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$139 Cheap Flights from Ontario Intl. Airport (ONT) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $139 flight on Mon, Nov 9, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Ontario Intl. Airport (ONT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Ontario Intl. Airport to Des Moines (ONT-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $139 for one-way flights and $263 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 12 - Mon, Oct 19
ONT
Ontario
DSM
Des Moines
$263 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$263
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 12 from Ontario to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $263 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 12 - Mon, Oct 19
ONT
Ontario
DSM
Des Moines
$273 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$273
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 12 from Ontario to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $273 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Mon, Oct 26
ONT
Ontario
DSM
Des Moines
$274 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$274
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Ontario to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $274 found 13 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Nov 2 - Mon, Nov 9
ONT
Ontario
DSM
Des Moines
$288 Roundtrip, found 18 hours ago
$288
Roundtrip
found 18 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 2 from Ontario to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $288 found 18 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 26 - Fri, Nov 6
ONT
Ontario
DSM
Des Moines
$301 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$301
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 26 from Ontario to Des Moines, returning Fri, Nov 6, priced at $301 found 7 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Sep 28 - Mon, Oct 5
ONT
Ontario
DSM
Des Moines
$304 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$304
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Sep 28 from Ontario to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $304 found 7 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 2
ONT
Ontario
DSM
Des Moines
$322 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$322
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Ontario to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $322 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 2
ONT
Ontario
DSM
Des Moines
$352 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$352
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Ontario to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $352 found 3 days ago
American Airlines
Fri, Oct 9 - Mon, Oct 12
ONT
Ontario
DSM
Des Moines
$371 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$371
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Ontario to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $371 found 1 day ago
United
Tue, Oct 6 - Tue, Oct 13
ONT
Ontario
DSM
Des Moines
$387 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$387
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Ontario to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 13, priced at $387 found 1 day 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 $524
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $524

Find the cheapest month to fly from Ontario (ONT) to Des Moines (DSM)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $130 - $1,857 per traveler.

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

Ontario (ONT) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Embark on your journey with various airlines offering flights from Ontario (ONT) to Des Moines (DSM) on this domestic short-haul route. Explore options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to pinpoint the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit, discover the renowned sights and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Get all the essential information for flights from Ontario International Airport (ONT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to make your travel planning easier.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,400 miles (2,250 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$515, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here’s a look at the most popular airlines flying from Ontario to Des Moines, typically favored for their one-stop services. Common layover spots include Denver International Airport (DEN), Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), each with approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of layover time. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel duration, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary for your journey.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally between $135 and $515. It represents about 41% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes, totaling approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly option, this airline also offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically ranging from $155 to $520. It accounts for roughly 30% of departures along this route, boasting an in-flight time of 4 hours and 15 minutes and a complete travel duration of around 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • United: Another full-service airline that provides one-stop flights, United's one-way fares are usually between $160 and $515. It makes up about 24% of the departures for this route, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of about 5 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost carrier offers one-stop services with one-way fares averaging between $120 and $290. Frontier accounts for approximately 4% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes, with an overall travel time of roughly 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.

Best time to fly from Ontario (ONT) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Ontario to Des Moines are March, July, and October, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 74.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 29.3°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $247. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 14 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January, February, and April have the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $247, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: November, December, and January typically offer average one-way fares of around $258.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Ontario to Des Moines, with approximately 14 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)Average8$260
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Moderately Low8$302
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Moderately High9$360
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Average8$282
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average11$273
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average11$292
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Moderately High14$267
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average10$247
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Moderately Low12$283
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Moderately High13$275
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average11$255
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Moderately Low9$257

*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 route from Ontario (ONT) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Orange County to Des Moines (SNA-DSM): John Wayne Airport (SNA) is located approximately 31 miles from Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT). On this route, one-way economy fares generally fall between $130 and $515, influenced by the season and timing of your booking. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights, with common layover points at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Major airlines operating this route include American Airlines and United, and options for business and first class service are also offered.

How to find the best prices for flights from Ontario (ONT) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Ontario 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Early morning departures (12 am-5 am) often offer lower prices, although morning flights (5 am-12 pm) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally provides better prices, while Friday tends to be 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 Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Ontario 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 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $139 and cheap return flights from $263 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $188 and $810, and return flights often range between $392 and $1207. 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 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario 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 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from ONT 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 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter ONT to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Ontario, CA (ONT) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) with a layover in Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW), starting from around $519. 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 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario 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 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario 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 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Ontario International (ONT) to Des Moines International (DSM) typically departs at around 12:55 AM. This seasonal service is available in August, giving you a chance to arrive in Des Moines early and enjoy a full day ahead. 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 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
For flights from Ontario (ONT) to Des Moines (DSM), the most popular departure times are from 6am to 9am. This accounts for about 40% of total traffic. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. Many travelers prefer this timing as it allows them to arrive in Des Moines early and start their day.
How long does it take to fly from Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flights from ONT to DSM with one stop typically take around 5 hours 50 minutes, covering approximately 1,400 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 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can fly first class between ONT and DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario 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 Los Angeles - Ontario Intl. (ONT)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Los Angeles - Ontario Intl. (ONT), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Denver Intl. (DEN), George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) 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 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario 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 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario 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 Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Ontario, CA (ONT-Los Angeles - Ontario 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
Ontario Intl. Airport
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$262
Distance
1399 mi
Average flight time
8 hours 56 mins

Book with confidence

Ontario Intl. Airport to Des Moines Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Ontario Intl. Airport to Des Moines

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Ontario Intl. Airport 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 Ontario Intl. Airport 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 Ontario Intl. Airport to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $139 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 Ontario Intl. Airport 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 Ontario Intl. Airport 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.

 

Ontario Intl. Airport to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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