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$47 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Fort Myers (RSW)

View $47 flight on Mon, Sep 14, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Southwest Florida Intl. Airport (RSW)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Fort Myers (DSM-RSW)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $47 for one-way flights and $94 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Allegiant Air
Mon, Sep 14 - Fri, Sep 18
DSM
Des Moines
RSW
Fort Myers
$94 Roundtrip, just found
$94
Roundtrip
just found
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Mon, Sep 14 from Des Moines to Fort Myers, returning Fri, Sep 18, priced at $94 just found
Allegiant Air
Fri, Oct 9 - Fri, Oct 16
DSM
Des Moines
RSW
Fort Myers
$103 Roundtrip, just found
$103
Roundtrip
just found
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Des Moines to Fort Myers, returning Fri, Oct 16, priced at $103 just found
Allegiant Air
Mon, Sep 21 - Fri, Sep 25
DSM
Des Moines
RSW
Fort Myers
$112 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$112
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Mon, Sep 21 from Des Moines to Fort Myers, returning Fri, Sep 25, priced at $112 found 8 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Mon, Sep 28 - Fri, Oct 2
DSM
Des Moines
RSW
Fort Myers
$121 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$121
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Mon, Sep 28 from Des Moines to Fort Myers, returning Fri, Oct 2, priced at $121 found 2 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Mon, Nov 2 - Fri, Nov 6
DSM
Des Moines
RSW
Fort Myers
$122 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$122
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Mon, Nov 2 from Des Moines to Fort Myers, returning Fri, Nov 6, priced at $122 found 3 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Fri, Sep 18 - Fri, Sep 25
DSM
Des Moines
RSW
Fort Myers
$131 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$131
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Fri, Sep 18 from Des Moines to Fort Myers, returning Fri, Sep 25, priced at $131 found 6 hours ago
American Airlines
Wed, Jan 20 - Mon, Jan 25
DSM
Des Moines
RSW
Fort Myers
$281 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Jan 20 from Des Moines to Fort Myers, returning Mon, Jan 25, priced at $281 found 3 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Jan 20 - Mon, Jan 25
DSM
Des Moines
RSW
Fort Myers
$281 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Jan 20 from Des Moines to Fort Myers, returning Mon, Jan 25, priced at $281 found 3 hours ago
United
Tue, Dec 15 - Wed, Dec 16
DSM
Des Moines
RSW
Fort Myers
$281 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Dec 15 from Des Moines to Fort Myers, returning Wed, Dec 16, priced at $281 found 9 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Thu, Oct 8
DSM
Des Moines
RSW
Fort Myers
$281 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Des Moines to Fort Myers, returning Thu, Oct 8, priced at $281 found 4 hours ago

Alternative airports near Fort Myers

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

Select flight to Southwest Florida Intl. RSW. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 22 minutes. Flights from $487
RSW
Southwest Florida Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center22 min
Flights from $487

What you need to know for your flight from Des Moines Intl. to Southwest Florida Intl.

Des Moines (DSM) to Fort Myers (RSW) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Fort Myers (RSW) on this domestic short-haul route. You can compare both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel plans as you delve into the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Fort Myers. Check out the essential details for flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to plan your journey effectively.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,200 miles (1,930 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$490, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Recent traveler bookings reveal the top airlines flying from Des Moines to Fort Myers, often favored for their one-stop service. Common layover spots include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with an approximately 1 hour and 15-minute layover, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) with about a 1-hour layover. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, holding about 41% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally range from $130 to $560. Passengers can expect an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, with a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.
  • Delta: Known as a full-service airline, Delta offers one-stop services and represents roughly 24% of departures on this route. One-way fares usually fall between $130 and $465. Travelers should anticipate an in-flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey duration of around 5 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: A budget-friendly option, Southwest Airlines provides one-stop service and accounts for about 18% of departures on this route. One-way fares typically range from $130 to $490. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, with the overall travel time being roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes, including any layovers.
  • United: As a full-service carrier, United offers one-stop services and makes up around 17% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally range from $155 to $600. Expect about 4 hours and 30 minutes in the air, with the complete journey taking approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.

Travelers flying from Des Moines to Fort Myers can opt for an upgrade, with American Airlines providing first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Fort Myers (RSW)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Fort Myers are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Fort Myers reach up to 74.8°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider July, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 82.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $216). Flight availability peaks in February and March, with approximately 13 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: July usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $216, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: October, April, and November typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $217 to $231.
  • Most flight options: February and March have the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Fort Myers, with approximately 13 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January64.0°F (17.8°C)Average11$268
February67.1°F (19.5°C)High13$263
March69.4°F (20.8°C)High13$329
April74.8°F (23.8°C)High10$225
May78.4°F (25.8°C)Low9$260
June81.9°F (27.7°C)Average10$253
July82.9°F (28.3°C)Low7$216
August83.1°F (28.4°C)Average10$259
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Average9$259
October77.4°F (25.2°C)Low8$217
November71.4°F (21.9°C)Average10$231
December67.6°F (19.8°C)Average8$328

*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 Fort Myers (RSW)

  • Des Moines to Sarasota (DSM-SRQ): Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is located approximately 77 miles from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). One-way economy fares for this route generally fall between $120 and $445, influenced by the season and the timing of your booking. Flights on this route are usually available with one or multiple stops, often connecting through O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). Major airlines operating this route include American Airlines and Delta, with first-class service also offered.
  • Fort Dodge to Fort Myers (FOD-RSW): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is roughly 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM). One-way economy fares typically range from $165 to $325, depending on the season and how early you secure your ticket. This route is mainly serviced by one-stop options, primarily connecting through O'Hare International Airport (ORD). The leading airline for this journey is United, providing reliable service for travelers.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Fort Myers (RSW)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Fort Myers 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 typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) often offer lower prices, while morning flights (5am-12pm) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Fridays generally provides cheaper options, although Thursdays tend to be 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.* Find Fort Myers hotel and flight deals.
  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 Southwest Florida International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Fort Myers, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Southwest Florida International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Southwest Florida 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $47 and cheap return flights from $94 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $159 to $870, and return flights typically cost between $334 and $1288. 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Fort Myers (RSW), with average round-trip fares around $322. This is about 21% lower than the average price throughout the year, as January is a quieter travel month after the holiday rush. Other budget-friendly months include September and November.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)?
Enter DSM to RSW 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Fort Myers, FL (RSW), with round-trip tickets starting from around $323. 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)?
For flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Fort Myers (RSW), January and September are the best months to travel. Average return flight prices are around $322, providing a great opportunity to escape to sunny Florida during the winter or enjoy a late summer getaway.*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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines International Airport to Southwest Florida International Airport usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in March, helping you get an early start on your vacation in Fort Myers. 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Fort Myers (RSW) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 38% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to arrive in Florida with plenty of time to enjoy the day.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)?
A flight from DSM to RSW with a layover takes around 5 hours 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 1,238 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the DSM to RSW route. 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida 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 Fort Myers from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
If you're planning to travel to Fort Myers from Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Southwest Florida Intl. (RSW) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL) before reaching Fort Myers. 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida 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
Southwest Florida Intl.
Airlines serving
Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$94
Distance
1237 mi

Book with confidence

Des Moines to Fort Myers Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Fort Myers

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Fort Myers

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

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 Fort Myers in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $47 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 Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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