Direct (nonstop) flights from Des Moines to Chicago

2 airlines fly nonstop from Des Moines International (DSM) to Chicago O Hare International (ORD). It's 298 miles (480 km), about 1h 36m in the air. Operated by American Airlines, United Airlines.

DSM
Des Moines International
🇺🇸 Des Moines, USA
ORD
Chicago O Hare International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
Flight Time
1h 36m
Distance
298 mi
480 km
CO₂/pax
55 kg
−75 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
American Airlines +1
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by American Airlines American Airlines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

American Airlines AA American Airlines
Route
DSM → ORD
Flight Time
1h 36m
Distance
298 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
DSM → ORD
Flight Time
1h 36m
Distance
298 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Des Moines to Chicago with one stop · direct emits 55 kg CO₂ per passenger

DSM MSP (Minneapolis) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 12m (232 mi) Leg 2: 1h 41m (334 mi) Total: ~2h 53m 🍃 130 kg CO₂ (+136% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → MSP
1h 12m · 232 mi
View DSM to MSP flights →
Leg 2
MSP → ORD
1h 41m · 334 mi
View MSP to ORD flights →
DSM DTW (Detroit) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 48m (533 mi) Leg 2: 1h 30m (234 mi) Total: ~3h 18m 🍃 167 kg CO₂ (+204% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → DTW
1h 48m · 533 mi
View DSM to DTW flights →
Leg 2
DTW → ORD
1h 30m · 234 mi
View DTW to ORD flights →
DSM BNA (Nashville) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 35m (529 mi) Leg 2: 1h 58m (408 mi) Total: ~3h 33m 🍃 199 kg CO₂ (+262% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → BNA
1h 35m · 529 mi
View DSM to BNA flights →
Leg 2
BNA → ORD
1h 58m · 408 mi
View BNA to ORD flights →
DSM ATL (Atlanta) ORD
Leg 1: 2h 10m (741 mi) Leg 2: 2h 15m (605 mi) Total: ~4h 25m 🍃 274 kg CO₂ (+398% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → ATL
2h 10m · 741 mi
View DSM to ATL flights →
Leg 2
ATL → ORD
2h 15m · 605 mi
View ATL to ORD flights →
DSM DFW (Dallas) ORD
Leg 1: 2h 11m (624 mi) Leg 2: 2h 32m (802 mi) Total: ~4h 43m 🍃 288 kg CO₂ (+424% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → DFW
2h 11m · 624 mi
View DSM to DFW flights →
Leg 2
DFW → ORD
2h 32m · 802 mi
View DFW to ORD flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Des Moines to Chicago?

A nonstop flight from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago (ORD) takes approximately 1 hours and 36 minutes. The distance is 298 miles (480 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Des Moines to Chicago?

2 airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Des Moines to Chicago?

Yes. 2 airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is Des Moines from Chicago?

The flight distance from Des Moines to Chicago is 298 miles (480 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as Mumbai to Goa.

What type of aircraft flies from Des Moines to Chicago?

At 1h 36m, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Des Moines to Chicago?

Roughly 55 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 275 km.

Is the return flight from Chicago to Des Moines also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Des Moines to Chicago?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Des Moines International for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.