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$169 Cheap Flights from Charlotte (CLT) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $169 flight on Wed, Jan 13, 2027Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Charlotte-Douglas Intl. Airport (CLT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Charlotte to Des Moines (CLT-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $169 for one-way flights and $319 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Sun, Oct 4
CLT
Charlotte
DSM
Des Moines
$319 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$319
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from Charlotte to Des Moines, returning Sun, Oct 4, priced at $319 found 13 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Sep 23 - Sun, Sep 27
CLT
Charlotte
DSM
Des Moines
$324 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$324
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Charlotte to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 27, priced at $324 found 6 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Sep 25 - Sun, Sep 27
CLT
Charlotte
DSM
Des Moines
$333 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$333
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Charlotte to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 27, priced at $333 found 4 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Sep 23 - Tue, Sep 29
CLT
Charlotte
DSM
Des Moines
$337 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$337
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Charlotte to Des Moines, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $337 found 12 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Sep 15 - Sat, Sep 19
CLT
Charlotte
DSM
Des Moines
$342 Roundtrip, found 16 hours ago
$342
Roundtrip
found 16 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Charlotte to Des Moines, returning Sat, Sep 19, priced at $342 found 16 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Sun, Oct 4
CLT
Charlotte
DSM
Des Moines
$345 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$345
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from Charlotte to Des Moines, returning Sun, Oct 4, priced at $345 found 13 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Fri, Oct 16
CLT
Charlotte
DSM
Des Moines
$351 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$351
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from Charlotte to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 16, priced at $351 found 1 hour ago
American Airlines
Wed, Sep 23 - Tue, Sep 29
CLT
Charlotte
DSM
Des Moines
$401 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$401
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Charlotte to Des Moines, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $401 found 12 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Sep 23 - Tue, Sep 29
CLT
Charlotte
DSM
Des Moines
$421 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$421
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Charlotte to Des Moines, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $421 found 12 hours ago
United
Wed, Sep 23 - Tue, Sep 29
CLT
Charlotte
DSM
Des Moines
$421 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$421
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Charlotte to Des Moines, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $421 found 12 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 $448
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $448

Find the cheapest month to fly from Charlotte (CLT) to Des Moines (DSM)

March is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $207 - $597 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Charlotte-Douglas Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

Charlotte (CLT) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines providing flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) on this domestic short-haul route. You can compare options from various carriers to discover cheap flights from Charlotte that suit your budget, schedule, and travel plans. As you plan your trip, take the opportunity to experience the famous sights and neighborhoods that Des Moines has to offer.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 2h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 800 miles (1,290 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$500, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Charlotte to Des Moines are often selected for their non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover locations include Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), which has a layover of about 2 hours and 45 minutes; O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with approximately a 1-hour and 30-minute layover; and Midway International Airport (MDW), offering around a 1-hour and 15-minute layover. These choices provide the flexibility to compare prices, travel times, and cabin classes to create your ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way prices generally ranging from $140 to $510. It operates about 73% of the departures for this route, and the average duration for a non-stop flight is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known as a budget-friendly option, Southwest offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically between $120 and $300. It accounts for about 13% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of around 3 hours and 30 minutes, with total travel time near 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: As a full-service carrier, Delta provides one-stop flights with one-way fares usually ranging from $120 to $540. It makes up about 9% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey duration of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • United: This full-service airline also offers one-stop service, with one-way fares typically falling between $190 and $595. United represents around 3% of the departures on this route, boasting an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and an overall travel time of about 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.

Travelers flying from Charlotte to Des Moines can opt for an upgraded experience, as American Airlines provides first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Charlotte (CLT) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Charlotte 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, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $247. Flight availability peaks in May, June, July, and October, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $247, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: July, January, and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $256.
  • Most flight options: May, June, July, and October have the highest number of flights from Charlotte 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)Average8$256
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Low8$286
March39.6°F (4.2°C)High9$314
April50.2°F (10.1°C)High9$271
May61.3°F (16.3°C)High11$247
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average11$283
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Average11$251
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average9$265
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average8$261
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Low11$307
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Low9$308
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average9$281

*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 Charlotte (CLT) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Rock Hill to Des Moines (RKH-DSM): Located approximately 17 miles from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), Rock Hill-York County Airport (RKH) serves as a convenient departure point.
  • Charlotte to Marshalltown (CLT-MIW): Marshalltown Municipal Airport (MIW) is roughly 55 miles distant from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), providing a regional travel option.
  • Charlotte to Fort Dodge (CLT-FOD): Situated about 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) offers additional flight possibilities.

How to find the best prices for flights from Charlotte (CLT) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Charlotte 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 available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures from 5 AM to 12 PM often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights from 12 PM to 6 PM are more popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday can lead to cheaper prices, but Thursday 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 Charlotte-Douglas International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Charlotte 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $169 and cheap return flights from $319 Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $326 and $864, and return flights often range between $426 and $1294. 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 Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas 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 Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from CLT 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 Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can fly direct from CLT to DSM on American Airlines, with around 16 flights per week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Charlotte (CLT) to Des Moines (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $300. 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 Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas 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 airline to fly with from Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Charlotte, NC (CLT) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) 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 offers the most daily flights from CLT to DSM, 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.
What is the best time to fly from Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) 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.
How many flights per day from Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can find approximately 2 nonstop flights per day from Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) usually departs at 5:05 AM, operated by Southwest Airlines. This seasonal service is available in June, July, and August, helping you make the most of your travel plans. 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 Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Charlotte, NC (CLT) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 25% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and Delta, provide flights during this period. This timing is ideal for those looking to maximize their day in Des Moines.
How long does it take to fly from Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from CLT to DSM typically takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 813 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 4 hours to your travel time. 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 Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the CLT to DSM route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas 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 Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT)?
From Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Liberty Intl. (EWR), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) 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 Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas 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 Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas 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 Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas 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
Charlotte-Douglas Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$318
Distance
813 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 26 mins

Book with confidence

Charlotte to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $169 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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.

 

Charlotte to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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