Washington (DCA) to Des Moines (DSM) flights
An economy award from Washington (DCA) to Des Moines (DSM) starts at 5,500 miles one way with American AAdvantage on American Airlines, plus taxes and fees from $5.60. One airline flies nonstop from Washington (DCA) to Des Moines (DSM): American Airlines. The two airports are 894 miles (1,439 km) apart. American Airlines is in oneworld. There are also 13 ways to fly it with one stop, through Chicago, Chicago and Detroit and more.
How many miles DCA to DSM costs
Economy, one way, on the nonstop flights, from the Award Flight Pricer's award charts. Ranges run off-peak to peak; "from" is the floor of a dynamic price.
| Program | Economy | Taxes and fees |
|---|---|---|
| American AAdvantageOn American Airlines | 5,500 | $5.60 |
| Alaska Atmos RewardsOn American Airlines | 7,500 | $25.60 |
| Iberia ClubOn American Airlines | 9,000 | $5.60 |
| Etihad GuestOn American Airlines | 12,000 | $5.60 |
| JAL Mileage BankOn American Airlines | 12,000 | $5.60 |
| Qatar Airways Privilege ClubOn American Airlines | 13,000 | $5.60 |
| Qantas Frequent FlyerOn American Airlines | 13,800 | $5.60 |
| Cathay Pacific Asia MilesOn American Airlines | 15,000 | $5.60 |
| British Airways ClubOn American Airlines | 16,000 | $5.60 |
| Finnair PlusOn American Airlines | 16,500 | $5.60 |
Business and first class prices are in the Award Flight Pricer. Chart prices need award space on your date, so search it before you transfer points.
Compare every program in the Award Flight PricerAirlines flying nonstop from DCA to DSM
- American Airlinesoneworld · bookable with 9 programsWho books it
Book DCA to DSM with points
Loyalty programs that can book at least one of the nonstop airlines, from the Award Booking Guide.
- Alaska Atmos RewardsBooks American Airlines
- American AAdvantageBooks American Airlines
- British Airways ClubBooks American Airlines
- Cathay Pacific Asia MilesBooks American Airlines
- Finnair PlusBooks American Airlines
- Iberia ClubBooks American Airlines
- JAL Mileage BankBooks American Airlines
- Qantas Frequent FlyerBooks American Airlines
- Qatar Airways Privilege ClubBooks American Airlines
DCA to DSM with one stop
13 connections, most direct first. 2-stop routings and flight times are in Routes with Pro.
- Via Chicago (MDW)Southwest Airlines the whole way
- Via Chicago (ORD)American Airlines and United Airlines the whole way
- Via Detroit (DTW)Delta Air Lines the whole way
- Via Nashville (BNA)Southwest Airlines the whole way
- Via Philadelphia (PHL)American Airlines the whole way
- Via Charlotte (CLT)American Airlines the whole way
- Via Minneapolis (MSP)Delta Air Lines the whole way
- Via New York (EWR)United Airlines, then Allegiant Air
- Via New York (LGA)American Airlines and Delta Air Lines the whole way
- Via Atlanta (ATL)Delta Air Lines the whole way
- Via Boston (BOS)American Airlines, JetBlue Airways and 1 more, then Allegiant Air
- Via Fort Walton Beach (VPS)American Airlines, then Allegiant Air
- Via Dallas (DFW)American Airlines the whole way
DCA to DSM: common questions
How many miles does DCA to DSM cost?
In economy it starts at 5,500 miles one way with American AAdvantage on American Airlines, plus taxes and fees from $5.60. Next cheapest: Alaska Atmos Rewards (7,500), Iberia Club (9,000) and Etihad Guest (12,000). These are award chart prices from the Award Flight Pricer. Programs that price dynamically can cost more on busy dates, so check yours before you transfer points. Business and first class prices are in the pricer too.
Which airlines fly nonstop from DCA to DSM?
American Airlines (oneworld) flies nonstop from Washington (DCA) to Des Moines (DSM).
How far is Washington from Des Moines by plane?
Washington (DCA) and Des Moines (DSM) are 894 miles (1,439 km) apart along the great circle, the shortest path a flight can take. Connections add distance on top.
Which points programs can book DCA to DSM award flights?
9 programs can book at least one of the nonstop airlines: Alaska Atmos Rewards, American AAdvantage, British Airways Club, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Finnair Plus, Iberia Club, JAL Mileage Bank, Qantas Frequent Flyer and 1 more. Which flights each can book depends on its partners, so check the airline before you transfer points.
Where can I connect between Washington and Des Moines?
The most direct connections are through Chicago (MDW), Chicago (ORD), Detroit (DTW), Nashville (BNA) and Philadelphia (PHL). On 10 of them the same airline flies both flights, for example Southwest Airlines through Chicago.
More routes
Routes are scheduled nonstop flights. The route data is refreshed monthly; this list was last checked November 11, 2026. Seasonal routes and new launches can be missing or end early, so confirm with the airline before you book. Distances are great-circle, the shortest path between the two airports.