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$1,144+ Cheap flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Shanghai, China

This is the cheapest round-trip flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 4/3. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
DSM — SHA
Mar 23 — Mar 301
Sun 3/23
Sun 3/30
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap flight deals from Des Moines to Shanghai

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Des Moines (DSM) to Shanghai (CN2). 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 March 18, 2025.

Round-trip from

$1,144
(United Airlines)

Popular in

August

Cheapest in

November

Average price

$1,673
From Des Moines to Shanghai
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 13% potential increase in price ($271 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($48 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in March 2025
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Find flight deals from Des Moines to Shanghai

Cheapest flights from Des Moines to Shanghai
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Des Moines to Shanghai. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on March 18, 2025.

This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. 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.
Thu 4/33:40 pmDSM - PVG
2 stops36h 45mUnited Airlines
Tue 4/228:10 pmPVG - DSM
2 stops31h 28mUnited Airlines
Deal found 3/17$1,144
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. 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 4/37:00 amDSM - PVG
1 stop18h 50mAmerican Airlines
Tue 4/225:00 pmPVG - DSM
1 stop18h 53mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/17$1,171
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. 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.
Thu 5/15:46 pmDSM - PVG
2 stops32h 39mDelta
Thu 5/85:30 pmPVG - DSM
2 stops31h 57mDelta
Deal found 3/17$1,343
This Travelocity deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. 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 Travelocity is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 5/295:20 pmDSM - PVG
2 stops31h 45mAir Canada
Sun 6/223:55 pmPVG - DSM
2 stops20h 59mAir Canada
Deal found 3/17$1,531
This British Airways deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. 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 British Airways is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 5/306:13 pmDSM - PVG
2 stops48h 42mBritish Airways
Tue 6/2411:00 amPVG - DSM
2 stops49h 46mBritish Airways
Deal found 3/17$1,561
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. 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 5/111:26 amDSM - PVG
3 stops34h 39mMultiple Airlines
Thu 5/83:55 pmPVG - DSM
2 stops19h 46mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$1,570
This oojo deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. 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 oojo is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 4/32:52 pmDSM - PVG
2 stops36h 28mQatar Airways
Mon 4/2112:35 amPVG - DSM
2 stops34h 42mQatar Airways
Deal found 3/17$1,756
This Lufthansa deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/16. 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 Lufthansa is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 5/156:45 pmDSM - PVG
2 stops32h 05mLufthansa
Thu 5/291:55 amPVG - DSM
2 stops29h 04mLufthansa
Deal found 3/16$2,025
This eDestinos deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/17. 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 eDestinos is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 5/25:00 amDSM - SHA
2 stops41h 25mMultiple Airlines
Fri 5/91:35 pmSHA - DSM
2 stops62h 06mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/17$2,214
This Booking.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/18. 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 Booking.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 5/23:34 pmDSM - SHA
2 stops31h 41mANA
Fri 5/91:35 pmSHA - DSM
2 stops38h 06mANA
Deal found 3/18$3,055

Find flights from Des Moines to Shanghai within your budget

Customize your flight search to find flights from Des Moines to Shanghai 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 March 18, 2025.

Fly from

Des Moines

Fly to

Shanghai

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Thu 4/3

3:40 pm-5:25 pm

2 stops36h 45m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Tue 4/22

8:10 pm-2:38 pm

2 stops31h 28m

$1,144

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Thu 4/3

7:00 am-2:50 pm

1 stop18h 50m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Tue 4/22

5:00 pm-10:53 pm

1 stop18h 53m

$1,171

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Thu 5/1

5:46 pm-3:25 pm

2 stops32h 39m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Thu 5/8

5:30 pm-12:27 pm

2 stops31h 57m

$1,343

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Thu 5/29

5:20 pm-2:05 pm

2 stops31h 45m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Sun 6/22

3:55 pm-11:54 pm

2 stops20h 59m

$1,531

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Fri 5/30

6:13 pm-7:55 am

2 stops48h 42m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Tue 6/24

11:00 am-11:46 pm

2 stops49h 46m

$1,561

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Thu 5/1

11:26 am-11:05 am

3 stops34h 39m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Thu 5/8

3:55 pm-10:41 pm

2 stops19h 46m

$1,570

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Thu 4/3

2:52 pm-4:20 pm

2 stops36h 28m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Mon 4/21

12:35 am-10:17 pm

2 stops34h 42m

$1,756

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Thu 5/15

6:45 pm-3:50 pm

2 stops32h 05m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Thu 5/29

1:55 am-5:59 pm

2 stops29h 04m

$2,025

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - SHA

DSMSHA

Des Moines

Fri 5/2

5:00 am-11:25 am

2 stops41h 25m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Fri 5/9

1:35 pm-2:41 pm

2 stops62h 06m

$2,214

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - SHA

DSMSHA

Des Moines

Fri 5/2

3:34 pm-12:15 pm

2 stops31h 41m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Fri 5/9

1:35 pm-2:41 pm

2 stops38h 06m

$3,055

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 3/17

Best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Shanghai

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Shanghai 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.

Travel insights for flights from Des Moines to Shanghai

Get recent, data-driven insights about flights from Des Moines to Shanghai including ideal travel times, pricing trends, and more.

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

Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to Shanghai (average of $1,187). Flying from Des Moines to Shanghai in June is currently the most expensive (average of $1,818). 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.

Rainfall in Shanghai by month

Plan your trip to Shanghai by taking into account the average rainfall totals by month.

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in Shanghai ranges from 1.2 - 6.7 inches per month. June is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 6.7 in. December is typically the driest time to visit Shanghai when rainfall is around 1.2 in.

Temperature in Shanghai by month

Plan your trip to Shanghai by taking into account the average temperature totals by month.

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Shanghai, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 82.4 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 39.2 F).

Reviews of airlines servicing Shanghai

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Shanghai. 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 Shanghai. Reviews last updated March 18, 2025.
ANA
8.3
Very good
827 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Boarding

8.5

Comfort

8.2

Food

7.6

Crew

8.7

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Anonymous,Mar 2025

SFO - HND

Don't bother with economy, it's so small!!! I'm a small person and I was cramped in the middle seat on a 11 hour flight. Not fun. Go for business or first class for such a long flight if you can or be prepared to have trouble moving when you stand up. Also be prepared to have trouble sleeping too. Crew was awesome though, they were helpful and provided excellent service.
ANA
8.3
Very good
827 reviews
ANA
8.3
Very good
827 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Boarding

8.5

Comfort

8.2

Food

7.6

Crew

8.7

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Anonymous,Mar 2025

SFO - HND

Don't bother with economy, it's so small!!! I'm a small person and I was cramped in the middle seat on a 11 hour flight. Not fun. Go for business or first class for such a long flight if you can or be prepared to have trouble moving when you stand up. Also be prepared to have trouble sleeping too. Crew was awesome though, they were helpful and provided excellent service.
Delta
8.0
Very good
7,908 reviews
ANA
8.3
Very good
827 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Boarding

8.5

Comfort

8.2

Food

7.6

Crew

8.7

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Anonymous,Mar 2025

SFO - HND

Don't bother with economy, it's so small!!! I'm a small person and I was cramped in the middle seat on a 11 hour flight. Not fun. Go for business or first class for such a long flight if you can or be prepared to have trouble moving when you stand up. Also be prepared to have trouble sleeping too. Crew was awesome though, they were helpful and provided excellent service.
Qatar Airways
7.4
Good
3,539 reviews
ANA
8.3
Very good
827 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Boarding

8.5

Comfort

8.2

Food

7.6

Crew

8.7

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Anonymous,Mar 2025

SFO - HND

Don't bother with economy, it's so small!!! I'm a small person and I was cramped in the middle seat on a 11 hour flight. Not fun. Go for business or first class for such a long flight if you can or be prepared to have trouble moving when you stand up. Also be prepared to have trouble sleeping too. Crew was awesome though, they were helpful and provided excellent service.
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,611 reviews
ANA
8.3
Very good
827 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Boarding

8.5

Comfort

8.2

Food

7.6

Crew

8.7

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Anonymous,Mar 2025

SFO - HND

Don't bother with economy, it's so small!!! I'm a small person and I was cramped in the middle seat on a 11 hour flight. Not fun. Go for business or first class for such a long flight if you can or be prepared to have trouble moving when you stand up. Also be prepared to have trouble sleeping too. Crew was awesome though, they were helpful and provided excellent service.
American Airlines
7.2
Good
10,000 reviews
ANA
8.3
Very good
827 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Boarding

8.5

Comfort

8.2

Food

7.6

Crew

8.7

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Anonymous,Mar 2025

SFO - HND

Don't bother with economy, it's so small!!! I'm a small person and I was cramped in the middle seat on a 11 hour flight. Not fun. Go for business or first class for such a long flight if you can or be prepared to have trouble moving when you stand up. Also be prepared to have trouble sleeping too. Crew was awesome though, they were helpful and provided excellent service.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Des Moines to Shanghai. 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 Shanghai?

    For a flight from Des Moines to Shanghai, you will be flying from 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 0 outbound flights to Shanghai per day. 2 airlines have flights to Shanghai from Des Moines on a regular basis.

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

    Flying on United Airlines is currently your cheapest option to Shanghai, with prices starting at $1,144. Additional round-trip tickets that might be worth considering are offered by American Airlines and Delta, with the lowest prices starting at $1,171 and $1,343, respectively. Users have found that United Airlines is 35% cheaper than the other options available to this destination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to Shanghai (average of $1,187). Flying from Des Moines to Shanghai in June is currently the most expensive (average of $1,818). 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

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Alternative routes for Des Moines to Shanghai

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
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Top 2 airlines flying from Des Moines to Shanghai

Discover the top 2 airlines that operate flights from Des Moines to Shanghai. 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 March 18, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
American AirlinesCheapest$1,254Average$1,739FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
DeltaCheapest$1,416Average$1,645FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
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