12 Stunning & Affordable Places to Fly from Des Moines Right Now

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Ever feel like you’re stuck paying premium prices flying out of DSM? I get it. But after becoming slightly obsessed with tracking flight deals (my browser history is embarrassing), I’ve found some incredible steals from Des Moines. Just last week, I spotted roundtrip tickets to Denver for $150, which means you could be sipping craft beer in RiNo and hiking at Red Rocks for less than a night out downtown.

These are some of the best places in Des Moines to snag cheap flights right now, and I’m talking real airlines, not those tiny seats with zero legroom. From Nashville’s incredible music scene (where I paid less for flights than my monthly parking pass) to Las Vegas’s poolside paradise, these 12 destinations prove you don’t need to drive to Chicago or Minneapolis for amazing travel deals.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Des Moines

Looking for cheap places to fly from Des Moines? Before jumping into all the coolest cities and airports to fly into, I want to share a quick tip to save money on airfare.

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. DSM) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $493 roundtrip fare from Omaha to London. On average, I save about $350 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Best Cheap Getaways from Des Moines

Looking for cheap getaways from Des Moines? Visit Louisville for its rich bourbon heritage and iconic horse racing, Tulsa for vibrant arts and historic districts, Houston for world-class museums and diverse cuisine, and Memphis for legendary music and mouthwatering barbecue. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or cuisine, these destinations offer budget-friendly escapes from Des Moines.

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Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

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1. Des Moines to Louisville ($87–$120 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time from Des Moines: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: American, United, Delta (usually with 1 quick stop)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall 🍂 for perfect weather and bourbon festival season
• 🏆 Perfect for: Bourbon enthusiasts 🥃, sports fans 🏇, foodies 🍽️, history buffs 🏛️

Louisville is one of the best-value city breaks in the Midwest. It’s got bourbon, bold flavors, and enough culture to fill a weekend without burning through your bank account.

Whiskey Row is bourbon heaven where you can actually try good stuff without paying tourist prices. Louisville Slugger Museum lets you hold the same bats as MLB stars and watch them being made. The Kentucky Derby Museum lets you stand on the actual track at Churchill Downs without the insane Derby Day crowds. And If you time it right, you can catch morning workouts where horses train for free. Literal goosebumps watching those animals fly by at sunrise!

May and October are prime months to visit. Expect sunny days around 70°F, fewer tourists, and hotel rates around $90/night. For flights, American Airlines consistently offers the best deals with fares under $100 roundtrip when you book 4-6 weeks ahead.

If you want bold flavors, rich history, and a true taste of Kentucky in just a weekend, Louisville absolutely delivers.

2. Des Moines to Tulsa ($105–$140 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time from Des Moines: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: American, United (usually with 1 quick stop in Dallas or Chicago)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for perfect weather and outdoor festivals
• 🏆 Perfect for: Art lovers 🎨, music enthusiasts 🎵, outdoor adventurers 🏞️, foodies on a budget 🍽️

Tulsa is a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene, surprising outdoor spaces, and a rich cultural history. The city has tons of iconic attractions where you can explore, relax, and soak up culture without the crazy prices you’d find in larger Midwest destinations.

The Gathering Place is famous for being America’s best new park, while Philbrook Museum is housed in an actual 1920s Italian villa surrounded by gardens so beautiful you’ll forget you’re in Oklahoma. Stroll through the Art Deco District downtown where you can spot gorgeous buildings from the oil boom days while popping into trendy coffee shops and boutiques that locals actually frequent.

Spring, especially April, is magical here. For the best flight deals, Allegiant sometimes runs flash sales with one-way fares under $60 if you can fly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

3. Des Moines to Houston ($127–$165 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: United, Southwest (the only ones with semi-decent connections)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March 🌤️ when it’s not a literal swamp outside
• 🏆 Perfect for: Space nerds 🚀, food snobs on a budget 🍲, people who hate winter 🌡️

Houston defies expectations in the best way. As the fourth-largest city in the U.S., it offers an unmatched mix of cultures, food, and world-class attractions without the price tag of LA or NYC. It’s diverse, down-to-earth, and packed with surprises.

NASA Johnson Space Center is the real deal, not some cheesy tourist trap. You’ll stand underneath actual Saturn V rockets (they’re massive) and see astronauts training for upcoming missions. Over in Hermann Park, the free Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts everything from Broadway shows to symphony performances that would cost $100+ in other cities. Meanwhile, the Museum of Natural Science houses one of the largest dinosaur halls in America, perfect for unleashing your inner paleontologist.

Winter is hands-down the best month to explore Houston. For flights, check Southwest from Hobby Airport for free bags, or snag United’s web specials.

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Houston

4. Des Moines to Memphis ($99–$130 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Delta, American (connecting flights through Atlanta or Dallas)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall 🍂 when humidity isn’t trying to drown you
• 🏆 Perfect for: Music history buffs 🎸, BBQ enthusiasts 🍖, blues lovers 🎷

Memphis delivers serious value with direct flights often under $100 each way. This compact city packs in iconic music landmarks, world-famous BBQ, and a walkable downtown that makes for an easy weekend trip without breaking the bank.

Graceland is the big-ticket attraction where you can tour Elvis’s mansion complete with the famous jungle room and his collection of cars and private jets. The food scene in Memphis revolves around BBQ, with each spot claiming the city’s best. Downtown, Beale Street offers three blocks of blues clubs with live music every night, most with no cover charge. Your stomach might need a vacation after all that BBQ, but your wallet will still be surprisingly full.

Fall is ideal for exploring, with cooler temps and fewer crowds. Delta dominates this route with cheapest flights, often dropping to $99 roundtrip. American comes in as a close second, especially when booking 6-8 weeks in advance. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Flights from Memphis

5. Des Moines to Phoenix ($155–$190 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours
• 🛫 Best Airlines: American, Southwest, United (some direct flights available)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April 🌵 for pleasant temperatures and outdoor activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts 🏔️, golf lovers ⛳, winter sun seekers ☀️

If winter in Iowa has you daydreaming of warmth and wide open skies, Phoenix delivers. This sprawling desert metropolis delivers sunshine on tap, mountains right in the city limits, and a food scene that’s way more exciting than the chain restaurants that tourists usually get trapped in.

The Sonoran Desert isn’t just a bunch of boring sand and cacti. Camelback Mountain offers sick hiking trails with views that’ll blow up your Instagram, while Papago Park’s red rock formations look fake they’re so perfect for photos. The desert botanical garden is actually cool (not something your grandparents would drag you to), especially during the winter light shows when they illuminate thousands of cacti with colorful displays that feel like you’re walking through an alien landscape.

Southwest regularly runs fare sales on this route, often dipping below $160 roundtrip. American sometimes matches those deals, especially for Tuesday or Wednesday flights.

• Read Next: Affordable Places to Fly from Phoenix

6. Des Moines to Wichita ($102–$140 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: American, United (connecting through Chicago or Dallas)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for pleasant weather and events
• 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture buffs 🏛️, art lovers 🎨, craft beer enthusiasts 🍺

Wichita is the Midwest’s best-kept secret. This unexpectedly cool river city is packed with gorgeous Art Deco buildings, a thriving arts scene, and food so good you’ll wonder why nobody talks about it. The perfect alternative to overpriced tourist traps that all look the same on social media.

The Old Town District feels like someone took the best parts of Austin and Kansas City but forgot to add the crowds and inflated prices. Brick warehouses from the 1800s now house amazing restaurants, galleries, and shops with local goods that aren’t the same basic souvenirs you find everywhere else. Exploration Place on the Arkansas River looks like a spaceship landed on the water with hands-on science exhibits that are legit entertaining even for adults.

Early summer is peak season in Wichita when temperatures warm up and outdoor events like the massive Riverfest in June take over the city. For flights, American and United usually battle it out for the cheapest fares, often dropping below $115. 

Wichita punches way above its weight for a city this size — and your travel budget will thank you.

7. Des Moines to Salt Lake City ($140-$190 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Delta, United, Frontier (some direct options)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🏔️ for hiking and October to April ❄️ for skiing
• 🏆 Perfect for: Powder hounds 🎿, outdoor adventurers 🥾, brewery hoppers 🍺

Salt Lake City serves as the ultimate playground for anyone who worships the outdoors but still needs their urban fix. This mountain-ringed city gives you access to some of the most legendary ski resorts on the planet and prices that won’t make you consider selling your kidney to fund your trip.

The Wasatch Mountains hover over downtown like a screensaver that’s somehow real life. You can literally go from sipping third-wave coffee to shredding world-class powder at Brighton or Solitude in under 45 minutes. During summer, locals hit up Big Cottonwood Canyon for hiking trails with alpine lakes so blue they look photoshopped. The best part is you’ll pay about half what you would at more hyped mountain destinations while getting terrain that’s actually better.

Delta often drops roundtrip fares below $165 during shoulder seasons. Frontier also offers occasional deals around $140, though you’ll need to pack light and set expectations low for extras.

Four days here and you’ll be texting your friends about how they need to visit before everyone else discovers it.

• Read Next: Cheap Flights from Salt Lake City

8. Des Moines to Oklahoma City ($133–$170 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour.35 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: American, United (connections through Dallas or Chicago)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for mild weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Western history buffs 🤠, food enthusiasts 🍗, urban explorers 🏙️

Oklahoma City has had a serious glow-up, and most travelers haven’t gotten the memo yet. This former cowtown now has revitalized neighborhoods, an emerging food scene, and cultural attractions that make it perfect for a chill weekend away without big crowds or inflated prices.

Bricktown is the star of the show, with canal-side restaurants, rooftop bars, and century-old warehouses turned into buzzing hangouts. It’s like San Antonio’s Riverwalk but without the tourist mobs. Grab a drink, catch a minor league baseball game, or just stroll the waterfront. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum might sound niche, but it’s genuinely impressive. You’ll find world-class art, interactive exhibits, and a deeper look into a culture that helped shape the American West.

For flights, American Airlines usually offers the best connectivity and often drops fares below $150 roundtrip, while United has occasional sales through its Chicago hub if your dates are flexible.

Time your visit in fall for good weather and events like the Plaza District Festival. 

9. Des Moines to Albuquerque ($128–$170 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: American, United, Southwest (connecting service)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to October 🎈 for perfect desert temps and balloon festivals
• 🏆 Perfect for: Desert explorers 🌵, chili enthusiasts 🌶️, Breaking Bad fans 🧪

Albuquerque serves serious main character energy with landscapes that feel surreal. This high desert city sits between ancient volcanic fields and the dramatic Sandia Mountains, which glow pink at sunset and make every golden hour feel cinematic.

Old Town looks like it was plucked straight from a Western movie set, but the real magic happens when you venture beyond the touristy shops. Los Poblanos is this dreamy lavender farm where you can sip cocktails in gardens while actual peacocks strut around like they own the place. The mountain tram ride is absolutely worth it, taking you so high you can see basically forever in every direction. 

October is the sweet spot to visit when temps are crisp and the International Balloon Fiesta fills the sky. Southwest Airlines often leads on price, with fares sometimes dropping below $140 roundtrip during sales. American connects through Dallas or Phoenix, and offers good deals when booked 6 to 8 weeks ahead.

The moment you breathe in that high desert air, you’ll wonder why this gem isn’t on everyone’s bucket list yet. 

10. Des Moines to Little Rock ($135–$175 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: American, United (connections through Dallas or Chicago)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌳 and September to November 🍁 for outdoor exploring
• 🏆 Perfect for: Nature lovers 🏞️, history buffs 📜, food enthusiasts 🍽️

Little Rock is a laid-back, under-the-radar weekend escape where your dollar goes further and you won’t find yourself elbowing through selfie crowds. This riverside capital gives you a real taste of Southern culture without the tourist markup of Nashville or New Orleans.

The River Market District is the city’s hub, with red-brick buildings now home to farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and a buzzing farmers market that puts most big-city versions to shame. History lovers can tour Little Rock Central High School, where the story of the Little Rock Nine is told through powerful exhibits and first-person accounts from those who lived it.

For outdoor vibes, Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers killer hiking trails just 15 minutes from downtown with summit views that make you forget you’re in the South and not somewhere in Colorado.

American Airlines and United dominate this route, with fares often dropping below $150 during Tuesday fare refreshes. Spring absolutely slaps in Little Rock when the city explodes with color.

• Read Next: Beautiful Spots to See in Arkansas

11. Des Moines to San Antonio ($151-$195 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: American, Southwest, United (some direct flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌺 and October to December 🍂 for perfect weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: History enthusiasts 🏰, Tex-Mex aficionados 🌮, river walkers 🌊

San Antonio strikes the perfect balance between big city amenities and small town charm. This unique Texas destination blends Mexican culture, colonial history, and modern attractions without overwhelming price tags.

The River Walk looks like it was designed specifically for vacation mode, with cypress-lined waterways connecting restaurants, bars, and shops in a pedestrian paradise below street level. Skip the chain spots and venture to the newer Museum Reach section where locals hang at hip spots like Hotel Emma, a former brewery transformed into one of the coolest boutique hotels in America. 

Southwest offers the best deals into SAT, with roundtrip fares sometimes dipping below $160. American also has great options with easy Dallas connections.

12. Des Moines to Cincinnati ($100–$140 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Delta, American (regional connections)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍁 for festivals and outdoor activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, craft beer hunters 🍺, sports fans ⚾

Cincinnati blends Midwestern charm with Southern warmth and somehow still flies under the radar. Set along the Ohio River, the city’s historic neighborhoods, vibrant food scene, and architectural gems make it a perfect (and affordable) weekend escape.

Over-the-Rhine is like someone copy-pasted a European village into the middle of Ohio, with stunning 19th-century architecture now housing speakeasy bars and killer restaurants. For incredible views, Mount Adams sits perched above downtown with winding streets lined with cafes and boutiques that feel lifted from a Mediterranean hillside. Meanwhile, The Banks district along the river delivers perfect skyline views and sits between the Reds and Bengals stadiums, making game days an easy walk from downtown bars.

Delta often has the best deals, with roundtrip fares dipping under $110 during Tuesday sales. American runs solid backups if you’re open to a short layover in Chicago.

• Read Next: Affordable Places to Fly from Cincinnati

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from Des Moines

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from Des Moines? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from Des Moines to anywhere.

What are the cheapest destinations from Des Moines?

From Des Moines, budget-conscious travelers frequently find Louisville, Tulsa, Houston, Memphis, and Phoenix as cost-effective gateways. These cities not only offer affordability in airfare but also a diverse range of experiences, from cultural hubs to natural wonders. As airfare deals and seasonal promotions emerge, other lesser-known destinations might also rise in the ranks of affordability. Always keep an eye on airline sales and promotions to discover new and economical getaways.

How can I find the cheapest flights from Des Moines?

To snag the cheapest flights from Des Moines, it’s wise to use flight comparison websites, which aggregate ticket prices across various airlines and booking platforms. Setting up price alerts can notify you of drops in ticket costs for your desired destination. Being flexible with your travel dates can also be a game-changer, with midweek flights, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, often coming in at lower prices. Lastly, subscribing to airline newsletters and loyalty programs can provide exclusive discounts and early access to sales.

Which airlines offer the best deals from Des Moines?

From the Des Moines International Airport, carriers like Frontier, Allegiant Air, and Southwest frequently emerge as frontrunners in offering competitive fares. These airlines often have promotional deals and affordable non-stop options to various destinations. Nevertheless, it’s crucial for travelers to cross-check prices and offers across multiple airlines, as specials and promotions can shift based on the season and route.

Is there a best time of year to find cheap flights from DSM?

Historically, flight prices from Des Moines International Airport tend to be more affordable during the off-peak season, which is outside major holidays and school vacations. Fall and late winter often see fewer travelers, leading to potentially reduced fares. However, travelers should also monitor airline promotions, as unexpected deals can pop up any time of the year.

How early should I book to get the cheapest flights from Des Moines?

To secure the most competitive fares from Des Moines International Airport, it’s advisable to start your flight search 2-3 months in advance. Historically, the sweet spot for booking is often around 4-6 weeks before your desired departure date. During this window, airlines have a clearer picture of seat demand and may adjust prices to fill flights, potentially benefiting cost-conscious travelers.

Are there any nearby alternative airports to Des Moines for cheaper flights?

Those in Des Moines looking for alternative airports might consider Omaha’s Eppley Airfield, situated just a couple of hours away in Nebraska. Another viable option could be Kansas City International Airport in Missouri, a broader flight hub approximately three hours from Des Moines. Travelers should balance the potential savings against the added time and expense of reaching these alternate airports.

Do last-minute flights from Des Moines offer better deals?

While last-minute flights from Des Moines can occasionally offer enticing deals, they come with inherent risks. Often, prices might spike due to limited seat availability, especially during peak seasons or popular travel times. Therefore, while it’s possible to snag a last-minute bargain, it’s generally safer to book in advance to ensure both seat availability and a more predictable fare.

How long are the average flights from Des Moines to these cheapest destinations?

Flight durations from Des Moines to budget-friendly destinations differ based on distance and routes. Cities like Omaha or Tulsa might only require a quick hop of around an hour. On the other hand, longer treks to destinations like Phoenix or Houston can take around three hours or a bit more. For precise timings, it’s best to check individual flight schedules.

Are these cheap flights from Des Moines typically non-stop?

Yes, many of the budget-friendly flights departing from Des Moines to popular destinations tend to be non-stop, providing travelers with convenience and efficiency. However, specific availability of non-stop routes can vary based on the airline and the destination. Some deals might involve layovers, so it’s always beneficial to double-check the flight details before booking.

How often do flight prices from Des Moines change?

Flight prices from Des Moines can be quite dynamic, with changes occurring multiple times within a single day. Factors influencing these shifts include demand, seasonality, fuel prices, airline promotional campaigns, and global events. It’s advisable for travelers to monitor prices regularly and utilize tools like price alerts to stay updated on potential fare fluctuations.