$136 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Birmingham (BHM)
Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Birmingham International Airport (BHM)
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
DeltaDelta
UnitedUnited
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Birmingham (DSM-BHM)
Find the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Birmingham (BHM)
January is typically the cheapest month to flyJanuary is typically the cheapest month to fly
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Des Moines (DSM) to Birmingham (BHM) at a glance
Embark on your journey from Des Moines (DSM) to Birmingham (BHM) with a selection of airlines providing diverse options for this domestic short-haul route. Explore various choices from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover flights that align with your budget and schedule. As you prepare to experience the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Birmingham, gather essential information on flights from Des Moines International Airport to Birmingham International Airport.
- Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 700 miles (1,130 km)
- Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$395, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Birmingham International Airport (BHM)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for one-stop and multi-stop flights from Des Moines to Birmingham. Common layovers include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with about a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with a 1-hour layover. This variety allows you to compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to find the best travel itinerary for your needs.
- American Airlines: This major carrier provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally falling between $135 and $405. It represents about 39% of departures along this route, featuring a flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of around 5 hours, including layovers.
- Delta: Another leading full-service airline, Delta offers one-stop services with one-way ticket prices ranging from $145 to $380. It accounts for approximately 37% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of about 5 hours, including layover periods.
- United: United Airlines provides a full-service experience with one-stop flights, presenting one-way fares typically between $140 and $430. It makes up around 21% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and an overall travel time of roughly 5 hours, including layovers.
- Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost option, Southwest offers multi-stop service with one-way fares usually ranging from $135 to $295. It constitutes about 3% of departures for this route, featuring a flight duration of 4 hours and a total travel time of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.
Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Birmingham (BHM)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Birmingham are February, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Birmingham reach up to 70.3°F in May. If you prefer quieter travel, consider June, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 77.5°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $208. Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. July, November, and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $208, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
- Another budget-friendly time to fly: January typically offers an average one-way fare of around $227.
- Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Birmingham, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 43.3°F (6.3°C) | Average | 8 | $227 |
| February | 47.8°F (8.8°C) | High | 8 | $257 |
| March | 55.0°F (12.8°C) | Average | 8 | $256 |
| April | 62.1°F (16.7°C) | High | 9 | $272 |
| May | 70.3°F (21.3°C) | High | 10 | $242 |
| June | 77.5°F (25.3°C) | Low | 8 | $236 |
| July | 80.1°F (26.7°C) | Low | 7 | $301 |
| August | 79.3°F (26.3°C) | Average | 8 | $280 |
| September | 74.5°F (23.6°C) | Average | 9 | $208 |
| October | 64.4°F (18.0°C) | Average | 8 | $256 |
| November | 53.1°F (11.7°C) | Average | 7 | $262 |
| December | 47.8°F (8.8°C) | Low | 7 | $252 |
*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 Des Moines (DSM) to Birmingham (BHM)
- Des Moines to Gadsden (DSM-GAD): Located approximately 48 miles from Birmingham International Airport (BHM), Northeast Alabama Regional Airport (GAD) provides convenient access for travelers.
How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Birmingham (BHM)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Birmingham 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 2-8 weeks ahead. Afternoon departures, from 12 PM to 6 PM, often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday provides both cost savings and high demand.
- 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 Birmingham International Airport from Des Moines International Airport
Birmingham welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Birmingham efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Birmingham, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Birmingham International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Birmingham 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.
- Public transportation: From Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham Station, a train station, is located about 6.4 miles away by car, providing convenient access to rail services for travelers.
Des Moines to Birmingham Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Birmingham
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 Des Moines to Birmingham are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Des Moines to Birmingham with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Birmingham
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Des Moines to Birmingham: 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 Des Moines to Birmingham
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 Des Moines to Birmingham in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $136 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 Des Moines to Birmingham 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 Des Moines to Birmingham 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $136 and cheap return flights $270 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $203 and $592, and roundtrip flights usually range from $348 to $1118. 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)?
September is typically the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Birmingham, AL (BHM), with average round-trip fares around $326. This is about 28% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand tends to decrease after the summer travel season. Other cheap months to fly from Des Moines to Birmingham include January and July.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)?
Enter DSM to BHM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Birmingham Intl. (BHM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $242 with a layover in Lambert-St. Louis Intl. 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)?
The ideal times to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Birmingham (BHM) are in September and January. Return flights average around $326, making it a cost-effective option. September is popular for its pleasant weather, while January provides a quieter travel experience.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines International (DSM) to Birmingham International (BHM) typically leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This service is seasonal, active in March, and an early departure can help you make the most of your day in Birmingham. 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Birmingham International (BHM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 26% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well as it allows you to maximize your day upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)?
Flights from DSM to BHM with one stop typically take around 6 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 667 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)?
You can fly first class between DSM and BHM. First class cabins are available on:
- Delta Air Lines
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham 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 Birmingham from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
From Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Birmingham Intl. (BHM) to reach Birmingham. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL), Denver Intl. (DEN), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) before reaching Birmingham. 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) flight and hotel package 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham 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 | Des Moines International Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Birmingham International Airport |
Distance | 667 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest Airlines |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $270 |