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$146+ Cheap flights from Des Moines (DSM) to San José (SJO)

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 10/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
DSM — SJO
Oct 17 — Oct 241
Fri 10/17
Fri 10/24
1 adult, Economy
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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Des Moines to San José Juan Santamaria Intl are usually found in August or November, booked 6 days in advance, depart on a Tuesday or Monday and return on a Tuesday

Cheap flight deals from Des Moines to San José

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Des Moines (DSM) to San José (SJO). 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 17, 2025.

Round-trip from

$375
(Kiwi.com)

One-way from

$146
(Kiwi.com)

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

August

Average price

$686
From Des Moines to San José Juan Santamaria Intl
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One-way flight from Des Moines to San José Juan Santamaria Intl
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 1% potential increase in price ($14 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($8 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 Des Moines to San José

Cheapest flights from Des Moines to San José
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Des Moines to San José. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on September 17, 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.
Thu 10/3010:41 amDSM - SJO
1 stop25h 49mMultiple Airlines
Thu 11/61:19 pmSJO - DSM
2 stops25h 39mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 9/14$375
This Southwest 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 11/153:35 pmDSM - SJO
2 stops21h 40mSouthwest
Wed 11/199:00 amSJO - DSM
2 stops12h 35mSouthwest
Deal found 9/15$544
This American 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 American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 11/153:39 pmDSM - SJO
1 stop22h 31mAmerican Airlines
Wed 11/191:23 pmSJO - DSM
1 stop10h 07mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/15$555
This American 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 American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 12/13:31 pmDSM - SJO
1 stop7h 41mAmerican Airlines
Fri 12/1912:34 amSJO - DSM
1 stop10h 13mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/15$566
This American 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 American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 11/93:41 pmDSM - SJO
1 stop7h 18mAmerican Airlines
Sun 11/166:22 amSJO - DSM
1 stop16h 32mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/15$571
This American 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 American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 11/83:39 pmDSM - SJO
1 stop22h 31mAmerican Airlines
Sat 11/156:22 amSJO - DSM
2 stops11h 48mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/15$579

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Des Moines to San José 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 17, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Des Moines to San José that are best for you.

Fly from

Des Moines

Fly to

San José

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Thu 10/30

10:41 am-11:30 am

1 stop25h 49m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Thu 11/6

1:19 pm-2:58 pm

2 stops25h 39m

$375

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Fri 1/23

6:30 am-11:27 am

1 stop28h 57m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Sat 1/31

1:19 pm-10:09 pm

2 stops32h 50m

$526

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Thu 2/5

5:20 am-7:30 pm

2 stops14h 10m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Fri 2/13

1:50 pm-11:35 pm

2 stops9h 45m

$530

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Sat 1/24

5:58 pm-11:27 am

1 stop17h 29m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Sat 1/31

1:19 pm-10:09 pm

2 stops32h 50m

$542

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Sat 11/15

3:35 pm-1:15 pm

2 stops21h 40m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Wed 11/19

9:00 am-9:35 pm

2 stops12h 35m

$544

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Sat 11/15

3:39 pm-2:10 pm

1 stop22h 31m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Wed 11/19

1:23 pm-11:30 pm

1 stop10h 07m

$555

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Thu 2/5

6:48 pm-12:56 pm

1 stop18h 08m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Fri 2/13

12:35 pm-10:35 pm

1 stop10h 00m

$566

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Mon 3/16

6:45 pm-11:56 am

1 stop18h 11m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Mon 3/23

10:28 pm-10:20 am

2 stops10h 52m

$570

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Fri 1/23

5:55 am-7:40 pm

2 stops13h 45m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Fri 1/30

6:29 am-10:40 pm

1 stop16h 11m

$570

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Mon 10/6

8:00 am-11:30 am

2 stops28h 30m

$171

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 9/16

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

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

How far ahead should I book a flight from Des Moines to San José, San José Province?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from Des Moines to San José. Price data was last updated on September 12, 2025.

The best time to book flights from Des Moines to San José, San José Province is 2 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 Des Moines to San José, San José Province?

Currently, September is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to San José, San José Province (average of $398). Flying from Des Moines to San José, San José Province in March is currently the most expensive (average of $554). 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 SJO?

Find hourly flight availability from Des Moines to San José. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated September 17, 2025.

A simple way to save on the total cost of your ticket is to fly from Des Moines to San José, San José Province in the afternoon. If you’re flexible enough to do this you can expect to save up to 20% on your trip compared to booking a flight at noon.

Reviews of airlines servicing San José

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to San José. 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 San José. Reviews last updated September 17, 2025.
Read through reviews of airlines operating flights from Des Moines to San José, such as Delta, United Airlines, and American Airlines. Reviews also offer insight into each airline's entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Delta
8.0
Very good
7,961 reviews

Overall

8.0

Comfort

7.9

Crew

8.5

Food

7.3

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Kim,May 2025

PIH - SLC

This trip was fine even with delay I had plenty of time to get connection flight!
Delta
8.0
Very good
7,961 reviews
Delta
8.0
Very good
7,961 reviews

Overall

8.0

Comfort

7.9

Crew

8.5

Food

7.3

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Kim,May 2025

PIH - SLC

This trip was fine even with delay I had plenty of time to get connection flight!
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,926 reviews
Delta
8.0
Very good
7,961 reviews

Overall

8.0

Comfort

7.9

Crew

8.5

Food

7.3

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Kim,May 2025

PIH - SLC

This trip was fine even with delay I had plenty of time to get connection flight!
American Airlines
7.2
Good
10,000 reviews
Delta
8.0
Very good
7,961 reviews

Overall

8.0

Comfort

7.9

Crew

8.5

Food

7.3

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Kim,May 2025

PIH - SLC

This trip was fine even with delay I had plenty of time to get connection flight!

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Des Moines to San José. 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 Des Moines to San José, San José Province round-trip?

    Flying on Delta is currently your cheapest option to San José, San José Province, with prices starting at $289. Additional round-trip tickets that might be worth considering are offered by United Airlines and American Airlines, with the lowest prices starting at $525 and $530, respectively. Delta is currently priced 58% below the average price you’ll pay for this route.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Currently, September is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to San José, San José Province (average of $398). Flying from Des Moines to San José, San José Province in March is currently the most expensive (average of $554). 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 San José?

Book flights to San José if you plan to visit one of these locations
Heredia
Manuel Antonio
Alajuela
Monteverde
Jacó

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Alternative routes for Des Moines to San José

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
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Top 3 airlines flying from Des Moines to San José

Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Des Moines to San José. 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 17, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
DeltaCheapest$289Average$626FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
United AirlinesCheapest$525Average$734FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
American AirlinesCheapest$530Average$674FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%

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