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$1,106+ Cheap flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Shanghai, China

This is the cheapest round-trip flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 5/2. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
DSM — SHA
Apr 29 — May 61
Tue 4/29
Tue 5/6
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap flight deals from Des Moines to Shanghai

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Des Moines (DSM) to Shanghai (CN2). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated April 24, 2025.

Round-trip from

$1,437
(Japan Airlines)

Popular in

August

Cheapest in

April

Average price

$1,119
From Des Moines to Shanghai
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 12% potential increase in price ($242 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease ($55 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in April 2025
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Find flight deals from Des Moines to Shanghai

Cheapest flights from Des Moines to Shanghai
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Des Moines to Shanghai. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on April 24, 2025.

This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/23. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 5/26:14 pmDSM - PVG
2 stops31h 36mAmerican Airlines
Thu 5/85:00 pmPVG - DSM
2 stops33h 28mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 4/23$1,106
This Gurufare deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/23. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Gurufare is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 5/23:34 pmDSM - PVG
2 stops20h 01mANA
Wed 5/71:35 amPVG - DSM
2 stops26h 03mANA
Deal found 4/23$1,281
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/23. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 5/23:34 pmDSM - SHA
2 stops31h 41mANA
Thu 5/81:35 pmSHA - DSM
2 stops38h 03mANA
Deal found 4/23$1,375
This Japan Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/22. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Japan Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 7/82:00 pmDSM - PVG
2 stops35h 00mMultiple Airlines
Wed 7/234:05 pmPVG - DSM
2 stops34h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 4/22$1,437
This Expedia deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/22. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Expedia is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 6/95:58 pmDSM - PVG
2 stops24h 57mBritish Airways
Thu 7/311:00 amPVG - DSM
2 stops43h 10mBritish Airways
Deal found 4/22$1,529
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/23. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 5/25:45 amDSM - SHA
3 stops27h 05mUnited Airlines
Thu 5/81:30 pmSHA - DSM
3 stops34h 00mUnited Airlines
Deal found 4/23$1,629
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/23. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 6/116:10 amDSM - PVG
1 stop18h 35mDelta
Fri 6/205:30 pmPVG - DSM
2 stops29h 49mDelta
Deal found 4/23$1,742
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/23. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 6/116:00 amDSM - PVG
2 stops22h 25mUnited Airlines
Fri 6/2012:10 pmPVG - DSM
2 stops23h 12mUnited Airlines
Deal found 4/23$1,764
This Gotogate deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/24. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Gotogate is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 6/89:37 amDSM - SHA
2 stops36h 48mJapan Airlines
Sun 6/1512:50 pmSHA - DSM
2 stops37h 38mJapan Airlines
Deal found 4/24$1,887
This eDestinos deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/23. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure eDestinos is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 6/77:20 amDSM - SHA
2 stops39h 05mMultiple Airlines
Sat 6/148:15 pmSHA - DSM
2 stops53h 31mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 4/23$2,106

Cheapflights Fare Finder

Customize your flight search to find flights from Des Moines to Shanghai that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated April 24, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Des Moines to Shanghai that are best for you.

Fly from

Des Moines

Fly to

Shanghai

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Tue 7/8

2:00 pm-2:00 pm

2 stops35h 00m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Wed 7/23

4:05 pm-1:30 pm

2 stops34h 25m

$1,437

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Mon 6/9

5:58 pm-7:55 am

2 stops24h 57m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Thu 7/3

11:00 am-5:10 pm

2 stops43h 10m

$1,529

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Sun 6/8

7:21 pm-2:50 pm

1 stop30h 29m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Sun 6/15

5:00 pm-9:07 am

2 stops29h 07m

$1,612

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Wed 6/11

6:10 am-1:45 pm

1 stop18h 35m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Fri 6/20

5:30 pm-10:19 am

2 stops29h 49m

$1,742

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - PVG

DSMPVG

Des Moines

Wed 6/11

6:00 am-5:25 pm

2 stops22h 25m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Fri 6/20

12:10 pm-10:22 pm

2 stops23h 12m

$1,764

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - SHA

DSMSHA

Des Moines

Sun 6/8

9:37 am-11:25 am

2 stops36h 48m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Sun 6/15

12:50 pm-1:28 pm

2 stops37h 38m

$1,887

Des MoinesShanghai

DSM - SHA

DSMSHA

Des Moines

Sat 6/7

7:20 am-11:25 am

2 stops39h 05m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Sat 6/14

8:15 pm-12:46 pm

2 stops53h 31m

$2,106

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 4/22

Best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Shanghai

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Shanghai from Des Moines with our price prediction graph.
Estimated round-trip price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Des Moines to Shanghai

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Des Moines to Shanghai?

Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to Shanghai (average of $1,185). Flying from Des Moines to Shanghai in June is currently the most expensive (average of $1,792). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

Rainfall in Shanghai by month

Plan your trip to Shanghai by taking into account the average rainfall totals by month.

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in Shanghai ranges from 1.2 - 6.7 inches per month. June is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 6.7 in. December is typically the driest time to visit Shanghai when rainfall is around 1.2 in.

Temperature in Shanghai by month

Plan your trip to Shanghai by taking into account the average temperature totals by month.

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Shanghai, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 82.4 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 39.2 F).

Reviews of airlines servicing Shanghai

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Shanghai. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Shanghai. Reviews last updated April 24, 2025.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown Japan Airlines, Delta and United Airlines from Des Moines to Shanghai. Users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Japan Airlines
8.3
Very good
1,453 reviews

Comfort

8.2

Entertainment

7.8

Boarding

8.4

Crew

8.7

Food

7.7

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

L,Nov 2024

SNA - SEA

Excellent crew, great food and decent audio selection. Seats are wide and have plenty of leg room but could use some more padding.
Japan Airlines
8.3
Very good
1,453 reviews
Japan Airlines
8.3
Very good
1,453 reviews

Comfort

8.2

Entertainment

7.8

Boarding

8.4

Crew

8.7

Food

7.7

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

L,Nov 2024

SNA - SEA

Excellent crew, great food and decent audio selection. Seats are wide and have plenty of leg room but could use some more padding.
Delta
8.0
Very good
7,920 reviews
Japan Airlines
8.3
Very good
1,453 reviews

Comfort

8.2

Entertainment

7.8

Boarding

8.4

Crew

8.7

Food

7.7

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

L,Nov 2024

SNA - SEA

Excellent crew, great food and decent audio selection. Seats are wide and have plenty of leg room but could use some more padding.
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,685 reviews
Japan Airlines
8.3
Very good
1,453 reviews

Comfort

8.2

Entertainment

7.8

Boarding

8.4

Crew

8.7

Food

7.7

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

L,Nov 2024

SNA - SEA

Excellent crew, great food and decent audio selection. Seats are wide and have plenty of leg room but could use some more padding.
American Airlines
7.2
Good
10,000 reviews
Japan Airlines
8.3
Very good
1,453 reviews

Comfort

8.2

Entertainment

7.8

Boarding

8.4

Crew

8.7

Food

7.7

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

L,Nov 2024

SNA - SEA

Excellent crew, great food and decent audio selection. Seats are wide and have plenty of leg room but could use some more padding.
British Airways
6.6
Okay
6,799 reviews
Japan Airlines
8.3
Very good
1,453 reviews

Comfort

8.2

Entertainment

7.8

Boarding

8.4

Crew

8.7

Food

7.7

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

L,Nov 2024

SNA - SEA

Excellent crew, great food and decent audio selection. Seats are wide and have plenty of leg room but could use some more padding.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Des Moines to Shanghai. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airport do you fly from for flights from Des Moines to Shanghai?

    For a flight from Des Moines to Shanghai, you will be flying from Des Moines. Des Moines (DSM) is just 3.6 mi from the center of the city. Des Moines is the only Des Moines airport and it handles 0 outbound flights to Shanghai per day. 2 airlines have flights to Shanghai from Des Moines on a regular basis.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Des Moines to Shanghai round-trip?

    Flying on British Airways is currently your cheapest option to Shanghai, with prices starting at $1,529. Additional round-trip tickets that might be worth considering are offered by American Airlines and Delta, with the lowest prices starting at $1,612 and $1,742, respectively. Users have found that British Airways is 10% cheaper than the other options available to this destination.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Des Moines to Shanghai that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Des Moines to Shanghai flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Des Moines to Shanghai?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Des Moines to Shanghai.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Des Moines to Shanghai?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Des Moines to Shanghai by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Des Moines to Shanghai?

    Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to Shanghai (average of $1,185). Flying from Des Moines to Shanghai in June is currently the most expensive (average of $1,792). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

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Alternative routes for Des Moines to Shanghai

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
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Des Moines to Pu Dong flights
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Top 2 airlines flying from Des Moines to Shanghai

Discover the top 2 airlines that operate flights from Des Moines to Shanghai. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated April 24, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
American AirlinesCheapest$1,113Average$1,739FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
DeltaCheapest$1,119Average$1,660FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A

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