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$53+ 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 11/24. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
DSM — LAX
Oct 17 — Oct 241
Fri 10/17
Fri 10/24
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap 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 September 17, 2025.

Round-trip from

$123
(Cheapflightsfares)

One-way from

$53
(FlightHub)

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

May

Average price

$358

Good round-trip deal

$105 or less

Good one-way deal

$77 or less
From Des Moines to California
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One-way flight from Des Moines to California
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 6% potential increase in price ($26 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($5 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in September 2025
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Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Des Moines to California.
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Price to beat on a one-way flight from Des Moines to California.
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Find 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 September 17, 2025.

This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. 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 Cheapflightsfares is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 10/123:43 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 11mAllegiant Air
Wed 10/159:31 amLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 56mAllegiant Air
Deal found 9/15$123
This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. 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 Cheapflightsfares is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 10/53:43 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 11mAllegiant Air
Wed 10/89:31 amLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 56mAllegiant Air
Deal found 9/15$129
This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/17. 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 Cheapflightsfares is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 10/157:30 amDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 11mAllegiant Air
Thu 10/165:44 pmLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 56mAllegiant Air
Deal found 9/17$132
This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. 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 Cheapflightsfares is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 10/53:43 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 11mAllegiant Air
Thu 10/95:44 pmLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 56mAllegiant Air
Deal found 9/15$138
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/16. 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.
Mon 9/293:30 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 11mAllegiant Air
Wed 10/19:31 amLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 56mAllegiant Air
Deal found 9/16$139
This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/17. 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 Cheapflightsfares is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 11/162:17 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 13mAllegiant Air
Thu 11/2010:36 amLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 51mAllegiant Air
Deal found 9/17$142
This Priceline deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/17. 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 Priceline is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 11/102:32 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop7h 06mFrontier
Thu 11/137:08 amLAS - DSM
1 stop4h 39mFrontier
Deal found 9/17$143
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. 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 10/87:30 amDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 11mMultiple Airlines
Tue 10/1412:59 amLAS - DSM
1 stop10h 53mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 9/15$145
This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. 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 Cheapflightsfares is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 9/223:30 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 11mAllegiant Air
Thu 9/255:43 pmLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 58mAllegiant Air
Deal found 9/15$146
This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/14. 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 Cheapflightsfares is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 9/213:42 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 11mAllegiant Air
Fri 9/265:31 pmLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 58mAllegiant Air
Deal found 9/14$149
This Priceline deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/16. 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 Priceline is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/312:32 pmDSM - LAX
1 stop7h 55mFrontier
Mon 11/36:44 amLAX - DSM
1 stop5h 03mFrontier
Deal found 9/16$149
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. 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 CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 11/72:32 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop11h 42mFrontier
Mon 11/106:34 amSFO - DSM
1 stop5h 13mFrontier
Deal found 9/15$149

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 September 17, 2025.
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 MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Fri 11/7

2:32 pm-12:14 am

1 stop11h 42m

San Francisco

Mon 11/10

6:34 am-1:47 pm

1 stop5h 13m

$149

Des MoinesSanta Ana

DSM - SNA

DSMSNA

Des Moines

Thu 10/9

8:00 am-9:35 am

Nonstop3h 35m

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Sun 10/12

10:25 am-3:44 pm

Nonstop3h 19m

$150

Des MoinesOntario

DSM - ONT

DSMONT

Des Moines

Thu 11/13

2:32 pm-11:50 pm

1 stop11h 18m

Ontario

Sun 11/16

6:53 am-1:47 pm

1 stop4h 54m

$153

Des MoinesOntario

DSM - ONT

DSMONT

Des Moines

Fri 11/14

2:34 pm-11:10 am

1 stop22h 36m

Ontario

Sun 11/16

6:53 am-1:47 pm

1 stop4h 54m

$164

Des MoinesLas Vegas

DSM - LAS

DSMLAS

Des Moines

Sat 11/15

1:25 pm-2:40 pm

Nonstop3h 15m

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Wed 11/19

10:45 am-3:35 pm

Nonstop2h 50m

$177

Des MoinesOntario

DSM - ONT

DSMONT

Des Moines

Thu 11/6

2:32 pm-11:50 pm

1 stop11h 18m

Ontario

Sun 11/9

6:53 am-1:47 pm

1 stop4h 54m

$184

Des MoinesLas Vegas

DSM - LAS

DSMLAS

Des Moines

Fri 10/24

6:15 pm-9:40 pm

1 stop5h 25m

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Tue 10/28

9:20 am-2:15 pm

Nonstop2h 55m

$187

Des MoinesLos Angeles

DSM - LAX

DSMLAX

Des Moines

Thu 10/16

2:37 pm-7:35 am

1 stop18h 58m

Los Angeles

Sat 10/18

6:56 am-1:52 pm

1 stop28h 56m

$191

Des MoinesLas Vegas

DSM - LAS

DSMLAS

Des Moines

Tue 10/28

7:25 am-2:20 pm

2 stops8h 55m

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Tue 11/4

10:45 am-3:35 pm

Nonstop2h 50m

$192

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Thu 10/30

2:32 pm-12:14 am

1 stop11h 42m

San Francisco

Thu 11/6

6:34 am-1:47 pm

1 stop5h 13m

$192

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 9/15

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, January is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to California (average of $246). Flying from Des Moines to California in March is currently the most expensive (average of $325). 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 September 17, 2025.

Regardless of the time of day you decide to fly, the ticket price will remain around the same. Book flights from Des Moines to California as you normally would.

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 September 17, 2025.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown Southwest, United Airlines, and American 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
4,242 reviews

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

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
4,242 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,242 reviews

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

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
8,926 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,242 reviews

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

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
10,000 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,242 reviews

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

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
699 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,242 reviews

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

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.
Frontier
5.8
Fair
3,173 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,242 reviews

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

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 Frontier, Allegiant Air, and Southwest fly from Des Moines to California in about 3h 15m. The time it takes to get you to your destination can typically vary by up to 8h 27m. Des Moines and California are separated by a distance of 1212 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 Frontier, with whom users have recently found tickets for as low as $77. However, be on the lookout for offers from United Airlines and Southwest, 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 $583, our data shows the cheapest flight currently is $130. When looking at the most popular route, (Des Moines - Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl), you can expect to pay $106 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, January is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to California (average of $246). Flying from Des Moines to California in March is currently the most expensive (average of $325). 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 September 17, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Allegiant AirCheapest$104Average$189FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time88%
FrontierCheapest$108Average$240FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
DeltaCheapest$130Average$367FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
United AirlinesCheapest$256Average$460FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
American AirlinesCheapest$272Average$408FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
SouthwestCheapest$334Average$466FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%

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