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$120 Cheap Flights from Orlando (MCO) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $120 flight on Mon, Sep 21, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Orlando Intl. Airport (MCO) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Orlando to Des Moines (MCO-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $120 for one-way flights and $240 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Mon, Sep 14 - Thu, Sep 17
MCO
Orlando
DSM
Des Moines
$240 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$240
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Sep 14 from Orlando to Des Moines, returning Thu, Sep 17, priced at $240 found 11 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Sep 14 - Thu, Sep 17
MCO
Orlando
DSM
Des Moines
$243 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$243
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Sep 14 from Orlando to Des Moines, returning Thu, Sep 17, priced at $243 found 11 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 25 - Sun, Sep 27
MCO
Orlando
DSM
Des Moines
$262 Roundtrip, just found
$262
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Orlando to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 27, priced at $262 just found
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Sun, Oct 4
MCO
Orlando
DSM
Des Moines
$272 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$272
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from Orlando to Des Moines, returning Sun, Oct 4, priced at $272 found 11 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Nov 2 - Thu, Nov 5
MCO
Orlando
DSM
Des Moines
$273 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$273
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 2 from Orlando to Des Moines, returning Thu, Nov 5, priced at $273 found 6 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Sep 24 - Mon, Sep 28
MCO
Orlando
DSM
Des Moines
$281 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 24 from Orlando to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $281 found 5 days ago
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Wed, Oct 7
MCO
Orlando
DSM
Des Moines
$282 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$282
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 1 from Orlando to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $282 found 5 days ago
American Airlines
Tue, Nov 17 - Mon, Nov 23
MCO
Orlando
DSM
Des Moines
$284 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$284
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 17 from Orlando to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $284 found 5 days ago
Delta
Tue, Oct 13 - Sat, Oct 17
MCO
Orlando
DSM
Des Moines
$339 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$339
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Orlando to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $339 found 1 hour ago
United
Tue, Oct 13 - Sat, Oct 17
MCO
Orlando
DSM
Des Moines
$339 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$339
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Orlando to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $339 found 1 hour 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 $431
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $431

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

Orlando (MCO) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel from Orlando (MCO) to Des Moines (DSM) with a range of airlines offering convenient options for this domestic short-haul route. Compare daily fares from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the best itinerary that suits your budget and travel plans as you explore the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Find essential details for flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,100 miles (1,770 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $70–$470, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Orlando to Des Moines, focusing on both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layovers include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) with a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), also with a 1 hour and 15-minute layover. This gives you the flexibility to choose the best combination of price, total travel time, and cabin class for your journey.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, covering about 42% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally range from $130 to $490, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 6 hours, including layovers.
  • Delta: Another full-service option, Delta operates one-stop services and represents around 22% of departures. One-way ticket prices typically vary from $140 to $470, with in-air time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in an overall journey time of about 6 hours, factoring in layovers.
  • United: Offering both non-stop and one-stop services, United accounts for about 17% of the flights on this route. Fares for one-way tickets usually fall between $140 and $470. A typical one-stop journey includes 4 hours and 30 minutes of flight time and a total travel duration of roughly 6 hours.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a budget carrier, Southwest provides one-stop and multi-stop options, covering roughly 11% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally range from $120 to $530, with in-flight times around 4 hours and 30 minutes, leading to an approximate total journey duration of 6 hours.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline offers both non-stop and one-stop flights, making up about 7% of departures. One-way fares typically range from $70 to $245, with a standard non-stop flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes, making it a competitive choice for budget travelers.

Travelers flying from Orlando to Des Moines have the option to upgrade their flights. Delta provides both first class and premium economy service, while American Airlines offers first class for a more luxurious experience.

Best time to fly from Orlando (MCO) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Orlando to Des Moines are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 39.6°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66.9°F. For better deals, December usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $202. Flight availability peaks in February and March, with approximately 20 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. May has the fewest flights, with approximately 13 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: December usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $202, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $214.
  • Most flight options: February and March have the highest number of flights from Orlando to Des Moines, with approximately 20 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)High18$235
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)High20$227
March39.6°F (4.2°C)High20$223
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Average16$244
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average13$226
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average17$265
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Low15$264
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Low16$230
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Low14$214
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average16$228
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average18$253
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average18$202

*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 Orlando (MCO) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Orlando to Des Moines (ORL-DSM): Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) is located approximately 8 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
  • Orlando to Des Moines (SFB-DSM): Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is about 24 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
  • Orlando to Fort Dodge (MCO-FOD): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) lies roughly 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

How to find the best prices for flights from Orlando (MCO) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Orlando 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 within two weeks, although most travelers tend to book 2-8 weeks in advance. Afternoon departures, from 12 PM to 6 PM, often offer lower prices, while morning flights, from 5 AM to 12 PM, are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides cheaper rates, though Sunday 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 Orlando International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Orlando 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 Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $120 and cheap return flights from $240 Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $160 to $774, and return flights typically cost between $358 and $1140. 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 Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando 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 Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
December is the cheapest month to fly from Orlando, FL (MCO) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average return fares around $382. This fare is about 14% lower than the average price throughout the year, as December typically sees lower travel demand compared to the holiday peak. Other budget-friendly months include May and November.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines offers around 7 weekly direct flights from MCO to DSM.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Orlando (MCO) to Des Moines (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $198. 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 Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando 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 airline to fly with from Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Orlando, FL (MCO) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Frontier Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Frontier Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. WN offers the most daily flights from MCO to DSM, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best times to fly from Orlando, FL (MCO) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) are December and May. You can expect return flight prices to be around $382, making these months both budget-friendly and enjoyable for travel, as they typically feature pleasant weather.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
There are approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Orlando Intl. (MCO) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) typically departs at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in December, allowing you to start your day early and 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 Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 32% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This is a great time to travel as it allows you to arrive in Des Moines early in the day.
How long does it take to fly from Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from MCO to DSM typically takes around 3 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 1,141 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 3 hours 10 minutes to your travel time. 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 Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can fly first class between MCO and DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando 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 Orlando Intl. (MCO)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Orlando Intl. (MCO), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Love Field (DAL) 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 Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando 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 Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando 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 Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando 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
Orlando Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$240
Distance
1140 mi

Book with confidence

Orlando to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Orlando 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 Orlando 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 Orlando to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $120 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 Orlando 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 Orlando 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.

 

Orlando to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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