$61 Cheap Flights to Altoona, IA

Flights to Altoona at a glance

Traveling to Altoona is easy; you can choose from a variety of options, including both full-service and low-cost airlines. Compare the travel times and select the flight to Altoona that best fits your budget, schedule, and plans to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Altoona: Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO)
• Closest airport to Altoona: Des Moines International Airport, DSM (around 12 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,950+ flights arriving across Altoona airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Altoona: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports near Altoona

Altoona is a vibrant city perfect for family trips, outdoor adventures, and entertainment. Visitors are drawn to Altoona for its diverse offerings, including recreational activities and business opportunities. The city is conveniently accessible via two major airports, making travel planning straightforward for those heading to Altoona.

• Des Moines International Airport (DSM): Situated in Polk County, Iowa, approximately 12 miles from Altoona, this airport offers both domestic and international flights, linking to over 175 domestic cities and more than 45 global destinations. Travelers can opt for first class and premium economy seating for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines like American Airlines, United, and Delta operate here.
• Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO): Found in Black Hawk County, Iowa, about 84 miles from Altoona, this airport primarily serves domestic routes, connecting to around 6 cities nationwide. The main airline that operates at this location is American Airlines.

Top routes to Altoona

• Denver (DEN) to Altoona (DSM), with one-way airfare from around $45
• Phoenix (PHX) to Altoona (DSM), with one-way airfare from around $90
• Orlando (MCO) to Altoona (DSM), with one-way flights starting at around $70
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Altoona (DSM), with one-way tickets available from around $120
• Seattle (SEA) to Altoona (ALO/DSM), with one-way flights starting at around $140

Cheapest routes to Altoona

• Denver (DEN) to Altoona (DSM), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $45
• St. Louis (STL) to Altoona (DSM), with affordable one-way prices from around $50
• Orlando (MCO) to Altoona (DSM), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $70
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Altoona (DSM), with affordable one-way prices from around $85
• Phoenix (PHX) to Altoona (DSM), with budget one-way fares from around $90

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Altoona

• American Airlines: This airline operates flights to Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) and Des Moines International Airport (DSM), representing roughly 36% of arrivals in Altoona. Average one-way fares hover around $280, with premium options potentially including first class based on the route.
• United: Flying to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), United accounts for approximately 27% of arrivals to Altoona. The average one-way fare is about $300, and their premium service may include first class depending on the route.
• Delta: Delta also serves Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and makes up around 21% of Altoona’s arrivals. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of about $270, with premium cabin options that may feature both premium economy and first class, depending on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: Operating to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Southwest Airlines contributes around 12% of the arrivals to Altoona. The typical one-way fare is approximately $250, providing a cost-effective travel choice.
• Frontier Airlines: Serving Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Frontier Airlines accounts for roughly 3% of Altoona’s arrivals. As a budget-friendly option, the average one-way fare is approximately $150, appealing to cost-conscious travelers.

Best time to fly to Altoona

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Altoona are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Altoona can reach up to 50°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 66.7°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $228), roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October, May, and August offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $233 to $248, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Altoona

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Altoona is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Altoona hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Altoona flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Altoona

Altoona welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Altoona efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Altoona, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Altoona is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Altoona on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Altoona

• Ankeny: Ankeny is located 9 miles away from Altoona and is a vibrant city perfect for family outings and outdoor adventures. Enjoy the thrill of Adventureland, an amusement park offering rides and attractions for all ages. For sports enthusiasts, the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex provides ample recreational space. Education seekers can explore Des Moines Area Community College, while the nearby theme park and waterpark offer additional fun-filled experiences. Ankeny's blend of educational and entertainment venues makes it an ideal spot for a diverse range of activities.
• Pleasant Hill: Pleasant Hill is located 5 miles away from Altoona, offering a delightful mix of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures. The Iowa State Fairgrounds hosts a variety of events throughout the year, making it a lively destination. For entertainment, visit Casey's Center, an arena that features exciting performances. Adventureland is also accessible from Pleasant Hill, providing thrilling experiences for families. With its engaging venues and community spirit, Pleasant Hill is a great choice for travelers looking for adventure and fun.
• Bondurant: Bondurant is located 4 miles away from Altoona and beckons travelers with its family-oriented atmosphere and outdoor attractions. Adventureland amusement park is nearby, offering excitement for thrill-seekers. For those interested in outdoor recreation, the local campgrounds and resorts provide beautiful settings for relaxation. The Iowa State Fairgrounds and Casey's Center are also within reach, enhancing your visit with diverse entertainment options. Bondurant’s charm and range of activities ensure a memorable experience for all visitors.

Tips for short-haul flights to Altoona

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, it’s often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating outfits efficiently. This approach also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book for additional entertainment. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Altoona

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, which is generally 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may even provide the option to select seats earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, visit a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is typically free and readily available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to synchronize your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to either sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Altoona

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Altoona on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

December is the cheapest month to fly to Altoona. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Altoona. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Altoona, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Altoona

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Altoona in 2026 starts from $114, while one-way tickets start from from $61. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Altoona. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Altoona

Allegiant Air, United, Southwest Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Altoona. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Altoona and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Altoona, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Altoona. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Altoona plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Altoona

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Altoona.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Altoona are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Altoona. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Altoona for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Altoona. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Altoona flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Altoona. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

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