Flights to Elkhart, Iowa from

Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) is the one and only airport serving Elkhart.

The journey between Des Moines Intl. Airport and downtown Elkhart is reasonably long. You’ll need to travel 31 kilometers before you can check in to your city hotel.

Located 31 kilometers from the downtown area, DSM will likely be your first stop in Elkhart.

Elkhart is serviced by 6 air carriers from at least 25 worldwide airports.

United Airlines and American Airlines operate the most flights to Elkhart. One of the most preferred ways to get there is on a United Airlines flight from Chicago.

Planning an unforgettable Elkhart getaway is simple when there are 270 nonstop flights each week to pick from.

A large number of flights to Elkhart leave from Denver, Chicago and Dallas airports.

Which airport you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Chicago to Elkhart, the average flight time is 1 hour and 24 minutes. From Denver it’s roughly 1 hour and 38 minutes, and from Atlanta it’s 2 hours and 9 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Elkhart until the very last minute. That’s one trick savvy jet-setters use to get the best prices. Booking well in advance means more options and more affordable flights. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to pick up a terrific deal by flying into a less busy terminal. Last of all, be prepared to secure your seat quickly if you find an irresistible price. It might not be available for long! With a bit of knowledge and a little luck, the ideal fare can be yours.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your flight to Elkhart could be completely stress-free or it could drag on forever. We’ve rounded up some handy travel tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you take the right stuff. First things first, you’ll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Next, find room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can’t come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight is often as simple as your clothing choices. Prepare for changes in temperature by bringing layers. That way you’ll stay nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you later.
• It’s likely you’ve heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. There are numerous ways to mitigate your risk. Wear a good-quality pair of compression socks, drink lots of water often and remember to keep your legs and feet moving. Walk around the cabin when possible or perform some simple exercises in your seat.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We’ve put together some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Elkhart, here you come:

• Have your travel documents and passport at hand. They’re the first things you’ll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you’ll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Can’t travel without your favorite hand and nail cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you’re allowed to bring it with you on board.
• It’s also likely that you’ll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.