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$168 Cheap Flights from Charleston (CHS) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $168 flight on Mon, Nov 2, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Charleston Intl. Airport (CHS) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Charleston to Des Moines (CHS-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $168 for one-way flights and $325 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Sat, Oct 10 - Sat, Oct 24
CHS
Charleston
DSM
Des Moines
$325 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Charleston to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $325 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Feb 3 - Sat, Feb 6
CHS
Charleston
DSM
Des Moines
$356 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$356
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Feb 3 from Charleston to Des Moines, returning Sat, Feb 6, priced at $356 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Feb 3 - Sat, Feb 6
CHS
Charleston
DSM
Des Moines
$366 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$366
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Feb 3 from Charleston to Des Moines, returning Sat, Feb 6, priced at $366 found 3 days ago
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Wed, Oct 7
CHS
Charleston
DSM
Des Moines
$370 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$370
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 1 from Charleston to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $370 found 1 day ago
United
Thu, Dec 17 - Mon, Dec 21
CHS
Charleston
DSM
Des Moines
$381 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$381
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Dec 17 from Charleston to Des Moines, returning Mon, Dec 21, priced at $381 found 2 days ago
Delta
Fri, Nov 13 - Mon, Nov 16
CHS
Charleston
DSM
Des Moines
$385 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$385
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Nov 13 from Charleston to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $385 found 1 day ago
United
Thu, Feb 4 - Sun, Feb 7
CHS
Charleston
DSM
Des Moines
$386 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$386
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Feb 4 from Charleston to Des Moines, returning Sun, Feb 7, priced at $386 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
CHS
Charleston
DSM
Des Moines
$391 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$391
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Charleston to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $391 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Dec 17 - Tue, Dec 22
CHS
Charleston
DSM
Des Moines
$392 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$392
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 17 from Charleston to Des Moines, returning Tue, Dec 22, priced at $392 found 10 hours ago
Delta
Sat, Oct 10 - Fri, Oct 23
CHS
Charleston
DSM
Des Moines
$396 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$396
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Charleston to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 23, priced at $396 found 2 days 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 $512
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $512

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

Charleston (CHS) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel on a range of airlines flying from Charleston International Airport (CHS) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) along this domestic short-haul route. Explore your options among both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns perfectly with your budget, schedule, and travel goals as you prepare to experience the highlights and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Get all the essential details for your upcoming flights from Charleston to Des Moines.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 45m 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–$410, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Charleston International Airport (CHS) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on recent traveler preferences, here are the top airlines flying from Charleston to Des Moines, often selected for one-stop or multi-stop flights. Common layover points include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with approximately a 1 hour and 30-minute layover, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) also around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. These options allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally ranging from $130 to $405. It represents about 38% of the departures along this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes and an overall travel time of around 5 hours and 30 minutes, including connections.
  • Delta: Delta is another full-service airline that offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically between $120 and $405. It accounts for nearly 36% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel duration of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • United: As a full-service carrier, United offers one-stop services with one-way fares that usually range from $120 to $420. It covers about 19% of the departures for this route, providing an in-flight experience of 3 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: A budget-friendly choice, Southwest Airlines provides both one-stop and multi-stop services, with one-way fares typically falling between $165 and $325. It accounts for around 8% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of about 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Travelers flying from Charleston to Des Moines can opt for an upgrade, with Delta offering premium economy service and American Airlines featuring first-class seating.

Best time to fly from Charleston (CHS) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Charleston to Des Moines are March, April, and November, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 50.2°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 53.2°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $179). Flight availability peaks in November, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. May and July 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 $179, roughly 25% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: May typically offers an average one-way fare of around $200.
  • Most flight options: November has the highest number of flights from Charleston to Des Moines, with approximately 10 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)Average8$239
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average9$266
March39.6°F (4.2°C)High8$273
April50.2°F (10.1°C)High9$272
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Low7$200
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average8$281
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Low7$267
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average8$204
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average9$235
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Low9$179
November40.5°F (4.7°C)High10$212
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average9$233

*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 Charleston (CHS) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Savannah to Des Moines (SAV-DSM): Savannah - Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is located approximately 86 miles from Charleston International Airport (CHS). One-way economy prices on this route generally fall between $105 and $425, influenced by the season and booking timing. Typically, travelers will find one-stop flights, with frequent layovers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Major airlines serving this route are Delta and American Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this journey.

How to find the best prices for flights from Charleston (CHS) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Charleston 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 usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which is when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m., tend to be more affordable and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Thursday often yields lower prices, while Sunday remains the busiest travel day.
  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 Charleston International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Charleston with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Charleston International Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 13 miles) from central Charleston. 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 Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $168 and cheap return flights from $325 Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $158 to $587, and return flights typically cost between $315 and $963. 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 Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston 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 Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
October is the cheapest month to fly from Charleston, SC (CHS) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average round-trip fares around $318. This price is about 22% lower than the average throughout the year, likely due to reduced travel demand after the summer. Other budget-friendly months to consider are January and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter CHS to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Charleston Intl. (CHS) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $225. This flight includes a layover in Nashville Intl. (BNA). 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 Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston 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 Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
For flights from Charleston, SC (CHS) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), October and January are the best months to travel. Both months feature lower average prices around $318 for a return flight, making them budget-friendly options. October is lovely with fall colors, while January offers a quieter travel experience after the holiday season.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Charleston, SC (CHS) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in August, which can help you make the most of 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 Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Charleston (CHS) to Des Moines (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 33% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to spare.
How long does it take to fly from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from CHS to DSM with a connection usually takes about 6 hours 30 minutes, traveling roughly 956 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 Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the CHS to DSM route. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston 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 Charleston Intl. (CHS)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Charleston Intl. (CHS), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Nashville Intl. (BNA), Liberty Intl. (EWR), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) 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 Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston 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 Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston 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 Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston 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
Charleston Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$324
Distance
956 mi

Book with confidence

Charleston to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $168 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 Charleston 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 Charleston 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.

 

Charleston to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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