Route guide · 298 miles
Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Chicago
DSM → ORD · Nonstop 1h 6m · Live round-trip fares
If Chicago is next on your list, here's the honest picture on fares from Des Moines. The trip covers about 298 miles and takes roughly 1h 6m in the air. Prices on this route reward planners: booking 2–4 weeks ahead is the sweet spot, and the lowest fares tend to sell out fast.
Live fares for DSM → ORD are updating. Use the search below for real-time prices.
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Updated daily
Flight time
1h 6m
Nonstop, typical
Distance
298 mi
DSM → ORD
Book ahead
2–4 weeks
Best window, typically
Nonstop airlines
2
American Airlines, United Airlines
Nonstop flights from Des Moines to Chicago
The fastest way between the two cities is the nonstop: about 1h 6m for the 298-mile run from DSM to ORD. Those flights are flown by American Airlines, United Airlines. Prices behave best when you book 2–4 weeks out.
Booking insights: Des Moines → Chicago
- Distance: 298 miles · nonstop flight time: 1h 6m.
- Fares tend to bottom out when you book about 2–4 weeks ahead — earlier than that rarely helps, later usually hurts.
- If your dates flex by a day or two, shifting to a midweek departure is the easiest saving there is.
- A free fare alert beats daily checking: we watch this route and ping you when prices drop.
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Flying from Des Moines to Chicago: what you need to know
The flight
At 298 miles, DSM to ORD is one of those quick up-and-down flights: roughly 1h 6m nonstop. There's no meal service to plan around — the decisions that matter here are departure time and which airport entrance traffic is kinder to you.
Airlines on this route
American Airlines and United Airlines fly this route nonstop. That matters more than it sounds: the cheapest fare on one carrier is rarely the same product as the cheapest on another. Checked-bag fees, free seat selection and change rules all differ, so compare the full trip cost before you pick a winner. See our airline guides for exactly what each carrier charges — then send an enquiry and we'll confirm the all-in price for your dates.
Leaving from Des Moines (DSM)
Plan to be at the airport two hours before a domestic departure — ninety minutes can work at smaller airports outside peak times, but security lines are the one variable you can't control. If you're checking a bag, add time rather than cutting it close. Our Des Moines airport guide covers terminals, parking and ground transport so you can plan the trip to the airport, not just the flight.
Arriving in Chicago (ORD)
Before you land, know how you're getting from the airport to where you're staying — it's the part of the trip people forget to plan. The Chicago airport guide lays out your ground options, from transit and shuttles to rideshares and rental cars. Flying back the other way? Check Chicago to Des Moines fares — prices on the return direction often move on a different rhythm.
When to book
For a trip of 298 miles, booking 2–4 weeks ahead typically lands you in the sweet spot. Leave it to the final two weeks and prices usually climb as the cheapest seats sell out. If your dates are flexible, midweek departures are where the lower fares hide on most domestic routes.
Good to know before you go
- Nonstop time on this route is about 1h 6m — a one-stop itinerary needs to be a lot cheaper to be worth the extra hours.
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically the cheapest days on domestic routes.
- Screenshot your fare before you enquire — prices move, and a saved fare helps our team match or beat it.
- Flexible dates? Search a few days either side — one day can change the fare a lot.
- Morning flights are delayed less often than evening ones — earlier departures have the best on-time record.
Des Moines to Chicago flight FAQs
How long is the flight from DSM to ORD?
A nonstop from DSM to ORD clocks in at around 1h 6m for the 298-mile trip. If you're connecting, budget an extra 2–4 hours depending on where you stop.
Are there nonstop flights from Des Moines to Chicago?
American Airlines, United Airlines typically operate nonstop flights from DSM to ORD. Nonstops are usually cheapest when booked 2–4 weeks ahead of departure.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines to Chicago?
Fares from Des Moines to Chicago tend to ease outside the peak summer and holiday rush — the late-summer and early-fall shoulder weeks are usually kinder on the wallet. Set a free Airfare Deal alert and we'll flag the dips for your dates.
How much are last minute flights from DSM to ORD?
Book inside the final week and you'll usually pay a premium on DSM to ORD. Fares booked 2–4 weeks ahead are almost always kinder.
What is a good round-trip deal from Des Moines to Chicago?
A good deal is anything at or below the recent fares shown above. Set a free Airfare Deal alert and we'll ping you the moment fares drop.
Which airlines fly from Des Moines to Chicago?
You'll mainly see American Airlines, United Airlines on Des Moines to Chicago. Checking each against the live fares below is the surest way to find the lowest price for your dates.
How early should I get to Des Moines airport for this flight?
Plan on two hours before departure for a domestic flight — ninety minutes can work at smaller airports outside peak times. If you're checking a bag, earlier is better; the bag-drop line, not the flight, is what runs late.
Do the cheapest fares on this route include a checked bag?
Usually not. Basic economy fares on most airlines include a carry-on but charge extra for checked bags, and seat selection can cost more too. Add up the real total before comparing — a slightly higher regular fare sometimes works out cheaper. Our team confirms the full breakdown with you before you pay.
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