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Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Des Moines (DSM)

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Popular airlines from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find one-way and return flights from DCA to DSM with Expedia. 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 our cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when DCA to DSM ticket fares go up or down.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
March is typically the cheapest month to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.), with average return fares around £278. March often sees lower prices as it falls outside peak holiday travel times, making it a great time to find a deal. Other cheap months to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) include February and April.
Which airlines fly direct from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Only one airline offers direct flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.). American Airlines operates 20 direct flights from DCA to DSM every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines offers one of the cheapest connecting return flights with a layover in Midway Intl. (MDW), starting from around £217. American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop return flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.), with tickets starting from around £221 for flights that can be booked for departure within the next year. These prices are per adult for economy/coach class. 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.
How do I find cheap flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) 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. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.), 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best time to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) is typically March or April. These months offer a great balance, with return flights averaging around £278.
How many flights per day from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You'll find approximately 3 nonstop flights per day from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.). For even more choices, look at flights that include layovers, as there are around 70 connecting flights per day. Some common connection points include O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), and Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU).
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) typically departs around 5:00 AM local time. This service is operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service, active only in August. An early departure like this can help you make the most of your time at your destination. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What day of the week has the most flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You'll typically find the most flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) on a Wednesday, with around 51 flights available. This gives you a good selection of options for your travel plans. Major airlines on this route include American Airlines, United, and Delta. Flight schedules are quite consistent throughout the week, so you'll have plenty of options no matter which day you choose to fly.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. Many major carriers, including Delta, American Airlines and United, offer flights during this window. Many travellers prefer these early flights as they allow you to arrive at your destination with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
A direct flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) typically takes around 3 hours, covering a distance of approximately 1,439 kilometres. If you opt for a one-stop flight, the journey usually takes longer, averaging about 7 hours 43 minutes. Flights with two or more stops will extend your travel time even further, to around 11 hours 2 minutes. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to factors like wind patterns and air traffic, so it's always a good idea to allow for some extra time when planning your trip.
Can you fly business or first class from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Yes, you can fly business class or first class between DCA and DSM. You can fly business class with Frontier Airlines and Delta.First class cabins are available on Delta, United, and American Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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, IA (DSM) from Washington, DC (DCA)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), you can fly directly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Liberty Intl. (EWR), Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU), or Indianapolis Intl. (IND) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Distance
1430 km
Average flight time
2 hours 46 mins

Book with confidence

Compare flights from Washington to Des Moines easily and book with confidence

For travelling on business or for pleasure, Expedia makes it easy to book your flights from Washington to Des Moines. Operating between them flights per day, airlines cover the route. And fly direct, getting you to Des Moines Intl. in just hours. If you have a preferred carrier, use our advanced search tool to find the right flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National to Des Moines Intl..  

To make things even better, in the advanced search, you can also choose to fly economy, premium economy, business or first class, select your maximum number of stops, and pick your preferred departure and arrival time. You can also opt for refundable and direct flights. 

Grab a great deal on your flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM)

The easiest way to view the best deals on flights from Washington to Des Moines today is to enter your travel dates and hit search. From here, you can sort your results by price to see the cheapest flights first. Right now, return flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National to Des Moines Intl. start at just and range up to .  

To find an even better deal, try  

  • being flexible on your dates – midweek flights can be cheaper
  • looking for other airports near Washington and Des Moines
  • booking your flight during , the cheapest month on this route
  • varying your flight times – early morning and late at night are sometimes cheaper 

Why you should book your Washington to Des Moines flight with Expedia!

We cater for all flight types, cabin classes and airlines. So whether you’re booking flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National to Des Moines Intl. for a budget break or a business trip with a bit of pleasure thrown in, we make it easy to secure the seat that’s right for you.  

Thanks to our supersized inventory that offers great choice all in one place, you know you’ll get a great deal with Expedia. Especially if you bundle your flight together with your hotel, you will unlock amazing savings. For added peace of mind, you can choose flexible bookings or filter to find refundable options, so you won’t pay a fee to change your flight.  

Compare flights from Washington to Des Moines easily and book with confidence

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