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$60 Cheap Flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Des Moines (DSM)

Popular airlines from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Intl. Airport (FLL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Fort Lauderdale to Des Moines (FLL-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $60 for one-way flights and $112 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air
United
American Airlines
Delta
Southwest Airlines

Alternative airports near Des Moines

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

Find the cheapest month to fly from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Des Moines (DSM)

October is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $125 - $382 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Des Moines (DSM) with a range of airlines catering to this domestic short-haul route. Whether you prefer a full-service airline or a budget-friendly carrier, you can compare options to discover the best itinerary that suits your travel budget and schedule while visiting the iconic attractions and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Get ready to explore the key details for flights from Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

  • Fastest (typical) flight duration: around 4h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,300 miles (2,090 km)
  • Flights per week: around 11 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $125–$520, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on recent traveler preferences, here are the top airlines for flights from Fort Lauderdale to Des Moines, particularly favored for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Common layover spots include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with around a 1 hour 30 minute layover, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) at approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), also with a 1 hour 15 minute layover. These options allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal travel itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop service with one-way ticket prices generally between $130 and $530. It represents about 38% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes, while the total travel time, including layover, is approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Delta: Known for its full-service offerings, Delta features one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $125 to $480. It accounts for roughly 29% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 4 hours and 45 minutes and an overall journey time of about 6 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • United: This full-service carrier offers one-stop service, with one-way fares falling between $160 and $550. United makes up around 18% of the departures for this route, providing an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of close to 6 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost option, Southwest provides both one-stop and multi-stop service, with one-way fares usually between $130 and $470. It accounts for about 15% of the departures on this route, featuring a standard one-stop flight time of 4 hours and 45 minutes, with a total travel duration of approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes.

Best time to fly from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Fort Lauderdale to Des Moines are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 50.2°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 53.2°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $203). Flight availability peaks in March, with approximately 13 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January, May, and September have the fewest flights, with approximately 9 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $203, roughly 22% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: August and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $218.
  • Most flight options: March has the highest number of flights from Fort Lauderdale to Des Moines, 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
January21.7°F (-5.7°C)Average9$266
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)High11$262
March39.6°F (4.2°C)High13$358
April50.2°F (10.1°C)High11$281
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Low9$322
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average11$291
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Average10$251
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average11$213
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Low9$222
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Low12$203
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average10$238
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average11$251

*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 Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Fort Lauderdale to Marshalltown (FLL-MIW): Located approximately 55 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Marshalltown Municipal Airport (MIW) serves as a convenient access point to the region.
  • Fort Lauderdale to Fort Dodge (FLL-FOD): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is situated roughly 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), making it an essential hub for travelers heading to the area.
  • Fort Lauderdale to Fort Dodge (FXE-FOD): Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), located about 9 miles from Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport (FLL), is a short distance from Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD), which lies approximately 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

How to find the best prices for flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Fort Lauderdale 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 typically available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM-12 AM) often provide lower prices, although morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday usually results in cheaper fares, while Saturday 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 Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $60 and cheap return flights from $112 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $168 to $895, and return flights typically cost between $355 and $1147. 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from FLL to DSM is October 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter FLL to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $93. 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in March and April, making it a great option for early travelers heading to Iowa. 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 30% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it lets you arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to enjoy your day.
How long does it take to fly from Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flights from FLL to DSM with one stop typically take around 6 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 1,316 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from FLL to DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood 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 Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl. (FLL)?
From Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl. (FLL), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Hopkins Intl. (CLE) 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood 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
Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$112
Distance
1316 mi
Average flight time
9 hours 19 mins

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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