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Des Moines

$159+ Cheap flights from Sacramento to Des Moines (SMF - 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 10/15. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SMF — DSM
Oct 16 — Oct 231
Thu 10/16
Thu 10/23
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap flight deals from Sacramento to Des Moines

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Sacramento (SMF) to Des Moines (DSM). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated September 16, 2025.

Round-trip from

$225
(Kiwi.com)

One-way from

$159
(American Airlines)

Popular in

January

Cheapest in

February

Average price

$397
From Sacramento Intl to Des Moines
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One-way flight from Sacramento Intl to Des Moines
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 4% potential increase in price ($20 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease ($15 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in September 2025
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Find flight deals from Sacramento to Des Moines

Cheapest flights from Sacramento to Des Moines
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Sacramento to Des Moines. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on September 16, 2025.

This Kiwi.com 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 10/16:30 amSMF - DSM
1 stop5h 57mMultiple Airlines
Fri 10/33:40 pmDSM - SMF
1 stop8h 01mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 9/14$225
This American Airlines 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 American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/316:00 amSMF - DSM
1 stop7h 03mAmerican Airlines
Tue 11/115:00 amDSM - SMF
1 stop7h 18mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/16$337
This United Airlines 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 United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/314:00 pmSMF - DSM
1 stop5h 42mUnited Airlines
Mon 11/105:14 pmDSM - SMF
1 stop5h 46mUnited Airlines
Deal found 9/16$350
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/13. 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 9/213:11 pmSMF - DSM
1 stop29h 18mMultiple Airlines
Sun 10/52:25 pmDSM - SMF
1 stop22h 48mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 9/13$418
This Southwest 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 12/137:25 amSMF - DSM
1 stop5h 30mSouthwest
Sat 12/206:45 pmDSM - SMF
1 stop6h 15mSouthwest
Deal found 9/16$425
This United Airlines 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 United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/1012:54 pmSMF - DSM
1 stop5h 24mUnited Airlines
Sun 10/126:00 amDSM - SMF
1 stop5h 39mUnited Airlines
Deal found 9/15$426
This American Airlines 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 American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 10/42:32 pmSMF - DSM
1 stop6h 41mAmerican Airlines
Thu 10/97:30 amDSM - SMF
1 stop8h 56mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/14$435
This United Airlines 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 United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/312:26 pmSMF - DSM
2 stops7h 16mUnited Airlines
Tue 11/119:01 amDSM - SMF
2 stops13h 46mUnited Airlines
Deal found 9/16$462

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Sacramento 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 September 16, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Sacramento to Des Moines that are best for you.

Fly from

Sacramento

Fly to

Des Moines

Route

Depart

Return

Price

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF - DSM

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Wed 10/1

8:35 am-3:44 pm

2 stops29h 09m

Des Moines

Fri 10/3

3:40 pm-9:41 pm

1 stop8h 01m

$277

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF - DSM

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Fri 10/31

6:00 am-3:03 pm

1 stop7h 03m

Des Moines

Tue 11/11

5:00 am-10:18 am

1 stop7h 18m

$337

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF - DSM

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Mon 1/12

4:00 pm-11:44 pm

1 stop5h 44m

Des Moines

Mon 1/26

3:04 pm-10:45 pm

1 stop9h 41m

$343

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF - DSM

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Mon 1/5

5:00 am-3:30 pm

1 stop8h 30m

Des Moines

Mon 1/26

8:35 am-2:50 pm

1 stop8h 15m

$343

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF - DSM

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Fri 10/31

11:36 am-11:42 pm

2 stops10h 06m

Des Moines

Mon 11/10

5:45 am-9:46 am

1 stop6h 01m

$355

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF - DSM

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Fri 10/31

2:26 pm-11:42 pm

2 stops7h 16m

Des Moines

Tue 11/11

5:45 am-9:46 am

1 stop6h 01m

$355

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF - DSM

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Sat 12/13

7:25 am-2:55 pm

1 stop5h 30m

Des Moines

Sat 12/20

6:45 pm-11:00 pm

1 stop6h 15m

$425

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF - DSM

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Fri 10/10

6:04 am-2:35 pm

1 stop6h 31m

Des Moines

Sun 10/12

5:00 am-10:21 am

1 stop7h 21m

$426

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF - DSM

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Fri 10/10

12:54 pm-8:18 pm

1 stop5h 24m

Des Moines

Sun 10/12

6:00 am-9:39 am

1 stop5h 39m

$426

SacramentoDes Moines

SMF - DSM

SMFDSM

Sacramento Intl

Wed 10/15

11:55 pm-9:00 am

1 stop7h 05m

$159

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 9/15

Showing 1-10 of 14 results
1
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Best time to book a flight from Sacramento to Des Moines

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

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

Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Sacramento to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from Sacramento to Des Moines in June is currently the most expensive (average of $402). 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 SMF to DSM?

Find hourly flight availability from Sacramento 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 September 16, 2025.

It’s typically best to fly out from Sacramento to Des Moines in the evening. Doing so could potentially save you 14% on the flight price compared to flying in the morning, which is usually more expensive.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Sacramento to Des Moines?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly round-trip from Sacramento to Des Moines. Price data was last updated on December 16, 2024.

Travelers seeking maximum savings on their Sacramento to Des Moines flight should consider departing on Saturday afternoons when fares are most often at their lowest. Sunday mornings flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

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 September 16, 2025.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown Southwest, United Airlines, and American Airlines from Sacramento to Des Moines. 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.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,242 reviews

Entertainment

7.5

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

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

Entertainment

7.5

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

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
8,924 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,242 reviews

Entertainment

7.5

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

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

Entertainment

7.5

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

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 Sacramento to Des Moines. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

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

    A quick flight from Sacramento to Des Moines can take about 5h 44m. American Airlines provides one of the quickest options available for as low as $343. Airlines will cover a distance of 1481 mi. This flight may include one or multiple stops.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Sacramento to Des Moines round-trip?

    American Airlines, at $296, was found to be the cheapest airline from Sacramento to Des Moines.Alternate airlines to your destination round-trip include United Airlines and Southwest. American Airlines is currently priced 32% below the average price you’ll pay for this route.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Sacramento to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from Sacramento to Des Moines in June is currently the most expensive (average of $402). 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
Johnston
Altoona
Boone
Ames
West Des Moines
Ankeny

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Top 3 airlines flying from Sacramento to Des Moines

Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Sacramento 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 September 16, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
American AirlinesCheapest$296Average$411FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$334Average$464FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
SouthwestCheapest$362Average$531FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%

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