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Des Moines

$312+ Cheap flights from San José (SJO) 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 12/29. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SJO — DSM
Nov 28 — Dec 51
Fri 11/28
Fri 12/5
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap flight deals from San José to Des Moines

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from San José (SJO) 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 October 29, 2025.

Most accurate provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Most trusted provider

FlightHub
1 star

Round-trip from

$529
(United Airlines)

One-way from

$312
(Kiwi.com)

Popular in

April

Cheapest in

January

Average price

$594
Provider with most accurate pricing for San José Juan Santamaria Intl-Des Moines flight deals.
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Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for San José Juan Santamaria Intl-Des Moines flights.
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From San José Juan Santamaria Intl to Des Moines
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One-way flight from San José Juan Santamaria Intl to Des Moines
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 7% potential increase in price ($45 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease ($20 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in October 2025
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Find flight deals from San José to Des Moines

Cheapest flights from San José to Des Moines
Explore the most affordable flight options available from San José to Des Moines. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on October 29, 2025.

This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/29. 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.
Mon 12/152:20 pmSJO - DSM
1 stop8h 09mUnited Airlines
Wed 1/76:48 pmDSM - SJO
1 stop18h 08mUnited Airlines
Deal found 10/29$529
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/27. 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.
Mon 12/156:20 amSJO - DSM
2 stops16h 09mAmerican Airlines
Wed 1/77:40 amDSM - SJO
2 stops14h 50mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 10/27$573
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/29. 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.
Tue 11/258:45 amSJO - DSM
1 stop13h 35mUnited Airlines
Sat 12/135:45 amDSM - SJO
1 stop16h 15mUnited Airlines
Deal found 10/29$574
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/27. 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.
Sun 11/236:00 amSJO - DSM
1 stop17h 44mAmerican Airlines
Sun 11/308:51 amDSM - SJO
1 stop13h 22mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 10/27$579
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/27. 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.
Sun 11/166:22 amSJO - DSM
1 stop8h 52mAmerican Airlines
Sun 11/308:51 amDSM - SJO
1 stop13h 22mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 10/27$583
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/27. 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 11/226:22 amSJO - DSM
1 stop10h 19mAmerican Airlines
Sat 12/64:05 pmDSM - SJO
1 stop21h 57mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 10/27$584
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/28. 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 Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 11/227:00 amSJO - DSM
2 stops14h 15mDelta
Sat 12/63:00 pmDSM - SJO
1 stop7h 20mDelta
Deal found 10/28$586
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/27. 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 11/1612:34 pmSJO - DSM
2 stops26h 24mMultiple Airlines
Sun 11/3010:29 amDSM - SJO
1 stop23h 50mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/27$589

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from San José 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 October 29, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from San José to Des Moines that are best for you.

Fly from

San José

Fly to

Des Moines

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San JoséDes Moines

SJO - DSM

SJODSM

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Mon 12/15

2:20 pm-10:29 pm

1 stop8h 09m

Des Moines

Wed 1/7

6:48 pm-12:56 pm

1 stop18h 08m

$529

San JoséDes Moines

SJO - DSM

SJODSM

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Thu 4/2

1:30 pm-5:33 pm

2 stops27h 03m

Des Moines

Mon 4/6

6:45 pm-12:26 pm

2 stops18h 41m

$547

San JoséDes Moines

SJO - DSM

SJODSM

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Tue 11/25

3:11 pm-11:38 pm

1 stop8h 27m

Des Moines

Sat 12/13

5:30 am-10:28 pm

1 stop16h 58m

$574

San JoséDes Moines

SJO - DSM

SJODSM

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Tue 11/25

8:45 am-10:20 pm

1 stop13h 35m

Des Moines

Sat 12/13

5:45 am-10:00 pm

1 stop16h 15m

$574

San JoséDes Moines

SJO - DSM

SJODSM

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Mon 12/29

1:31 pm-7:41 am

2 stops42h 10m

$312

San JoséDes Moines

SJO - DSM

SJODSM

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Mon 12/29

6:30 am-10:30 pm

1 stop16h 00m

$317

San JoséDes Moines

SJO - DSM

SJODSM

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Sun 12/28

2:20 pm-9:40 pm

2 stops31h 20m

$322

San JoséDes Moines

SJO - DSM

SJODSM

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Sun 12/28

12:34 am-11:35 pm

1 stop23h 01m

$329

San JoséDes Moines

SJO - DSM

SJODSM

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Sat 12/27

12:34 am-5:05 pm

1 stop16h 31m

$334

San JoséDes Moines

SJO - DSM

SJODSM

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Sun 1/11

6:00 am-11:29 pm

1 stop17h 29m

$363

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 10/26

Showing 1-10 of 11 results
1
2
  • Most accurate provider: When it comes to deals on San José-Des Moines flights, users find the pricing of FlightHub to be most consistent on Cheapflights vs. FlightHub Users can find the same prices on San José-Des Moines flight deals on Cheapflights vs. FlightHub >95% of the time. Price accuracy is based on data collected from San José-Des Moines flight searches over the past month and is updated monthly.
  • Most trusted provider: When it comes to deals on San José-Des Moines flights, Cheapflights users trust FlightHub the most. FlightHub has received a user feedback score of 3 out of 3 stars (3 being the best), meaning they have been trusted the most by Cheapflights users looking for San José-Des Moines flight deals. Provider user feedback score is based on Cheapflights searches over the past month and is updated monthly.

Best time to book a flight from San José to Des Moines

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

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

Currently, January is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from San José to Des Moines (average of $422). Flying from San José to Des Moines in April is currently the most expensive (average of $764). 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 SJO to DSM?

Find hourly flight availability from San José 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 October 29, 2025.

It’s optimal to fly from San José to Des Moines in the morning. By choosing this option you can save up to 5% on the cost of your flight, compared to a flight in the evening.

How much does it cost to fly round-trip from San José 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 October 29, 2025.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown United Airlines and American Airlines from San José 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.
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,999 reviews

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.4

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.1

Comfort

7.3

Food

6.6

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Sebrena,Oct 2025

IAH - RSW

The worst that I have ever experienced in my life so bad if it was free I'm not ever going to use your Airline again I dont believe ..... very disappointed 😞 😔0000000000000
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,999 reviews
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,999 reviews

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.4

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.1

Comfort

7.3

Food

6.6

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Sebrena,Oct 2025

IAH - RSW

The worst that I have ever experienced in my life so bad if it was free I'm not ever going to use your Airline again I dont believe ..... very disappointed 😞 😔0000000000000
American Airlines
7.2
Good
11,032 reviews
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,999 reviews

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.4

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.1

Comfort

7.3

Food

6.6

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Sebrena,Oct 2025

IAH - RSW

The worst that I have ever experienced in my life so bad if it was free I'm not ever going to use your Airline again I dont believe ..... very disappointed 😞 😔0000000000000

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from San José 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 José to Des Moines?

    For as low as $529, United Airlines can have you in Des Moines from San José in 8h 09m. There are 2253 mi between San José and Des Moines.

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

    Cheapflights users have booked flights from San José to Des Moines round-trip from $495. Another airline that can offer you cheap pricing is American Airlines. You may be able to fly from San José to Des Moines for 17% less than the average price by searching for these airlines.

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

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

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

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

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

    Currently, January is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from San José to Des Moines (average of $422). Flying from San José to Des Moines in April is currently the most expensive (average of $764). 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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Alternative routes for San José to Des Moines

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
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Top 2 airlines flying from San José to Des Moines

Discover the top 2 airlines that operate flights from San José 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 October 29, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
United AirlinesCheapest$495Average$670FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
American AirlinesCheapest$510Average$587FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%

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