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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 7/6. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
DSM — LAX
May 6 — May 131
Tue 5/6
Tue 5/13
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 May 1, 2025.

Most accurate provider

Mytrip
3 stars

Most trusted provider

Mytrip
3 stars

Round-trip from

$138
(Booking.com)

One-way from

$55
(Booking.com)

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

August

Average price

$371

Good round-trip deal

$128 or less
Provider with most accurate pricing for Des Moines-Los Angeles flight deals.
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Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Des Moines-Los Angeles flights.
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From Des Moines to California
Search Deals
One-way flight from Des Moines to California
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 11% potential increase in price ($48 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($7 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in May 2025
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Price to beat on a round-trip 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 May 1, 2025.

This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/29. 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.
Fri 6/131:24 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 11mAllegiant Air
Fri 6/207:35 amLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 59mAllegiant Air
Deal found 4/29$145
This Booking.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/30. 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 Booking.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 8/217:00 amDSM - SNA
Nonstop3h 47mAllegiant Air
Sun 8/249:37 amSNA - DSM
Nonstop3h 18mAllegiant Air
Deal found 4/30$155
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/29. 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.
Thu 6/263:48 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 06mMultiple Airlines
Fri 7/46:00 amLAS - DSM
1 stop14h 35mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 4/29$160
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/30. 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 Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 5/287:30 amDSM - LAX
1 stop28h 05mMultiple Airlines
Wed 6/411:33 amLAX - DSM
1 stop22h 16mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 4/30$171
This Frontier deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/29. 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 Frontier is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 4/307:27 pmDSM - LAX
1 stop7h 04mFrontier
Wed 5/76:15 amLAX - DSM
1 stop10h 15mFrontier
Deal found 4/29$178
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/29. 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.
Mon 5/57:20 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop21h 31mFrontier
Thu 5/87:35 pmLAS - DSM
1 stop20h 55mFrontier
Deal found 4/29$188
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/29. 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.
Wed 4/307:27 pmDSM - ONT
1 stop6h 32mFrontier
Tue 5/612:59 amONT - DSM
1 stop15h 31mFrontier
Deal found 4/29$188
This Booking.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/29. 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.
Mon 5/57:20 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop6h 53mFrontier
Tue 5/61:23 pmSAN - DSM
1 stop27h 07mFrontier
Deal found 4/29$189
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/29. 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.
Thu 6/127:00 amDSM - SNA
Nonstop3h 34mMultiple Airlines
Thu 6/265:22 pmSNA - DSM
1 stop17h 12mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 4/29$208
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/30. 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 CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 5/97:20 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop21h 57mFrontier
Mon 5/126:35 amSFO - DSM
1 stop9h 55mFrontier
Deal found 4/30$208
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/29. 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 6/271:24 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop12h 05mMultiple Airlines
Mon 7/75:00 pmSAN - DSM
Nonstop3h 35mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 4/29$209
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 4/29. 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 6/112:20 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop10h 25mDelta
Tue 6/2412:50 amLAS - DSM
1 stop7h 29mDelta
Deal found 4/29$217

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 May 1, 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 MoinesLas Vegas

DSM - LAS

DSMLAS

Des Moines

Fri 6/13

1:24 pm-2:35 pm

Nonstop3h 11m

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Fri 6/20

7:35 am-12:34 pm

Nonstop2h 59m

$145

Des MoinesSanta Ana

DSM - SNA

DSMSNA

Des Moines

Thu 5/15

7:00 am-8:47 am

Nonstop3h 47m

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Sun 5/18

9:37 am-2:55 pm

Nonstop3h 18m

$156

Des MoinesLas Vegas

DSM - LAS

DSMLAS

Des Moines

Thu 6/26

3:48 pm-4:54 pm

Nonstop3h 06m

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Fri 7/4

6:00 am-10:35 pm

1 stop14h 35m

$160

Des MoinesLos Angeles

DSM - LAX

DSMLAX

Des Moines

Wed 5/28

7:30 am-9:35 am

1 stop28h 05m

Los Angeles

Wed 6/4

11:33 am-11:49 am

1 stop22h 16m

$171

Des MoinesLas Vegas

DSM - LAS

DSMLAS

Des Moines

Mon 5/5

7:20 pm-2:51 pm

1 stop21h 31m

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Thu 5/8

7:35 pm-6:30 pm

1 stop20h 55m

$188

Des MoinesSan Diego

DSM - SAN

DSMSAN

Des Moines

Mon 5/5

7:20 pm-12:13 am

1 stop6h 53m

San Diego

Tue 5/6

1:23 pm-6:30 pm

1 stop27h 07m

$189

Des MoinesSanta Ana

DSM - SNA

DSMSNA

Des Moines

Thu 6/12

7:00 am-8:34 am

Nonstop3h 34m

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Thu 6/26

5:22 pm-12:34 pm

1 stop17h 12m

$208

Des MoinesSan Diego

DSM - SAN

DSMSAN

Des Moines

Fri 6/27

1:24 pm-11:29 pm

1 stop12h 05m

San Diego

Mon 7/7

5:00 pm-10:35 pm

Nonstop3h 35m

$209

Des MoinesLas Vegas

DSM - LAS

DSMLAS

Des Moines

Wed 6/11

6:07 am-1:29 pm

1 stop9h 22m

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Tue 6/24

12:50 am-10:19 am

1 stop7h 29m

$217

Des MoinesLas Vegas

DSM - LAS

DSMLAS

Des Moines

Tue 7/1

5:00 am-12:15 pm

2 stops9h 15m

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Fri 7/4

7:18 am-5:10 pm

1 stop7h 52m

$222

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 4/30

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 $327). 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 May 1, 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.

Rainfall in California by month

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

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in California ranges from 0.0 - 3.4 inches per month. February is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 3.4 in. July is typically the driest time to visit California when rainfall is around 0.0 in.

Temperature in California by month

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

If weather is an important factor for your trip to California, 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 73.4 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 57.2 F).

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 May 1, 2025.
Get a feel of what it's like to fly with Alaska Airlines, Southwest and Delta from Des Moines to California by reading reviews from past customers. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
9,968 reviews

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Comfort

7.9

Food

7.1

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

James,Apr 2025

LAX - SFO

Good flight except the uncontrollable cold air from the ceiling.
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
9,968 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
9,968 reviews

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Comfort

7.9

Food

7.1

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

James,Apr 2025

LAX - SFO

Good flight except the uncontrollable cold air from the ceiling.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,294 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
9,968 reviews

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Comfort

7.9

Food

7.1

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

James,Apr 2025

LAX - SFO

Good flight except the uncontrollable cold air from the ceiling.
Delta
8.0
Very good
7,934 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
9,968 reviews

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Comfort

7.9

Food

7.1

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

James,Apr 2025

LAX - SFO

Good flight except the uncontrollable cold air from the ceiling.
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,696 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
9,968 reviews

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Comfort

7.9

Food

7.1

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

James,Apr 2025

LAX - SFO

Good flight except the uncontrollable cold air from the ceiling.
Allegiant Air
7.3
Good
734 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
9,968 reviews

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Comfort

7.9

Food

7.1

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

James,Apr 2025

LAX - SFO

Good flight except the uncontrollable cold air from the ceiling.

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, 18 users have taken a look at flights from Des Moines to California.

  • 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 $55. However, be on the lookout for offers from Frontier and Delta, 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 Francisco.

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

    While on average a flight from Des Moines to California is generally $783, our data shows the cheapest flight currently is $350. When looking at the most popular route, (Des Moines - Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl), you can expect to pay $90 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 $327). 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

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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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Des Moines to Hobby flights
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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 May 1, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
FrontierCheapest$108Average$208FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
Allegiant AirCheapest$108Average$201FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time88%
American AirlinesCheapest$250Average$410FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$276Average$478FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
DeltaCheapest$285Average$419FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
SouthwestCheapest$334Average$459FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%

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