$180 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Lafayette (LFT)
Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT)
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
DeltaDelta
UnitedUnited
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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Lafayette (DSM-LFT)
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Des Moines (DSM) to Lafayette (LFT) at a glance
Travel from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) with a selection of airlines offering convenient flights on this domestic short-haul route. Evaluate various options, from full-service to budget carriers, to find the best fit for your travel plans, budget, and schedule as you set out to discover Lafayette's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Gather essential details about flights from Des Moines to Lafayette and plan your journey today.
- Fastest flight duration: around 3h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 800 miles (1,290 km)
- Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $115–$465, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT)
According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Des Moines to Lafayette are often selected for their one-stop services. Common layover spots include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with a layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) also with a 1 hour and 30-minute stop, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) with a slightly longer layover of around 1 hour and 45 minutes. These options allow you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the ideal itinerary.
- American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, commanding about 62% of departures for this route. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $115 and $465, featuring a flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, with an overall travel time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
- Delta: Offering a full-service experience with one-stop options, Delta accounts for around 21% of the departures on this route. One-way fares typically range from $125 to $485, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey length of about 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
- United: This full-service carrier also provides one-stop service, making up about 17% of the route's departures. One-way fares are generally between $135 and $330, and passengers can expect a flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total travel duration of roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.
Alternative routes from Des Moines (DSM) to Lafayette (LFT)
- Des Moines to Baton Rouge (DSM-BTR): Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) lies approximately 55 miles from Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT). The typical one-way economy fares on this journey fall between $100 and $465, varying by season and how far in advance you book. Flights on this route generally feature one-stop options, with common layover locations including Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Major airlines servicing this route include American Airlines and United, with first-class service also available.
- Des Moines to Lake Charles (DSM-LCH): Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH) is located about 73 miles from Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT). One-way economy ticket prices for this route usually range from $135 to $515, influenced by the time of year and booking preferences. Most flights offer one-stop itineraries, often with layovers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The leading carriers for this route comprise American Airlines and United, and first-class service is an option as well.
How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Lafayette (LFT)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Lafayette is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are often found when booking within two weeks, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Additionally, morning departures between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. typically offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Flying on Fridays also provides cheaper rates and is the favored travel day for many.
- 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.* Find Lafayette hotel and flight deals.
- 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 Lafayette Regional Airport from Des Moines International Airport
Lafayette welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Lafayette efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Lafayette, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Lafayette Regional Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Lafayette Regional 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 Lafayette Regional Airport, Lafayette Station, a train station, is conveniently located about 2.7 miles away by car, providing easy access to rail services for travelers.
Des Moines to Lafayette Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Lafayette
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 Lafayette are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Des Moines to Lafayette with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Lafayette
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Des Moines to Lafayette: 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 Lafayette
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 Lafayette in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $180 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $180 and cheap return flights $339 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $298 and $735, and roundtrip flights usually range from $317 to $1147. 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 Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional) 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 Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional)?
The cheapest month to fly from DSM to LFT is December 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional)?
Enter DSM to LFT 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 Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Lafayette Regional (LFT), with round-trip tickets starting from around $198 with a layover in an unspecified location. 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 Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional), 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 Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional)?
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.
What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from DSM to LFT. 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 Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines International (DSM) to Lafayette Regional (LFT) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This time window accounts for about 29% of total traffic. Airlines like UA and DL operate flights during this period, making it a great option for travelers looking to start their day early.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional)?
Flights from DSM to LFT with one stop typically take around 4 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 788 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 Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional)?
You can fly first class between DSM and LFT. First class cabins are available on:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional) 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 Lafayette from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
When traveling from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Lafayette, you can fly into Purdue University (LAF) and Lafayette Regional (LFT). Some flights may connect through major hubs like LaGuardia (LGA), Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) before reaching Lafayette. 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 Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional) 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 Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional) Lafayette 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 Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Lafayette, LA (LFT-Lafayette Regional) 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 | Lafayette Regional Airport |
Distance | 788 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, Delta, United |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $339 |