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$157 Cheap Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $157 flight on Thu, Feb 4, 2027Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Seattle to Des Moines (SEA-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $157 for one-way flights and $268 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

United
Wed, Sep 9 - Thu, Sep 10
SEA
Seattle
DSM
Des Moines
$268 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$268
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Sep 9 from Seattle to Des Moines, returning Thu, Sep 10, priced at $268 found 5 days ago
United
Mon, Nov 23 - Thu, Nov 26
SEA
Seattle
DSM
Des Moines
$271 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$271
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Nov 23 from Seattle to Des Moines, returning Thu, Nov 26, priced at $271 found 5 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Oct 19 - Wed, Nov 11
SEA
Seattle
DSM
Des Moines
$272 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$272
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 19 from Seattle to Des Moines, returning Wed, Nov 11, priced at $272 found 5 days ago
United
Wed, Sep 9 - Thu, Sep 10
SEA
Seattle
DSM
Des Moines
$283 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$283
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Sep 9 from Seattle to Des Moines, returning Thu, Sep 10, priced at $283 found 5 days ago
United
Fri, Sep 11 - Sat, Sep 26
SEA
Seattle
DSM
Des Moines
$287 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$287
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Seattle to Des Moines, returning Sat, Sep 26, priced at $287 found 5 days ago
United
Mon, Nov 23 - Thu, Nov 26
SEA
Seattle
DSM
Des Moines
$295 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$295
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Nov 23 from Seattle to Des Moines, returning Thu, Nov 26, priced at $295 found 5 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Sep 9 - Thu, Sep 17
SEA
Seattle
DSM
Des Moines
$319 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$319
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 9 from Seattle to Des Moines, returning Thu, Sep 17, priced at $319 found 3 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Thu, Sep 17
SEA
Seattle
DSM
Des Moines
$324 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$324
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Seattle to Des Moines, returning Thu, Sep 17, priced at $324 found 20 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Sep 9 - Thu, Sep 17
SEA
Seattle
DSM
Des Moines
$329 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$329
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Sep 9 from Seattle to Des Moines, returning Thu, Sep 17, priced at $329 found 3 hours ago
American Airlines
Tue, Sep 22 - Thu, Sep 24
SEA
Seattle
DSM
Des Moines
$333 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$333
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 22 from Seattle to Des Moines, returning Thu, Sep 24, priced at $333 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 $369
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $369

What you need to know for your flight from Seattle - Tacoma Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

Seattle (SEA) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel from Seattle (SEA) to Des Moines (DSM) with a range of airlines operating this domestic short-haul route. You can explore options from both full-service and budget carriers to discover the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. Whether you’re planning your next flight or looking for the latest deals on flights, this route offers convenient access to Des Moines's notable attractions and neighborhoods. Check out essential details for flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Des Moines International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,500 miles (2,410 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $140–$495, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop and multi-stop flights from Seattle to Des Moines. Common layover airports include Denver International Airport (DEN) with approximately a 1 hour and 15 minute layover, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with around a 1 hour and 30 minute layover, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD), also about 1 hour and 30 minutes. These options allow you to balance cost, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • United: As a comprehensive service airline, United provides one-stop flights with one-way fares that generally fall between $160 and $580. This carrier represents about 33% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes, and a total travel time of around 6 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline offers one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $140 to $475. American Airlines makes up about 24% of the departures on this route, boasting an in-flight time of 4 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey duration of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: Another full-service airline, Delta features one-stop flights with one-way fares usually between $140 and $520. It accounts for roughly 22% of departures on this route, with a flying time of 4 hours and 45 minutes and a complete travel duration of about 6 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layover time.
  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly carrier provides both one-stop and multi-stop service, with one-way fares generally ranging from $165 to $465. Southwest Airlines covers around 13% of departures on this route, typically featuring a one-stop flight time of 4 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Frontier Airlines: A cost-effective choice, Frontier Airlines offers one-stop flights with one-way fares commonly between $140 and $270. This airline accounts for about 4% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.

Travelers flying from Seattle to Des Moines have the option to upgrade their flight experience. United Airlines offers first-class service, while Delta provides both first class and premium economy seating. American Airlines also features first-class service for those looking to elevate their journey.

Best time to fly from Seattle (SEA) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Seattle to Des Moines are May, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 74.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 21.7°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $246. Flight availability peaks in August, with approximately 29 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $246, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: October and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $253.
  • Most flight options: August has the highest number of flights from Seattle to Des Moines, with approximately 29 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 Low12$288
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average14$277
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Average14$324
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Average14$277
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Moderately High25$246
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average21$316
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Moderately High27$283
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Moderately High29$274
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average21$255
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average20$251
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Moderately Low14$310
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Moderately Low19$292

*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 Seattle (SEA) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Seattle to Des Moines (BFI-DSM): Boeing Field Airport (BFI) is located approximately 6 miles from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA), offering convenient access for travelers.
  • Seattle to Des Moines (LKE-DSM): Lake Union Seaplane Base Airport (LKE) is roughly 13 miles distant from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA), providing an alternative departure point for your journey.
  • Seattle to Fort Dodge (SEA-FOD): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) lies about 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), making it a viable option for those traveling to Fort Dodge.

How to find the best prices for flights from Seattle (SEA) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Seattle 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 typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, coinciding with when most travelers make their reservations. Early morning departures (12am-5am) tend to offer lower prices, although morning flights (5am-12pm) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally provides cheaper rates, while Thursday 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 Seattle - Tacoma International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Seattle with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Seattle - Tacoma International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central Seattle. 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $157 and cheap return flights from $268 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $188 and $950, and roundtrip flights usually range from $392 to $1482. 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Seattle, WA (SEA) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average round-trip fares around $392. This is about 17% lower than the average price throughout the year, likely due to a decrease in travel after the summer peak season. Other cheap months to fly from SEA to DSM include January and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter SEA to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Seattle, WA (SEA) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $166. You can find great options for your travel plans. 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
For flights from Seattle to Des Moines, September and October are your best bets. September offers return flights at about $392, making it an affordable choice as summer crowds thin out. October is also popular, providing a pleasant travel experience with mild weather. These months strike a nice balance between cost and availability, according to booking data from the past year.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) usually departs at around 12:05 AM local time, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in February and March, helping you get a head start on your trip to 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Des Moines International (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 32% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it lets you arrive in Des Moines with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
A flight from SEA to DSM with a layover takes around 8 hours 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 1,461 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the SEA to DSM route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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 Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Denver Intl. (DEN), Sacramento Intl. (SMF) 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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
Seattle - Tacoma Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$243
Distance
1460 mi

Book with confidence

Seattle to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $157 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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.

 

Seattle to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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