Midwest - Alternate Airport to DSM?

I need to travel to Des Moines from Southern California for a wedding the first weekend in April (Friday - Sunday). Fares to DSM are nearly double compared to Kansas City or Omaha. Has anyone used either of these airports as an alternate to DSM, any recommenations?

Thanks!

If you are willing to drive 2.5-3 hours, try MLI(Moline, IL). It's a straight shot on I 80 to DSM from MLI. Also, some good low cost carrier rates into MLI from many cities. Also, CID may work as well (1.5-2 hours drive). I live in Iowa so let me know if you want any more info.

If you are willing to drive 2.5-3 hours, try MLI(Moline, IL). It's a straight shot on I 80 to DSM from MLI. Also, some good low cost carrier rates into MLI from many cities. Also, CID may work as well (1.5-2 hours drive). I live in Iowa so let me know if you want any more info.

Thanks for the tip, on my initial search MLI & CID are cheaper than DSM, but about $100 more than Omaha & Kansas City.
It looks like Omaha is only about 150 miles from Des Moines, is it an easy drive?

Yes, the drive from OMA-DSM is a straight shot in I-80, speed limit 70 mph except near city itself. It's flat and farm country so don't plan on seeing any sights along the way :)

If you don't mind a 4hr drive you could price out MSP. I usually find that once I factor in drive time, rental car, etc. that DSM isn't that much more expensive than flying in/out of Kansas City or Omaha.

noticed the OP is a NW flyer, Fort Dodge (FOD) is the closest airport to Des Moines if I'm not mistaken if the times to get there work out, it is about an hour shorter drive than Omaha.

I think MCI is fairly easy to get in and out of - and there are only a few NW gates there, so it might be a good option.

I need to travel to Des Moines from Southern California for a wedding the first weekend in April (Friday - Sunday). Fares to DSM are nearly double compared to Kansas City or Omaha. Has anyone used either of these airports as an alternate to DSM, any recommenations?

Thanks!

You might want to look at fares into MCI -- Southworst goes there --

I use MLI a lot and it's an easy airport to use -- if there are more than two planes on the ground it's busy and if you see more than four cars it's a traffic jam --- don't look for a bus to take you to the rental cars, they're walking distance from luggage claim.

Be sure to see some of the Madison County covered bridges while your in the DSM area -- after all a great love story was filmed there and

have fun !!!

Bob H