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$47 Cheap Flights from Fort Myers (RSW) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $47 flight on Fri, Oct 30, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Southwest Florida Intl. Airport (RSW) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Fort Myers to Des Moines (RSW-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $47 for one-way flights and $103 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Allegiant Air
Fri, Sep 25 - Mon, Sep 28
RSW
Fort Myers
DSM
Des Moines
$103 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$103
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Fort Myers to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $103 found 7 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
RSW
Fort Myers
DSM
Des Moines
$112 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$112
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Fort Myers to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $112 found 13 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Mon, Dec 7 - Mon, Dec 14
RSW
Fort Myers
DSM
Des Moines
$121 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$121
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Mon, Dec 7 from Fort Myers to Des Moines, returning Mon, Dec 14, priced at $121 found 6 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Fri, Jan 22 - Mon, Jan 25
RSW
Fort Myers
DSM
Des Moines
$122 Roundtrip, found 15 hours ago
$122
Roundtrip
found 15 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Fri, Jan 22 from Fort Myers to Des Moines, returning Mon, Jan 25, priced at $122 found 15 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Fri, Sep 25 - Mon, Sep 28
RSW
Fort Myers
DSM
Des Moines
$130 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$130
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Fort Myers to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $130 found 5 days ago
Allegiant Air
Fri, Oct 9 - Mon, Oct 12
RSW
Fort Myers
DSM
Des Moines
$131 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$131
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Fort Myers to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $131 found 3 days ago
American Airlines
Tue, Nov 3 - Sat, Nov 7
RSW
Fort Myers
DSM
Des Moines
$403 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$403
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 3 from Fort Myers to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $403 found 12 hours ago
United
Tue, Nov 3 - Sat, Nov 7
RSW
Fort Myers
DSM
Des Moines
$403 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$403
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Nov 3 from Fort Myers to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $403 found 12 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Nov 3 - Sat, Nov 7
RSW
Fort Myers
DSM
Des Moines
$403 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$403
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 3 from Fort Myers to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $403 found 12 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Oct 7 - Mon, Oct 12
RSW
Fort Myers
DSM
Des Moines
$423 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$423
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Oct 7 from Fort Myers to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $423 found 8 hours 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 $409
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $409

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

Fort Myers (RSW) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Explore a range of options for flights from Fort Myers (RSW) to Des Moines (DSM) on this domestic short-haul route. You can choose between full-service and budget airlines to find the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel plans. Whether you're seeking cheap flights from Fort Myers or specific weekly flights to Des Moines, you'll have the flexibility to discover the city’s popular attractions and neighborhoods. Find essential information on flights from Southwest Florida International Airport to Des Moines International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,200 miles (1,930 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$500, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Recent traveler bookings reveal the top airlines preferred for flights from Fort Myers to Des Moines, especially those offering one-stop service. Common layover spots include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) also around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a shorter layover of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This flexibility allows you to find the best itinerary by comparing price, total travel time, and cabin class.

  • American Airlines: As a comprehensive service provider, American Airlines offers one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices usually falling between $130 and $440. This airline makes up around 34% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes and an overall travel time of about 6 hours, including layover time.
  • Delta: Another major player in the market, Delta operates one-stop services with one-way fares generally ranging from $140 to $490. It represents approximately 26% of the departures along this route, providing an in-flight experience of 4 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of roughly 6 hours when factoring in layovers.
  • United: United Airlines also offers one-stop flights and has one-way fares that typically range from $130 to $525. This airline accounts for approximately 23% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes and a complete travel duration of about 6 hours, including layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly carrier, Southwest Airlines provides one-stop service, with one-way fares usually between $140 and $575. It holds around 16% of the departures for this route, offering a flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 6 hours, inclusive of layover.

Travelers flying from Fort Myers to Des Moines can opt for an upgrade, with Delta providing both first class and premium economy service on this route for a more comfortable experience.

Best time to fly from Fort Myers (RSW) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Fort Myers 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 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 $225. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. June has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: December usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $225, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: October, August, and September typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $235 to $246.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Fort Myers 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)Average9$264
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)High9$282
March39.6°F (4.2°C)High10$343
April50.2°F (10.1°C)High8$251
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Low10$267
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average7$262
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Low11$286
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average9$240
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Low9$246
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average8$235
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average10$248
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average10$225

*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 Fort Myers (RSW) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Sarasota to Des Moines (SRQ-DSM): Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is located approximately 77 miles from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). For one-way economy tickets along this route, prices generally fluctuate between $120 and $435 based on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Flights typically feature one-stop options, with common layover locations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Major airlines servicing this route include Delta and American Airlines, with first-class service also offered.

How to find the best prices for flights from Fort Myers (RSW) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Fort Myers 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 coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6pm-12am) often offer lower prices, while morning flights (5am-12pm) remain the most popular. Additionally, flying on Sunday provides both cheaper prices and is the most favored 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 Southwest Florida International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $47 and cheap return flights from $103 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $140 to $684, and return flights typically cost between $333 and $1136. 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from RSW to DSM is September 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter RSW to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Fort Myers, FL (RSW) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) with a layover in Midway Intl. (MDW), with round-trip tickets starting from around $226. 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by Southwest Airlines. This seasonal service is active in February, giving you an early start to your day 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
When flying from Southwest Florida Intl. (RSW) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 32% of travelers choose this time frame. Major airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines operate flights during this window. This timing is preferred as it allows you to arrive in Des Moines with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flights from RSW to DSM with one stop typically take around 6 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 1,238 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the RSW to DSM route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida 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 Southwest Florida Intl. (RSW)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Southwest Florida Intl. (RSW), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Liberty Intl. (EWR), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida 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 Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida 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
Southwest Florida Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$103
Distance
1237 mi
Average flight time
2 hours 15 mins

Book with confidence

Fort Myers to Des Moines Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Fort Myers to Des Moines

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $47 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 Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers 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.

 

Fort Myers to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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