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Des Moines

$47+ Cheap flights from California to Des Moines (DSM)

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 9/4. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
LAX — DSM
Sep 17 — Sep 241
Thu 9/17
Thu 9/24
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap flight deals from California to Des Moines

Cheapest flights from California to Des Moines
Explore the most affordable flight options available from California to Des Moines. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on August 18, 2026.

This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/16. 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 CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 8/281:54 pm -
Nonstop2h 54m
Sun 8/309:50 pm -
Nonstop3h 09m
Deal found 8/16$77
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/13. 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 9/46:15 am -
Nonstop2h 55m
Sun 9/69:56 pm -
Nonstop3h 10m
Deal found 8/13$79
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/16. 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 CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 8/281:54 pm -
Nonstop2h 54m
Mon 8/318:54 pm -
Nonstop3h 09m
Deal found 8/16$83
This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/15. 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.
Fri 9/46:15 am -
Nonstop2h 55m
Mon 9/219:31 pm -
Nonstop3h 10m
Deal found 8/15$89
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/14. 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 CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 8/274:06 pm -
Nonstop2h 54m
Mon 8/318:54 pm -
Nonstop3h 09m
Deal found 8/14$90
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/17. 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 CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 9/174:11 pm -
Nonstop2h 55m
Mon 9/219:31 pm -
Nonstop3h 10m
Deal found 8/17$107
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/17. 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 CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 9/174:11 pm -
Nonstop2h 55m
Sun 9/209:56 pm -
Nonstop3h 10m
Deal found 8/17$109
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/15. 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 9/46:15 am -
Nonstop2h 55m
Mon 9/218:30 pm -
1 stop5h 14m
Deal found 8/15$144
This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/16. 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 Cheapflightsfares is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 9/309:00 am -
Nonstop2h 52m
Wed 10/142:42 pm -
Nonstop3h 14m
Deal found 8/16$151
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/17. 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 CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 9/189:45 am -
1 stop7h 48m
Mon 9/219:31 pm -
Nonstop3h 10m
Deal found 8/17$155
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/13. 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 9/911:53 am -
1 stop20h 51m
Mon 9/218:30 pm -
1 stop16h 28m
Deal found 8/13$178
This Frontier deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/13. 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.
Fri 10/96:25 am -
1 stop11h 05m
Mon 10/128:25 pm -
1 stop5h 31m
Deal found 8/13$193

Find flight deals from California to Des Moines

Keep the following information in mind while searching for California to Des Moines flight deals. Data was last updated August 18, 2026.

Most accurate provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Most trusted provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Round-trip from

$77
(CheapOair)

One-way from

$47
(Super.com)

Popular in

June

Cheapest in

September

Average price

$433

Good round-trip deal

$166 or less

Good one-way deal

$138 or less
Provider with most accurate pricing for Los Angeles Los Angeles-Des Moines flight deals.
Search Deals
Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Los Angeles Los Angeles-Des Moines flights.
Search Deals
From California to Des Moines
Search Deals
One-way flight from California to Des Moines
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 7% potential increase in price ($30 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($9 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in August 2026
Search Deals
Price to beat on a round-trip flight from California to Des Moines.
Search Deals
Price to beat on a one-way flight from California to Des Moines.
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Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from California to Des Moines 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 August 18, 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from California to Des Moines that are best for you.

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest round-trip

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl - DSM Des Moines

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Thu 10/22

5:58 pm-10:50 pm

Nonstop2h 52m

Des Moines

Sun 10/25

1:57 pm-3:11 pm

Nonstop3h 14m

$167

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl - DSM Des Moines

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Fri 9/11

11:52 am-7:33 pm

1 stop5h 41m

Des Moines

Mon 9/14

8:30 pm-11:44 pm

1 stop5h 14m

$200

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF Sacramento Intl - DSM Des Moines

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Wed 9/30

11:53 am-10:44 am

1 stop20h 51m

Des Moines

Mon 10/5

8:30 pm-10:58 am

1 stop16h 28m

$246

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF Sacramento Intl - DSM Des Moines

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Wed 9/9

11:53 am-10:44 am

1 stop20h 51m

Des Moines

Mon 9/21

8:30 pm-10:58 am

1 stop16h 28m

$246

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl - DSM Des Moines

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Sat 9/26

5:15 am-12:31 pm

1 stop5h 16m

Des Moines

Tue 9/29

6:00 am-11:22 am

1 stop7h 22m

$270
Quickest round-trip

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl - DSM Des Moines

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Sat 9/26

11:15 am-4:10 pm

Nonstop2h 55m

Des Moines

Tue 9/29

12:55 pm-2:00 pm

Nonstop3h 05m

$272

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl - DSM Des Moines

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Sat 9/12

11:15 am-4:10 pm

Nonstop2h 55m

Des Moines

Sat 9/19

3:05 pm-4:15 pm

Nonstop3h 10m

$277

FresnoDes Moines

FAT Fresno Airterminal - DSM Des Moines

FATDSM

Fresno Airterminal

Tue 10/20

11:05 am-8:35 pm

2 stops7h 30m

Des Moines

Tue 10/27

5:35 am-1:10 pm

2 stops9h 35m

$277

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF Sacramento Intl - DSM Des Moines

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Thu 10/29

2:40 pm-9:55 pm

1 stop5h 15m

Des Moines

Fri 10/30

5:10 am-12:20 pm

1 stop9h 10m

$280

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl - DSM Des Moines

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Wed 9/9

5:20 am-12:32 pm

1 stop5h 12m

Des Moines

Thu 9/10

5:45 am-9:09 am

1 stop5h 24m

$282

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 8/13

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

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

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

Currently, September is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from California to Des Moines (average of $360). Flying from California to Des Moines in March is currently the most expensive (average of $462). 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 CA to DSM?

Find hourly flight availability from California to Des Moines. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated August 18, 2026.

When flying from California to Des Moines, the time of day you decide to fly out makes little to no difference towards the overall price you’ll pay on tickets.

Weekly flight availability from California to Des Moines

Explore weekly flight availability from California to Des Moines. Discover flights operating on different days of the week, giving you the flexibility to choose a travel day that best fits your plans. Compare info to find the most convenient option for your journey. Data last updated August 18, 2026.

The most flights from USCA to DSM are scheduled on a Monday (1 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Monday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (1 on average).

How much does it cost to fly round-trip from California to Des Moines?

Airfare is below average for this route at the moment.
California to Des Moines flights typically cost between $374 and $569 in September.
The cheapest round-trip price found within the last 5 days was $267 on Multiple Airlines (Sep 13-Sep 20).

How far ahead should I book a flight from California to Des Moines?

Booking 46 days in advance of your planned departure date is, on average, the best time to get cheap flights from California to Des Moines. The general trend is that the closer you book to the departure date, the more expensive your flight will be.

Related info for your journey

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

    Des Moines (DSM) is the airport you will fly into if you book a flight from California to Des Moines. It is only a 3.6 mi journey from Des Moines (DSM) to Des Moines’s city center.

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

    Flights from California to Des Moines have been viewed 1 times in the past calendar month.

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

    There are many flights that can get you from California to Des Moines in 2h 54m. Fly via Allegiant Air to get the fastest option. California and Des Moines are separated by a distance of 1212 mi. Generally, flights for this route are nonstop.

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

    One-way options have recently been found by users for as low as $60 on Frontier. Other airlines that offer cheap prices include Allegiant Air from $63 and American Airlines from $113 one-way.

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

    The most popular route from California to Des Moines is Los Angeles Los Angeles - Des Moines. You may also consider San Diego - Des Moines or San Francisco - Des Moines.

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

    Looking at all options, your cheapest flight can be booked for $253. While the most popular route (Los Angeles Los Angeles - Des Moines) can be booked for $213 on average, our data indicates $659 when flying from California to Des Moines.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Currently, September is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from California to Des Moines (average of $360). Flying from California to Des Moines in March is currently the most expensive (average of $462). 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

Traveling to a place near Des Moines?

Book flights to Des Moines if you plan to visit one of these locations
Altoona
Clive
Ames
Johnston
Boone
Norwalk
West Des Moines
Ankeny

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Alternative routes for California to Des Moines

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Top 6 airlines flying from California to Des Moines

Discover the top 6 airlines that operate flights from California to Des Moines. 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 August 18, 2026.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Allegiant AirCheapest$70Average$193FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time88%
DeltaCheapest$148Average$425FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
FrontierCheapest$158Average$330FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
SouthwestCheapest$198Average$512FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
American AirlinesCheapest$208Average$478FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$213Average$520FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%

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