$61 Cheap Flights to Clive, IA

Flights to Clive at a glance

Traveling to Clive is easy; simply choose between full-service and low-cost airlines. You can compare journey times and find the cheapest flights to Clive that align with your budget and travel plans to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Clive: Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
• Flights per week: 1,900+ flights arriving at Clive airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Clive: around 10+ carriers

Popular airport near Clive

Clive is a vibrant city perfect for family outings, business trips, and recreational getaways. Visitors are drawn to its diverse entertainment options and outdoor activities. Clive is conveniently accessible via a major airport, making travel arrangements straightforward for those planning a visit.

• Des Moines International Airport (DSM): Situated in Polk County, Iowa, approximately 9 miles from Clive, this airport offers a robust selection of both domestic and international flights, connecting to over 175 cities within the U.S. and more than 45 global destinations. Travelers can opt for enhanced comfort by choosing first class or premium economy seating based on the airline and route. Major airlines operating here include American Airlines, United, and Delta.

Top routes to Clive

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

Cheapest routes to Clive

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

• American Airlines: This carrier operates flights to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and is responsible for about 36% of arrivals in Clive. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of around $270, with the option of first-class service on select routes.
• United: Also flying into Des Moines International Airport (DSM), United contributes approximately 27% of arrivals to Clive. The typical one-way fare is about $300, and premium cabin options may include first class based on the route taken.
• Delta: Operating to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Delta represents around 21% of arrivals in Clive. Average one-way fares are roughly $270, with cabin options that may feature premium economy and first class, depending on specific routes.
• Southwest Airlines: Serving Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Southwest Airlines accounts for close to 12% of arrivals to Clive. Passengers can look forward to an average one-way fare of about $250.
• Frontier Airlines: This airline flies to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and makes up approximately 3% of arrivals in Clive. Frontier is known for its budget-friendly fares, with an average one-way ticket costing around $150.

Best time to fly to Clive

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Clive are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Clive can reach up to 50.2°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 66.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $227), 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 Clive

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Clive 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 Clive 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 Clive flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Clive

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Clive, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Clive is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Clive 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 Clive

• Urbandale: Located 4 miles away from Clive, Urbandale is a vibrant city perfect for families and business travelers alike. Visitors can enjoy a mix of shopping experiences, including the local shopping mall center and various retail shops. For entertainment, the Casey's Center offers an exciting arena experience, while the nearby Living History Farms provides a glimpse into agricultural history. Don’t miss out on the fun at the local theme park and waterpark, making Urbandale a great spot for both relaxation and adventure.
• West Des Moines: West Des Moines is located 1 mile away from Clive and is an excellent destination for family outings and business meetings. This bustling city features shopping centers, fairgrounds, and various venues for conferences and events. Take a stroll through West Glen Town Center, a charming neighborhood with plenty of dining options and shops. Nature lovers will appreciate the scenic lake nearby, providing a perfect backdrop for picnics or leisurely walks.
• Waukee: Situated 5 miles away from Clive, Waukee is a growing city that offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and business opportunities. The city's shopping mall and arena entertainment facilities cater to diverse interests. A visit to Living History Farms is a must for those interested in agriculture, while the picturesque urban parks provide ample space for relaxation and outdoor fun. West Glen Town Center is also within reach, making Waukee a fantastic stop for a city vacation.

Tips for short-haul flights to Clive

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

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize space by opting for travel-sized toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating outfits ahead of time. This approach also allows you to bypass the baggage claim wait upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—short-haul flights frequently lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself occupied, download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts beforehand, and consider bringing a book. Remember to charge your devices fully 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 prior to departure, taking into account potential traffic and security delays.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Clive

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

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat ahead of time is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, which is generally 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may permit seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have additional time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is typically free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Clive

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Clive 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 Clive. 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 Clive. 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 Clive, 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 Clive

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Clive in 2026 starts from $102, 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 Clive. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Clive

Allegiant Air, United, Southwest Airlines, Delta, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Clive. 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 Clive and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Clive, 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 Clive. 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 Clive 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 Clive

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 Clive.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Clive are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Clive. 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 Clive 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 Clive. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Clive 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 Clive. 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.