Cheap Flights from Iowa City (IOW) to Des Moines (DSM)

Popular airlines from Iowa City, IA (IOW) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Flights from Iowa City (IOW) to Des Moines (DSM)
Origin airport
Iowa City
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Distance
109 mi

Iowa City to Des Moines Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Iowa City 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 Iowa City to Des Moines are during the month of . You can find some of the cheapest flights from Iowa City to Des Moines with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Iowa City to Des Moines

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Iowa City 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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from 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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City 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.

 

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Iowa City, IA (IOW) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) cost?
Snag a cheap one-way flight or cheap return flight from Iowa City, IA (IOW) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) with Expedia. Enter your travel dates and sort by "Price (lowest to highest)" to find our cheapest flight deals on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Iowa City, IA (IOW) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
is the most affordable month to fly from IOW to DSM. Planning your trip for the off-season is often the key to finding better deals on flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Iowa City, IA (IOW) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
Use the filter tool on Expedia to compare different airlines and find the cheapest carrier that'll fly you from IOW to DSM. Then, sort your results by "Price (lowest to highest)" to snap up the best deal available.
How many flights per day from Iowa City, IA (IOW) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
There are no daily direct flights from Iowa City, IA (IOW) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM). But you can opt for flights with layovers. Filter your search results on Expedia to include one or more stops, and you'll be soaring above the clouds in no time.
What day of the week has the most flights from IOW to DSM?
Usually you'll find the most flight options available on a Friday. Tuesdays are often the quietest.* But this can vary depending on the season, carrier and other factors.*Busiest/quietest day to travel is based on Expedia flight demand through January to December 2024.
What is the best time to fly from Iowa City, IA (IOW) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
To avoid possible delays on the Iowa City, IA (IOW) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) route, aim to fly before 3 PM. Later flights are 22% more likely to be canceled.**Most reliable time of the day and month to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2024 flight status data sourced from OAG's global flight data platform.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Iowa City, IA (IOW) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) last-minute?
Booking your ticket from IOW to DSM just before your getaway is usually more expensive. However, if there's some wiggle room with your departure dates and times, you could grab a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book an IOW to DSM flight and hotel package?
Compared with arranging hotels and flights separately, booking an IOW to DSM flight and hotel package with Expedia could lead to significant savings. Better still, having everything in one easy place will take the stress out of planning your trip. Simply pick your flights and select from our extensive range of stays, then customize your trip with other add-ons like tours, car rentals and activities.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Iowa City, IA (IOW) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
In most cases, you're able to cancel or reschedule your IOW to DSM flight. However, there may be additional charges, especially if your booking was made over 24 hours ago. Double-check your itinerary for the airline's fees and rules on flight changes, or if you need further information, head to our Customer Service portal.

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