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$49 Cheap Flights from Philadelphia (PHL) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $49 flight on Thu, Oct 8, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Philadelphia Intl. Airport (PHL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Philadelphia to Des Moines (PHL-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $49 for one-way flights and $86 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Allegiant Air
Thu, Sep 24 - Sun, Sep 27
PHL
Philadelphia
DSM
Des Moines
$86 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$86
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Thu, Sep 24 from Philadelphia to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 27, priced at $86 found 7 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Thu, Sep 10 - Sun, Sep 13
PHL
Philadelphia
DSM
Des Moines
$92 Roundtrip, just found
$92
Roundtrip
just found
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Philadelphia to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 13, priced at $92 just found
Allegiant Air
Thu, Oct 1 - Sun, Oct 4
PHL
Philadelphia
DSM
Des Moines
$98 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$98
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Thu, Oct 1 from Philadelphia to Des Moines, returning Sun, Oct 4, priced at $98 found 1 hour ago
Allegiant Air
Thu, Oct 8 - Sun, Oct 11
PHL
Philadelphia
DSM
Des Moines
$104 Roundtrip, just found
$104
Roundtrip
just found
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Philadelphia to Des Moines, returning Sun, Oct 11, priced at $104 just found
Allegiant Air
Thu, Sep 17 - Sun, Sep 20
PHL
Philadelphia
DSM
Des Moines
$105 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$105
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Thu, Sep 17 from Philadelphia to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 20, priced at $105 found 11 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Sun, Oct 4 - Sun, Oct 11
PHL
Philadelphia
DSM
Des Moines
$110 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$110
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Sun, Oct 4 from Philadelphia to Des Moines, returning Sun, Oct 11, priced at $110 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Sat, Sep 19
PHL
Philadelphia
DSM
Des Moines
$245 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$245
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Philadelphia to Des Moines, returning Sat, Sep 19, priced at $245 found 3 days ago
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 24 - Sat, Oct 31
PHL
Philadelphia
DSM
Des Moines
$315 Roundtrip, just found
$315
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 24 from Philadelphia to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $315 just found
United
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
PHL
Philadelphia
DSM
Des Moines
$330 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$330
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Philadelphia to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $330 found 12 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Nov 4 - Wed, Nov 11
PHL
Philadelphia
DSM
Des Moines
$335 Roundtrip, just found
$335
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Philadelphia to Des Moines, returning Wed, Nov 11, priced at $335 just found

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 $423
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $423

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

Philadelphia (PHL) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel from Philadelphia (PHL) to Des Moines (DSM) with a variety of airlines offering convenient domestic routes. Whether you're seeking cheap flights from Philadelphia or prefer a full-service experience, you can compare options to find the best airfare that suits your budget and schedule. Explore the popular sights and neighborhoods in Des Moines while checking out the available weekly flights. Discover important details about flights from Philadelphia International Airport to Des Moines International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3 hours non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,000 miles (1,610 km)
  • Flights per week: around 14 flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$360, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Philadelphia to Des Moines offer both non-stop and one-stop flights. Popular layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a typical layover of around 1 hour and 30 minutes, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with about a 1-hour layover, and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) with a layover of approximately 55 minutes. These choices provide travelers with the flexibility to adjust their itinerary based on price, total travel time, and cabin class.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $120 and $410. It represents about 37% of all departures on this route, with a typical non-stop flight duration of 3 hours.
  • Delta: As a full-service carrier, Delta offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically ranging from $100 to $370. It makes up approximately 32% of departures for this route, featuring an in-flight time of 4 hours and a total travel time of around 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • United: Another full-service choice, United provides both non-stop and one-stop options. One-way fares usually range from $110 to $390, accounting for about 19% of departures on this route. Passengers can expect around 4 hours of in-flight time, with the entire journey taking roughly 5 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: This low-cost airline specializes in one-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $100 and $300. Southwest covers roughly 11% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of about 4 hours and a total journey duration of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • Frontier Airlines: A low-cost carrier, Frontier also provides one-stop services with one-way fares generally ranging from $100 to $355. It constitutes around 2% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and a total travel time of roughly 5 hours and 15 minutes, including any layovers.

Travelers flying from Philadelphia to Des Moines have the option to elevate their journey with upgraded flight choices. Top airlines include American Airlines with first class, Delta providing both first class and premium economy, and United featuring first class as well.

Best time to fly from Philadelphia (PHL) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Philadelphia to Des Moines are March, April, and June, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 71.8°F in June. 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, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $175. Flight availability peaks in May and June, with approximately 17 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 10 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $175, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: October and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $182.
  • Most flight options: May and June have the highest number of flights from Philadelphia to Des Moines, with approximately 17 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)Moderately Low11$225
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Moderately Low10$232
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Moderately High13$258
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Moderately High14$210
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average17$175
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Moderately High17$196
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Average16$199
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average14$187
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average14$202
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average13$178
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Moderately Low14$205
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average15$193

*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 Philadelphia (PHL) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Philadelphia to Des Moines (PNE-DSM): Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) is approximately 18 miles from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
  • Trenton to Des Moines (TTN-DSM): Mercer Airport (TTN) is located about 36 miles from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
  • Philadelphia to Fort Dodge (PHL-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 Philadelphia (PHL) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Philadelphia 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures from 12 PM to 6 PM often provide lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most sought after. Additionally, flying on Monday typically yields cheaper options, although Thursday is the most popular 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 Philadelphia International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $49 and cheap return flights from $86 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $158 to $805, and return flights typically cost between $328 and $1147. 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
May is the cheapest month to fly from Philadelphia to Des Moines, with average return fares around $305. This is about 13% lower than the average price throughout the year, as May often sees a dip in travel after the busy spring season. Other cheap months to fly from Philadelphia to Des Moines include March and April.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
American Airlines offers around 14 weekly direct flights from PHL to DSM.
How do I find cheap flights from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Philadelphia, PA (PHL) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, American Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, American Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from PHL 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The ideal months to fly from Philadelphia (PHL) to Des Moines (DSM) are March and May. In March, you can find return flights for around $305, which is quite economical. May is also popular, as it offers pleasant weather and a good balance of price and flight options, making it a great time to visit.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can find approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Philadelphia Intl. (PHL) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from PHL to DSM. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) are in the morning, from 6am to 9am. About 31% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta, United and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from PHL to DSM takes around 3 hours, with the route covering approximately 969 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 2 hours 30 minutes longer than direct options. 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the PHL to DSM route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Intl. (PHL)?
From Philadelphia Intl. (PHL), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Logan Intl. (BOS) 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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
Philadelphia Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$86
Distance
968 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 56 mins

Book with confidence

Philadelphia to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $49 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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.

 

Philadelphia to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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