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Des Moines

$113+ Cheap flights from Washington, D.C. (WAS) 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 8/21. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
WAS — DSM
Aug 4 — Aug 111
Mon 8/4
Mon 8/11
1 adult, Economy
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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines are usually found in August or September, booked 51 days in advance, depart on a Wednesday or Saturday and return on a Wednesday

Cheap flight deals from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Washington, D.C. (WAS) 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 July 30, 2025.

Round-trip from

$223
(Mytrip)

One-way from

$113
(Mytrip)

Popular in

March

Cheapest in

August

Average price

$407

Good round-trip deal

$401 or less

Good one-way deal

$291 or less
From Washington, D.C. (WAS) to Des Moines
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One-way flight from Washington, D.C. (WAS) to Des Moines
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 7% potential increase in price ($36 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease ($13 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in July 2025
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Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Washington, D.C. (WAS) to Des Moines.
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Price to beat on a one-way flight from Washington, D.C. (WAS) to Des Moines.
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Find flight deals from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines

Cheapest flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on July 30, 2025.

This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/30. 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 Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 8/207:54 pmBWI - DSM
2 stops23h 31mMultiple Airlines
Sun 8/247:15 pmDSM - BWI
2 stops15h 29mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 7/30$223
This FlightHub deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/30. 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 FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 10/41:00 pmDCA - DSM
1 stop25h 40mFrontier
Wed 10/83:30 pmDSM - DCA
1 stop29h 29mFrontier
Deal found 7/30$225
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/30. 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 9/246:15 amBWI - DSM
1 stop6h 59mUnited Airlines
Sat 9/273:25 pmDSM - BWI
1 stop4h 57mUnited Airlines
Deal found 7/30$232
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/30. 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.
Wed 8/278:00 amDCA - DSM
1 stop4h 25mSouthwest
Tue 9/24:35 pmDSM - DCA
1 stop4h 50mSouthwest
Deal found 7/30$236
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/29. 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.
Tue 9/306:22 pmBWI - DSM
1 stop5h 15mDelta
Tue 10/146:05 amDSM - BWI
1 stop4h 29mDelta
Deal found 7/29$237
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/30. 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.
Wed 9/245:45 amIAD - DSM
1 stop9h 55mSouthwest
Sat 9/276:10 amDSM - IAD
1 stop7h 50mSouthwest
Deal found 7/30$242
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/29. 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.
Wed 9/248:20 amBWI - DSM
1 stop4h 05mSouthwest
Sat 9/278:35 amDSM - BWI
2 stops5h 15mSouthwest
Deal found 7/29$242
This FlightHub deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/28. 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 FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 8/216:29 pmBWI - DSM
1 stop24h 06mFrontier
Sun 8/243:23 pmDSM - BWI
1 stop25h 18mFrontier
Deal found 7/28$245
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/30. 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.
Fri 10/316:00 amBWI - DSM
1 stop6h 22mAmerican Airlines
Tue 11/44:02 pmDSM - BWI
1 stop5h 10mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 7/30$267
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/28. 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 Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 8/1711:04 amIAD - DSM
1 stop13h 23mMultiple Airlines
Sun 8/246:30 amDSM - IAD
3 stops27h 50mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 7/28$275
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/27. 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 Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 8/1411:04 amIAD - DSM
1 stop13h 23mAllegiant Air
Sun 8/1711:38 amDSM - IAD
2 stops23h 54mAllegiant Air
Deal found 7/27$328
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/29. 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 8/308:20 amDCA - DSM
Nonstop2h 59mAmerican Airlines
Sun 8/313:48 pmDSM - DCA
Nonstop2h 27mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 7/29$352

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Washington, D.C. 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 July 30, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines that are best for you.

Fly from

Washington, D.C.

Fly to

Des Moines

Route

Depart

Return

Price

BaltimoreDes Moines

BWI - DSM

BWIDSM

Baltimore/Washington

Wed 8/20

7:54 pm-6:25 pm

2 stops23h 31m

Des Moines

Sun 8/24

7:15 pm-11:44 am

2 stops15h 29m

$223

Washington, D.C.Des Moines

DCA - DSM

DCADSM

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Sat 10/4

1:00 pm-1:40 pm

1 stop25h 40m

Des Moines

Wed 10/8

3:30 pm-9:59 pm

1 stop29h 29m

$225

BaltimoreDes Moines

BWI - DSM

BWIDSM

Baltimore/Washington

Wed 9/24

6:15 am-12:14 pm

1 stop6h 59m

Des Moines

Sat 9/27

3:25 pm-9:22 pm

1 stop4h 57m

$232

Washington, D.C.Des Moines

DCA - DSM

DCADSM

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Wed 8/27

8:00 am-11:25 am

1 stop4h 25m

Des Moines

Tue 9/2

4:35 pm-10:25 pm

1 stop4h 50m

$236

BaltimoreDes Moines

BWI - DSM

BWIDSM

Baltimore/Washington

Tue 9/30

6:22 pm-10:37 pm

1 stop5h 15m

Des Moines

Tue 10/14

6:05 am-11:34 am

1 stop4h 29m

$237

Washington, D.C.Des Moines

IAD - DSM

IADDSM

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Wed 9/24

5:45 am-2:40 pm

1 stop9h 55m

Des Moines

Sat 9/27

6:10 am-3:00 pm

1 stop7h 50m

$242

BaltimoreDes Moines

BWI - DSM

BWIDSM

Baltimore/Washington

Wed 9/24

8:20 am-11:25 am

1 stop4h 05m

Des Moines

Sat 9/27

8:35 am-2:50 pm

2 stops5h 15m

$242

BaltimoreDes Moines

BWI - DSM

BWIDSM

Baltimore/Washington

Thu 8/21

6:29 pm-5:35 pm

1 stop24h 06m

Des Moines

Sun 8/24

3:23 pm-5:41 pm

1 stop25h 18m

$245

BaltimoreDes Moines

BWI - DSM

BWIDSM

Baltimore/Washington

Thu 8/28

10:53 am-5:23 pm

1 stop7h 30m

Des Moines

Mon 9/1

6:12 pm-12:20 am

1 stop5h 08m

$267

Washington, D.C.Des Moines

IAD - DSM

IADDSM

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Sun 8/17

11:04 am-11:27 pm

1 stop13h 23m

Des Moines

Sun 8/24

6:30 am-11:20 am

3 stops27h 50m

$275

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 7/29

Showing 1-10 of 32 results
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Best time to book a flight from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Des Moines from Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. to Des Moines

How far ahead should I book a flight from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines. Price data was last updated on July 25, 2025.

The best time to book flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines is 51 days before your desired departure date. The cost of your flight will likely increase significantly if you book two weeks in advance of your flight.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines?

Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from Washington, D.C. 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 WAS to DSM?

Find hourly flight availability from Washington, D.C. 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 July 30, 2025.

One of the essential ways to save on airfare from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines is to remain as flexible as possible. Flights that are in the morning tend to be the most expensive. A flight in the afternoon could potentially save you up to 3% on airfare.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines?

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

Travelers seeking maximum savings on their Washington, D.C. to Des Moines flight should consider departing on Sunday mornings when fares are most often at their lowest. Sunday afternoons flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

What’s the top layover airport for flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines?

Share of 1-stop round-trip flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines chosen by Cheapflights users in the past 12 months, using the same layover each way.

St. Louis (STL) – chosen by Cheapflights users on 80% of 1-stop itineraries from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines on Cheapflights.

What’s the cheapest layover airport for flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines?

Average round-trip fare for 1-stop flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines, chosen by Cheapflights users in the past 12 months, with the same layover each way.

St. Louis (STL) is the most affordable 1-stop option, with an average round-trip price of $322.

What’s the fastest layover option from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines?

Shortest average travel time for 1-stop one-way flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines, based on itineraries clicked by Cheapflights users over the past 12 months, grouped by layover airport.

Flights via Chicago (ORD) have the shortest average one-way travel time for 1-stop routes: 2h 32m.

Which airport typically offers the quickest layover for flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines?

Average layover duration for 1-stop one-way flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines, chosen by Cheapflights users in the last 12 months, grouped by stopover airport.

Flights via Chicago (ORD) offer the fastest connection on this route, with an average layover time of 1h 06m.

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 July 30, 2025.
See what other customers who have flown with Southwest, Delta, and United Airlines from Washington, D.C. 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.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Crew

8.6

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Gina,Jul 2025

LAS - DEN

We experienced bad weather, which turned our 1.5 hour flight from Las Vegas to Denver, into 3.5. The pilot and crew kept us updated and explained that we had to circle and or possibly redirect to another airport. After circling for sometime, we were able to land smoothly in Denver. Thank you to all the flight crew, tower control, and all who got us to our destination safely.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Crew

8.6

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Gina,Jul 2025

LAS - DEN

We experienced bad weather, which turned our 1.5 hour flight from Las Vegas to Denver, into 3.5. The pilot and crew kept us updated and explained that we had to circle and or possibly redirect to another airport. After circling for sometime, we were able to land smoothly in Denver. Thank you to all the flight crew, tower control, and all who got us to our destination safely.
Delta
8.0
Very good
7,980 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Crew

8.6

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Gina,Jul 2025

LAS - DEN

We experienced bad weather, which turned our 1.5 hour flight from Las Vegas to Denver, into 3.5. The pilot and crew kept us updated and explained that we had to circle and or possibly redirect to another airport. After circling for sometime, we were able to land smoothly in Denver. Thank you to all the flight crew, tower control, and all who got us to our destination safely.
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,896 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Crew

8.6

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Gina,Jul 2025

LAS - DEN

We experienced bad weather, which turned our 1.5 hour flight from Las Vegas to Denver, into 3.5. The pilot and crew kept us updated and explained that we had to circle and or possibly redirect to another airport. After circling for sometime, we were able to land smoothly in Denver. Thank you to all the flight crew, tower control, and all who got us to our destination safely.
American Airlines
7.2
Good
10,000 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Crew

8.6

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Gina,Jul 2025

LAS - DEN

We experienced bad weather, which turned our 1.5 hour flight from Las Vegas to Denver, into 3.5. The pilot and crew kept us updated and explained that we had to circle and or possibly redirect to another airport. After circling for sometime, we were able to land smoothly in Denver. Thank you to all the flight crew, tower control, and all who got us to our destination safely.
Allegiant Air
7.2
Good
703 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Crew

8.6

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Gina,Jul 2025

LAS - DEN

We experienced bad weather, which turned our 1.5 hour flight from Las Vegas to Denver, into 3.5. The pilot and crew kept us updated and explained that we had to circle and or possibly redirect to another airport. After circling for sometime, we were able to land smoothly in Denver. Thank you to all the flight crew, tower control, and all who got us to our destination safely.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.?

    Des Moines (DSM) is the airport you will fly into if you book a flight from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines. You should not have trouble finding flights to Des Moines from Washington, D.C.; the airport handles an average of 1 inbound flight from Washington, D.C. per day. You should also have plenty of airline options to choose from since 4 airlines have flights to the Des Moines airport from Washington, D.C.. It is only a 3.6 mi journey from Des Moines (DSM) to Des Moines’s city center.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines round-trip?

    Flying on Frontier is currently your cheapest option to Des Moines, with prices starting at $225. Additional round-trip tickets that might be worth considering are offered by Southwest and Delta, with the lowest prices starting at $236 and $237, respectively. Frontier is 47% cheaper than the average price of flights available within the next 90 days to this destination.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines one-way?

    The cheapest airline one-way is Frontier, with whom users have recently found tickets for as low as $117. However, be on the lookout for offers from Southwest and Allegiant Air, as they are both options that can get you from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines for a low price.

  • What are the most popular routes from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines?

    When deciding which route to take from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines consider Washington, D.C. Reagan-National - Des Moines, Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl - Des Moines or Baltimore/Washington - Des Moines as they are the most popular.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines that include hotel bookings?

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

  • How can I find direct flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines?

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

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. to Des Moines?

    Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from Washington, D.C. 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
Altoona
Ames
Johnston
Boone
West Des Moines
Ankeny

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Top 4 airlines flying from Washington, D.C. to Des Moines

Discover the top 4 airlines that operate flights from Washington, D.C. 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 July 30, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
DeltaCheapest$138Average$384FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
SouthwestCheapest$242Average$471FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
American AirlinesCheapest$246Average$360FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$282Average$449FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%

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