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Salinas

$117+ Cheap flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Salinas, CA, CA

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 11/16. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
DSM — SFO
Nov 15 — Nov 221
Sat 11/15
Sat 11/22
1 adult, Economy
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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Des Moines to Salinas are usually found in August or September, booked 1 days in advance, depart on a Thursday or Wednesday and return on a Wednesday

Cheap flight deals from Des Moines to Salinas

Keep the following information in mind while searching for Des Moines to Salinas flight deals. Data was last updated October 16, 2025.

Most accurate provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Most trusted provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Round-trip from

$131
(Kiwi.com)

One-way from

$117
(Kiwi.com)

Popular in

March

Cheapest in

August

Average price

$445
Provider with most accurate pricing for Des Moines-San Francisco flight deals.
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Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Des Moines-San Francisco flights.
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From Des Moines to Salinas
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One-way flight from Des Moines to Salinas
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 7% potential increase in price ($35 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($6 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 Des Moines to Salinas

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

This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/16. 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 11/102:32 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop11h 42mFrontier
Thu 11/1312:43 pmSFO - DSM
1 stop23h 06mFrontier
Deal found 10/16$131
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/15. 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.
Fri 12/57:58 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop6h 26mFrontier
Mon 12/88:48 amSFO - DSM
1 stop8h 15mFrontier
Deal found 10/15$178
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/16. 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 11/62:41 pmDSM - SFO
2 stops20h 03mFrontier
Sat 11/86:34 amSFO - DSM
1 stop29h 13mFrontier
Deal found 10/16$204
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/16. 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 11/72:32 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop11h 42mFrontier
Sat 11/86:34 amSFO - DSM
1 stop29h 13mFrontier
Deal found 10/16$216
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/16. 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 11/32:32 pmDSM - SFO
2 stops28h 11mFrontier
Sat 11/86:34 amSFO - DSM
1 stop29h 13mFrontier
Deal found 10/16$232
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/13. 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 CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/312:32 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop11h 42mFrontier
Mon 11/36:34 amSFO - DSM
1 stop5h 13mFrontier
Deal found 10/13$238
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/14. 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.
Thu 11/132:41 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop11h 33mMultiple Airlines
Mon 11/175:45 amSFO - DSM
1 stop14h 55mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/14$249
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/15. 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.
Fri 10/243:40 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop8h 18mMultiple Airlines
Tue 10/286:28 pmSFO - DSM
2 stops41h 19mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/15$266
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/16. 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 Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 11/22:32 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop11h 42mFrontier
Sat 11/86:34 amSFO - DSM
1 stop29h 13mFrontier
Deal found 10/16$275

Cheapflights Fare Finder

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

Fly from

Des Moines

Fly to

Salinas

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Thu 11/13

2:41 pm-12:14 am

1 stop11h 33m

San Francisco

Mon 11/17

5:45 am-10:40 pm

1 stop14h 55m

$249

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Mon 12/1

6:53 pm-4:51 pm

2 stops47h 58m

San Francisco

Mon 12/8

8:48 am-7:03 pm

1 stop8h 15m

$285

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Mon 11/10

5:35 am-2:43 pm

1 stop11h 08m

San Francisco

Wed 11/12

12:30 am-10:20 am

1 stop7h 50m

$359

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Thu 11/13

6:50 am-11:17 am

1 stop6h 27m

San Francisco

Sun 11/16

12:30 am-10:20 am

1 stop7h 50m

$359

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Fri 10/31

2:32 pm-12:14 am

1 stop11h 42m

San Francisco

Mon 11/3

6:34 am-1:47 pm

1 stop5h 13m

$360

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Thu 11/6

10:00 am-5:51 pm

1 stop9h 51m

San Francisco

Fri 11/7

12:35 am-10:26 am

1 stop7h 51m

$368

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Fri 10/31

3:30 pm-8:40 pm

1 stop7h 10m

San Francisco

Sun 11/2

12:35 am-10:26 am

1 stop7h 51m

$416

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Fri 10/31

3:48 pm-8:43 pm

1 stop6h 55m

San Francisco

Mon 11/3

12:20 pm-10:59 pm

2 stops8h 39m

$421

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Wed 11/5

3:15 pm-9:22 pm

1 stop8h 07m

San Francisco

Sun 11/9

5:15 am-2:11 pm

1 stop6h 56m

$439

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Fri 11/7

10:50 am-6:56 pm

1 stop10h 06m

San Francisco

Tue 11/11

10:30 pm-10:42 am

1 stop10h 12m

$439

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 10/15

Showing 1-10 of 18 results
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Best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Salinas

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

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

Currently, December is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to Salinas (average of $144). Flying from Des Moines to Salinas in May is currently the most expensive (average of $304). 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 DSM to S9N?

Find hourly flight availability from Des Moines to Salinas. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated October 16, 2025.

It’s typically best to fly out from Des Moines to Salinas in the evening. Doing so could potentially save you 52% on the flight price compared to flying in the morning, which is usually more expensive.

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

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

Travelers seeking maximum savings on their Des Moines to Salinas flight should consider departing on Tuesday evenings 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 Salinas

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Salinas. 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 Salinas. Reviews last updated October 16, 2025.
See what other customers who have flown with Southwest, Delta, and United Airlines from Des Moines to Salinas have to say. You can also see how each airline compares in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

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
4,241 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

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
7,984 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

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
8,982 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

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
11,043 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

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
3,137 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,241 reviews

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

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 Des Moines to Salinas. 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 from for flights from Des Moines to Salinas?

    Most people fly from Des Moines (DSM) if they book a flight from Des Moines to Salinas. On average, Des Moines has 0 outbound flights to Salinas per day from 5 airlines. Des Moines is conveniently located just 3.6 mi from Des Moines’s city center.

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

    Airlines like Delta and Frontier fly from Des Moines to Salinas in about 11h 08m. The time it takes to get you to your destination can typically vary by up to 34m. The distance from Des Moines to Salinas is about 1545 mi. This flight may include one or multiple stops.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Currently, December is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to Salinas (average of $144). Flying from Des Moines to Salinas in May is currently the most expensive (average of $304). 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

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Top 5 airlines flying from Des Moines to Salinas

Discover the top 5 airlines that operate flights from Des Moines to Salinas. 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 16, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
FrontierCheapest$118Average$252FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
DeltaCheapest$265Average$376FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
American AirlinesCheapest$288Average$459FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$296Average$515FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
SouthwestCheapest$344Average$476FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%

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