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$183 Cheap Flights from Fresno (FAT) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $183 flight on Wed, Nov 4, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Fresno Yosemite Intl. Airport (FAT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Fresno to Des Moines (FAT-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $183 for one-way flights and $355 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
FAT
Fresno
DSM
Des Moines
$355 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$355
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Fresno to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $355 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
FAT
Fresno
DSM
Des Moines
$355 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$355
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Fresno to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $355 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Wed, Oct 28 - Sat, Oct 31
FAT
Fresno
DSM
Des Moines
$360 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$360
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from Fresno to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $360 found 1 day ago
Delta
Wed, Oct 28 - Sat, Oct 31
FAT
Fresno
DSM
Des Moines
$366 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$366
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from Fresno to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $366 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
FAT
Fresno
DSM
Des Moines
$376 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$376
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Fresno to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $376 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
FAT
Fresno
DSM
Des Moines
$383 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$383
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Fresno to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $383 found 1 day ago
United
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
FAT
Fresno
DSM
Des Moines
$387 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$387
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Fresno to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $387 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Wed, Oct 28 - Sat, Oct 31
FAT
Fresno
DSM
Des Moines
$388 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$388
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from Fresno to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $388 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Wed, Oct 28 - Sat, Oct 31
FAT
Fresno
DSM
Des Moines
$394 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$394
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from Fresno to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $394 found 1 day ago
Alaska Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
FAT
Fresno
DSM
Des Moines
$623 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$623
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Fresno to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $623 found 10 hours ago

Alternative airports near Des Moines

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

Select flight to Des Moines Intl. DSM. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 10 minutes. Flights from $465
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $465

What you need to know for your flight from Fresno Yosemite Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

Fresno (FAT) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Embark on a journey from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) with a range of airlines offering weekly flights on this convenient domestic route. Whether you're looking for full-service options or searching for cheap flights from Fresno, you'll find various itineraries to suit your budget and schedule. Explore the attractions and neighborhoods of Des Moines while selecting the best Fresno to Des Moines flights for your travel plans.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1 hour layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,400 miles (2,250 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $145–$565, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines for flights from Fresno to Des Moines are often selected for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Many travelers opt for convenient layovers at Denver International Airport (DEN, approximately 1 hour), Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW, around 2 hours), and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX, about 50 minutes). This variety provides the flexibility to balance cost, total travel time, and cabin class, helping you find the ideal itinerary for your trip.

  • American Airlines: As a full-service airline, American Airlines provides one-stop service with typical one-way fares ranging from $150 to $530. This carrier represents about 38% of departures for this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes, and a total travel time of around 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • United: Another full-service option, United also offers one-stop flights, with one-way prices generally between $160 and $705. Handling approximately 36% of departures on this route, travelers can expect an in-flight time of 4 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total journey duration of about 5 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly approach, Southwest Airlines provides both one-stop and multi-stop services, with one-way fares typically between $145 and $520. This airline accounts for around 25% of departures for this route, featuring a standard in-flight time of 4 hours and 15 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Travelers flying from Fresno to Des Moines can opt for an upgrade, as United provides first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Fresno (FAT) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Fresno to Des Moines are April, July, and September, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 74.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 21.7°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $248. Flight availability peaks in June, July, August, and October, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $248, roughly 23% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: April and July typically offer average one-way fares of around $274.
  • Most flight options: June, July, August, and October have the highest number of flights from Fresno to Des Moines, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January21.7°F (-5.7°C)Moderately Low7$360
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average8$248
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Average8$374
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Moderately High7$273
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Moderately Low8$401
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average10$370
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Moderately High10$274
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average10$282
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Moderately High9$290
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average10$279
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Moderately Low7$436
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average8$324

*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 Fresno (FAT) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Merced to Des Moines (MCE-DSM): Merced Municipal Airport (MCE) lies approximately 57 miles from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT).
  • Fresno to Fort Dodge (FAT-FOD): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is located about 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM).
  • Mammoth Lakes to Des Moines (MMH-DSM): Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) is roughly 76 miles from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT).

How to find the best prices for flights from Fresno (FAT) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Fresno to Des Moines 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 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 Wednesday typically results in cheaper rates, although Monday remains 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 Des Moines International Airport from Fresno Yosemite International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Des Moines, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Des Moines International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Des Moines 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 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $183 and cheap return flights from $355 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $178 and $779, and return flights often range between $418 and $1389. 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 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from FAT to DSM is November 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 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter FAT to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Fresno, CA (FAT) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $311. 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 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
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 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) usually departs at around 12:55 AM, operated by American Airlines. This flight is available in November, giving you a chance to maximize your travel time. 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 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Fresno (FAT) to Des Moines (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers choose this time window. Major carriers like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines operate flights during this period. This timing is favored because it allows you to maximize your day upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from FAT to DSM with a connection usually takes about 5 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 1,429 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 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can fly first class between FAT and DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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 Des Moines from Fresno Yosemite Intl. (FAT)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Fresno Yosemite Intl. (FAT), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Salt Lake City Intl. (SLC), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) before reaching Des Moines. 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 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) Des Moines 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 Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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
Fresno Yosemite Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$354
Distance
1429 mi

Book with confidence

Fresno to Des Moines Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Fresno to Des Moines

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

 

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

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

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 Fresno to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $183 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 Fresno to Des Moines 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 Fresno to Des Moines 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.

 

Fresno to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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