A modern building with a glass dome, surrounded by lush gardens and a clear blue sky with clouds.

$141 Cheap Flights from Albany (ALB) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $141 flight on Wed, Oct 14, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Albany Intl. Airport (ALB) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

  • Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*

  • Book smarter

    Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*

  • Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash
    Learn about One Key

Cheap Flights from Albany to Des Moines (ALB-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $141 for one-way flights and $281 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
ALB
Albany
DSM
Des Moines
$281 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from Albany to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $281 found 6 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Oct 7 - Sat, Oct 10
ALB
Albany
DSM
Des Moines
$281 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Oct 7 from Albany to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 10, priced at $281 found 9 hours ago
United
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
ALB
Albany
DSM
Des Moines
$281 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from Albany to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $281 found 6 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Oct 24 - Tue, Oct 27
ALB
Albany
DSM
Des Moines
$282 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$282
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 24 from Albany to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $282 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Oct 24 - Tue, Oct 27
ALB
Albany
DSM
Des Moines
$282 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$282
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 24 from Albany to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $282 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Thu, Nov 5 - Sat, Nov 7
ALB
Albany
DSM
Des Moines
$301 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$301
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 5 from Albany to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $301 found 6 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Nov 5 - Sat, Nov 7
ALB
Albany
DSM
Des Moines
$302 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$302
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Nov 5 from Albany to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $302 found 6 hours ago
United
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
ALB
Albany
DSM
Des Moines
$306 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$306
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from Albany to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $306 found 6 hours ago
American Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
ALB
Albany
DSM
Des Moines
$311 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$311
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from Albany to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $311 found 6 hours ago
American Airlines
Wed, Oct 7 - Sat, Oct 10
ALB
Albany
DSM
Des Moines
$313 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$313
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 7 from Albany to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 10, priced at $313 found 9 hours ago

Alternative airports near Des Moines

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Des Moines Intl. DSM. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 10 minutes. Flights from $429
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $429

Find the cheapest month to fly from Albany (ALB) to Des Moines (DSM)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $292 - $701 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Albany Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

Albany (ALB) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel between Albany (ALB) and Des Moines (DSM) with a selection of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Discover options for flights from Albany that cater to a range of budgets, whether you prefer full-service or low-cost carriers. This allows you to find the itinerary that aligns with your schedule and travel plans as you set out to explore the attractions and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Check out the essential details for flights from Albany International Airport to Des Moines International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,000 miles (1,610 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$420, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Albany International Airport (ALB) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from Albany to Des Moines, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Popular layover options include Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW, approximately 1-hour layover), O'Hare International Airport (ORD, about 1 hour and 45 minutes), and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT, around 1 hour and 15 minutes). These choices allow you to tailor your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class.

  • Delta: As a comprehensive carrier, Delta provides one-stop service, with one-way fares generally ranging from $145 to $420. This airline represents about 41% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline also offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically between $120 and $430. American Airlines accounts for roughly 37% of departures along this route, featuring an in-flight time of 4 hours and a total journey duration of around 5 hours and 30 minutes, including a layover.
  • United: United Airlines offers one-stop service, with one-way fares often ranging from $150 to $410. This carrier is responsible for about 16% of departures on this route, with an in-flight period of 4 hours and an overall travel time of roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a budget airline, Southwest provides both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares usually ranging from $120 to $375. The airline accounts for approximately 5% of departures on this route, with a typical multi-stop flight lasting 4 hours and 45 minutes in the air and a total travel time of about 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Best time to fly from Albany (ALB) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Albany to Des Moines are July, August, and October, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 74.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66.9°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $208. Flight availability peaks in August, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January, May, and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $208, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: May and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $214.
  • Most flight options: August has the highest number of flights from Albany to Des Moines, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January21.7°F (-5.7°C)Average7$229
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average8$280
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Average9$276
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Average8$259
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average7$213
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average8$287
July74.8°F (23.8°C)High10$268
August73.4°F (23.0°C)High11$288
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Low9$215
October53.2°F (11.8°C)High8$208
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Low9$303
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Low7$229

*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.

Alternative routes from Albany (ALB) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Schenectady to Des Moines (SCH-DSM): Located approximately 9 miles from Albany International Airport (ALB), Schenectady County Airport (SCH) serves as a convenient departure point.
  • Albany to Fort Dodge (ALB-FOD): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is positioned about 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), offering easy access for travelers.

How to find the best prices for flights from Albany (ALB) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Albany to Des Moines is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers book their flights two to eight weeks ahead. Evening departures from 6 PM to midnight often have lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to noon remain the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday provides both lower fares and high demand.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Des Moines International Airport from Albany International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Albany with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Albany International Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 9 miles) from central Albany. Here's how to reach Des Moines efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Des Moines, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Des Moines International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Des Moines International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $141 and cheap return flights from $281 Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $208 and $675, and return flights often range between $397 and $1115. 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 Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
May is the cheapest month to fly from Albany, NY (ALB) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average round-trip fares around $340. This is about 22% lower than the average price throughout the year, as spring travel often sees lower demand. Other affordable months to consider are March and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter ALB to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Albany, NY (ALB) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $307 with a layover in Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI). 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.
How do I find cheap flights from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.), 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.
What is the best time to fly from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best times to fly from Albany (ALB) to Des Moines (DSM) are in March and May. You can find return flights for about $340 during these months. March offers a refreshing change of season, while May is perfect for enjoying the blooming landscapes in Iowa.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Albany International Airport (ALB) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in May, allowing you to make the most of your day in Des Moines. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Albany (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) are in the morning, from 6am to 9am. About 40% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, operate flights during this period. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Des Moines with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flights from ALB to DSM with one stop typically take around 5 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 1,018 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from ALB to DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) 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.
What airports do you fly into for Des Moines from Albany Intl. (ALB)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Albany Intl. (ALB), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Midway Intl. (MDW) before reaching Des Moines. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) 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.
Is it cheaper to book a Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) Des Moines 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.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) 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.

Travel information

Origin airport
Albany Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$280
Distance
1017 mi

Book with confidence

Albany to Des Moines Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Albany 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 Albany to Des Moines are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Albany to Des Moines with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Albany 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 Albany 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 Albany to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $141 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 Albany 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 Albany 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.

 

Albany to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

Explore a world of travel with Expedia