Des Moines to Chicago Flights
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 4m. This route is served by 8 airlines: SkyWest, United, Envoy Air and others. AirportRoutes has tracked 59 unique flight numbers on this route.
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About This Route
Route Overview
The Des Moines (DSM) → Chicago O’Hare (ORD) route covers 298 miles (480 km), linking Iowa’s capital with one of the nation’s busiest hub airports. Typical nonstop flight time is about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, making it a fast alternative to a 5–6 hour drive. Travelers choose this route for easy same-day business trips, quick weekend access to Chicago’s museums and dining, and—crucially—ORD’s extensive onward connections across the U.S. and internationally. Because O’Hare is a major hub, this short hop often serves as the first leg of longer itineraries, helping flyers reach more destinations with fewer overnight stays. Expect a steady mix of corporate travelers, students, and leisure passengers year-round.
Travel Tips
Book early if you need specific departure times, since short-haul schedules can fill around weekdays and holidays; compare one-way prices in USD as sales sometimes appear on a single direction. At DSM, arrive 60–90 minutes early for smoother security, especially on morning departures. At ORD, plan extra time: terminals are large, gate changes happen, and connections can require a train between terminals. If connecting, check your terminal and minimum connection time before buying. For carry-ons, pack layers—Chicago weather can shift quickly—and keep essentials accessible in case of brief delays. Expect a quick climb and descent on this 298 miles (480 km) flight, with limited onboard service on many regional aircraft.
Destination Highlights
Chicago pairs iconic architecture with lakefront scenery and neighborhood culture. Start downtown with Millennium Park (Cloud Gate), the Art Institute of Chicago, and a river architecture cruise for a clear sense of the city’s design legacy. For skyline views, head to Willis Tower Skydeck or 360 CHICAGO, then walk or bike the Lakefront Trail. Food is a major draw: try deep-dish pizza, a Chicago-style hot dog, and classic steakhouses, plus excellent global options in areas like Chinatown and Devon Avenue. Popular bases include the Loop for convenience, River North for dining and nightlife, and Wicker Park or Logan Square for boutiques, music, and a local feel.
Best Time to Fly
For the most comfortable weather, fly in May–June or September–October, when temperatures are mild and lakefront activities are in full swing. Summer (July–August) brings festivals and higher demand, often pushing fares up in USD. Winter (December–February) can be cold and snowy, with occasional weather-related disruptions, but it’s frequently cheaper off-peak. Spring can be variable, while fall offers crisp days and strong event calendars. Notable demand spikes include Lollapalooza (August) and major holiday weeks.
Airport Information
Departure Airport
Des Moines International Airport
- ICAO Code:
KDSM- IATA Code:
DSM- City:
- 🇺🇸 Des Moines
- Country:
- US
- Elevation:
- 958 ft
Destination Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
- ICAO Code:
KORD- IATA Code:
ORD- City:
- 🇺🇸 Chicago
- Country:
- US
- Elevation:
- 680 ft
Route Statistics
8
Operators59
Tracked Flights298
Miles1h 4m
Flight DurationRoute Map
Operating Airlines
| 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
|
Flight Schedule Pattern
| Day | Flights Observed | Frequency | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 63 | 13% |
|
| Tuesday | 72 | 15% |
|
| Wednesday | 81 | 17% |
|
| Thursday | 55 | 11% |
|
| Friday | 64 | 13% |
|
| Saturday | 70 | 14% |
|
| Sunday | 85 | 17% |
|
Pattern Analysis
API observations used to build this analysis
Weekend: 155 flights
All Flight Routes
8 Routes| Airline | Flight Numbers | Aircraft Type | Typical Time | Days Active | Last Seen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Air Wisconsin
AWI
/ ZW
|
E170 | 13:18 1:18 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Dec 23, 2025 | Active | |
|
American Airlines
AAL
/ AA
|
A319 | 11:11 11:11 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
May 9, 2026 | Active | |
|
Envoy Air
ENY
/ MQ
|
|
E170 | 14:24 2:24 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
May 10, 2026 | Active |
|
GoJet
GJS
/ G7
|
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
|
|
E75L | 14:24 2:24 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
May 10, 2026 | Active |
|
SkyWest
SKW
/ OO
|
|
CRJ7 | 12:00 12:00 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
May 10, 2026 | Active |
|
United
UAL
/ UA
|
|
A319 | 11:40 11:40 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
May 10, 2026 | Active |
Spotted Departure Times
| Departure Time | Operator | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:11 11:11 AM | American Airlines |
AAL
|
AA
|
| 11:30 11:30 AM | GoJet |
GJS
|
G7
|
| 11:40 11:40 AM | United |
UAL
|
UA
|
| 12:00 12:00 PM | SkyWest |
SKW
|
OO
|
| 13:18 1:18 PM | Air Wisconsin |
AWI
|
ZW
|
| 14:24 2:24 PM | Envoy Air |
ENY
|
MQ
|
| 14:24 2:24 PM | Republic |
RPA
|
YX
|
Time Information
Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (KDSM - America/Chicago).
11:11 - 14:24