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$55+ Cheap flights from Des Moines (DSM) to California

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 2/8. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
DSM — LAX
Feb 1 — Feb 81
Sun 2/1
Sun 2/8
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap flight deals from Des Moines to California

Cheapest flights from Des Moines to California
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Des Moines to California. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on January 2, 2026.

This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/30. 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/314:15 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop7h 45mSouthwest
Wed 1/712:10 pmLAS - DSM
1 stop5h 10mSouthwest
Deal found 12/30$451
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/31. 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/314:15 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop7h 45mSouthwest
Thu 1/111:15 amLAS - DSM
1 stop6h 40mSouthwest
Deal found 12/31$513
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/31. 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/314:15 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop7h 45mSouthwest
Sat 1/34:05 pmLAS - DSM
1 stop7h 15mSouthwest
Deal found 12/31$553
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/31. 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/314:15 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop7h 45mSouthwest
Sun 1/42:35 pmLAS - DSM
2 stops6h 35mSouthwest
Deal found 12/31$558
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/31. 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/314:15 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop7h 45mSouthwest
Fri 1/22:35 pmLAS - DSM
1 stop7h 30mSouthwest
Deal found 12/31$656
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/31. 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.
Wed 12/313:00 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 16mAllegiant Air
Fri 1/26:35 amLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 55mAllegiant Air
Deal found 12/31$669
This Booking.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/31. 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 Booking.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/313:00 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 16mAllegiant Air
Sun 1/46:05 amLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 55mAllegiant Air
Deal found 12/31$670
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/31. 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 12/313:00 pmDSM - LAX
1 stop7h 34mUnited Airlines
Wed 12/3111:10 pmLAX - DSM
2 stops19h 20mUnited Airlines
Deal found 12/31$960
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/30. 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/318:31 amDSM - SAN
2 stops36h 44mMultiple Airlines
Sun 1/41:06 pmSAN - DSM
1 stop20h 50mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 12/30$977
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/30. 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/3112:05 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop5h 15mSouthwest
Sun 1/49:20 amSAN - DSM
1 stop6h 50mSouthwest
Deal found 12/30$1,037

Find flight deals from Des Moines to California

Keep the following information in mind while searching for Des Moines to California flight deals. Data was last updated January 2, 2026.

Most accurate provider

Mytrip
3 stars

Most trusted provider

Mytrip
3 stars

Round-trip from

$108
(Booking.com)

One-way from

$55
(Kiwi.com)

Popular in

March

Cheapest in

May

Average price

$335

Good round-trip deal

$142 or less

Good one-way deal

$150 or less
Provider with most accurate pricing for Des Moines-Los Angeles flight deals.
Search Deals
Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Des Moines-Los Angeles flights.
Search Deals
From Des Moines to California
Search Deals
One-way flight from Des Moines to California
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 6% potential increase in price ($23 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($8 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in January 2026
Search Deals
Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Des Moines to California.
Search Deals
Price to beat on a one-way flight from Des Moines to California.
Search Deals

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Des Moines to California 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 January 2, 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Des Moines to California that are best for you.

Fly from

Des Moines

Fly to

California

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Des MoinesSanta Ana

DSM - SNA

DSMSNA

Des Moines

Sun 1/25

7:00 am-8:47 am

Nonstop3h 47m

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Thu 1/29

9:37 am-3:03 pm

Nonstop3h 26m

$108

Des MoinesSanta Ana

DSM - SNA

DSMSNA

Des Moines

Sun 1/18

7:00 am-8:47 am

Nonstop3h 47m

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Sun 1/25

9:37 am-3:03 pm

Nonstop3h 26m

$134

Des MoinesSan Diego

DSM - SAN

DSMSAN

Des Moines

Fri 2/13

7:17 pm-12:47 pm

2 stops43h 30m

San Diego

Fri 2/20

6:25 am-6:19 pm

1 stop9h 54m

$160

Des MoinesSanta Ana

DSM - SNA

DSMSNA

Des Moines

Fri 2/13

7:15 am-9:15 am

Nonstop4h 00m

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Fri 2/20

10:05 am-3:24 pm

Nonstop3h 19m

$182

Des MoinesOntario

DSM - ONT

DSMONT

Des Moines

Mon 2/23

7:17 pm-11:59 pm

1 stop6h 42m

Ontario

Thu 2/26

6:05 am-6:42 pm

1 stop10h 37m

$183

Des MoinesSan Diego

DSM - SAN

DSMSAN

Des Moines

Sun 2/15

7:27 pm-12:08 am

1 stop6h 41m

San Diego

Sun 2/22

8:10 pm-6:32 pm

2 stops20h 22m

$187

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Mon 2/23

7:17 pm-12:28 am

1 stop7h 11m

San Francisco

Thu 2/26

8:48 am-6:42 pm

1 stop7h 54m

$203

Des MoinesSanta Ana

DSM - SNA

DSMSNA

Des Moines

Fri 2/13

7:17 pm-6:40 pm

2 stops25h 23m

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Fri 2/20

10:05 am-3:24 pm

Nonstop3h 19m

$206

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Sun 2/15

7:27 pm-8:03 am

1 stop14h 36m

San Francisco

Sun 2/22

9:16 pm-6:32 pm

2 stops19h 16m

$215

Des MoinesLos Angeles

DSM - LAX

DSMLAX

Des Moines

Sun 2/15

7:27 pm-12:30 am

1 stop7h 03m

Los Angeles

Sun 2/22

8:31 am-6:32 pm

2 stops32h 01m

$221

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 1/1

Showing 1-10 of 60 results
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Best time to book a flight from Des Moines to California

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to California 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 California

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

Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to California (average of $100). Flying from Des Moines to California in November is currently the most expensive (average of $143). 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.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from DSM to CA?

Find hourly flight availability from Des Moines to California. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated January 2, 2026.

A simple way to save on the total cost of your ticket is to fly from Des Moines to California in the evening. If you’re flexible enough to do this you can expect to save up to 66% on your trip compared to booking a flight in the morning.

Reviews of airlines servicing California

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to California. 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 California. Reviews last updated January 2, 2026.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown Southwest, Delta, and United Airlines from Des Moines to California. Reviews also offer insight into each airline's entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,255 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,255 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,255 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.
Delta
7.9
Good
8,021 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,255 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.
United Airlines
7.4
Good
9,132 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,255 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.
American Airlines
7.2
Good
11,074 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,255 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.
Allegiant Air
7.2
Good
702 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,255 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Des Moines to California. 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 California?

    Des Moines (DSM), located 3.6 mi from the city center, is the airport you fly out of when you book flights from Des Moines to California.

  • How popular is this Des Moines to California flight route?

    Within the past month, 2 users have taken a look at flights from Des Moines to California.

  • How long is the flight from Des Moines to California?

    Airlines like Allegiant Air, Frontier, and Delta fly from Des Moines to California in about 3h 47m. The time it takes to get you to your destination can typically vary by up to 39h 43m. Des Moines and California are separated by a distance of 1425 mi. When browsing for deals, the options you’ll see will be for both nonstop flights and flights with stops.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Des Moines to California one-way?

    The cheapest airline one-way is Allegiant Air, with whom users have recently found tickets for as low as $60. However, be on the lookout for offers from Frontier and United Airlines, as they are both options that can get you from Des Moines to California for a low price.

  • What are the most popular routes from Des Moines to California?

    The most popular route from Des Moines to California is Des Moines - Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl. You may also consider Des Moines - Los Angeles or Des Moines - San Diego.

  • What are the cheapest flights from Des Moines to California?

    While on average a flight from Des Moines to California is generally $395, our data shows the cheapest flight currently is $124. When looking at the most popular route, (Des Moines - Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl), you can expect to pay $102 for that flight.

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

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

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

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

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

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Des Moines to California 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 California?

    Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to California (average of $100). Flying from Des Moines to California in November is currently the most expensive (average of $143). 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.

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Alternative routes for Des Moines to California

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
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Top 6 airlines flying from Des Moines to California

Discover the top 6 airlines that operate flights from Des Moines to California. 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 January 2, 2026.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Allegiant AirCheapest$104Average$172FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time88%
FrontierCheapest$116Average$244FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
DeltaCheapest$148Average$365FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
SouthwestCheapest$213Average$456FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
United AirlinesCheapest$222Average$431FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
American AirlinesCheapest$238Average$413FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%

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