$103 Cheap Flights to Elma, IA

Popular airlines to Elma

How much is the cheapest flight to Elma?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $103 for one-way flights and $199 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Delta
United
United
United
American Airlines

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Elma

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Elma 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

September is the cheapest month to fly to Elma. 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 Elma. 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 Elma, 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 Elma

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Elma in 2025 starts from from $199, while one-way tickets start from from $103. 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 Elma. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Elma

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

The most affordable airports to fly into

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

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 Elma.

Stopover savings

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

Frequently asked questions

Where can I learn more about changing or canceling my flight to Elma?
Most flights are free to cancel within 24 hours of making the reservation. However, some flights are non-refundable, and you may receive a flight credit from the airline to use for a future booking. For more information, please visit our Customer Service Portal.
How do I find cheap flights to Elma that have flexible change policies?
We know that plans can change in the blink of an eye, so locking in a flexible ticket with Expedia is always a smart move. Simply check the "No change fee" box underneath the "Flexible change policies" filter. Your affordable, flexible flight to Elma is only a few clicks away.
What is the name of Elma's airport?
Elma has only one airport, Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM).
How many airlines fly to Elma?
Elma is serviced by 6 airlines from 25 worldwide airports.
How many nonstop flights are there to Elma?
With 291 nonstop flights operating every week, you'll be hitting the tarmac in Elma before you can say, "Are we there yet?"
Where are the most popular flights to Elma departing from?
Travelers often set off from Denver, Chicago and Dallas airports when going to Elma.
How long is the flight to Elma Airport?
If you're flying to Elma from Chicago, you'll have a flight duration of 1 hour and 24 minutes. Those setting off from Denver can expect to be airborne for 1 hour and 38 minutes. From Atlanta it's approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes away.
How to book the cheapest flight to Elma?
If you want to have some extra spending money on your Elma vacation, listen up! As every experienced traveler knows, avoid booking at the last minute. Prices are usually more expensive just prior to the departure date. Also, shop around and compare your options. If your destination has a few airports, you may be able to pick up a better price by flying into a smaller terminal. Finally, be prepared to secure your seat quickly if you stumble on a real bargain. It might not stick around for too long! With a bit of knowledge and some good fortune, the perfect airfare will be yours.
How to survive the flight to Elma?
We've rounded up all the info you need to make your flight as enjoyable as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be breezing through the airport and having a ball in Elma in no time.What to pack in your hand luggage:

  • First and foremost, pack in your passport, important documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you intend to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

  • While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

  • The main aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Layer yourself up in natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Pick flat, well-fitting shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the journey. Leave the high heels and chunky boots in your checked baggage.
  • A condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking around the cabin and doing regular leg and foot exercises in your seat helps to prevent this happening. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks can also help.

How to get through airport security fast when flying to Elma?
A little pre-planning before your flight can make your trip to Elma quick and painless. Below are some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

  • Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
  • The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
  • For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
  • Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
  • The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
  • Airlines won't allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.

Flights to Elma information
Destination airport
Rochester Intl.
Destination airport IATA code
RST
Destination city name
Rochester
Roundtrip price
$199

Trending flights to Elma

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $103 for one-way flights and $199 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

United

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*Available to One Key members.