HomeSearch by dateVacation packagesHotelsFlight dealsCar rentalTravel tips & news
Des Moines

$57+ Cheap flights from California 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 3/15. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
LAX — DSM
feb. 25 — mar. 41
mar. 2/25
mar. 3/4
1 adult, Economy
We work with more than 300 partners to bring you better travel deals

Find cheap flights from California to Des Moines with Cheapflights

1. Tell us where you want to go
Enter your travel information like dates, passengers, trip type (one-way or round trip), and preferred cabin class then click “Find deals”
2. Select your favorite providers
We find the providers serving your travel needs. Choose up to four travel providers to compare side-by-side for flights, hotels, or car rentals.
3. Compare prices and book
Review each provider’s pricing and select the best option for you! Book through your favorite provider’s website for a seamless experience.

Cheap flight deals from California to Des Moines

Keep the following information in mind while searching for California to Des Moines flight deals. Data was last updated febrero 20, 2025.

Most accurate provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Most trusted provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Round-trip from

$96
(Gotogate)

One-way from

$57
(Mytrip)

Popular in

February

Cheapest in

July

Average price

$795

Good round-trip deal

$80 or less

Good one-way deal

$64 or less
Provider with most accurate pricing for Los Angeles-Des Moines flight deals.
Search Deals
Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Los Angeles-Des Moines flights.
Search Deals
From California to Des Moines
Search Deals
One-way flight from California to Des Moines
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 20% potential increase in price ($113 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 8% potential price decrease ($33 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in February 2025
Search Deals
Price to beat on a round-trip flight from California to Des Moines.
Search Deals
Price to beat on a one-way flight from California to Des Moines.
Search Deals

Find flight deals from California to Des Moines

Cheapest flights from California to Des Moines
Explore the most affordable flight options available from California to Des Moines. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on febrero 20, 2025.

This Gotogate deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/20. 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 Gotogate is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
vie. 4/114:49 pmLAS - DSM
Nonstop2h 58mAllegiant Air
dom. 4/203:44 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 09mAllegiant Air
Deal found 2/20$96
This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/20. 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 Cheapflightsfares is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
jue. 4/39:05 amSNA - DSM
Nonstop3h 22mAllegiant Air
dom. 4/66:33 amDSM - SNA
Nonstop3h 42mAllegiant Air
Deal found 2/20$108
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/19. 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.
jue. 4/102:35 pmLAX - DSM
1 stop26h 42mFrontier
lun. 4/148:17 pmDSM - LAX
1 stop6h 08mFrontier
Deal found 2/19$120
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/20. 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 Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
jue. 4/1012:59 amLAS - DSM
1 stop16h 18mMultiple Airlines
dom. 4/203:44 pmDSM - LAS
Nonstop3h 09mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 2/20$131
This Frontier deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/19. 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 Frontier is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
lun. 3/106:00 amSFO - DSM
1 stop11h 17mFrontier
mié. 3/198:17 pmDSM - SFO
1 stop6h 26mFrontier
Deal found 2/19$150
This Frontier deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/19. 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 Frontier is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
dom. 3/166:25 amSAN - DSM
1 stop11h 20mFrontier
lun. 3/248:17 pmDSM - SAN
1 stop6h 03mFrontier
Deal found 2/19$150
This Frontier deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/19. 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 Frontier is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
vie. 3/146:00 amLAS - DSM
1 stop11h 17mFrontier
lun. 3/178:17 pmDSM - LAS
1 stop5h 37mFrontier
Deal found 2/19$160
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/20. 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 Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
mar. 3/1812:59 amONT - DSM
1 stop16h 18mFrontier
dom. 3/308:35 pmDSM - ONT
1 stop5h 24mFrontier
Deal found 2/20$172
This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/19. 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 Cheapflightsfares is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
vie. 6/276:30 amLAX - DSM
Nonstop3h 21mAllegiant Air
lun. 6/3012:41 pmDSM - LAX
Nonstop3h 42mAllegiant Air
Deal found 2/19$174
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/18. 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 Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
jue. 4/109:21 pmBUR - DSM
1 stop22h 26mMultiple Airlines
lun. 4/142:50 pmDSM - BUR
1 stop22h 53mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 2/18$182
This Booking.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/20. 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 Booking.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
jue. 3/279:22 amSNA - DSM
Nonstop3h 18mMultiple Airlines
dom. 3/308:35 pmDSM - SNA
1 stop16h 55mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 2/20$203
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/19. 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 Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
jue. 3/275:35 amLAX - DSM
1 stop11h 42mMultiple Airlines
dom. 3/303:30 pmDSM - LAX
1 stop26h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 2/19$218

Find flights from California to Des Moines within your budget

Customize your flight search to find flights from California 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 febrero 20, 2025.

Fly from

California

Fly to

Des Moines

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS - DSM

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

vie. 4/11

4:49 pm-9:47 pm

Nonstop2h 58m

Des Moines

dom. 4/20

3:44 pm-4:53 pm

Nonstop3h 09m

$96

Santa AnaDes Moines

SNA - DSM

SNADSM

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

jue. 4/3

9:05 am-2:27 pm

Nonstop3h 22m

Des Moines

dom. 4/6

6:33 am-8:15 am

Nonstop3h 42m

$108

Los AngelesDes Moines

LAX - DSM

LAXDSM

Los Angeles

jue. 4/10

2:35 pm-7:17 pm

1 stop26h 42m

Des Moines

lun. 4/14

8:17 pm-12:25 am

1 stop6h 08m

$120

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS - DSM

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

jue. 4/10

12:59 am-7:17 pm

1 stop16h 18m

Des Moines

dom. 4/20

3:44 pm-4:53 pm

Nonstop3h 09m

$131

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO - DSM

SFODSM

San Francisco

lun. 3/10

6:00 am-7:17 pm

1 stop11h 17m

Des Moines

mié. 3/19

8:17 pm-12:43 am

1 stop6h 26m

$150

San DiegoDes Moines

SAN - DSM

SANDSM

San Diego

dom. 3/16

6:25 am-7:45 pm

1 stop11h 20m

Des Moines

lun. 3/24

8:17 pm-12:20 am

1 stop6h 03m

$150

Las VegasDes Moines

LAS - DSM

LASDSM

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

vie. 3/14

6:00 am-7:17 pm

1 stop11h 17m

Des Moines

lun. 3/17

8:17 pm-11:54 pm

1 stop5h 37m

$160

OntarioDes Moines

ONT - DSM

ONTDSM

Ontario

mar. 3/18

12:59 am-7:17 pm

1 stop16h 18m

Des Moines

dom. 3/30

8:35 pm-11:59 pm

1 stop5h 24m

$172

Los AngelesDes Moines

LAX - DSM

LAXDSM

Los Angeles

vie. 6/27

6:30 am-11:51 am

Nonstop3h 21m

Des Moines

lun. 6/30

12:41 pm-2:23 pm

Nonstop3h 42m

$174

BurbankDes Moines

BUR - DSM

BURDSM

Burbank Bob Hope

jue. 4/10

9:21 pm-9:47 pm

1 stop22h 26m

Des Moines

lun. 4/14

2:50 pm-11:43 am

1 stop22h 53m

$182

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 2/19

Showing 1-10 of 60 results
1
2
3
...
6

Best time to book a flight from California to Des Moines

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

Travel insights for flights from California to Des Moines

Get recent, data-driven insights about flights from California to Des Moines including ideal travel times, pricing trends, and more.

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

Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from California to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from California to Des Moines in June is currently the most expensive (average of $422). 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 CA to DSM?

Find hourly flight availability from California 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 febrero 20, 2025.

When flying from California to Des Moines, the time of day you decide to fly out makes little to no difference towards the overall price you’ll pay on tickets.

Rainfall in Des Moines by month

Plan your trip to Des Moines by taking into account the average rainfall totals by month.

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in Des Moines ranges from 1.0 - 4.9 inches per month. June is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 4.9 in. January is typically the driest time to visit Des Moines when rainfall is around 1.0 in.

Temperature in Des Moines by month

Plan your trip to Des Moines by taking into account the average temperature totals by month.

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Des Moines, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 77.0 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 23.0 F).

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 febrero 20, 2025.
Get a feel of what it's like to fly with Southwest, Alaska Airlines and Delta from California to Des Moines by reading reviews from past customers. In addition to providing an overall rating, users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Southwest
8.1
Very good
4,411 reviews

Comfort

8.1

Overall

8.1

Crew

8.7

Food

7.1

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.6

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,Feb 2025

MCO - STL

Cancelled at last minute, SWA unable to assist in formulating alternate plans. Wound up renting a car and driving 13 hours to beat bad weather forecast at home. Not SWA’s fault that there was significant bad weather across the country.

Southwest
8.1
Very good
4,411 reviews
Southwest
8.1
Very good
4,411 reviews

Comfort

8.1

Overall

8.1

Crew

8.7

Food

7.1

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.6

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,Feb 2025

MCO - STL

Cancelled at last minute, SWA unable to assist in formulating alternate plans. Wound up renting a car and driving 13 hours to beat bad weather forecast at home. Not SWA’s fault that there was significant bad weather across the country.

Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
9,692 reviews
Southwest
8.1
Very good
4,411 reviews

Comfort

8.1

Overall

8.1

Crew

8.7

Food

7.1

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.6

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,Feb 2025

MCO - STL

Cancelled at last minute, SWA unable to assist in formulating alternate plans. Wound up renting a car and driving 13 hours to beat bad weather forecast at home. Not SWA’s fault that there was significant bad weather across the country.

Delta
8.0
Very good
8,220 reviews
Southwest
8.1
Very good
4,411 reviews

Comfort

8.1

Overall

8.1

Crew

8.7

Food

7.1

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.6

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,Feb 2025

MCO - STL

Cancelled at last minute, SWA unable to assist in formulating alternate plans. Wound up renting a car and driving 13 hours to beat bad weather forecast at home. Not SWA’s fault that there was significant bad weather across the country.

United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,766 reviews
Southwest
8.1
Very good
4,411 reviews

Comfort

8.1

Overall

8.1

Crew

8.7

Food

7.1

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.6

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,Feb 2025

MCO - STL

Cancelled at last minute, SWA unable to assist in formulating alternate plans. Wound up renting a car and driving 13 hours to beat bad weather forecast at home. Not SWA’s fault that there was significant bad weather across the country.

Allegiant Air
7.3
Good
765 reviews
Southwest
8.1
Very good
4,411 reviews

Comfort

8.1

Overall

8.1

Crew

8.7

Food

7.1

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.6

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,Feb 2025

MCO - STL

Cancelled at last minute, SWA unable to assist in formulating alternate plans. Wound up renting a car and driving 13 hours to beat bad weather forecast at home. Not SWA’s fault that there was significant bad weather across the country.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from California 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 airport do you fly into for flights to Des Moines from California?

    Des Moines (DSM) is the airport you will fly into if you book a flight from California to Des Moines. It is only a 3.6 mi journey from Des Moines (DSM) to Des Moines’s city center.

  • How popular is this California to Des Moines flight route?

    Flights from California to Des Moines have been viewed 2 times in the past calendar month.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from California to Des Moines one-way?

    One-way options have recently been found by users for as low as $57 on Frontier. Other airlines that offer cheap prices include Allegiant Air from $65 and Southwest from $145 one-way.

  • What are the most popular routes from California to Des Moines?

    The most popular route from California to Des Moines is San Francisco - Des Moines. You may also consider Ontario - Des Moines or Los Angeles - Des Moines.

  • What are the cheapest flights from California to Des Moines?

    Looking at all options, your cheapest flight can be booked for $101. While the most popular route (San Francisco - Des Moines) can be booked for $259 on average our data indicates $152 when flying from California to Des Moines.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from California to Des Moines (average of $336). Flying from California to Des Moines in June is currently the most expensive (average of $422). 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 California?

Book flights to California if you plan to visit one of these locations
Ames
Altoona
Johnston
Boone
West Des Moines

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on Cheapflights for your next trip.

Alternative routes for California to Des Moines

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
Dallas/Fort Worth to Omaha flights
Denver to Omaha flights
John F Kennedy Intl to Omaha flights
Seattle to Omaha flights
Newark to Omaha flights
O'Hare Intl to Omaha flights
Denver to Des Moines flights
LaGuardia to Omaha flights
Reagan-National to Omaha flights
O'Hare Intl to Des Moines flights
Denver to Cedar Rapids flights
San Francisco to Omaha flights
Seattle to Des Moines flights
LaGuardia to Des Moines flights
Reagan-National to Des Moines flights
John F Kennedy Intl to Des Moines flights
Atlanta to Omaha flights
Atlanta to Des Moines flights
Dulles Intl to Des Moines flights
Sky Harbor Intl to Omaha flights
Sky Harbor Intl to Des Moines flights
Los Angeles to Omaha flights
San Francisco to Des Moines flights
Detroit to Omaha flights
Minneapolis to Omaha flights
Portland to Omaha flights
Seattle to Moline flights
Baltimore to Des Moines flights
Dulles Intl to Omaha flights
Love Field to Omaha flights
Dulles Intl to Cedar Rapids flights
Charlotte to Des Moines flights
Philadelphia to Omaha flights
Dallas/Fort Worth to Des Moines flights
Seattle to Cedar Rapids flights
Sky Harbor Intl to Cedar Rapids flights
Baltimore to Cedar Rapids flights
Ontario to Omaha flights
Newark to Des Moines flights
Hobby to Omaha flights
Baltimore to Omaha flights
Salt Lake City to Omaha flights
Los Angeles to Cedar Rapids flights
Ontario to Des Moines flights
Denver to Moline flights
San Diego to Omaha flights
San Antonio to Omaha flights
Boston to Omaha flights
Hobby to Des Moines flights
Midway to Des Moines flights

Top 6 airlines flying from California to Des Moines

Discover the top 6 airlines that operate flights from California 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 febrero 20, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Allegiant AirCheapest$94Average$214FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time88%
FrontierCheapest$108Average$243FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
DeltaCheapest$277Average$425FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
American AirlinesCheapest$287Average$450FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$294Average$574FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
SouthwestCheapest$306Average$462FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
100% Free
Cheapflights is completely free to use, so you can start saving the moment you arrive.
Book with Flexibility
Our users can plan ahead with confidence and find flights with no change fees
Travel Smart
Millions of people come to us for their flight needs every year. We help make travel planning easy by providing useful insights and data-driven graphs that can inform your decisions.