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Central America

$228+ Cheap flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Central America

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 5/27. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
DSM — SJO
Apr 12 — Apr 191
Sun 4/12
Sun 4/19
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap flight deals from Des Moines to Central America

Cheapest flights from Des Moines to Central America
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Des Moines to Central America. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on March 13, 2026.

This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/8. 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 5/65:30 am
DSM
-
SJO
2 stops14h 30m
Southwest
Wed 5/139:00 am
SJO
-
DSM
2 stops12h 10m
Southwest
Deal found 3/8$476
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/8. 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.
Tue 5/55:30 am
DSM
-
SJO
2 stops14h 30m
Southwest
Tue 5/129:00 am
SJO
-
DSM
2 stops12h 10m
Southwest
Deal found 3/8$480
This Avianca deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/9. 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 Avianca is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 5/98:15 am
DSM
-
SAL
1 stop8h 45m
Multiple Airlines
Sat 5/3012:05 pm
SAL
-
DSM
1 stop9h 30m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 3/9$501
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/8. 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.
Mon 4/275:45 am
DSM
-
SAL
1 stop7h 54m
Delta
Thu 5/71:51 pm
SAL
-
DSM
1 stop7h 41m
Delta
Deal found 3/8$521
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/9. 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.
Tue 4/1412:06 pm
DSM
-
SAL
1 stop25h 37m
American Airlines
Wed 4/221:43 pm
SAL
-
DSM
1 stop20h 43m
American Airlines
Deal found 3/9$522
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/8. 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.
Mon 4/208:20 am
DSM
-
SAL
1 stop7h 10m
United Airlines
Mon 4/276:00 am
SAL
-
DSM
2 stops27h 44m
United Airlines
Deal found 3/8$525
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/8. 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.
Sat 9/268:00 am
DSM
-
PTY
1 stop10h 37m
United Airlines
Wed 9/3010:00 am
PTY
-
DSM
1 stop12h 30m
United Airlines
Deal found 3/8$533
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/11. 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.
Thu 4/95:35 am
DSM
-
SAL
1 stop8h 13m
Delta
Thu 4/162:04 pm
SAL
-
DSM
2 stops18h 50m
Delta
Deal found 3/11$535
This Avianca deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/8. 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 Avianca is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 5/68:15 am
DSM
-
GUA
2 stops15h 55m
Multiple Airlines
Tue 5/125:25 am
GUA
-
DSM
2 stops16h 20m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 3/8$536
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/9. 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.
Sun 4/267:16 pm
DSM
-
PTY
2 stops20h 56m
United Airlines
Mon 5/43:30 pm
PTY
-
DSM
2 stops19h 07m
United Airlines
Deal found 3/9$537
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/12. 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.
Thu 4/232:59 pm
DSM
-
GUA
2 stops20h 57m
Multiple Airlines
Thu 4/3012:10 pm
GUA
-
DSM
1 stop8h 56m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 3/12$538
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/9. 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.
Sat 5/912:03 pm
DSM
-
PTY
2 stops24h 43m
American Airlines
Thu 5/141:49 pm
PTY
-
DSM
2 stops23h 06m
American Airlines
Deal found 3/9$539

Find flight deals from Des Moines to Central America

Keep the following information in mind while searching for Des Moines to Central America flight deals. Data was last updated March 13, 2026.

Most accurate provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Most trusted provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Round-trip from

$476
(Southwest)

One-way from

$228
(Southwest)

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

September

Average price

$642
Provider with most accurate pricing for Des Moines-San Salvador El Salvador Intl flight deals.
Search Deals
Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Des Moines-San Salvador El Salvador Intl flights.
Search Deals
From Des Moines to Central America
Search Deals
One-way flight from Des Moines to Central America
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 18% potential increase in price ($158 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 10% potential price decrease ($64 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in March 2026
Search Deals

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Des Moines to Central America 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 March 13, 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Des Moines to Central America that are best for you.

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest round-trip

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Tue 5/5

5:30 am-7:00 pm

2 stops14h 30m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Tue 5/12

9:00 am-10:10 pm

2 stops12h 10m

$480

Des MoinesPanama City

DSM - PTY

DSMPTY

Des Moines

Sun 4/26

8:20 am-6:37 pm

1 stop10h 17m

Panama City Tocumen Intl

Mon 5/4

10:00 am-10:45 pm

1 stop12h 45m

$533

Des MoinesSan Salvador

DSM - SAL

DSMSAL

Des Moines

Thu 4/9

5:35 am-12:48 pm

1 stop8h 13m

San Salvador El Salvador Intl

Thu 4/16

2:04 pm-9:54 am

2 stops18h 50m

$535

Des MoinesPanama City

DSM - PTY

DSMPTY

Des Moines

Wed 4/22

6:20 am-7:31 pm

2 stops13h 11m

Panama City Tocumen Intl

Wed 4/29

10:00 am-11:17 pm

2 stops13h 17m

$537

Des MoinesPanama City

DSM - PTY

DSMPTY

Des Moines

Wed 4/22

6:20 am-4:04 am

2 stops21h 44m

Panama City Tocumen Intl

Sun 4/26

10:55 pm-9:32 pm

2 stops22h 37m

$537

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Wed 4/29

6:55 am-7:00 pm

2 stops13h 05m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Wed 5/6

9:00 am-10:10 pm

2 stops12h 10m

$543

Des MoinesSan Salvador

DSM - SAL

DSMSAL

Des Moines

Mon 4/27

3:04 pm-8:49 pm

1 stop6h 45m

San Salvador El Salvador Intl

Mon 5/4

1:50 pm-10:37 am

2 stops19h 47m

$545

Des MoinesSan Salvador

DSM - SAL

DSMSAL

Des Moines

Mon 4/20

3:04 pm-8:49 pm

1 stop6h 45m

San Salvador El Salvador Intl

Mon 4/27

3:40 pm-12:29 pm

2 stops19h 49m

$545

Des MoinesSan Salvador

DSM - SAL

DSMSAL

Des Moines

Sun 4/26

7:16 pm-12:15 pm

2 stops17h 59m

San Salvador El Salvador Intl

Mon 5/4

6:00 am-10:45 pm

1 stop15h 45m

$545

Des MoinesSan Salvador

DSM - SAL

DSMSAL

Des Moines

Mon 4/20

3:21 pm-2:30 pm

2 stops24h 09m

San Salvador El Salvador Intl

Thu 4/23

1:50 pm-10:43 pm

1 stop7h 53m

$555

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 3/9

Showing 1-10 of 60 resultsSorted by cheapest first
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Best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Central America

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

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

Currently, November is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to Central America (average of $288). Flying from Des Moines to Central America in June is currently the most expensive (average of $495). 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.

Reviews of airlines servicing Central America

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Central America. 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 Central America. Reviews last updated March 13, 2026.
Read through reviews of airlines operating flights from Des Moines to Central America, such as Delta,United Airlines, andAmerican Airlines. Reviews also offer insight into each airline's entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Delta
7.9
Good
8,285 reviews

Crew

8.5

Comfort

7.9

Overall

7.9

Entertainment

7.8

Food

7.2

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Jim,Nov 2025

AVL - ATL

The exit row seats without a seat in front are great for leg room but don’t have a fold out entertainment console so you’re forced to use the screen several feet in front of you (there is, at least, a remote). Best to bring a tablet loaded with entertainment or a book.
Delta
7.9
Good
8,285 reviews
Delta
7.9
Good
8,285 reviews

Crew

8.5

Comfort

7.9

Overall

7.9

Entertainment

7.8

Food

7.2

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Jim,Nov 2025

AVL - ATL

The exit row seats without a seat in front are great for leg room but don’t have a fold out entertainment console so you’re forced to use the screen several feet in front of you (there is, at least, a remote). Best to bring a tablet loaded with entertainment or a book.
United Airlines
7.4
Good
9,418 reviews
Delta
7.9
Good
8,285 reviews

Crew

8.5

Comfort

7.9

Overall

7.9

Entertainment

7.8

Food

7.2

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Jim,Nov 2025

AVL - ATL

The exit row seats without a seat in front are great for leg room but don’t have a fold out entertainment console so you’re forced to use the screen several feet in front of you (there is, at least, a remote). Best to bring a tablet loaded with entertainment or a book.
American Airlines
7.1
Good
11,446 reviews
Delta
7.9
Good
8,285 reviews

Crew

8.5

Comfort

7.9

Overall

7.9

Entertainment

7.8

Food

7.2

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Jim,Nov 2025

AVL - ATL

The exit row seats without a seat in front are great for leg room but don’t have a fold out entertainment console so you’re forced to use the screen several feet in front of you (there is, at least, a remote). Best to bring a tablet loaded with entertainment or a book.

Related info for your journey

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

    Most people fly from Des Moines (DSM) if they book a flight from Des Moines to Central America. Des Moines is conveniently located just 3.6 mi from Des Moines’s city center.

  • How long is the flight from Des Moines to Central America?

    Airlines like Southwest, United Airlines, and Delta fly from Des Moines to Central America in about 8h 13m. The time it takes to get you to your destination can typically vary by up to 6h 17m. The distance between Des Moines and Central America is about 1959 mi. Both multi-stop and nonstop flights can be found to your destination and back.

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

    To fly one-way, consider booking your trip with United Airlines, which is currently one of the cheapest options available, starting at $198. Avianca flights start at $242 while deals on Delta start at $259 one-way.

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

    The most popular flight routes from Des Moines to Central America are Des Moines - Panama City Tocumen Intl, Des Moines - San José Juan Santamaria Intl and Des Moines - San Salvador El Salvador Intl.

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

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

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

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

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

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Des Moines to Central America 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 Central America?

    Currently, November is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to Central America (average of $288). Flying from Des Moines to Central America in June is currently the most expensive (average of $495). 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 Central America

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
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Des Moines to Miami flights

Top 3 airlines flying from Des Moines to Central America

Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Des Moines to Central America. 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 March 13, 2026.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
DeltaCheapest$289Average$625FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
American AirlinesCheapest$419Average$780FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$441Average$646FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%

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