How often are flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. delayed?

Historically, on average around 21% of flights between Des Moines and Washington, D.C. have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 64 minutes.

Which layover airport offers the lowest fares from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Flights via Denver (DEN) offer the lowest average round-trip price of $168.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Allegiant Air, Southwest, and Delta are the most popular carriers operating from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

What is the most punctual flight time for Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

Generally, flights departing at night tend to experience fewer delays. Flights in the evening have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

Which airport is the most popular layover for flights between Des Moines and Washington, D.C.?

Detroit (DTW) was the most common stop: 50% of momondo users choosing 1-stop flights on this route connected there.

How many flights depart from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. on average per week?

The number of flights available between Des Moines and Washington, D.C. is 5 per week as of May 2026. The most frequent departure day is Sat, with 40% of weekly flights leaving on this day.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Monday is statistically the day of the week which experiences the fewest number of delays on this flight route. Friday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

Which layover airport has the shortest travel time from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Flights connecting via Detroit (DTW) have the shortest average one-way travel time: 4h 22m.

What airlines fly to Washington, D.C.?

American Airlines, Delta and Southwest are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Washington, D.C. from Des Moines according to our data. American Airlines is the first choice among our users, with 67% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to Washington, D.C.. Keep in mind that there are 4 different airlines that fly to Washington, D.C. on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

Which layover airport has the shortest connection time from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Detroit (DTW) has the shortest average layover time for this route: 0h 47m.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C.?

Prices for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C. were last updated today.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C.?

As of May 2026, there are 4 operators available to choose from for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C..

How old do you have to be to fly from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C.?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C..

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Washington, D.C.?

The required travel and health documents for your Washington, D.C. trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's license and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at Washington, D.C.. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.

$111 Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. in 2026

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Find the cheapest flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

4:40 pm - 12:10 pm

DSM

BWI

18h 30m

1 stop

1:05 pm - 3:50 pm

BWI

DSM

27h 45m

1 stop

$297Multiple Airlines

Mon, Jul 13 - Thu, Jul 16

4:59 pm - 3:40 pm

DSM

IAD

45h 41m

2 stops

9:10 pm - 10:07 am

IAD

DSM

13h 57m

1 stop

$298Allegiant Air

Sat, Jul 11 - Sat, Jul 18

2:16 pm - 9:59 pm

DSM

DCA

6h 43m

1 stop

6:00 pm - 1:31 pm

DCA

DSM

20h 31m

1 stop

$300Frontier

Fri, Aug 21 - Sun, Aug 23

2:19 pm - 12:51 pm

DSM

DCA

21h 32m

1 stop

7:00 am - 1:34 pm

DCA

DSM

7h 34m

1 stop

$304Frontier

Wed, Jul 29 - Wed, Aug 5

6:10 am - 12:15 pm

DSM

BWI

5h 05m

1 stop

5:45 pm - 9:55 pm

BWI

DSM

5h 10m

1 stop

$310Southwest

Wed, Aug 5 - Tue, Aug 11

6:30 am - 9:59 am

DSM

DCA

2h 29mnonstop

10:00 pm - 11:44 pm

DCA

DSM

2h 44mnonstop

$315American Airlines

Wed, Jul 29 - Wed, Aug 5

6:10 am - 12:15 pm

DSM

BWI

5h 05m

1 stop

2:50 pm - 9:55 pm

BWI

DSM

8h 05m

2 stops

$315Southwest

Wed, Aug 5 - Tue, Aug 11

1:43 pm - 9:58 pm

DSM

BWI

7h 15m

1 stop

8:10 pm - 12:35 am

BWI

DSM

5h 25m

1 stop

$319American Airlines

Sat, Aug 15 - Sat, Aug 22

11:04 am - 5:08 pm

DSM

BWI

5h 04m

1 stop

6:00 am - 9:19 am

BWI

DSM

4h 19m

1 stop

$330Delta

Wed, Sep 9 - Sun, Sep 13

5:52 pm - 11:13 pm

DSM

BWI

4h 21m

1 stop

6:20 am - 10:13 am

BWI

DSM

4h 53m

1 stop

$335Delta

Wed, Jul 15 - Tue, Jul 21

American Airlines flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Our best American Airlines deals on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight tickets

American Airlines

Jul 29

DSM6:30 amDes Moines

2h 29m

DCA9:59 amWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

Aug 5

DCA10:00 pmWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

2h 44m

DSM11:44 pmDes Moines

$315

American Airlines

Aug 15

DSM1:43 pmDes Moines

7h 15m

1 stop

BWI9:58 pmBaltimore/Washington

Aug 22

BWI8:10 pmBaltimore/Washington

5h 25m

1 stop

DSM12:35 amDes Moines

$319

American Airlines

Jul 29

DSM1:41 pmDes Moines

5h 19m

1 stop

DCA8:00 pmWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

Aug 5

DCA10:00 pmWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

2h 44m

DSM11:44 pmDes Moines

$325

United Airlines flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Our best United Airlines deals on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight tickets

United Airlines

Jun 17

DSM11:26 amDes Moines

4h 46m

1 stop

DCA5:12 pmWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

Jun 24

DCA6:15 amWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

5h 15m

1 stop

DSM10:30 amDes Moines

$335

United Airlines

Aug 15

DSM6:00 amDes Moines

6h 58m

1 stop

BWI1:58 pmBaltimore/Washington

Aug 22

BWI8:10 amBaltimore/Washington

13h 16m

2 stops

DSM8:26 pmDes Moines

$394

United Airlines

Jun 12

DSM6:50 pmDes Moines

4h 43m

1 stop

BWI12:33 amBaltimore/Washington

Jun 16

BWI6:20 amBaltimore/Washington

5h 10m

1 stop

DSM10:30 amDes Moines

$482

momondo Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. that are best for you.

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest round-trip

Des MoinesBaltimore

DSM - BWI

DSMBWI

Des Moines

Mon 7/13

4:40 pm-12:10 pm

1 stop18h 30m

Baltimore/Washington

Thu 7/16

1:05 pm-3:50 pm

1 stop27h 45m

$297

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - IAD

DSMIAD

Des Moines

Sat 7/11

4:59 pm-3:40 pm

2 stops45h 41m

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Sat 7/18

9:10 pm-10:07 am

1 stop13h 57m

$298

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Fri 8/21

2:16 pm-9:59 pm

1 stop6h 43m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Sun 8/23

6:00 pm-1:31 pm

1 stop20h 31m

$300

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Wed 7/29

2:19 pm-12:51 pm

1 stop21h 32m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Wed 8/5

7:00 am-1:34 pm

1 stop7h 34m

$304

Des MoinesBaltimore

DSM - BWI

DSMBWI

Des Moines

Wed 8/5

6:10 am-12:15 pm

1 stop5h 05m

Baltimore/Washington

Tue 8/11

5:45 pm-9:55 pm

1 stop5h 10m

$310

Quickest round-trip

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Wed 7/29

6:30 am-9:59 am

Nonstop2h 29m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Wed 8/5

10:00 pm-11:44 pm

Nonstop2h 44m

$315

Des MoinesBaltimore

DSM - BWI

DSMBWI

Des Moines

Wed 8/5

6:10 am-12:15 pm

1 stop5h 05m

Baltimore/Washington

Tue 8/11

2:50 pm-9:55 pm

2 stops8h 05m

$315

Des MoinesBaltimore

DSM - BWI

DSMBWI

Des Moines

Sat 8/15

1:43 pm-9:58 pm

1 stop7h 15m

Baltimore/Washington

Sat 8/22

8:10 pm-12:35 am

1 stop5h 25m

$319

Des MoinesBaltimore

DSM - BWI

DSMBWI

Des Moines

Wed 9/9

11:04 am-5:08 pm

1 stop5h 04m

Baltimore/Washington

Sun 9/13

6:00 am-9:19 am

1 stop4h 19m

$330

Des MoinesBaltimore

DSM - BWI

DSMBWI

Des Moines

Wed 7/15

5:52 pm-11:13 pm

1 stop4h 21m

Baltimore/Washington

Tue 7/21

6:20 am-10:13 am

1 stop4h 53m

$335

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Delays

Layovers

Other information

What is the typical price of a round-trip flight between Des Moines and Washington, D.C.?

What is the cheapest month to fly to Washington, D.C.?

The month of May is, on average, the cheapest month to fly to Washington, D.C. from Des Moines, with most prices found around $90. If you’re not able to fly to Washington, D.C. in May, then October is your next best option. Flight prices from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. during October average around $144.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Washington, D.C.?

On average, the least expensive day to fly to Washington, D.C. from Des Moines is on a Wednesday. momondo users have found tickets for Wednesday departures for as low as $404. However, this price may fluctuate depending on the airline, the season, and holidays. When flying out on a Sunday, the most expensive travel day of the week, you can expect to see flight prices from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. for around $545.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Washington, D.C.?

In the morning is the cheapest time of day to fly from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. when you can find flight prices for as low as $427. Flying to Washington, D.C. in the morning is an ideal time because this is during off-peak travel hours. Try not to purchase tickets in the afternoon because they tend to be around $443. Of course, these prices can vary depending on the time of year and what airport you fly to.

What is the cheapest Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight route?

Fly from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. Reagan-National for the best Des Moines - Washington, D.C. flight prices

What cabin class options are available on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Can stopping save me money on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

You could potentially save up to 43% on your flight if you consider stops on a Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight.

How have Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight prices changed over time?

As of May 2026, prices for Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights are approximately 18% more expensive when compared to flights at the same time last year.

When to book flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Are you open to changing your travel dates? Check out the ideal times to fly from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. according to our flight data. Find out which month and days have the cheapest flights.

Estimated round-trip price

Cheap Des Moines to Washington, D.C. (DSM to WAS) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Best Price Found	$284
Fastest flight time	2h 29m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in Washington, D.C.	2 airports

The best one-way flight to Washington, D.C. from Des Moines in the past 72 hours is $284. The best round-trip flight deal from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $432.

The fastest flight from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. takes 2h 29m

Direct flights go from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. every day.

There are 2 airports in Washington, D.C.. From Des Moines there are direct flights to Washington, D.C. Reagan-National (DCA).

Search flight deals

Frequently asked questions about flying from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

How far is Des Moines to Washington, D.C. by plane?
Washington, D.C. is 892.3 mi away from Des Moines. 2h 29m is a normal flight duration for this route.
When did momondo last update prices for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C.?
Prices for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C. were last updated today.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C.?
As of May 2026, there are 4 operators available to choose from for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C..
How old do you have to be to fly from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C.?
The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C..
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Washington, D.C.?
The required travel and health documents for your Washington, D.C. trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's license and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at Washington, D.C.. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.
What is the most popular plane model from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked plane model on the route from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. is Canadair (Bombardier) Regional Jet 900, representing 50.59% of all bookings. The subsequent popular models are Embraer 175 at 25.49%, Canadair (Bombardier) Regional Jet 700 at 15.29%, and Airbus A320-100/200 at 3.14%.
What is the most popular airline from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked airline on the route from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. is American Airlines, representing 67% of all bookings. The subsequent popular airlines are Delta at 22% and Southwest at 11%.

Best airlines flying from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
Delta	PriceFrom $174	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 8,412 reviews	Search Delta flights
Southwest	PriceFrom $198	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.0 4,261 reviews	Search Southwest flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $258	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,768 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $296	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.1 11,642 reviews	Search American Airlines flights

American Airlines Flights From Des Moines to Washington, D.C.
American Airlines flight deals from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. start from $296 round-trip. Over the 5 American Airlines flights for this route in a normal week, average airfare is usually $413 round-trip - but some users have found much cheaper deals with momondo.

Alexandria

National Harbor

Gettysburg

Arlington

Waldorf

Woodbridge

Laurel

Gaithersburg

Colonial Beach

Fredericksburg

Silver Spring

Rockville

Towson

Manassas

Linthicum Heights

Tysons

Springfield

Bethesda

Fairfax

College Park

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

To find the flight that best suits your needs, momondo gathers a range of flights from a large pool of different airlines and agents; you can then use our insights and filters to find and book the right flight to Washington, D.C. from Des Moines.

Can I find flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. momondo enables you to select and highlight flights to Washington, D.C. from Des Moines with this policy.

How can momondo help me find flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Once you have performed a search for Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights, momondo helps you find the right one by offering useful filters to narrow down your flight selection. Flights can be filtered by multiple factors such as airline, airport and price; but also by other criteria like aircraft type and payment method.

I’m not ready to book a flight from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Yes. momondo can track prices for Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights and alert you when they change. Perform a search to set up the price alert. All that is required is a valid email address.

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Fly into one of these airports located in Washington, D.C.

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Cheap flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. from $111

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. departing on 7/31. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

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American Airlines flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Our best American Airlines deals on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight tickets

United Airlines flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

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momondo Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. that are best for you.

See travel insights to Washington, D.C. from

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

What is the typical price of a round-trip flight between Des Moines and Washington, D.C.?

What is the cheapest month to fly to Washington, D.C.?

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Washington, D.C.?

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Washington, D.C.?

What is the cheapest Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight route?

What cabin class options are available on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

Can stopping save me money on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

How have Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight prices changed over time?

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

What airlines fly to Washington, D.C.?

How often are flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. delayed?

What is the most punctual flight time for Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Which airport is the most popular layover for flights between Des Moines and Washington, D.C.?

Which layover airport offers the lowest fares from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Which layover airport has the shortest travel time from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Which layover airport has the shortest connection time from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

How many flights depart from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. on average per week?

When to book flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Cheap Des Moines to Washington, D.C. (DSM to WAS) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Best Price Found

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Washington, D.C.

Frequently asked questions about flying from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Best airlines flying from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. with momondo

American Airlines Flights From Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Traveling to a place near Washington, D.C.?

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Fly into one of these airports located in Washington, D.C.

Airports listed have a maximum distance of 22.4 mi from Washington, D.C.

Fly your favorite airline to Washington, D.C.

Airlines are sorted and displayed according to clicks in the past 7 days on momondo

Cabin classes currently available on flights to Washington, D.C.

List of cabin classes available on flights landing in Washington, D.C.. Availability may vary depending on flight origin and airline.

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