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$188 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to New Orleans (MSY)

View $188 flight on Thu, Feb 11, 2027Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. Airport (MSY)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to New Orleans (DSM-MSY)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $188 for one-way flights and $299 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Fri, Oct 9
DSM
Des Moines
MSY
New Orleans
$299 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$299
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 1 from Des Moines to New Orleans, returning Fri, Oct 9, priced at $299 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Sun, Dec 6
DSM
Des Moines
MSY
New Orleans
$320 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$320
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Des Moines to New Orleans, returning Sun, Dec 6, priced at $320 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Thu, Dec 10
DSM
Des Moines
MSY
New Orleans
$327 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$327
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Des Moines to New Orleans, returning Thu, Dec 10, priced at $327 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 6 - Fri, Oct 9
DSM
Des Moines
MSY
New Orleans
$327 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$327
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Des Moines to New Orleans, returning Fri, Oct 9, priced at $327 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Fri, Oct 16
DSM
Des Moines
MSY
New Orleans
$330 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$330
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Des Moines to New Orleans, returning Fri, Oct 16, priced at $330 found 11 hours ago
American Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Fri, Oct 16
DSM
Des Moines
MSY
New Orleans
$332 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$332
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Des Moines to New Orleans, returning Fri, Oct 16, priced at $332 found 11 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Sun, Dec 6
DSM
Des Moines
MSY
New Orleans
$334 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$334
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Des Moines to New Orleans, returning Sun, Dec 6, priced at $334 found 2 days ago
Delta
Tue, Oct 13 - Fri, Oct 16
DSM
Des Moines
MSY
New Orleans
$340 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$340
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Des Moines to New Orleans, returning Fri, Oct 16, priced at $340 found 11 hours ago
United
Tue, Nov 17 - Mon, Nov 23
DSM
Des Moines
MSY
New Orleans
$344 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$344
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Nov 17 from Des Moines to New Orleans, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $344 found 22 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Mar 25 - Sun, Mar 28
DSM
Des Moines
MSY
New Orleans
$440 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$440
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Mar 25 from Des Moines to New Orleans, returning Sun, Mar 28, priced at $440 found 2 hours ago

Alternative airports near New Orleans

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

Select flight to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. MSY. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 20 minutes. Flights from $752
MSY
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center20 min
Flights from $752

What you need to know for your flight from Des Moines Intl. to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.

Des Moines (DSM) to New Orleans (MSY) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Des Moines (DSM) to New Orleans (MSY) on this domestic short-haul route. You can choose between full-service and low-cost carriers to find the itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel schedule while you discover the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of New Orleans. Gather all the essential information for flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) as you plan your journey.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 800 miles (1,290 km)
  • Flights per week: around 12 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$440, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Des Moines to New Orleans, particularly favored for their one-stop services. Common layover spots include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with about a 1-hour layover, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), also around 1 hour and 15 minutes. This variety allows you to tailor your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flight options, with one-way tickets generally priced between $135 and $400. It handles about 36% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 5 hours, including layover.
  • Delta: As a full-service carrier, Delta offers one-stop services with one-way fares usually falling between $130 and $515. It represents around 27% of the departures for this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes and a complete journey duration of about 5 hours, including layover.
  • United: This full-service airline presents one-stop service alternatives, with one-way fares ranging from $155 to $425. United accounts for roughly 20% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of nearly 5 hours, including layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: A budget-friendly carrier, Southwest offers one-stop services, with one-way ticket prices typically between $130 and $470. It comprises around 17% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of roughly 5 hours, including layover.

Travelers flying from Des Moines to New Orleans have the option to upgrade their experience. Delta provides both first class and premium economy class, while American Airlines and United also offer first class service for a more luxurious journey.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to New Orleans (MSY)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to New Orleans are February, March, and October, when peak temperatures in New Orleans reach up to 72.9°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 83.8°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $190. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 15 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and June have the fewest flights, with approximately 10 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $190, roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $216.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to New Orleans, with approximately 15 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January54.9°F (12.7°C)Average10$220
February58.6°F (14.8°C)High11$263
March64.6°F (18.1°C)High12$293
April69.8°F (21.0°C)Average11$256
May76.6°F (24.8°C)Average11$230
June82.6°F (28.1°C)Low10$241
July83.5°F (28.6°C)Low11$243
August83.8°F (28.8°C)Low12$216
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Average12$190
October72.9°F (22.7°C)High15$249
November63.3°F (17.4°C)Average13$228
December58.6°F (14.8°C)Average11$225

*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 Des Moines (DSM) to New Orleans (MSY)

  • Des Moines to Baton Rouge (DSM-BTR): Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) lies approximately 66 miles from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). One-way economy fares for this journey typically fall between $100 and $465, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. This route generally features one-stop flights, with common layover points at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Major airlines on this route include American Airlines and United, with first class service also available.
  • Des Moines to Gulfport (DSM-GPT): Gulfport - Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is located around 77 miles from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). One-way economy prices on this route usually range from $100 to $415, varying by season and booking timing. This route is typically served by one-stop flights, with popular layover locations at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Leading carriers for this route include American Airlines and United, and first class service is offered as well.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to New Orleans (MSY)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to New Orleans 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. Departures in the morning (5 am to 12 pm) not only offer lower prices but are also the most sought-after. Additionally, flying on Wednesday typically results in cheaper fares, while Thursday remains the most popular 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 Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

New Orleans welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. New Orleans city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach New Orleans efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in New Orleans, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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 Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, South Carrollton at Saint Charles Stop, a metro station, is about 8 miles from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $188 and cheap return flights from $299 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $153 and $597, and roundtrip flights usually range from $345 to $1005. 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to New Orleans, LA (MSY), with average return fares around $336. This is about 12% lower than the average price throughout the year, as travel demand tends to decrease after the summer. Other economical months to fly include January and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
Enter DSM to MSY 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to New Orleans, LA (MSY), with round-trip tickets starting from around $248. 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
For flights from Des Moines (DSM) to New Orleans (MSY), September and August are the best months to fly. September offers return flights for about $336, making it one of the cheapest months. While October and November are popular months, they can be more expensive, so consider traveling in late summer for better deals.*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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines (DSM) to New Orleans (MSY) usually leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in March, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy an early start in the vibrant city of New Orleans. 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
For flights from Des Moines (DSM) to New Orleans (MSY), the most popular departure times are from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, offer flights during this window. This early departure is great for those looking to make the most of their time in New Orleans.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
Flights from DSM to MSY with one stop typically take around 5 hours, covering approximately 820 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
You can fly first class between DSM and MSY. 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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 New Orleans from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
From Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY) to reach New Orleans. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) before reaching New Orleans. 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) New Orleans 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 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$299
Distance
819 mi

Book with confidence

Des Moines to New Orleans Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to New Orleans

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to New Orleans

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

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 New Orleans in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $188 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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