If you are flying out of Des Moines International Airport, you have several reliable airline options to choose from.
The best airlines flying from Des Moines include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, offering a good mix of direct flights and destinations.
These airlines provide a range of services and routes that can fit different travel needs, whether you want budget-friendly flights or more flexible schedules.
Knowing which carriers operate here helps you plan your trip better and find the best deals available.
Understanding the top airlines and what they offer from Des Moines can save you time and money on your next flight.
Your choice will also affect your travel experience, so it is important to pick the right airline for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- You have multiple airline choices at Des Moines International Airport.
- Major carriers offer a variety of routes and services from Des Moines.
- Knowing airline options helps you plan and save on flights.
Overview of Des Moines Airport
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) offers a range of services and facilities to make your travel smooth.
It hosts several major airlines and provides direct flights to many popular destinations in the U.S.
You can also find convenient connections to other cities and nearby airports if you need more options.
Key Facilities and Services
At Des Moines Airport, you will find easy parking options close to the terminal.
The airport has rental car counters, free Wi-Fi, and several dining choices.
Security lines are generally efficient, helping you get through quickly.
There are also facilities for travelers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.
The airport offers shuttle services and ground transportation to connect you to the city or nearby airports.
For business travelers, there are workspaces and charging stations available throughout the terminal.
Major Airlines Operating
You can choose from several main airlines when flying out of DSM.
These include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Frontier Airlines.
Each airline offers direct flights that connect you to many big hubs across the country.
Because of these carriers, the airport supports over 20 nonstop routes.
This variety provides you with many options whether you are flying for business or leisure.
The presence of low-cost airlines like Allegiant and Southwest also helps keep fares competitive compared to nearby airports.
Popular Domestic and International Routes
Des Moines Airport primarily focuses on domestic flights.
You can fly nonstop to major cities such as Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Minneapolis.
These hubs offer easy connections to other parts of the U.S. and some international destinations.
While direct international flights are limited, you can reach global locations by connecting through one of the major hubs.
DSM’s direct flights and connections help you reach many destinations efficiently without the need for long drives to other airports.
Top Airlines Flying from Des Moines
You can find several main airlines operating from Des Moines International Airport.
Each offers different routes, schedules, and services.
Understanding the options helps you pick what fits your travel needs best.
American Airlines Operations
American Airlines runs regular flights from Des Moines to major hubs like Chicago O’Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth.
These connections give you access to many domestic and international destinations.
You will find frequent departures, which helps if you need flexible travel times.
American emphasizes reliable service and works with several travel providers for easy booking.
You can usually earn or use frequent flyer points through their AAdvantage program.
Their larger planes provide standard seating and some options for upgrades on busy routes.
American Airlines often suits travelers looking for consistent schedules and good connections beyond Des Moines.
Allegiant Air Routes
Allegiant Air focuses on nonstop flights from Des Moines to leisure destinations like Florida and Nevada.
This airline flies less frequently but aims for direct routes that cut down your travel time.
Expect budget-friendly fares as Allegiant offers basic service with add-ons like seat selection or baggage fees.
They maintain one of the best on-time rates from Des Moines, which helps if timing is important for your trip.
Allegiant does not offer many connections but serves well if you want direct access to vacation spots without extras.
Their model suits travelers looking for simple, affordable trips with fewer frills.
Comparison of Leading Carriers
| Feature | American Airlines | Allegiant Air |
|---|---|---|
| Main Hubs | Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth | Direct leisure destinations |
| Flight Frequency | Multiple daily flights | Less frequent, scheduled |
| Service Style | Standard with upgrades | Budget, pay for extras |
| On-Time Performance | Moderate | High (about 85% on-time) |
| Booking | Through various travel sites | Mostly direct or specialized |
When you compare these airlines, think about your priorities.
American Airlines offers better connectivity and frequent flights.
Allegiant Air provides cheaper, direct options but fewer schedules.
Choose based on whether you want flexibility or cost savings.
How to Find the Best Flight Deals
Finding cheap flight tickets from Des Moines requires using the right tools and strategies.
You need to compare prices carefully and watch for changes in fares regularly.
Being flexible with your travel plans can also help you catch the lowest fares.
Using Flight Search Tools
Use flight search websites or apps like Google Flights, KAYAK, or Skyscanner to check prices from Des Moines.
These tools let you enter your travel dates and show various flight options, including budget airlines.
You can use filters to narrow down flights by price, airline, departure time, and duration.
Some tools have a calendar view so you can see the cheapest dates to fly.
This helps you pick the best day without guessing.
Download apps for easy access when you are on the go.
This way, you can book quickly if you find an excellent deal.
Price Alerts and Fare Tracking
Set up price alerts for flights from Des Moines to your destination.
These alerts notify you by email or app when ticket prices drop.
Popular sites like KAYAK or Google Flights offer this feature.
Fare tracking lets you watch how prices change day by day.
When you see a good flight offer, you can book right away before prices go up.
Using price alerts saves time and helps you avoid missing sudden discounts.
This is especially useful if your travel dates are flexible.
Comparing Round-Trip and One-Way Tickets
Check both round-trip and one-way ticket prices when searching for flights.
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets with different airlines is cheaper than a round-trip fare.
Round-trip flights often give you better deals but are less flexible.
One-way tickets give more control if your plans might change.
Use flight calculators or search tools to compare these options clearly.
Write down or screenshot prices to make side-by-side comparisons easier.
Being open to mixing ticket types can help you find the best overall price for your trip.
Travel Planning Essentials
When preparing for your trip from Des Moines, you need to think about where you will stay, how you will get around, and whether expert help can make your trip easier.
Managing these details ahead of time helps avoid stress at every step.
Hotels and Accommodation
Choosing the right hotel near Des Moines International Airport can save you time and travel costs.
You will find several options, from budget motels to full-service hotels within a short drive.
Look for amenities like free airport shuttles, breakfast, and Wi-Fi.
Booking early often locks in better rates.
Popular chains nearby include Marriott, Hilton, and local boutique hotels.
Consider how close the hotel is to your airline’s terminal or to downtown Des Moines if your plans include city visits.
Car Rental and Car Hire
If you plan to drive after your flight, car rental is easy to arrange at Des Moines International Airport.
Major companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis have desks inside the terminal.
Reserve your car online before arrival to ensure availability and better prices.
Pay attention to rental terms, such as mileage limits and insurance options.
Whether you need a compact car or a larger vehicle, you can find models to suit your needs.
Role of Travel Agents
Travel agents can save you time and hassle when booking complex trips or special deals.
You can rely on them for personalized advice on flights from Des Moines and for help with hotel and car rental arrangements.
Agents often have access to discounts or package deals you might miss alone.
They also guide you through airline policies, check-in rules, and luggage restrictions.
Using an agent is especially helpful if you prefer a single point of contact for all travel plans.
Airline Destination Highlights
Des Moines International Airport offers a range of flights that fit both vacation and business travel needs.
You can find direct routes to popular holiday spots and key international cities.
There are also several options for travelers looking for upgraded seating and services.
Direct Flights to Popular Vacation Spots
You can fly directly from Des Moines to many well-known vacation destinations.
Popular routes include trips to Cancun, Nassau, and San Juan.
These places are ideal if you want beach vacations with warm weather and clear water.
Frontier Airlines connects Des Moines to over 100 destinations, making it easy to reach several U.S. cities and nearby countries.
Southwest and American Airlines also offer direct flights to vacation centers that are convenient for your travel plans.
International Destinations from Des Moines
Des Moines airport has growing options for international flights.
You can reach cities like Guatemala City and Panama City with some connecting flights.
Though there are fewer nonstop international routes, you can connect through major hubs like Dallas or Chicago.
This gives you access to many global destinations.
Vancouver International Airport is accessible with a stop, opening options for travel to Canada and beyond.
Business Class and Premium Travel Options
If you want a more comfortable flight, you can choose business class on airlines like American, Delta, and United.
These seats offer more legroom, priority boarding, and enhanced service.
While business class is mainly available on longer flights or connections, some airlines provide upgraded seats on domestic routes.
Check with your airline to find the best premium options for your trip from Des Moines.
Nearby Airports and Alternative Itineraries
When flying from Des Moines, you have options beyond the main airport.
Nearby airports can offer different routes, airlines, and sometimes better prices or schedules.
Exploring regional alternatives may give you more flexibility for your travel plans.
Advantages of Using Nashville Airport
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is about a 5-hour drive from Des Moines.
You might consider using it if you want more flight options or nonstop routes not available from Des Moines.
Nashville has many airlines and serves more destinations, including major hubs.
It often has competitive prices due to higher traffic.
This can be useful if your trip requires connections or if you want to avoid layovers.
If you plan to combine travel with a visit to Nashville or nearby areas, flying from there adds convenience.
However, you should balance the extra travel time to Nashville airport against potential savings or better flights.
Exploring Other Regional Airports
Besides Nashville, airports closer to Des Moines worth checking are Kansas City International (MCI) and Lambert-St. Louis International (STL). Both airports are within a 3 to 4-hour drive.
These airports offer a wider range of airlines and destinations. You may find cheaper flights or better schedules flying from Kansas City or St. Louis than from Des Moines.
Here is a brief comparison:
| Airport | Distance from Des Moines | Notable Airlines | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City (MCI) | ~3 hours | Southwest, Delta, United | More nonstop flights |
| St. Louis (STL) | ~3.5 hours | American, Southwest, Delta | Larger international flights |
Using these airports means added driving or parking time. Always check flight times and costs from both Des Moines and these alternatives before booking.