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Des Moines

$80+ Cheap flights from San Francisco to Des Moines (SFO - 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 9/21. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SFO — DSM
ago. 23 — ago. 301
sáb. 8/23
sáb. 8/30
1 adult, Economy
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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from San Francisco to Des Moines are usually found in September or October, booked 81 days in advance, depart on a Wednesday or Thursday and return on a Thursday

Cheap flight deals from San Francisco to Des Moines

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from San Francisco (SFO) 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 agosto 18, 2025.

Round-trip from

$149
(CheapOair)

One-way from

$80
(CheapOair)

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

September

Average price

$409
From San Francisco to Des Moines
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One-way flight from San Francisco to Des Moines
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 10% potential increase in price ($54 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% 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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Find flight deals from San Francisco to Des Moines

Cheapest flights from San Francisco to Des Moines
Explore the most affordable flight options available from San Francisco to Des Moines. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on agosto 18, 2025.

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.
sáb. 9/1310:49 amSFO - DSM
1 stop24h 51mFrontier
jue. 9/182:25 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop11h 51mFrontier
Deal found 8/17$149
This FlightHub 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 FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
vie. 9/56:29 amSFO - DSM
1 stop5h 11mFrontier
lun. 9/82:25 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop11h 51mFrontier
Deal found 8/16$172
This FlightHub 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 FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
sáb. 9/610:49 amSFO - DSM
1 stop24h 51mFrontier
lun. 9/82:25 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop11h 51mFrontier
Deal found 8/16$177
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.
sáb. 9/2710:49 amSFO - DSM
1 stop24h 51mFrontier
jue. 10/22:25 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop19h 50mFrontier
Deal found 8/16$180
This FlightHub 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 FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
dom. 9/287:07 pmSFO - DSM
1 stop16h 33mFrontier
lun. 10/62:25 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop11h 51mFrontier
Deal found 8/16$206
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/18. 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.
jue. 9/1110:37 pmSFO - DSM
1 stop21h 52mMultiple Airlines
dom. 9/143:42 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop18h 54mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 8/18$209
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.
vie. 10/36:29 amSFO - DSM
1 stop5h 11mFrontier
dom. 10/52:25 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop24h 52mFrontier
Deal found 8/17$223
This Kiwi.com 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
mié. 9/38:00 amSFO - DSM
2 stops29h 48mMultiple Airlines
lun. 9/83:30 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop7h 51mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 8/15$224
This FlightHub 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 FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
sáb. 9/2710:49 amSFO - DSM
1 stop24h 51mFrontier
lun. 10/62:25 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop11h 51mFrontier
Deal found 8/16$237
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.
vie. 8/229:21 amSFO - DSM
1 stop6h 14mFrontier
dom. 8/243:23 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop18h 43mFrontier
Deal found 8/16$238

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from San Francisco 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 agosto 18, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from San Francisco to Des Moines that are best for you.

Fly from

San Francisco

Fly to

Des Moines

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO - DSM

SFODSM

San Francisco

jue. 9/11

6:29 am-1:40 pm

1 stop5h 11m

Des Moines

jue. 9/18

2:25 pm-8:15 am

1 stop19h 50m

$149

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO - DSM

SFODSM

San Francisco

sáb. 9/13

10:49 am-1:40 pm

1 stop24h 51m

Des Moines

jue. 9/18

2:25 pm-12:16 am

1 stop11h 51m

$149

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO - DSM

SFODSM

San Francisco

vie. 9/5

6:29 am-1:40 pm

1 stop5h 11m

Des Moines

lun. 9/8

2:25 pm-12:16 am

1 stop11h 51m

$172

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO - DSM

SFODSM

San Francisco

jue. 9/11

6:29 am-1:40 pm

1 stop5h 11m

Des Moines

lun. 9/15

2:25 pm-12:16 am

1 stop11h 51m

$172

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO - DSM

SFODSM

San Francisco

vie. 9/12

6:29 am-1:40 pm

1 stop5h 11m

Des Moines

lun. 9/15

2:25 pm-12:16 am

1 stop11h 51m

$172

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO - DSM

SFODSM

San Francisco

sáb. 9/6

10:49 am-1:40 pm

1 stop24h 51m

Des Moines

lun. 9/8

2:25 pm-12:16 am

1 stop11h 51m

$177

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO - DSM

SFODSM

San Francisco

sáb. 9/27

10:49 am-1:40 pm

1 stop24h 51m

Des Moines

jue. 10/2

2:25 pm-8:15 am

1 stop19h 50m

$180

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO - DSM

SFODSM

San Francisco

dom. 9/28

7:07 pm-1:40 pm

1 stop16h 33m

Des Moines

lun. 10/6

2:25 pm-12:16 am

1 stop11h 51m

$206

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO - DSM

SFODSM

San Francisco

jue. 9/11

10:37 pm-10:29 pm

1 stop21h 52m

Des Moines

dom. 9/14

3:42 pm-8:36 am

1 stop18h 54m

$209

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO - DSM

SFODSM

San Francisco

vie. 10/3

6:29 am-1:40 pm

1 stop5h 11m

Des Moines

dom. 10/5

2:25 pm-1:17 pm

1 stop24h 52m

$223

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 8/16

Showing 1-10 of 16 results
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Best time to book a flight from San Francisco to Des Moines

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

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

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

The best time to book flights from San Francisco to Des Moines is 81 days before your desired departure date. The cost of your flight will likely increase significantly if you book two weeks in advance of your flight.

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

Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from San Francisco to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from San Francisco 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 SFO to DSM?

Find hourly flight availability from San Francisco 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 agosto 18, 2025.

A simple way to save on the total cost of your ticket is to fly from San Francisco to Des Moines at noon. If you’re flexible enough to do this you can expect to save up to 24% on your trip compared to booking a flight in the morning.

What is the cheapest day to fly from San Francisco to Des Moines?

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

Travelers seeking maximum savings on their San Francisco to Des Moines flight should consider departing on Wednesday evenings when fares are most often at their lowest. Sunday afternoons 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 agosto 18, 2025.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown Southwest, Delta, and United Airlines from San Francisco 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
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

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
4,246 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

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
7,981 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

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
8,925 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

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
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

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
3,212 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

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 Francisco 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 San Francisco to Des Moines?

    A quick flight from San Francisco to Des Moines can take about 5h 11m. Frontier provides one of the quickest options available for as low as $149. San Francisco and Des Moines are separated by a distance of 1545 mi.

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

    Frontier, at $111, was found to be the cheapest airline from San Francisco to Des Moines.Alternate airlines to your destination round-trip include Delta and Southwest. Users have found that Frontier is 75% cheaper than the other options available to this destination.

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

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

  • How can I find direct flights from San Francisco 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 Francisco to Des Moines.

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

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

    Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from San Francisco to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from San Francisco 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 5 airlines flying from San Francisco to Des Moines

Discover the top 5 airlines that operate flights from San Francisco 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 agosto 18, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
FrontierCheapest$128Average$278FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
DeltaCheapest$319Average$429FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
SouthwestCheapest$331Average$434FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
American AirlinesCheapest$345Average$487FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$365Average$540FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%

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