$123 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Seattle (SEA)

Des Moines (DSM) to Seattle (SEA) at a glance

Travel from Des Moines (DSM) to Seattle (SEA) with a range of airlines offering both full-service and budget options on this domestic short-haul route. Explore the best seattle flights available and compare itineraries to suit your budget and schedule. Whether you’re searching for cheap flights from Des Moines or looking for convenient weekly flights, you’ll find all the essential details for your journey from Des Moines International Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 5h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,500 miles (2,410 km)
• Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$465, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

According to the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Des Moines to Seattle, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Common layover spots include Denver International Airport (DEN) with about a 1 hour 15 minute layover, Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) at roughly 2 hours 15 minutes, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) also around 1 hour 15 minutes. This variety allows you to adjust your choices based on price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

• United: This full-service airline provides one-stop flight options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $155 and $490. It represents about 36% of departures on this route, offering an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in an overall travel time of around 7 hours, including layover.
• American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically ranging from $150 to $420. Approximately 26% of flights on this route are operated by them, featuring a flight time of 5 hours and 15 minutes, with total travel taking around 7 hours, including layover.
• Delta: As a full-service carrier, Delta provides one-stop services, with one-way fares that usually range from $135 to $530. It accounts for roughly 22% of route departures, featuring an in-air duration of 5 hours and 15 minutes, and a total journey time of about 7 hours, accounting for layover.
• Southwest Airlines: Known as a low-cost carrier, Southwest Airlines offers both one-stop and multi-stop services, with one-way prices typically ranging from $130 to $455. This airline makes up about 8% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of around 7 hours.
• Alaska Airlines: Offering one-stop services, Alaska Airlines is a full-service carrier with one-way fares generally between $205 and $520. It holds approximately 5% of departures on this route, providing an in-air time of 5 hours and 15 minutes, with an overall travel duration close to 7 hours, including layover.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Des Moines to Seattle by upgrading their flight. Leading airlines include Delta, which provides both first class and premium economy cabins; United, featuring first class; and American Airlines, also offering first class.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Seattle (SEA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Seattle are June, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Seattle reach up to 67.5°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 44.2°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $238. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 31 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 12 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $238, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: August, September, and May typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $240 to $254.
• Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Seattle, with approximately 31 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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 Seattle (SEA)

• Des Moines to Seattle (DSM-BFI): Boeing Field Airport (BFI) is located approximately 6 miles from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA), providing convenient access to the Seattle area.
• Fort Dodge to Seattle (FOD-SEA): Situated about 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) offers travelers a route to Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
• Fort Dodge to Seattle (FOD-BFI): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) lies roughly 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), while Boeing Field Airport (BFI) is just 6 miles from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Seattle (SEA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Seattle 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 within two weeks, although most travelers book 2-8 weeks in advance. Departures in the evening (6 PM-12 AM) often offer lower prices, even though morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally yields cheaper prices, while Monday tends to be the busiest 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 Seattle - Tacoma International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Seattle, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Seattle - Tacoma 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 Seattle - Tacoma International Airport, SeaTac/Airport Station, a metro station, is located about 0.3 miles from the airport and can be reached on foot, while Tukwila Station, a train station, is situated about 4.3 miles away and is typically accessed by car.

Des Moines to Seattle Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Seattle

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

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

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

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 Seattle in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $123 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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.