$44 Cheap Flights to University Park, IA

Flights to University Park at a glance

Traveling to University Park is easy; simply choose between full-service and budget airlines. Compare flight times and select the best option that aligns with your budget, schedule, and plans to discover the city’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near University Park: Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
• Closest (typical) airport to University Park: Des Moines International Airport, DSM (around 56 miles)
• Flights per week: 3,250+ flights arriving across University Park airports
• Number of airlines that fly to University Park: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports near University Park

University Park is a vibrant city ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and family getaways. Visitors are drawn to its stunning scenery, romantic ambiance, and adventurous spirit, all while enjoying eco-friendly activities. The city is conveniently accessible via two major airports.

• Des Moines International Airport (DSM): Situated in Polk County, Iowa, roughly 56 miles from University Park, this airport caters to both domestic and international travelers. It connects to over 175 domestic cities and more than 45 global destinations. Passengers have the option to upgrade to first class or premium economy class for enhanced comfort based on the airline and route. Major airlines operating from this airport include American Airlines, United, and Delta.
• Eastern Iowa Airport (CID): Found in Linn County, Iowa, about 63 miles from University Park, this airport offers services for both domestic and international flights. It connects travelers to approximately 140 domestic cities and over 25 international locations. For added comfort, passengers can opt for premium economy or first-class seating depending on the airline and route. Key airlines serving this airport include American Airlines, United, and Delta.

Top routes to University Park

• Denver (DEN) to University Park (DSM/CID), with one-way tickets available from around $45
• Phoenix (PHX) to University Park (DSM/CID), with one-way airfare from around $90
• Orlando (MCO) to University Park (DSM/CID), with one-way flight options from around $70
• Los Angeles (LAX) to University Park (DSM/CID), with one-way tickets available from around $120
• Seattle (SEA) to University Park (DSM/CID), with one-way airfare from around $140

Cheapest routes to University Park

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

• American Airlines: Flies into Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), making up about 39% of arrivals at University Park. The typical one-way fare is around $260, with premium service options that may include first class depending on the route.
• United: Operates flights to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), representing approximately 29% of arrivals to University Park. Average one-way fares are about $290, with premium cabin choices that may feature first class based on the route.
• Delta: Serves Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), accounting for roughly 19% of arrivals at University Park. The average one-way fare is around $270, with premium service options potentially including both premium economy and first class depending on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: Flies exclusively to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), contributing approximately 8% of arrivals to University Park. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of about $250.
• Frontier Airlines: Provides service to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), comprising about 4% of arrivals at University Park. The average one-way fare is approximately $160, making it a budget-friendly option.

How to save money on a flight to University Park

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

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in University Park

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

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

• Oskaloosa: Located 2 miles drive away from University Park, Oskaloosa offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities and scenic spots perfect for a romantic getaway. Visitors can explore the historic William Penn University, enjoy the Southern Iowa Fair, or venture into Lake Keomah State Park for a day of adventure and breathtaking views. The city's charming atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for those looking to experience local culture and recreational opportunities.
• Leighton: Leighton is located 10 miles away from University Park and is a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With its beautiful parks and golf course, you can enjoy a day in nature or challenge yourself on the greens. Don't miss the Historical Village or the impressive Vermeer Windmill & Scholte House, where you can soak in the rich culture of the area. The Southern Iowa Fair adds to the family-friendly vibe, making Leighton a lovely place to visit.
• Beacon: Beacon is located 3 miles away from University Park and is perfect for travelers interested in culture and education. The highlight of this small city is the historic William Penn University, which serves as a cultural hub. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find the area offers great opportunities to observe local wildlife. Additionally, the Historical Village, Vermeer Windmill & Scholte House provides a glimpse into the region's history, making Beacon a quaint stop for those exploring the nearby attractions.

Tips for short-haul flights to University Park

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 your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and efficiently planning your outfits. This approach also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim once you arrive.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts beforehand, and pack a book to keep yourself engaged. 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 prior to departure, considering potential 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 University Park

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 permit seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to reach the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have spare time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, enjoy 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 to align your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to coincide 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 University Park

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to University Park 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 University Park. 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 University Park. 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 University Park, 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 University Park

The lowest price for round-trip flights to University Park in 2026 starts from $88, while one-way tickets start from from $44. 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 University Park. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to University Park

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

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for University Park, 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 University Park. 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 University Park 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 University Park

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 University Park.

Stopover savings

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