The Des Moines to Chicago route connects Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in US with Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in US. This short-haul flight covers approximately 298 miles (480 km) with a typical flight time of 1h 3m. This route is served by 8 airlines: SkyWest, United, Envoy Air and others. AirportRoutes has tracked 35 daily flights on this route.
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The Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago (ORD) route is a popular connection for both business and leisure travelers, linking Iowa's capital city with a major U.S. hub. The route facilitates connections to destinations worldwide via O'Hare. Typical flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes for non-stop flights. Travelers choose this route for its convenience and efficiency, avoiding long drives. There are generally 3-5 non-stop flights per day. The flight distance is approximately 299 miles.
To secure better prices, aim to book your flight 40 days (6 weeks) in advance. Thursdays are often the cheapest days to fly, and Sundays are the best days to book flights. At Des Moines International Airport (DSM), arrive at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow ample time for check-in and security. At Chicago O'Hare (ORD), check your arrival terminal in advance, as American Airlines typically arrives at Terminal 3, while United uses Terminals 1 and 2. If you have a layover at O'Hare, the Blue Line connects to downtown Chicago, but allow at least 6 hours for a comfortable excursion. Expect a smooth, short flight with in-flight service depending on the airline and time of day.
Chicago is a vibrant city offering a wealth of attractions. Top attractions include Millennium Park, home to the iconic "Bean" sculpture, Navy Pier, a lively destination with rides, restaurants, and shops, and the Art Institute of Chicago, boasting world-class collections. Unique experiences include taking an architecture river tour or visiting the Skydeck at Willis Tower for panoramic views. Explore diverse neighborhoods like Pilsen, Logan Square, or Bronzeville for authentic Chicago culture and dining. Don't miss trying Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, or Italian beef sandwiches.
Consider seasonal weather when planning your trip to Chicago. Summers (June-August) are warm and bustling, but also the most crowded. For good weather and lower prices, consider visiting in September or October. Be aware that flights tend to be full during the summer. December is the best month to get the cheapest flight.
Des Moines International Airport
KDSMDSMChicago O'Hare International Airport
KORDORD8
Operators35
Daily Flights298
Miles1h 3m
Flight Duration
| Airline | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|
| SkyWest |
SKW
|
OO
|
| United |
UAL
|
UA
|
| Envoy Air |
ENY
|
MQ
|
| Republic |
RPA
|
YX
|
| American Airlines |
AAL
|
AA
|
| Air Wisconsin |
AWI
|
ZW
|
| Piedmont |
PDT
|
PT
|
| GoJet |
GJS
|
G7
|
| Day | Flights Observed | Frequency | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 55 | 13% |
|
| Tuesday | 69 | 17% |
|
| Wednesday | 74 | 18% |
|
| Thursday | 37 | 9% |
|
| Friday | 54 | 13% |
|
| Saturday | 57 | 14% |
|
| Sunday | 71 | 17% |
|
Pattern Analysis
| Airline | Flight Numbers | Aircraft Type | Typical Time | Days Active | Last Seen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Air Wisconsin
AWI
/ ZW
|
AWI6229 AWI3601 AWI3703 | E170 | 13:18 1:18 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Dec 23, 2025 | Active |
|
American Airlines
AAL
/ AA
|
- | B738 | - |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Oct 28, 2025 | Active |
|
Envoy Air
ENY
/ MQ
|
ENY4136 ENY3469 ENY3857 ENY3421 ENY3703 | E170 | 07:10 7:10 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 4, 2026 | Active |
|
GoJet
GJS
/ G7
|
GJS4182 | CRJ7 | 11:30 11:30 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 1, 2026 | Active |
|
Piedmont
PDT
/ PT
|
- | CRJ7 | - |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Oct 21, 2025 | Active |
|
Republic
RPA
/ YX
|
RPA3433 RPA3505 RPA3547 RPA4398 RPA4711 | E75L | 11:35 11:35 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Dec 31, 2025 | Active |
|
SkyWest
SKW
/ OO
|
SKW4996 SKW5219 SKW6292 SKW6364 SKW6229 | CRJ7 | 17:01 5:01 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 5, 2026 | Active |
|
United
UAL
/ UA
|
UAL1363 UAL312 UAL1568 UAL2138 UAL3047 | A319 | 15:35 3:35 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 5, 2026 | Active |
Time Information
Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (KDSM - America/Chicago).