$163 Cheap Flights from Baltimore (BWI) to Des Moines (DSM)
Popular airlines from Baltimore Washington Intl. Airport (BWI) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
DeltaDelta
UnitedUnited
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
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Cheap Flights from Baltimore to Des Moines (BWI-DSM)
Alternative airports near Des Moines
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Baltimore (BWI) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance
Travel between Baltimore (BWI) and Des Moines (DSM) offers a range of airlines catering to your journey needs on this domestic short-haul route. You can explore options from both full-service and budget-friendly carriers to discover the best flights from Baltimore that align with your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit to experience the renowned sights and neighborhoods of Des Moines, you’ll find all the essential details for flights from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM).
- Fastest flight duration: around 3h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1 hour layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 900 miles (1,450 km)
- Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$440, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Baltimore to Des Moines are often selected for their one-stop services. Common layover airports include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with approximately a 1 hour and 15 minute layover, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with about a 1-hour layover. This flexibility allows you to consider various factors like price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the most suitable itinerary.
- Delta: This full-service airline provides a one-stop travel experience, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $120 and $415. Delta operates around 37% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 5 hours, including layovers.
- American Airlines: As a full-service carrier, American Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way fares usually ranging from $120 to $470. They account for roughly 26% of the departures along this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, culminating in a total journey time of around 5 hours, including layovers.
- United: United Airlines, another full-service option, provides one-stop flights with one-way fares typically spanning from $140 to $495. They represent about 21% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of approximately 5 hours when you factor in layovers.
- Southwest Airlines: This low-cost airline offers one-stop service, with one-way fares generally between $145 and $425. Southwest accounts for approximately 15% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to an overall journey time of around 5 hours, including layovers.
- Frontier Airlines: Operating as a low-cost carrier, Frontier Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares normally ranging from $125 to $210. They handle about 1% of the departures on this route, featuring a flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, with total travel taking roughly 5 hours, including layovers.
Travelers flying from Baltimore to Des Moines can opt to enhance their experience with an upgrade. Leading airlines for first-class service include American Airlines, United, and Delta.
Best time to fly from Baltimore (BWI) to Des Moines (DSM)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Baltimore to Des Moines are March, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 61.3°F in May. If you prefer quieter travel, consider February, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 24.1°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $206. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 14 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.
- Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $206, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
- More budget-friendly months to fly: October and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $221.
- Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Baltimore to Des Moines, with approximately 14 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 21.7°F (-5.7°C) | Average | 9 | $264 |
| February | 24.1°F (-4.4°C) | Moderately Low | 8 | $249 |
| March | 39.6°F (4.2°C) | Moderately High | 11 | $292 |
| April | 50.2°F (10.1°C) | Moderately High | 10 | $289 |
| May | 61.3°F (16.3°C) | Moderately High | 13 | $247 |
| June | 71.8°F (22.1°C) | Moderately Low | 8 | $274 |
| July | 74.8°F (23.8°C) | Average | 14 | $274 |
| August | 73.4°F (23.0°C) | Average | 12 | $224 |
| September | 66.9°F (19.4°C) | Average | 10 | $206 |
| October | 53.2°F (11.8°C) | Average | 11 | $218 |
| November | 40.5°F (4.7°C) | Average | 10 | $235 |
| December | 29.3°F (-1.5°C) | Moderately Low | 12 | $260 |
*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 route from Baltimore (BWI) to Des Moines (DSM)
- Washington to Des Moines (DCA-DSM): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) lies approximately 30 miles from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). The cost of one-way economy tickets on this route generally falls between $105 and $480, influenced by the time of year and when you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Major airlines operating on this route include American Airlines and the budget-friendly Southwest Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.
How to find the best prices for flights from Baltimore (BWI) to Des Moines (DSM)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Baltimore to Des Moines is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Departures in the morning, from 5 AM to 12 PM, often offer lower prices and are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides cheaper options, while Friday remains the most popular travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Des Moines welcomes travelers from Baltimore with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. 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.
Baltimore to Des Moines Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Des Moines are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Baltimore to Des Moines with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Baltimore to Des Moines
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $163 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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
How much does a flight from Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $163 and cheap return flights $320 Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $156 and $558, and roundtrip flights usually range from $339 to $1080. 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 Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) 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 Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Baltimore (BWI) to Des Moines (DSM), with average round-trip fares around $324. This fare is about 25% lower than the average price throughout the year, as travel demand typically decreases after the summer. Other economical months to consider are April and November.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter BWI to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $290. 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 Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) 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 Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best times to fly from Baltimore, MD (BWI) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) are in September and November. You can find return flights for around $324 during these months, which are the cheapest options. September offers pleasant weather, while November is less busy, making for a more enjoyable travel experience.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from BWI to DSM. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
For flights from Baltimore, MD (BWI) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This accounts for around 36% of total traffic. Many major carriers, including Delta, United, and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. Many travelers prefer this timing as it allows them to reach their destination early in the day.
How long does it take to fly from Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from BWI to DSM with a connection usually takes about 5 hours, traveling roughly 907 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 Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from BWI to DSM. First class cabins are available on:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
How do I earn miles on a Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) 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 Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI)?
From Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT), Love Field (DAL) 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 Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) 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 Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) 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 Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) 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 | Baltimore Washington Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Des Moines International Airport |
Distance | 907 miles away |
Airlines serving | Delta, United, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines |
Popular airline | Delta |
Roundtrip price | $320 |