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$187 Cheap Flights from New York (JFK) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $187 flight on Wed, Nov 4, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport (JFK) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from New York to Des Moines (JFK-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $187 for one-way flights and $378 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Tue, Jan 5 - Tue, Jan 12
JFK
New York
DSM
Des Moines
$378 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$378
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Jan 5 from New York to Des Moines, returning Tue, Jan 12, priced at $378 found 5 days ago
Delta
Sat, Sep 19 - Tue, Sep 22
JFK
New York
DSM
Des Moines
$395 Roundtrip, just found
$395
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Sep 19 from New York to Des Moines, returning Tue, Sep 22, priced at $395 just found
American Airlines
Tue, Nov 3 - Fri, Nov 6
JFK
New York
DSM
Des Moines
$406 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$406
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 3 from New York to Des Moines, returning Fri, Nov 6, priced at $406 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Tue, Jan 5 - Tue, Jan 12
JFK
New York
DSM
Des Moines
$409 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$409
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Jan 5 from New York to Des Moines, returning Tue, Jan 12, priced at $409 found 5 days ago
American Airlines
Tue, Jan 5 - Tue, Jan 12
JFK
New York
DSM
Des Moines
$410 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$410
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Jan 5 from New York to Des Moines, returning Tue, Jan 12, priced at $410 found 5 days ago
American Airlines
Tue, Nov 3 - Fri, Nov 6
JFK
New York
DSM
Des Moines
$416 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$416
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 3 from New York to Des Moines, returning Fri, Nov 6, priced at $416 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 23
JFK
New York
DSM
Des Moines
$417 Roundtrip, just found
$417
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 16 from New York to Des Moines, returning Wed, Sep 23, priced at $417 just found
American Airlines
Tue, Jan 5 - Tue, Jan 12
JFK
New York
DSM
Des Moines
$426 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$426
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Jan 5 from New York to Des Moines, returning Tue, Jan 12, priced at $426 found 5 days ago
American Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Fri, Sep 18
JFK
New York
DSM
Des Moines
$430 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$430
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from New York to Des Moines, returning Fri, Sep 18, priced at $430 found 11 hours ago
American Airlines
Tue, Jan 5 - Tue, Jan 12
JFK
New York
DSM
Des Moines
$435 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$435
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Jan 5 from New York to Des Moines, returning Tue, Jan 12, priced at $435 found 5 days 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 $829
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $829

Find the cheapest month to fly from New York (JFK) to Des Moines (DSM)

March is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $238 - $717 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from John F. Kennedy Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

New York (JFK) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) with a selection of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Discover a range of options from full-service and budget carriers to suit your preferences, whether you’re looking for the best prices or specific travel times. As you plan your trip to explore the attractions and neighborhoods of Des Moines, check out the latest deals on flights to secure your next flight with ease.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,000 miles (1,610 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $140–$435, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from New York to Des Moines. Many travelers choose to connect through O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with an average layover of about 2 hours and 45 minutes, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) with a 45-minute layover, or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a 1 hour and 15-minute layover. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal travel itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This major airline provides comprehensive services and offers one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally between $140 and $375. It represents about 62% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, with a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta also provides one-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $180 to $740. It accounts for roughly 37% of the flights on this route, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey time of around 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Alternative routes from New York (JFK) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • New York to Des Moines (LGA-DSM): LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is located approximately 10 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). One-way economy ticket prices on this route generally fall between $130 and $400, varying by season and when you make the booking. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flight options. The leading airlines on this route include Delta and American Airlines. Furthermore, first-class service is offered as well.
  • Newark to Des Moines (EWR-DSM): Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is around 21 miles distant from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). One-way economy fares on this journey usually range from $130 to $410, influenced by the time of year and booking timing. Both non-stop and one-stop flights are available, with common layover points at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Major airlines operating this route include Delta and United, with first-class service options also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from New York (JFK) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from New York 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 available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers book within two weeks. Departures in the morning, from 5 AM to 12 PM, tend to be less expensive and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday often provides better prices, while Tuesday remains the most common 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 John F. Kennedy International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from New York with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, John F. Kennedy International Airport is roughly a 25-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central New York. 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $187 and cheap return flights from $378 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $318 to $823, and return flights typically cost between $467 and $1404. 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
March is the cheapest month to fly from New York, NY (JFK) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average return fares around $331. This price is about 36% lower than the average throughout the year, as travel demand is typically lower in early spring. Other budget-friendly months include February and June.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter JFK to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $315 with a layover in Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU). 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
When flying from New York (JFK) to Des Moines (DSM), the best months to consider are March and February. These months offer the cheapest return flights at around $331, making them great for budget-conscious travelers. February and March are typically less crowded, allowing for a more pleasant travel experience while still providing good flight availability.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) usually departs at around 5:30 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in December. An early flight can help you make the most of your time in Des Moines. 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 29% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Des Moines early and make the most of your day.
How long does it take to fly from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from JFK to DSM with a connection usually takes about 5 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 1,034 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the JFK to DSM route with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
How do I earn miles on a New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy 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 John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU), Logan Intl. (BOS), Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy 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
John F. Kennedy Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta
Roundtrip price
$378
Distance
1033 mi

Book with confidence

New York to Des Moines Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from New York to Des Moines

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from New York 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 New York 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 New York to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $187 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 New York 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 New York 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.

 

New York to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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