon 10/61:48 pmDSM - ORD
Nonstop1h 33mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/14$194
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. 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.
Thu 10/306:00 amORD - DSM
1 stop7h 47mMultiple Airlines
Sun 11/28:47 pmDSM - ORD
1 stop19h 02mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 9/15$197
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 10/75:45 amMDW - DSM
1 stop3h 45mSouthwest
Tue 10/74:45 pmDSM - MDW
1 stop5h 20mSouthwest
Deal found 9/15$197
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. 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.
Tue 9/305:05 pmORD - DSM
Nonstop1h 25mAmerican Airlines
Sat 10/47:08 amDSM - ORD
Nonstop1h 31mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/15$199
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/16. 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.
Sat 11/156:00 amORD - DSM
1 stop4h 20mDelta
Tue 11/1810:21 amDSM - ORD
1 stop6h 07mDelta
Deal found 9/16$203
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 10/307:40 amMDW - DSM
1 stop3h 20mSouthwest
Sun 11/25:45 amDSM - MDW
1 stop4h 10mSouthwest
Deal found 9/15$209
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/13. 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 11/156:20 amMDW - DSM
1 stop8h 35mSouthwest
Sun 11/165:45 amDSM - MDW
1 stop4h 10mSouthwest
Deal found 9/13$214

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Chicago to Des Moines 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 September 16, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Chicago to Des Moines that are best for you.

Fly from

Chicago

Fly to

Des Moines

Route

Depart

Return

Price

ChicagoDes Moines

ORD - DSM

ORDDSM

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 11/14

6:00 am-1:49 pm

1 stop7h 49m

Des Moines

Sun 11/16

2:32 pm-12:15 am

1 stop9h 43m

$148

ChicagoDes Moines

ORD - DSM

ORDDSM

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 10/9

6:55 am-8:22 am

Nonstop1h 27m

Des Moines

Thu 10/16

7:30 am-9:05 am

Nonstop1h 35m

$189

ChicagoDes Moines

ORD - DSM

ORDDSM

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 11/14

1:58 pm-3:32 pm

Nonstop1h 34m

Des Moines

Sun 11/16

6:40 pm-8:32 pm

Nonstop1h 52m

$189

ChicagoDes Moines

ORD - DSM

ORDDSM

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 10/9

6:55 am-8:22 am

Nonstop1h 27m

Des Moines

Sun 10/12

7:30 am-9:05 am

Nonstop1h 35m

$189

ChicagoDes Moines

ORD - DSM

ORDDSM

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 10/30

6:00 am-1:47 pm

1 stop7h 47m

Des Moines

Sun 11/2

8:47 pm-3:49 pm

1 stop19h 02m

$197

ChicagoDes Moines

MDW - DSM

MDWDSM

Chicago Midway

Tue 10/7

5:45 am-9:30 am

1 stop3h 45m

Des Moines

Tue 10/7

4:45 pm-10:05 pm

1 stop5h 20m

$197

ChicagoDes Moines

ORD - DSM

ORDDSM

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 9/30

5:05 pm-6:30 pm

Nonstop1h 25m

Des Moines

Sat 10/4

7:08 am-8:39 am

Nonstop1h 31m

$199

ChicagoDes Moines

ORD - DSM

ORDDSM

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 11/15

6:00 am-10:20 am

1 stop4h 20m

Des Moines

Tue 11/18

10:21 am-4:28 pm

1 stop6h 07m

$203

ChicagoDes Moines

ORD - DSM

ORDDSM

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 10/2

8:49 pm-1:40 pm

2 stops16h 51m

Des Moines

Mon 10/6

2:25 pm-11:59 pm

1 stop9h 34m

$206

ChicagoDes Moines

ORD - DSM

ORDDSM

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 9/29

6:00 am-1:40 pm

1 stop7h 40m

Des Moines

Fri 10/3

2:25 pm-11:59 pm

1 stop9h 34m

$208

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 9/16

Showing 1-10 of 34 results
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Best time to book a flight from Chicago to Des Moines

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Des Moines from Chicago 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 Chicago to Des Moines

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

Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Chicago to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from Chicago to Des Moines in June is currently the most expensive (average of $402). 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 CHI to DSM?

Find hourly flight availability from Chicago to Des Moines. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated September 16, 2025.

It’s optimal to fly from Chicago to Des Moines in the evening. By choosing this option you can save up to 17% on the cost of your flight, compared to a flight in the afternoon.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Chicago to Des Moines?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly round-trip from Chicago to Des Moines. Price data was last updated on December 16, 2024.

Travelers seeking maximum savings on their Chicago to Des Moines flight should consider departing on Saturday at noon when fares are most often at their lowest. Monday afternoons flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

Weekly flight availability from Chicago to Des Moines

Explore weekly flight availability from Chicago to Des Moines. 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 September 16, 2025.

The most flights from CHI to DSM are scheduled on a Monday (40 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Saturday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (13 on average).

How much does it cost to fly round-trip from Chicago to Des Moines?

Reviews of airlines servicing Des Moines

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Des Moines. 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 Des Moines. Reviews last updated September 16, 2025.
See what other customers who have flown with United Airlines and American Airlines from Chicago to Des Moines have to say. You can also see how each airline compares in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,924 reviews

Comfort

7.3

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.1

Overall

7.4

Boarding

7.7

Food

6.6

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Deb,Jan 2025

MKE - ORD

It was terrible! So much to say, but in a nutshell we used vouchers from United because our last trip with them was awful with many mishaps and errors made. Unfortunately, this trip was even worse!
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,924 reviews
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,924 reviews

Comfort

7.3

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.1

Overall

7.4

Boarding

7.7

Food

6.6

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Deb,Jan 2025

MKE - ORD

It was terrible! So much to say, but in a nutshell we used vouchers from United because our last trip with them was awful with many mishaps and errors made. Unfortunately, this trip was even worse!
American Airlines
7.2
Good
10,000 reviews
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,924 reviews

Comfort

7.3

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.1

Overall

7.4

Boarding

7.7

Food

6.6

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Deb,Jan 2025

MKE - ORD

It was terrible! So much to say, but in a nutshell we used vouchers from United because our last trip with them was awful with many mishaps and errors made. Unfortunately, this trip was even worse!

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Chicago to Des Moines. 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 into for flights to Des Moines from Chicago?

    For a flight from Chicago to Des Moines, you will be flying into Des Moines. Des Moines (DSM) is just 3.6 mi from the center of the city. Des Moines is the only Des Moines airport and it handles 30 inbound flights from Chicago per day. 2 airlines have flights to Des Moines from Chicago on a regular basis.

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

    Airlines like Frontier, American Airlines, and Southwest fly from Chicago to Des Moines in about 1h 27m. The time it takes to get you to your destination can typically vary by up to 6h 22m. There are 298 mi between Chicago and Des Moines. When browsing for deals, the options you’ll see will be for both nonstop flights and flights with stops.

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

    Cheapflights users have booked flights from Chicago to Des Moines round-trip from $189. Another airline that can offer you cheap pricing is United Airlines. You may be able to fly from Chicago to Des Moines for 33% less than the average price by searching for these airlines.

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

    $87 is the cheapest one-way deal found within the past few days, from Frontier. You may also be able to find cheap deals on Delta and Southwest, with prices starting from $99 and $99, respectively.

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

    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 Chicago to Des Moines on time: GoJet (100%), Envoy Air (85%), United Airlines (76%).

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

    The cheapest flight price from Chicago to Des Moines is $189. On average you can expect to pay $276. The most popular route, (Chicago O'Hare Intl - Des Moines), can usually be booked for $189.

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

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

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

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

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

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Chicago to Des Moines 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 Chicago to Des Moines?

    Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Chicago to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from Chicago to Des Moines in June is currently the most expensive (average of $402). 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 Des Moines?

Book flights to Des Moines if you plan to visit one of these locations
Johnston
Altoona
Boone
Ames
West Des Moines
Ankeny

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Top 2 airlines flying from Chicago to Des Moines

Discover the top 2 airlines that operate flights from Chicago to Des Moines. 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 September 16, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
American AirlinesCheapest$189Average$279FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$189Average$279FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%

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