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Des Moines

$55+ 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 9/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
LAX — DSM
Jul 8 — Jul 151
Tue 7/8
Tue 7/15
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap 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 July 3, 2025.

Round-trip from

$90
(Booking.com)

One-way from

$55
(Booking.com)

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

July

Average price

$324

Good round-trip deal

$166 or less

Good one-way deal

$64 or less
From California to Des Moines
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One-way flight from California to Des Moines
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 4% potential increase in price ($19 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease ($12 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in July 2025
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Price to beat on a round-trip flight from California to Des Moines.
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Price to beat on a one-way flight from California to Des Moines.
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Find 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 July 3, 2025.

This Booking.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/1. 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 8/146:06 pmLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 56mAllegiant Air
Mon 8/189:37 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 16mAllegiant Air
Deal found 7/1$90
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/1. 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 8/289:37 amSNA - DSM
Nonstop3h 18mAllegiant Air
Sun 8/317:00 amDSM - SNA
Nonstop3h 47mAllegiant Air
Deal found 7/1$108
This Flightnetwork deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/3. 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 Flightnetwork is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 8/155:20 pmSAN - DSM
Nonstop3h 24mAllegiant Air
Mon 8/182:54 pmDSM - SAN
Nonstop3h 36mAllegiant Air
Deal found 7/3$122
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/1. 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 8/146:06 pmLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 56mMultiple Airlines
Mon 8/182:54 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop7h 32mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 7/1$157
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/1. 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 8/289:37 amSNA - DSM
Nonstop3h 18mMultiple Airlines
Sun 8/312:14 pmDSM - SNA
1 stop7h 21mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 7/1$171
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/1. 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.
Thu 8/711:55 pmLAS - DSM
1 stop6h 42mAmerican Airlines
Mon 8/113:21 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop7h 27mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 7/1$177
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/2. 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 9/126:15 amSAN - DSM
1 stop14h 14mMultiple Airlines
Sun 9/143:42 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop10h 03mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 7/2$177
This Priceline deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/2. 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 8/89:14 amLAS - DSM
1 stop7h 34mFrontier
Mon 8/117:33 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop6h 01mFrontier
Deal found 7/2$180
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/2. 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.
Thu 8/71:10 pmLAS - DSM
2 stops7h 40mSouthwest
Mon 8/115:30 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop7h 35mSouthwest
Deal found 7/2$182
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 6/30. 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.
Fri 8/226:00 amOAK - DSM
1 stop14h 42mMultiple Airlines
Mon 8/253:40 pmDSM - OAK
1 stop9h 47mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 6/30$188
This Priceline deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/3. 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.
Thu 8/216:26 amSFO - DSM
1 stop5h 57mFrontier
Fri 8/226:20 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop7h 59mFrontier
Deal found 7/3$192
This Priceline deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/2. 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 9/196:35 amSAN - DSM
1 stop5h 05mFrontier
Sun 9/212:25 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop7h 42mFrontier
Deal found 7/2$194

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 July 3, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from California to Des Moines that are best for you.

Fly from

California

Fly to

Des Moines

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS - DSM

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Thu 8/14

6:06 pm-11:02 pm

Nonstop2h 56m

Des Moines

Mon 8/18

9:37 pm-10:53 pm

Nonstop3h 16m

$90

Santa AnaDes Moines

SNA - DSM

SNADSM

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Thu 8/28

9:37 am-2:55 pm

Nonstop3h 18m

Des Moines

Sun 8/31

7:00 am-8:47 am

Nonstop3h 47m

$108

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

Fri 8/15

5:20 pm-10:44 pm

Nonstop3h 24m

Des Moines

Mon 8/18

2:54 pm-4:30 pm

Nonstop3h 36m

$122

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS - DSM

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Thu 8/14

6:06 pm-11:02 pm

Nonstop2h 56m

Des Moines

Mon 8/18

2:54 pm-8:26 pm

1 stop7h 32m

$157

Santa AnaDes Moines

SNA - DSM

SNADSM

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Thu 8/28

9:37 am-2:55 pm

Nonstop3h 18m

Des Moines

Sun 8/31

2:14 pm-7:35 pm

1 stop7h 21m

$171

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS - DSM

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Thu 8/7

11:55 pm-8:37 am

1 stop6h 42m

Des Moines

Mon 8/11

3:21 pm-8:48 pm

1 stop7h 27m

$177

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

Fri 9/12

6:15 am-10:29 pm

1 stop14h 14m

Des Moines

Sun 9/14

3:42 pm-11:45 pm

1 stop10h 03m

$177

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS - DSM

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Fri 8/8

9:14 am-6:48 pm

1 stop7h 34m

Des Moines

Mon 8/11

7:33 pm-11:34 pm

1 stop6h 01m

$180

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS - DSM

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Thu 8/7

1:10 pm-10:50 pm

2 stops7h 40m

Des Moines

Mon 8/11

5:30 pm-11:05 pm

1 stop7h 35m

$182

OaklandDes Moines

OAK - DSM

OAKDSM

Oakland

Fri 8/22

6:00 am-10:42 pm

1 stop14h 42m

Des Moines

Mon 8/25

3:40 pm-11:27 pm

1 stop9h 47m

$188

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 7/2

Showing 1-10 of 60 results
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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, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from California to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from California to Des Moines in June is currently the most expensive (average of $405). 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 July 3, 2025.

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.

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

Reviews of airlines servicing Des Moines

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Des Moines. 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 Des Moines. Reviews last updated July 3, 2025.
Peruse reviews from past customers who have flown with Alaska Airlines, Southwest, and Delta from California to Des Moines to help guide your decision. Users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
10,000 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Food

7.1

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.5

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
10,000 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
10,000 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Food

7.1

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.5

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
4,266 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
10,000 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Food

7.1

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.5

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
7,982 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
10,000 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Food

7.1

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.5

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
8,861 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
10,000 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Food

7.1

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.5

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

James,Apr 2025

LAX - SFO

Good flight except the uncontrollable cold air from the ceiling.
American Airlines
7.2
Good
10,000 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
10,000 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Food

7.1

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.5

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 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 2 times in the past calendar month.

  • 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 $55 on Allegiant Air. Other airlines that offer cheap prices include Frontier from $74 and Southwest from $79 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 - Des Moines. You may also consider San Francisco - Des Moines or Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl - 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, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from California to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from California to Des Moines in June is currently the most expensive (average of $405). 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 California?

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

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Alternative routes for California to Des Moines

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
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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 July 3, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
FrontierCheapest$89Average$249FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
Allegiant AirCheapest$113Average$220FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time88%
United AirlinesCheapest$233Average$503FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
DeltaCheapest$237Average$416FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
American AirlinesCheapest$286Average$433FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
SouthwestCheapest$306Average$465FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%

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