$121 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Phoenix (PHX)

View $121 flight on Wed, Aug 12, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. Airport (PHX)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Phoenix (DSM-PHX)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $121 for one-way flights and $230 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Wed, Jul 15 - Tue, Jul 21
DSM
Des Moines
PHX
Phoenix
$230 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$230
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Jul 15 from Des Moines to Phoenix, returning Tue, Jul 21, priced at $230 found 12 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Aug 12 - Tue, Aug 18
DSM
Des Moines
PHX
Phoenix
$243 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$243
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Aug 12 from Des Moines to Phoenix, returning Tue, Aug 18, priced at $243 found 14 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Aug 19 - Thu, Aug 27
DSM
Des Moines
PHX
Phoenix
$244 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$244
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Aug 19 from Des Moines to Phoenix, returning Thu, Aug 27, priced at $244 found 12 hours ago
Delta
Tue, Aug 25 - Wed, Sep 2
DSM
Des Moines
PHX
Phoenix
$245 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$245
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Aug 25 from Des Moines to Phoenix, returning Wed, Sep 2, priced at $245 found 9 hours ago
United
Tue, Aug 11 - Wed, Aug 19
DSM
Des Moines
PHX
Phoenix
$245 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$245
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Aug 11 from Des Moines to Phoenix, returning Wed, Aug 19, priced at $245 found 12 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Jun 22 - Tue, Jun 30
DSM
Des Moines
PHX
Phoenix
$249 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$249
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Jun 22 from Des Moines to Phoenix, returning Tue, Jun 30, priced at $249 found 11 hours ago
United
Tue, Aug 25 - Tue, Sep 1
DSM
Des Moines
PHX
Phoenix
$250 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$250
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Aug 25 from Des Moines to Phoenix, returning Tue, Sep 1, priced at $250 found 13 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Mon, Oct 26
DSM
Des Moines
PHX
Phoenix
$254 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$254
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from Des Moines to Phoenix, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $254 found 10 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Jun 30 - Tue, Jul 7
DSM
Des Moines
PHX
Phoenix
$377 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$377
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Jun 30 from Des Moines to Phoenix, returning Tue, Jul 7, priced at $377 found 5 hours ago
American Airlines
Tue, Nov 3 - Sat, Nov 7
DSM
Des Moines
PHX
Phoenix
$377 Roundtrip, just found
$377
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 3 from Des Moines to Phoenix, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $377 just found

Alternative airports near Phoenix

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

Select flight to Sky Harbor Intl. PHX. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 10 minutes. Flights from $450
PHX
Sky Harbor Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $450

Find the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Phoenix (PHX)

June is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $200 - $388 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Des Moines Intl. to Sky Harbor Intl.

Des Moines (DSM) to Phoenix (PHX) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering routes from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) on this domestic short-haul journey. Use a flight finder to compare options from both full-service and low-cost carriers, helping you select the best itinerary for your budget and schedule. As you plan your trip to discover the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Phoenix, you'll find valuable details about flights from Des Moines to Phoenix to assist in your travel arrangements.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,200 miles (1,930 km)
  • Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $90–$400, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Des Moines to Phoenix, particularly for non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover locations include Denver International Airport (DEN) with an approximately 1 hour and 15 minute layover, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) at about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) offering around a 1 hour layover. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way prices generally falling between $95 and $440. It is responsible for about 59% of flights on this route, typically completing non-stop trips in 3 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly approach, this low-cost carrier offers both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically between $90 and $395. Southwest manages approximately 24% of departures on this route, with non-stop travel taking around 3 hours and 15 minutes.
  • United: A full-service airline providing one-stop service, United's one-way fares typically range from $130 to $460. It accounts for roughly 9% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes, culminating in a total travel time of about 5 hours and 45 minutes, including the layover.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost carrier features both non-stop and one-stop options, offering one-way fares typically priced from $90 to $340. It contributes around 5% of departures on this route, with a one-stop journey time of 4 hours and 15 minutes in the air and a total travel duration of about 5 hours and 45 minutes.
  • Delta: As a full-service airline providing one-stop flights, Delta's one-way fares generally range from $120 to $475. It holds approximately 3% of departures on this route, with flight times of 4 hours and 15 minutes and a complete journey time of roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes, including any layover.

Travelers flying from Des Moines to Phoenix can enhance their experience by upgrading to first class with American Airlines, which provides superior service on this route.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Phoenix (PHX)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Phoenix are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Phoenix reach up to 66°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider July, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 95.7°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $176. Flight availability peaks in March and November, with approximately 28 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $176, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: July, November, and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $186.
  • Most flight options: March and November have the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Phoenix, with approximately 28 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January55.4°F (13.0°C)High22$196
February58.6°F (14.8°C)High26$218
March66.0°F (18.9°C)High28$239
April74.5°F (23.6°C)Average22$202
May82.0°F (27.8°C)Average22$192
June92.3°F (33.5°C)Average21$216
July95.7°F (35.4°C)Low18$182
August94.8°F (34.9°C)Low23$191
September89.8°F (32.1°C)Low22$196
October77.7°F (25.4°C)Average21$176
November65.5°F (18.6°C)Average28$186
December55.4°F (13.0°C)Average24$227

*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 Phoenix (PHX)

  • Des Moines to Scottsdale (DSM-SCF): Scottsdale Airport (SCF) is located approximately 14 miles from Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), offering convenient access to the region.
  • Des Moines to Mesa (DSM-AZA): Phoenix - Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) lies around 22 miles away from Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), making it a viable alternative for travelers.
  • Fort Dodge to Phoenix (FOD-PHX): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is roughly 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), providing a connection for those heading to Phoenix.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Phoenix (PHX)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Phoenix 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 at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Departures from 12 PM to 6 PM often offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times, while flying on Saturday generally provides cheaper rates, even though Thursday is the most favored 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 Sky Harbor International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Phoenix, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Sky Harbor International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Sky Harbor 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 Sky Harbor International Airport, two key transport links are conveniently accessible on foot; Terminal 3 Station, a metro station, is located about 0.1 miles from the airport, while Phoenix Airport Bus Stop, a bus station, is situated approximately 0.2 miles away.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $121 and cheap return flights from $230 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $165 to $786, and return flights typically cost between $327 and $2490. 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
August is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Phoenix (PHX), with average round-trip fares around $329. This price is about 9% lower than the average throughout the year, as August often sees lower travel demand. Other economical months to consider are January 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
2 airlines operate nonstop service from DSM to PHX:

  • American Airlines operates around 28 direct flights from DSM to PHX every week
  • Frontier Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from DSM to PHX every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), with round-trip tickets starting from around $143. 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) 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, Frontier Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines also offers the most daily flights from DSM to PHX, 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
When flying from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX), consider traveling in August or January. These months feature return flights averaging around $329, providing a good mix of price and travel experience. August is perfect for those seeking warm weather, while January offers a chance to escape the cold.*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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
There are approximately 5 nonstop flights per day from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines (DSM) to Phoenix (PHX) typically departs at around 5:00 AM local time, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in December, making it a great option for early travelers looking to enjoy more time in Phoenix. 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX) are in the early afternoon, from 12pm to 3pm. About 23% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to travel after a productive morning.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from DSM to PHX takes around 3 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 1,148 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 4 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
You can fly first class between DSM and PHX. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) typically costs between $1,602 - $2,543. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $785 - $1,145. 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor 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 Phoenix from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
From Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX) to reach Phoenix. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Denver Intl. (DEN), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW) before reaching Phoenix. 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor 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

0
Origin airport
Des Moines Intl.
Destination airport
Sky Harbor Intl.
Roundtrip price
$230
Distance
1148 mi

Book with confidence

Des Moines to Phoenix Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Phoenix

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

 

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

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

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 Phoenix in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $121 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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