$160 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Lubbock (LBB)
Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Preston Smith Intl. Airport (LBB)
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
UnitedUnited
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Lubbock (DSM-LBB)
Find the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Lubbock (LBB)
August is typically the cheapest month to flyAugust is typically the cheapest month to fly
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Des Moines (DSM) to Lubbock (LBB) at a glance
Travel from Des Moines (DSM) to Lubbock (LBB) with a range of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Evaluate options from both full-service and budget carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences while you explore the notable attractions and neighborhoods of Lubbock. Below, you'll find essential information about flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Preston Smith International Airport (LBB).
- 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 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$435, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from Des Moines to Lubbock. Popular layover options include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW, approximately 1h 15m layover), Denver International Airport (DEN, around 1h 15m layover), and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH, about 2h 15m layover). These choices provide you with the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary for your journey.
- American Airlines: This established full-service airline provides one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally between $130 and $420. It dominates the route, making up about 60% of departures. Expect an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a total travel time nearing 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
- United: Another full-service option, United offers one-stop flights with one-way fares that usually range from $145 to $485. This carrier represents roughly 29% of all departures on this route. Travelers can anticipate 3 hours and 30 minutes in the air, leading to a total journey time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layovers.
- Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly carrier, Southwest provides one-stop services with one-way prices typically falling between $155 and $390. It accounts for around 12% of the departures on this route. The in-flight experience lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes, while the overall travel time is about 4 hours and 45 minutes, including the layover period.
Alternative route from Des Moines (DSM) to Lubbock (LBB)
- Ottumwa Regional Airport to Lubbock (OTM-LBB): Located approximately 69 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Ottumwa Regional Airport (OTM) serves as a convenient departure point.
How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Lubbock (LBB)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Lubbock 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, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. tend to be the most affordable and popular, while flying on Tuesday generally offers lower prices, although Thursday remains the most common 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 Preston Smith International Airport from Des Moines International Airport
Lubbock welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Lubbock efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Lubbock, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Preston Smith International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Preston Smith 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.
Des Moines to Lubbock Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Lubbock
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 Lubbock are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Des Moines to Lubbock with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Lubbock
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Des Moines to Lubbock: 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 Lubbock
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 Lubbock in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $160 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 Lubbock 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 Lubbock 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 Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $160 and cheap return flights $309 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $205 to $648, and return flights typically cost between $360 and $1161. 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 Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith 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 Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.)?
August is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Lubbock (LBB), with average round-trip fares around $326. This is about 17% lower than the average price throughout the year, as August often has less travel demand as summer vacations wind down. Other cheap months to fly from Des Moines to Lubbock include July and September.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.)?
Enter DSM to LBB 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 Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Lubbock, TX (LBB), with round-trip tickets starting from around $290 with a layover in Denver Intl. (DEN). 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 Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith 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 Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.)?
The best months to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Lubbock (LBB) are July and August. During these months, return flights are about $326, making them a budget-friendly choice. Additionally, these months are less busy, allowing for a more relaxed 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 Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from DSM to LBB. To compare more early flights, use 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 Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Lubbock (LBB) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 35% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Lubbock with plenty of time to spare.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.)?
Flights from DSM to LBB with one stop typically take around 4 hours 50 minutes, covering approximately 704 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 Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the DSM to LBB route with American Airlines and United Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith 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 Lubbock from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
From Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Preston Smith Intl. (LBB) to reach Lubbock. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Denver Intl. (DEN), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL) before reaching Lubbock. 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 Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith 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 Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.) Lubbock 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 Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lubbock, TX (LBB-Preston Smith 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 | Preston Smith Intl. Airport |
Distance | 703 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, United, Southwest Airlines |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $309 |