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$166 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Dallas (DFW)

View $166 flight on Sun, Sep 27, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. Airport (DFW)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Dallas (DSM-DFW)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $166 for one-way flights and $268 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Thu, Oct 22
DSM
Des Moines
DFW
Dallas
$268 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$268
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Des Moines to Dallas, returning Thu, Oct 22, priced at $268 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Fri, Oct 23
DSM
Des Moines
DFW
Dallas
$270 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$270
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Des Moines to Dallas, returning Fri, Oct 23, priced at $270 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Fri, Oct 23
DSM
Des Moines
DFW
Dallas
$272 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$272
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from Des Moines to Dallas, returning Fri, Oct 23, priced at $272 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Fri, Oct 2
DSM
Des Moines
DFW
Dallas
$282 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$282
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 1 from Des Moines to Dallas, returning Fri, Oct 2, priced at $282 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Sep 27 - Mon, Oct 5
DSM
Des Moines
DFW
Dallas
$289 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$289
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Sep 27 from Des Moines to Dallas, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $289 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Sep 17 - Fri, Sep 18
DSM
Des Moines
DFW
Dallas
$300 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$300
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 17 from Des Moines to Dallas, returning Fri, Sep 18, priced at $300 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Sep 27 - Fri, Oct 30
DSM
Des Moines
DFW
Dallas
$301 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$301
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Sep 27 from Des Moines to Dallas, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $301 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Sat, Dec 19 - Sat, Jan 16
DSM
Des Moines
DFW
Dallas
$443 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$443
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Dec 19 from Des Moines to Dallas, returning Sat, Jan 16, priced at $443 found 3 hours ago
Delta
Sat, Nov 7 - Tue, Nov 10
DSM
Des Moines
DFW
Dallas
$463 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$463
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Nov 7 from Des Moines to Dallas, returning Tue, Nov 10, priced at $463 found 3 hours ago
United
Tue, Dec 29 - Sat, Jan 2
DSM
Des Moines
DFW
Dallas
$463 Roundtrip, just found
$463
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Tue, Dec 29 from Des Moines to Dallas, returning Sat, Jan 2, priced at $463 just found

Alternative airports near Dallas

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Love Field DAL. Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 10 minutes. Flights from $557
DAL
Love Field
Closest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $557

What you need to know for your flight from Des Moines Intl. to Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.

Des Moines (DSM) to Dallas (DFW) at a glance

Travel from Des Moines (DSM) to Dallas (DFW) with a range of airlines operating on this domestic short-haul route. You can choose from full-service and budget-friendly options to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. Whether you're seeking the cheapest flights to Dallas or convenient weekly flights, you'll find essential information for your journey from Des Moines International Airport to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, making it easy to plan your exploration of Dallas's vibrant attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 2h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $155–$465, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from Des Moines to Dallas, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers opt for connecting flights with popular layovers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) for about an hour, Denver International Airport (DEN) with a similar layover time, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD), also roughly an hour. This allows you to mix and match factors like price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the best itinerary for your journey.

  • American Airlines: As a comprehensive carrier providing both non-stop and one-stop flights, American Airlines represents about 77% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $175 and $490, with a standard non-stop travel duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • United: This full-service airline offers one-stop journeys, making up around 18% of the departures on this route. One-way fares typically range from $155 to $385, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: Delta is another full-service airline that provides one-stop service, contributing roughly 3% of the flights on this route. One-way fares usually range from $155 to $480, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and 15 minutes, and a full journey time nearing 5 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • Frontier Airlines: This budget-friendly carrier offers one-stop routes, accounting for about 2% of the departures. One-way fares are typically priced between $155 and $220, with 4 hours and 15 minutes spent in the air and an overall travel time of around 5 hours and 15 minutes, including any layover.

Travelers flying from Des Moines to Dallas can opt for an upgrade to first-class service offered by American Airlines on this route.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Dallas (DFW)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Dallas are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Dallas reach up to 65.7°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 50.4°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $247. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 18 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February and September have the fewest flights, with approximately 14 flights per week.

  • 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: August and December typically offer average one-way fares of around $264.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Dallas, with approximately 18 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January47.1°F (8.4°C)Moderately High15$285
February49.6°F (9.8°C)Average14$295
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Moderately High16$304
April65.7°F (18.7°C)Moderately High15$277
May73.8°F (23.2°C)Average15$247
June82.9°F (28.3°C)Moderately Low16$300
July86.7°F (30.4°C)Average16$287
August87.4°F (30.8°C)Average17$261
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Moderately Low14$274
October69.1°F (20.6°C)Average18$275
November57.6°F (14.2°C)Average17$279
December50.4°F (10.2°C)Moderately Low16$267

*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 Dallas (DFW)

  • Des Moines to Dallas (DSM-DAL): Love Field Airport (DAL) is located approximately 12 miles from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The typical price range for one-way economy tickets on this route is between $120 and $315, influenced by the time of year and when you book. Flights usually involve a single stop, with common layover points being Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) and Denver International Airport (DEN). The leading airlines for this route are Southwest Airlines, known for its budget-friendly options, and Delta.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Dallas (DFW)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Dallas 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 aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures between 6 PM and midnight often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to noon are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday typically yields cheaper rates, although Friday 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 Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

Dallas welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Dallas efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Dallas, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Dallas-Fort Worth 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 Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, C2-C19 Gates Station, a metro station, is located about 0.3 miles away on foot, while Centreport Station, a train station, is about 7.8 miles from the airport and is typically reached by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $166 and cheap return flights from $268 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $206 and $894, and roundtrip flights usually range from $407 to $1153. 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 Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth 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 Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Dallas, TX (DFW), with average round-trip fares around $413. This is about 7% lower than the average price throughout the year, as September is typically a quieter travel month. Other budget-friendly months include April and May.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.)?
American Airlines offers around 36 weekly direct flights from DSM to DFW.
How do I find cheap flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Dallas, TX (DFW) 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 also offers the most daily flights from DSM to DFW, 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.)?
The best times to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Dallas, TX (DFW) are typically in September and May. September offers average return flight prices around $413, making it a reasonable choice. May is also popular, as it provides a good mix of pleasant weather and travel options. These months are ideal for balancing cost and convenience.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.)?
On average, there are around 5 nonstop flights per day from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Dallas, TX (DFW) usually departs at about 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This service operates year-round, allowing you to start your day early and make the most of your time in Dallas. 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 Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Dallas, TX (DFW) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 23% of passengers prefer this time window. Major carriers, including United Airlines and American Airlines, offer flights during this period. Many travelers choose this timing to make the most of their day in Dallas.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from DSM to DFW takes around 2 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 625 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 5 hours longer than direct options. 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 Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.)?
You can fly first class between DSM and DFW. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How much is a business class flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.) typically costs between $1,164 - $1,540. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $611 - $861. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth 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 Dallas from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
From Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW) and Love Field (DAL) in Dallas. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Denver Intl. (DEN), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL) before reaching Dallas. 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 Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth 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 Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.) Dallas 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Dallas, TX (DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth 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 Intl.
Destination airport
Dallas-Fort Worth Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$268
Distance
624 mi
Average flight time
2 hours 4 mins

Book with confidence

Des Moines to Dallas Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Dallas

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Des Moines to Dallas: 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 Dallas

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 Dallas in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $166 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 Dallas 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 Dallas 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.

 

Des Moines to Dallas Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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