$274 Cheap Flights from Chattanooga (CHA) to Des Moines (DSM)
Popular airlines from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
DeltaDelta
UnitedUnited
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Cheap Flights from Chattanooga to Des Moines (CHA-DSM)
Find the cheapest month to fly from Chattanooga (CHA) to Des Moines (DSM)
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Chattanooga (CHA) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance
Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Chattanooga (CHA) to Des Moines (DSM) on this short domestic route. Compare various options from full-service carriers to find the best itinerary that suits your budget and schedule as you discover the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Get all the essential details for flights from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to help plan your next adventure.
- Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
- Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$425, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Chattanooga to Des Moines, particularly those offering one-stop services. Common layover points include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with approximately a 1 hour 30 minute layover, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) also around 1 hour 30 minutes, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with about a 1 hour 15 minute layover. These options provide the flexibility to balance costs, total travel time, and cabin class for your ideal itinerary.
- American Airlines: This established full-service airline provides one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $100 and $425. It represents about 43% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
- Delta: As a reputable full-service airline, Delta offers one-stop flights with one-way fares usually ranging from $125 to $460. It accounts for around 36% of departures along this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a total journey duration of about 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
- United: This full-service carrier provides one-stop service, with typical one-way fares between $135 and $355. United makes up roughly 21% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a complete travel time of around 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
How to find the best prices for flights from Chattanooga (CHA) to Des Moines (DSM)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chattanooga 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Morning departures (5am-12pm) are generally less expensive and are also the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Wednesday often results in lower prices, 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 Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport
Des Moines welcomes travelers from Chattanooga 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.
Chattanooga to Des Moines Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Des Moines are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Chattanooga to Des Moines with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Chattanooga to Des Moines
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $274 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $274 and cheap return flights $319 Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $238 and $474, and roundtrip flights usually range from $364 to $1069. 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 Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) 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 Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from CHA to DSM is October 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.
Which airlines fly direct from Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter CHA to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
United is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Chattanooga (CHA) to Des Moines (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $248 with a layover in Liberty Intl. (EWR). 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 Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) 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 Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
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.
What is the earliest flight from Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in August, and an early departure can help you maximize your time 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 Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Chattanooga (CHA) to Des Moines (DSM) are from 6am to 9am. This time window accounts for about 35% of total traffic. American Airlines and United Airlines both offer flights during this period, making it a great choice for early risers.
How long does it take to fly from Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flights from CHA to DSM with one stop typically take around 5 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 641 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 Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can fly first class between CHA and DSM. First class cabins are available on:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
How do I earn miles on a Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) 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 Chattanooga Metropolitan (CHA)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Chattanooga Metropolitan (CHA), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW) 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 Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) 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 Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) 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 Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) 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 | Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Des Moines International Airport |
Distance | 640 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, Delta, United |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $319 |