$59 Cheap Flights to Ottumwa, IA

Flights to Ottumwa at a glance

Traveling to Ottumwa is easy—simply choose between full-service and budget airlines, explore journey times, and select the best option for your budget and schedule. Whether you're seeking affordable Ottumwa flights or last-minute OTM flights, you’ll be ready to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Ottumwa: Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
• Closest (typical) airport to Ottumwa: Eastern Iowa Airport, CID (around 70 miles)
• Flights per week: 3,250+ flights arriving across Ottumwa airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Ottumwa: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports near Ottumwa

Ottumwa is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, scenic lovers, and those seeking a romantic getaway. Visitors are drawn to its adventure opportunities and eco-friendly attractions. The city is conveniently accessible through two major airports, including Ottumwa Regional Airport and Ottumwa Kirksville Municipal Airport.

• Des Moines International Airport (DSM): Situated in Polk County, Iowa, approximately 74 miles from Ottumwa, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel. It connects to over 175 domestic cities and more than 45 international locales. Passengers have the option to enhance their journey by upgrading to first class or premium economy service, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines at this airport include American Airlines, Delta, and United.
• Eastern Iowa Airport (CID): Found in Linn County, Iowa, about 70 miles from Ottumwa, this airport offers both domestic and international flights. It links travelers to around 140 domestic locations and over 25 international destinations. Travelers can opt for upgrades to premium economy or first class seating for a more enjoyable experience, subject to the routes and airlines. Key carriers operating here include American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Top routes to Ottumwa

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

Cheapest routes to Ottumwa

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

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

Top airlines with flights to Ottumwa

• American Airlines: Offers flights to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), making up approximately 39% of Ottumwa's arrivals. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $260, with premium cabin service possibly including first class, depending on the route.
• United: Provides service to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), contributing roughly 29% of arrivals in Ottumwa. One-way fares average about $290, with premium cabin options that may feature first class, based on the specific route.
• Delta: Flies into Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), accounting for nearly 19% of Ottumwa's incoming flights. The typical one-way fare is about $270, and premium service may offer both premium economy and first class, depending on the route selected.
• Southwest Airlines: Operates flights to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), responsible for around 8% of arrivals to Ottumwa. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of approximately $250, making it a popular choice for travelers.
• Frontier Airlines: Serves Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), contributing nearly 4% of arrivals in Ottumwa. With an average one-way fare of about $160, it is often regarded as a budget-friendly option for travelers.

Best time to fly to Ottumwa

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Ottumwa are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Ottumwa can reach up to 50.7°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 $232), roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October, May, and August offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $236 to $247, 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 Ottumwa

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

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Ottumwa

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

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

• Eldon: Eldon is located 14 miles drive away from Ottumwa and is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and romantic getaways. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views at the recreational area while exploring the local shopping centre and mall. Key attractions include the iconic American Gothic House, a must-see for culture enthusiasts, the Pioneer Ridge Nature Area and Nature Center for eco-friendly exploration, and the Wapello County Historical Museum, perfect for history buffs looking to delve into the region's past.
• Batavia: Batavia is located 13 miles drive away from Ottumwa, offering a delightful blend of outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences. The city features urban parks and a serene lake, making it a great spot for relaxation. Travelers can experience local culture at the historic American Gothic House or attend events at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. For those interested in local governance, Libertyville City Hall provides insight into the town's civic life, making Batavia a charming stop for all visitors.
• Floris: Floris is located 20 miles drive away from Ottumwa and is perfect for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike. The American Gothic House stands as a significant historic landmark, inviting travelers to appreciate its artistic value. Outdoor enthusiasts can venture to the Pioneer Ridge Nature Area and Nature Center for a day of adventure, while families can enjoy the amenities at Greater Ottumwa Park, which offers ample space for outdoor activities and relaxation in a picturesque setting.

Tips for short-haul flights to Ottumwa

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, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Optimize your packing by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest garments, and thoughtfully planning your outfits. This approach also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights do not provide in-flight entertainment. To keep yourself occupied, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time and consider bringing a book. 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 wise to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before 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 while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Ottumwa

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 often provide complimentary seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines allow for seat selection even earlier than this.
• 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 processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Free airport Wi-Fi is generally available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin synchronizing your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Ottumwa

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Ottumwa 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

November is the cheapest month to fly to Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Ottumwa in 2026 starts from $118, while one-way tickets start from from $59. 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 Ottumwa. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Ottumwa

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

The most affordable airports to fly into

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

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 Ottumwa.

Stopover savings

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