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Des Moines

$98+ Cheap flights from San Diego to Des Moines (SAN - 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 10/14. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SAN — DSM
Aug 19 — Aug 261
Tue 8/19
Tue 8/26
1 adult, Economy
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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from San Diego to Des Moines are usually found in May or July, booked 84 days in advance, depart on a Friday or Wednesday and return on a Monday

Cheap flight deals from San Diego to Des Moines

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from San Diego (SAN) 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 August 14, 2025.

Round-trip from

$164
(Travelocity)

One-way from

$98
(Kiwi.com)

Popular in

February

Cheapest in

May

Average price

$359

Good one-way deal

$117 or less
From San Diego to Des Moines
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One-way flight from San Diego to Des Moines
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 15% potential increase in price ($73 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 August 2025
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Price to beat on a one-way flight from San Diego to Des Moines.
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Find flight deals from San Diego to Des Moines

Cheapest flights from San Diego to Des Moines
Explore the most affordable flight options available from San Diego to Des Moines. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on August 14, 2025.

This Travelocity 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 Travelocity is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 9/46:35 amSAN - DSM
1 stop5h 05mFrontier
Mon 9/82:25 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop11h 28mFrontier
Deal found 8/14$164
This FlightHub 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 FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 10/96:41 amSAN - DSM
1 stop5h 11mFrontier
Thu 10/162:37 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop11h 13mFrontier
Deal found 8/14$167
This FlightHub 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 FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 10/96:41 amSAN - DSM
1 stop5h 11mFrontier
Fri 10/172:37 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop7h 31mFrontier
Deal found 8/14$188
This Kiwi.com 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 9/47:47 pmSAN - DSM
1 stop24h 42mMultiple Airlines
Mon 9/83:30 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop8h 56mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 8/13$190
This FlightHub 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 FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/106:41 amSAN - DSM
1 stop5h 11mFrontier
Thu 10/162:37 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop11h 13mFrontier
Deal found 8/14$194
This Kiwi.com 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/106:25 amSAN - DSM
1 stop14h 12mMultiple Airlines
Wed 10/157:30 amDSM - SAN
1 stop13h 00mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 8/14$195
This Priceline 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 Priceline is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/106:41 amSAN - DSM
1 stop5h 11mFrontier
Fri 10/172:37 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop7h 31mFrontier
Deal found 8/14$199
This Kiwi.com 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 10/86:15 amSAN - DSM
1 stop6h 12mMultiple Airlines
Sun 10/193:43 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop9h 21mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 8/14$202
This Kiwi.com 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 8/286:15 amSAN - DSM
1 stop13h 01mMultiple Airlines
Mon 9/112:51 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop20h 30mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 8/13$208
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/12. 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.
Mon 8/252:42 pmSAN - DSM
1 stop6h 00mMultiple Airlines
Mon 9/112:51 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop20h 30mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 8/12$211
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/11. 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 8/277:01 pmSAN - DSM
1 stop24h 15mMultiple Airlines
Sun 8/312:14 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop11h 23mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 8/11$215

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from San Diego 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 14, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from San Diego to Des Moines that are best for you.

Fly from

San Diego

Fly to

Des Moines

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

Mon 10/27

6:41 am-1:52 pm

1 stop5h 11m

Des Moines

Fri 10/31

2:32 pm-11:50 pm

1 stop11h 18m

$164

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

Thu 9/4

6:35 am-1:40 pm

1 stop5h 05m

Des Moines

Mon 9/8

2:25 pm-11:53 pm

1 stop11h 28m

$164

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

Thu 10/16

6:41 am-1:52 pm

1 stop5h 11m

Des Moines

Wed 10/22

2:37 pm-11:50 pm

1 stop11h 13m

$167

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

Thu 10/9

6:41 am-1:52 pm

1 stop5h 11m

Des Moines

Thu 10/16

2:37 pm-11:50 pm

1 stop11h 13m

$167

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

Thu 10/9

6:41 am-1:52 pm

1 stop5h 11m

Des Moines

Fri 10/17

2:37 pm-8:08 pm

1 stop7h 31m

$188

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

Thu 9/4

7:47 pm-10:29 pm

1 stop24h 42m

Des Moines

Mon 9/8

3:30 pm-10:26 pm

1 stop8h 56m

$190

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

Wed 10/8

6:15 am-2:27 pm

1 stop6h 12m

Des Moines

Wed 10/15

7:30 am-6:30 pm

1 stop13h 00m

$190

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

Thu 10/9

7:47 pm-10:37 pm

1 stop24h 50m

Des Moines

Wed 10/15

7:30 am-6:30 pm

1 stop13h 00m

$190

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

Fri 10/10

6:41 am-1:52 pm

1 stop5h 11m

Des Moines

Thu 10/16

2:37 pm-11:50 pm

1 stop11h 13m

$194

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

Fri 10/10

6:25 am-10:37 pm

1 stop14h 12m

Des Moines

Wed 10/15

7:30 am-6:30 pm

1 stop13h 00m

$195

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 8/12

Showing 1-10 of 22 results
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Best time to book a flight from San Diego to Des Moines

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

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

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from San Diego to Des Moines. Price data was last updated on August 8, 2025.

Booking 80 days in advance of your planned departure date is, on average, the best time to get cheap flights from San Diego to Des Moines. The general trend is that the closer you book to the departure date, the more expensive your flight will be.

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

Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from San Diego to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from San Diego to Des Moines in June is currently the most expensive (average of $401). 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 SAN to DSM?

Find hourly flight availability from San Diego 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 14, 2025.

One of the essential ways to save on airfare from San Diego to Des Moines is to remain as flexible as possible. Flights that are in the evening tend to be the most expensive. A flight in the afternoon could potentially save you up to 70% on airfare.

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 August 14, 2025.
Peruse reviews from past customers who have flown with Southwest, Delta, and United Airlines from San Diego to Des Moines to help guide your decision. You can also see how each airline stacks up in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,244 reviews

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

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
4,244 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,244 reviews

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

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.
Delta
8.0
Very good
7,980 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,244 reviews

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

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
8,916 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,244 reviews

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

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
4,244 reviews

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

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.
Frontier
5.8
Fair
3,219 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,244 reviews

Overall

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.6

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 San Diego 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 are the cheapest airlines flying from San Diego to Des Moines round-trip?

    Our cheapest airline available from San Diego to Des Moines is Allegiant Air. Our recent data shows that you can find tickets from as low as $75 on this airline. Additional options worth looking into are Frontier and Delta, starting at $134 and $237 round-trip. These flights start at 81% lower than the current average price 3 months from now.

  • What are the cheapest flights from San Diego to Des Moines?

    The cheapest flight price from San Diego to Des Moines is $103. On average you can expect to pay $118. The most popular route, (San Diego - Des Moines), can usually be booked for $190.

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

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

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

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

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

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from San Diego 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 San Diego to Des Moines?

    Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from San Diego to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from San Diego to Des Moines in June is currently the most expensive (average of $401). 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
Ames
Johnston
Boone
West Des Moines
Ankeny

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Top 6 airlines flying from San Diego to Des Moines

Discover the top 6 airlines that operate flights from San Diego 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 14, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Allegiant AirCheapest$75Average$171FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time88%
FrontierCheapest$134Average$262FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
DeltaCheapest$237Average$472FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
American AirlinesCheapest$286Average$398FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$308Average$450FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
SouthwestCheapest$334Average$463FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%

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