Cheap Flights from Champaign (CMI) to Des Moines (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Champaign to Des Moines (CMI-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at for one-way flights and $518 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
Flights from Champaign (CMI) to Des Moines (DSM)
Origin airport
University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Roundtrip price
$518
Distance
299 mi

Champaign to Des Moines Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Champaign to Des Moines

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Champaign to Des Moines are during the month of May. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Champaign to Des Moines with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Champaign to Des Moines

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Champaign to Des Moines: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Champaign to Des Moines

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Champaign to Des Moines in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Champaign to Des Moines flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Champaign to Des Moines airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

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

Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from CMI to Des Moines Intl. Airport last minute?
Being a spontaneous soul is an amazing way to discover the world, but it’s not necessarily the smartest way to find a cheap flight. Think about booking your Willard Airport to DSM journey ahead of time rather than leaving it till the last minute. Based on flight pricing and demand studies in 2022, we have found that the best time to book domestic flights is between 28 – 35 days ahead of the departure date, and international flights three to four months in advance. Leave all that spontaneity for when you get to your destination!
What airports do you fly into for Des Moines from Champaign?
There are two — Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) and Marshalltown, IA (MIW-Marshalltown Municipal). Both are great options for those jetting from Champaign to Des Moines. If you choose Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM), you’ll land around 4 mi southwest of central Des Moines. After you’ve settled in to your hotel, it’s time to explore this city’s renowned sights. Iowa State Fairgrounds and Blank Park Zoo are two musts.
Can I change the date of my flight from University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard Airport (CMI) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
Quickly make changes to your University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard Airport (CMI) to DSM trip by logging in to the Expedia Trips portal. But before doing so, read through the conditions in your itinerary to find out what the airline will allow you to do and if fees apply. Some airlines have a change fee per person, in addition to any difference in fares. However, if you booked in the last 24 hours, you may be able to cancel for free and book new flights. You can also find your way to our Customer Service portal for more useful advice and to connect with our Virtual Agent.

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*Available to One Key members.