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$113 Cheap Flights from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $113 flight on Mon, Oct 5, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Salt Lake City to Des Moines (SLC-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $113 for one-way flights and $226 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Mon, Nov 9 - Mon, Nov 16
SLC
Salt Lake City
DSM
Des Moines
$226 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$226
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 9 from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $226 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Mon, Oct 19
SLC
Salt Lake City
DSM
Des Moines
$229 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$229
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $229 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Thu, Dec 10
SLC
Salt Lake City
DSM
Des Moines
$236 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$236
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, returning Thu, Dec 10, priced at $236 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Nov 2 - Fri, Nov 6
SLC
Salt Lake City
DSM
Des Moines
$239 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$239
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 2 from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, returning Fri, Nov 6, priced at $239 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Thu, Dec 10
SLC
Salt Lake City
DSM
Des Moines
$262 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$262
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, returning Thu, Dec 10, priced at $262 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Nov 9 - Mon, Nov 16
SLC
Salt Lake City
DSM
Des Moines
$272 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$272
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 9 from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $272 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Thu, Dec 10
SLC
Salt Lake City
DSM
Des Moines
$276 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$276
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, returning Thu, Dec 10, priced at $276 found 5 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Nov 2 - Fri, Nov 6
SLC
Salt Lake City
DSM
Des Moines
$279 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$279
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 2 from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, returning Fri, Nov 6, priced at $279 found 5 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Dec 3 - Thu, Dec 10
SLC
Salt Lake City
DSM
Des Moines
$286 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$286
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, returning Thu, Dec 10, priced at $286 found 5 hours ago
American Airlines
Wed, Sep 30 - Sun, Oct 4
SLC
Salt Lake City
DSM
Des Moines
$302 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$302
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 30 from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, returning Sun, Oct 4, priced at $302 found 12 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 $325
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $325

What you need to know for your flight from Salt Lake City Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

Salt Lake City (SLC) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Des Moines (DSM) with a range of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Explore options from both full-service and budget carriers to find the flight that aligns with your schedule and budget. Whether you're seeking weekly flights or planning your next journey, you can discover the best itinerary to experience the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Des Moines. Check out all the essential details for flights from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,000 miles (1,610 km)
  • Flights per week: around 13 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $110–$470, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the most popular airlines flying from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, primarily favored for their one-stop services. Common layover airports include Denver International Airport (DEN) with approximately a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at around 1 hour, and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with a similar 1-hour layover. This allows travelers to mix and match options based on price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary.

  • United: This comprehensive airline provides a one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $145 and $480. It represents about 35% of departures on this route, offering an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of around 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines features one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $120 to $360. It constitutes about 28% of flights on this route, with a flying time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a total journey time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly carrier, Southwest Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way fares generally between $120 and $505. It accounts for around 17% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and an overall travel time of roughly 5 hours and 15 minutes, including the layover.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline provides one-stop service, with one-way fares typically ranging from $110 to $245. Frontier Airlines covers about 10% of departures on this route, featuring a flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey duration of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: Delta is also a full-service airline offering one-stop service, with one-way fares usually between $125 and $480. It makes up around 10% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and an overall travel time of about 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from Salt Lake City to Des Moines have the option to upgrade their journey with American Airlines, which provides first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Salt Lake City 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 July, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 74.8°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $208. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 18 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 9 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $208, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: April and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $220.
  • Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, with approximately 18 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 Low9$289
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average12$276
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Moderately High12$258
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Moderately High11$215
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average14$236
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Moderately High18$234
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Moderately Low13$240
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average15$258
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average16$224
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average15$208
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average12$263
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Moderately Low14$246

*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 Salt Lake City (SLC) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Provo to Des Moines (PVU-DSM): Provo Airport (PVU) is located approximately 41 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), making it a convenient departure point for travelers.
  • Salt Lake City to Fort Dodge (SLC-FOD): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) lies about 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), providing another viable option for air travel in the region.

How to find the best prices for flights from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Salt Lake City 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 often found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers tend to book two to eight weeks in advance. Departures in the morning (5 a.m. to 12 p.m.) usually offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Monday generally results in cheaper prices, while Friday remains 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 Salt Lake City International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $113 and cheap return flights from $226 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $167 and $754, and return flights often range between $376 and $1203. 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 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
January is typically the cheapest month to fly from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Des Moines (DSM), with average return fares around $350. This price is about 17% lower than the average throughout the year, as January is a quieter travel month. Other budget-friendly months include August and November.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter SLC to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $144. 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 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Des Moines (DSM) is best in January or November, with average return flight prices around $350. These months are great for finding good deals while enjoying a less crowded travel experience.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) usually departs at 12:30 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in January, giving you a head start on 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 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) are from 6am to 9am. About 33% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to enjoy the day.
How long does it take to fly from Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
A flight from SLC to DSM with a layover takes around 6 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 953 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 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the SLC to DSM route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City Intl. (SLC)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Salt Lake City Intl. (SLC), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX) 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 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Salt Lake City, UT (SLC-Salt Lake City 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
Salt Lake City Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$226
Distance
953 mi

Book with confidence

Salt Lake City to Des Moines Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Salt Lake City to Des Moines

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $113 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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.

 

Salt Lake City to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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