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$129 Cheap Flights from New Orleans (MSY) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $129 flight on Thu, Dec 10, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. Airport (MSY) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from New Orleans to Des Moines (MSY-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $129 for one-way flights and $299 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Mon, Oct 5
MSY
New Orleans
DSM
Des Moines
$299 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$299
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from New Orleans to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $299 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Fri, Oct 9
MSY
New Orleans
DSM
Des Moines
$316 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$316
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from New Orleans to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 9, priced at $316 found 2 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Dec 10 - Mon, Dec 14
MSY
New Orleans
DSM
Des Moines
$323 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$323
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 10 from New Orleans to Des Moines, returning Mon, Dec 14, priced at $323 found 13 hours ago
United
Wed, Oct 21 - Mon, Oct 26
MSY
New Orleans
DSM
Des Moines
$325 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from New Orleans to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $325 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 9 - Sat, Oct 10
MSY
New Orleans
DSM
Des Moines
$329 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$329
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from New Orleans to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 10, priced at $329 found 2 days ago
United
Wed, Oct 21 - Mon, Oct 26
MSY
New Orleans
DSM
Des Moines
$330 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$330
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from New Orleans to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $330 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Fri, Oct 9
MSY
New Orleans
DSM
Des Moines
$334 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$334
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from New Orleans to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 9, priced at $334 found 5 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Oct 28 - Sat, Oct 31
MSY
New Orleans
DSM
Des Moines
$335 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$335
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from New Orleans to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $335 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Fri, Oct 30 - Mon, Nov 2
MSY
New Orleans
DSM
Des Moines
$387 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$387
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from New Orleans to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $387 found 2 hours ago
Delta
Sat, Oct 3 - Sat, Oct 10
MSY
New Orleans
DSM
Des Moines
$407 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$407
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Oct 3 from New Orleans to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 10, priced at $407 found 9 hours ago

What you need to know for your flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

New Orleans (MSY) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel from New Orleans (MSY) to Des Moines (DSM) with a selection of airlines catering to this domestic short-haul route. You can compare options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the best itinerary that suits your budget and travel plans. As you plan your adventure, take the time to explore Des Moines's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Get all the essential information for flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 7h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 800 miles (1,290 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$430, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Recent traveler bookings reveal the most popular airlines flying from New Orleans to Des Moines, featuring both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Common layover locations include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with approximately a 1 hour and 30 minute layover, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) with around a 1 hour layover, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) also offering about a 1 hour and 30 minute layover. This selection allows you to compare prices, total travel time, and cabin class for the best itinerary.

  • American Airlines: As a comprehensive service provider, American Airlines offers one-stop flights with one-way fares generally ranging from $135 to $430. It represents about 34% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • United: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices typically between $145 and $495. United accounts for around 24% of the departures on this route, with a standard one-stop flight lasting 3 hours and 45 minutes in the air, and a total journey time of about 5 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Delta: Delta operates as a full-service carrier with one-stop flight offerings, with one-way fares generally falling between $135 and $490. It constitutes roughly 23% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, and an overall journey time of about 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline offers both one-stop and multi-stop services, with one-way fares commonly ranging from $140 to $410. Southwest makes up approximately 19% of departures on this route, with a typical one-stop journey featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel duration of roughly 5 hours and 15 minutes.

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

Best time to fly from New Orleans (MSY) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from New Orleans 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 November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 40.5°F. For better deals, December usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $197. Flight availability peaks in March, July, October, November, and December, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. June has the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: December usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $197, roughly 19% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $200.
  • Most flight options: March, July, October, November, and December have the highest number of flights from New Orleans to Des Moines, with approximately 11 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)Average10$239
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Slightly High10$297
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Slightly High11$306
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Slightly High10$266
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average10$237
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Slightly Low8$263
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Average11$218
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Slightly Low10$241
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average10$200
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average11$235
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Slightly Low11$235
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average11$197

*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 New Orleans (MSY) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Baton Rouge to Des Moines (BTR-DSM): Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) lies approximately 66 miles from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). One-way economy fares on this route generally range between $125 and $480, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Travelers often encounter one-stop flights, with common layovers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). Key airlines operating this route include American Airlines and Delta, with first-class service also available.
  • Gulfport to Des Moines (GPT-DSM): Gulfport - Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is located roughly 77 miles from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). One-way economy tickets on this route typically fall between $120 and $405, varying by season and booking timing. This route usually features one-stop flights, with popular layover spots at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Leading airlines for this journey include Delta and American Airlines.

How to find the best prices for flights from New Orleans (MSY) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from New Orleans 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 generally available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 am and 12 pm typically offer lower prices and are also popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday often yields cheaper rates, while Sunday remains the most sought-after 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 Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from New Orleans with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central New Orleans. 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 Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $129 and cheap return flights from $299 New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $155 to $564, and return flights typically cost between $332 and $985. 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 Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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 Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
August is the cheapest month to fly from New Orleans, LA (MSY) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average return fares around $302. This is about 27% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand typically decreases after the summer. Other budget-friendly months include January and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter MSY to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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 Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The ideal time to fly from New Orleans (MSY) to Des Moines (DSM) is in August or October. Return flights during these months average around $302, providing good value. August allows you to enjoy summer festivities, while October brings beautiful fall colors, making your trip even more enjoyable.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by United. An early departure like this allows you to make the most of your day upon arrival. 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 Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from New Orleans (MSY) to Des Moines (DSM) are between 9am and noon. About 34% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, and United, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to settle in for the day.
How long does it take to fly from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from MSY to DSM with a connection usually takes about 7 hours 20 minutes, traveling roughly 820 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 Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can fly first class between MSY and DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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 Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Love Field (DAL), Austin-Bergstrom Intl. (AUS) 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 Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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 Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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 Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans 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
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$299
Distance
819 mi

Book with confidence

New Orleans to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from New Orleans 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 Orleans 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 Orleans to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $129 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 Orleans 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 Orleans 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 Orleans to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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