You’re standing in the middle of the Des Moines International Airport, clutching a coffee from the local terminal stand, wondering why on earth it’s so hard to find a straight answer about getting to the Big Apple. It’s only about a thousand miles. Should be simple, right?
Well, it is and it isn't. If you’ve spent any time looking for dsm to new york flights, you’ve probably noticed the prices jump around like a caffeinated squirrel. One minute you’re looking at a $109 steal to Newark, and the next, a basic economy seat to LaGuardia is pushing $400.
Honestly, the "best" flight isn't always the cheapest one you see on a search engine. It’s the one that doesn't leave you stranded in Chicago O'Hare for six hours during a lake-effect snowstorm.
The Direct Flight Myth (and Reality)
Let’s get the big question out of the way: Can you actually fly nonstop?
Yes. But your options are narrow. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are the primary players here, typically running direct service into LaGuardia (LGA). Delta, in particular, has been pretty consistent with these routes, often utilizing regional jets like the CRJ-900. It’s a quick trip—usually about 2 hours and 40 minutes in the air. You take off from Iowa, blink, and you’re descending over the Hudson.
Allegiant Air is the wild card. They frequently offer nonstop service from DSM to Newark (EWR). This is often the cheapest way to get to the New York area, with fares sometimes dipping into the double digits if you book far enough in advance. But there's a catch. Allegiant doesn't fly every day. If your flight gets canceled, you might be waiting until Thursday for the next one.
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Most other carriers, like United or Southwest, are going to force a layover. Usually, you’re looking at a stop in Chicago, Denver, or Charlotte.
Which Airport Should You Actually Pick?
New York has three major airports, and choosing the wrong one can add two hours to your commute.
LaGuardia (LGA)
If you are heading to Manhattan, specifically the Upper East Side or Midtown, this is your winner. It used to be a dump, but the massive multi-billion dollar renovation has turned it into one of the nicest airports in the country. If you can snag one of those Delta direct dsm to new york flights into LGA, take it.
Newark Liberty (EWR)
Don't let the New Jersey address fool you. EWR is often more convenient for people staying in Lower Manhattan or the West Side. You can hop on the NJ Transit train or the PATH and be at World Trade Center or Penn Station surprisingly fast. Allegiant usually lands here.
John F. Kennedy (JFK)
Surprisingly, JFK is often the hardest to reach directly from Des Moines. Most flights here involve a transfer. It's the best choice if you're staying in Brooklyn or Queens, but for a Manhattan-bound traveler, it’s usually more hassle than it’s worth unless the fare is significantly lower.
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Timing the Market
March is weirdly the cheapest month to fly this route. You can find tickets for around $108 if you're willing to fly on a Sunday or a Friday.
Fridays are usually the sweet spot for departures.
Avoid booking on a Friday for a trip later that year, though. Data suggests that booking your tickets on a Sunday can save you about 10% to 13% compared to booking them at the end of the work week. It’s a small win, but that’s basically a free dinner in the city.
The Reality of Small-Jet Travel
When you fly out of DSM, you aren't usually on a giant Boeing 777. You’re likely on a regional jet. These planes are smaller. Overhead bin space is a premium. If you have a standard "carry-on" suitcase, there is a very high chance the gate agent will make you valet-tag it.
It's free, but it means you'll be standing on the jet bridge in the cold New York wind waiting for your bag to come off the plane.
Pack a heavy coat in your personal item. Seriously.
Better Ways to Save
- The "Split" Ticket: Sometimes it is actually cheaper to book a flight to Chicago on one airline and a separate ticket from Chicago to NYC on another. It's risky. If flight one is late, flight two is gone.
- Hidden City Ticketing: Some people book a flight from DSM to, say, Boston with a layover in LGA, and then just walk out at LGA. Airlines hate this. They might cancel your return flight if you do it.
- The Newark Bus: If you land at EWR, look for the Newark Airport Express bus. It’s often easier than navigating the trains if you have a lot of luggage.
Moving Forward
If you're ready to book, your next move is to check the Delta and American schedules specifically for those LGA nonstops. They fill up fast because business travelers love them. If the price is over $350, pivot to Allegiant's Newark schedule, but only if you have a day or two of wiggle room in your itinerary.
Check the specific terminal at LGA before you land. The airport is much larger now, and the walk from the gate to the taxi stand can be a trek. Download the MTA TraSIT app or have Uber ready to go the moment you touch down.