$100 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Des Moines (DSM)

Find available prices by choosing your travel dates.

Cheap Flights from Washington to Des Moines (DCA-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $100 for one-way flights and $198 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Delta
United
Southwest Airlines
American Airlines
Flights from Washington (DCA) to Des Moines (DSM)
Origin airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$198
Distance
894 mi

Washington to Des Moines Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington to Des Moines

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Washington to Des Moines are during the month of May. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Washington to Des Moines with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Des Moines

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington to Des Moines: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Washington to Des Moines

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Washington to Des Moines in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $100 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Washington to Des Moines flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Washington to Des Moines airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to fly from DCA to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
American Airlines has a direct flight setting off from DCA at 8:16PM and arriving at Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) at 10:00PM — a total flying time of 2 hours and 44 minutes. Select your preferred seat, pack some things to keep you amused and the time will race by.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to DSM last minute?
Being spontaneous is a fabulous way to travel the globe, but it’s not necessarily the smartest way to get your hands on a cheap plane ticket. Think about booking your DCA to DSM trip in advance rather than waiting till the last minute. Based on flight pricing and demand studies in 2022, we have found that the best time to book domestic flights is between 28 – 35 days ahead of the departure date, and international flights three to four months in advance. We recommend saving that spontaneity for when you reach your destination!
What airports do you fly into for Des Moines from Washington?
You have two options when jetting from Washington to Des Moines — Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) and Marshalltown, IA (MIW-Marshalltown Municipal). If you opt for Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) you’ll be approximately 4 mi to the southwest of central Des Moines. Make tracks to your hotel, then get out and take in your new surroundings. Iowa State Fairgrounds and Blank Park Zoo are just a couple of this city’s leading attractions.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from DCA to DSM?
Between 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM is the busiest period for American Airlines flights making their way from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to DSM. Our suggestion? Leave in the morning. With air traffic yet to build up, your chances of jumping on a delay-free flight are better.
Can I change the date of my flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Des Moines Intl. Airport?
We know plans can change, so Expedia is here to help make things as simple as possible. To start, find your DCA to DSM itinerary through the Expedia Trips portal and check the ticket rules and conditions about what changes can be made. If you booked your fare in the last 24 hours, some carriers will allow you to cancel for free and organize new flights. If you bought your ticket more than 24 hours ago, get in touch with us through our Customer Service portal to run through your options.

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*Available to One Key members.