Question 1

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?

Accepted Answer

You can find cheap one-way flights from $70 and cheap return flights from $201 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $219 to $836, and return flights typically cost between $408 and $1221. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) ticket fares go up or down.

*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.

Question 2

What is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

The cheapest month to fly from DSM to DCA is May when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.

Question 3

Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

You can fly direct from DSM to DCA on American Airlines, with around 19 flights per week.

Question 4

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Washington, DC (DCA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $177.99. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

Question 5

How do I find cheap flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.

Question 6

What is the best airline to fly with from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

The best airline to fly with from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Washington, DC (DCA) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, American Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, American Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines also offers the most daily flights from Des Moines to Washington, DC, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.

Question 7

What is the best time to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.

Question 8

How many flights per day from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

You can find approximately 3 nonstop flights per day from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.

Question 9

What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

The earliest flight from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This early flight can help you arrive in Washington, DC, with plenty of time to explore the city. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.

Question 10

What are the most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Washington, DC (DCA) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 30% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to maximize your day in Washington, DC after arriving.

Question 11

How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

Flying nonstop from DSM to DCA takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 894 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 3 hours 30 minutes longer than direct options. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.

Question 12

Can you fly business or first class from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

You can fly first class between DSM and DCA. First class cabins are available on:

Delta Air Lines
American Airlines
United Airlines

Question 13

How much is a business class flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

A non-stop, one-way business class flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Washington, DC (DCA) is usually around $677 - $838. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) if you opt for a connecting flight.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

Question 14

How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Question 15

What airports do you fly into for Washington from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?

Accepted Answer

From Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) and Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) in Washington. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Denver Intl. (DEN), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL) before reaching Washington. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.

Question 16

Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?

Accepted Answer

Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.

Question 17

Is it cheaper to book a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?

Accepted Answer

Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) Washington Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.

Question 18

Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

Accepted Answer

If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Origin airport	Des Moines Intl.
Destination airport	Ronald Reagan Washington National
Airlines serving	American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price	$201
Distance	894 mi
Average flight time	4 hours 12 mins

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$70 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Washington (DCA)