What is the cheapest airline that flies from California to Des Moines?

Frontier, American Airlines, and Allegiant Air are the most popular carriers operating from California to Des Moines

What airlines fly to Des Moines?

American Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Des Moines from California according to our data. American Airlines is the first choice among our users, with 52% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to Des Moines. Keep in mind that there are 7 different airlines that fly to Des Moines on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

How long does it take to fly to Des Moines?

If you’re flying from a popular airport in California, such as Santa Ana or Los Angeles, and flying into Des Moines, then you can expect flight times to average 3h 13m and 3h 30m, respectively.

How many flights depart from California to Des Moines on average per day?

As of November 2026, 1 flights take off from California and land in Des Moines each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 1:00PM, with 100% of daily flights taking off in the afternoon.

How many flights depart from California to Des Moines on average per week?

The number of flights available between California and Des Moines is 7 per week as of November 2026. The most frequent departure day is Mon, with 14% of weekly flights leaving on this day.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from California to Des Moines Airport?

Prices for flights from California to Des Moines Airport refresh daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from California to Des Moines Airport?

As of November 2026, there are 7 operators available to choose from for flights from California to Des Moines Airport.

How old do you have to be to fly from California to Des Moines Airport?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their own age limitations. Flight duration, scheduling, and layovers are among the considerations that may influence age limits. We recommend that you double-check with the airline you are booking with for travel from California to Des Moines Airport.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Des Moines Airport?

The required travel and health documents for your Des Moines Airport trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's license and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at Des Moines Airport. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.

$95 Cheap Flights from California to Des Moines in 2026/27

Discover deals from 900+ travel sites with momondo.

Find the cheapest flights from California to Des Moines

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

9:46 am - 2:59 pmSNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty-DSM Des Moines

3h 13mnonstop

7:00 am - 8:56 amDSM Des Moines-SNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

3h 56mnonstop

$189Allegiant Air

Thu, Apr 15 - Sun, Apr 18

9:10 pm - 9:01 pmSFO San Francisco-DSM Des Moines

21h 51m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

10:07 pm - 10:37 pmDSM Des Moines-SFO San Francisco

26h 30m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

$202Multiple Airlines

Thu, Jan 7 - Sun, Jan 10

11:06 am - 9:01 pmSFO San Francisco-DSM Des Moines

7h 55m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

10:07 pm - 10:37 pmDSM Des Moines-SFO San Francisco

26h 30m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

$202Multiple Airlines

Fri, Jan 8 - Sun, Jan 10

1:37 pm - 7:10 pmLAX Los Angeles-DSM Des Moines

3h 33mnonstop

7:40 pm - 9:43 pmDSM Des Moines-LAX Los Angeles

4h 03mnonstop

$227American Airlines

Sat, Dec 5 - Sun, Dec 13

1:37 pm - 7:10 pmLAX Los Angeles-DSM Des Moines

3h 33mnonstop

7:40 pm - 9:43 pmDSM Des Moines-LAX Los Angeles

4h 03mnonstop

$227American Airlines

Tue, Dec 8 - Mon, Dec 14

4:16 pm - 7:31 pmLAX Los Angeles-DSM Des Moines

25h 15m1 stop Denver Intl

8:26 pm - 4:04 pmDSM Des Moines-LAX Los Angeles

21h 38m1 stop Denver Intl

$236Frontier

Wed, Dec 16 - Thu, Dec 24

6:55 am - 2:10 pmLAX Los Angeles-DSM Des Moines

5h 15m1 stop Denver Intl

6:30 pm - 10:30 pmDSM Des Moines-LAX Los Angeles

6h 00m1 stop Denver Intl

$247Southwest

Wed, Jan 20 - Thu, Jan 21

6:00 am - 7:31 pmLAX Los Angeles-DSM Des Moines

11h 31m1 stop Denver Intl

8:26 pm - 12:21 amDSM Des Moines-LAX Los Angeles

5h 55m1 stop Denver Intl

$249Frontier

Thu, Dec 17 - Thu, Dec 24

5:15 am - 1:40 pmLAX Los Angeles-DSM Des Moines

6h 25m2 stops Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Denver Intl

6:40 am - 10:10 amDSM Des Moines-LAX Los Angeles

5h 30m1 stop Denver Intl

$252Southwest

Sat, Dec 5 - Sun, Dec 13

5:12 pm - 10:31 pmSNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty-DSM Des Moines

3h 19mnonstop

2:32 pm - 4:22 pmDSM Des Moines-SNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

3h 50mnonstop

$270Allegiant Air

Fri, Dec 18 - Mon, Jan 4

Cheap last minute flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

4:10 pm - 9:27 pmSNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty-DSM Des Moines

3h 17mnonstop

2:50 pm - 4:34 pmDSM Des Moines-SNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

3h 44mnonstop

$218Allegiant Air

Sun, Nov 8 - Mon, Nov 23

4:10 pm - 9:27 pmSNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty-DSM Des Moines

3h 17mnonstop

9:31 pm - 5:59 pmDSM Des Moines-SNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

22h 28m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

$312Multiple Airlines

Sun, Nov 8 - Mon, Nov 23

4:50 pm - 10:07 pmSNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty-DSM Des Moines

3h 17mnonstop

8:04 pm - 3:03 pmDSM Des Moines-SNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

20h 59m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

$326Multiple Airlines

Thu, Nov 5 - Mon, Nov 16

6:15 am - 7:35 pmLAX Los Angeles-DSM Des Moines

11h 20m1 stop Denver Intl

8:30 pm - 2:29 pmDSM Des Moines-LAX Los Angeles

19h 59m1 stop Denver Intl

$370Frontier

Fri, Nov 6 - Fri, Nov 13

6:02 am - 7:35 pmSFO San Francisco-DSM Des Moines

11h 33m1 stop Denver Intl

8:45 pm - 9:39 amDSM Des Moines-SFO San Francisco

14h 54m1 stop Denver Intl

$375Frontier

Fri, Nov 6 - Sun, Dec 6

10:34 am - 7:14 pmFAT Fresno Airterminal-DSM Des Moines

6h 40m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

2:45 pm - 7:49 amDSM Des Moines-FAT Fresno Airterminal

19h 04m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

$436Allegiant Air

Mon, Nov 9 - Wed, Nov 11

6:45 am - 1:40 pmLAX Los Angeles-DSM Des Moines

4h 55m1 stop Denver Intl

6:00 pm - 10:25 pmDSM Des Moines-LAX Los Angeles

6h 25m1 stop Denver Intl

$455Southwest

Sat, Nov 7 - Sat, Nov 7

4:17 pm - 11:42 pmLAX Los Angeles-DSM Des Moines

5h 25m1 stop Denver Intl

11:23 am - 5:35 pmDSM Des Moines-LAX Los Angeles

8h 12m1 stop Chicago O'Hare Intl

$465United Airlines

Fri, Nov 6 - Sat, Nov 7

2:21 pm - 10:59 pmLAX Los Angeles-DSM Des Moines

6h 38m1 stop Chicago O'Hare Intl

5:30 am - 9:34 amDSM Des Moines-LAX Los Angeles

6h 04m1 stop Denver Intl

$465United Airlines

Fri, Nov 6 - Sat, Nov 7

12:25 pm - 8:50 pmLAX Los Angeles-DSM Des Moines

6h 25m1 stop Denver Intl

1:50 pm - 5:00 pmDSM Des Moines-LAX Los Angeles

5h 10m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl

$494Southwest

Wed, Nov 4 - Fri, Nov 6

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Frontier flights from California to Des Moines

Our best Frontier deals on California to Des Moines flight tickets

Frontier

Dec 16

LAX4:16 pmLos Angeles

25h 15m

1 stop

DSM7:31 pmDes Moines

Dec 24

DSM8:26 pmDes Moines

21h 38m

1 stop

LAX4:04 pmLos Angeles

$236

Frontier

Dec 17

LAX6:00 amLos Angeles

11h 31m

1 stop

DSM7:31 pmDes Moines

Dec 24

DSM8:26 pmDes Moines

5h 55m

1 stop

LAX12:21 amLos Angeles

$249

Frontier

Dec 17

LAX6:00 amLos Angeles

11h 31m

1 stop

DSM7:31 pmDes Moines

Dec 24

DSM8:26 pmDes Moines

21h 38m

1 stop

LAX4:04 pmLos Angeles

$253

American Airlines flights from California to Des Moines

Our best American Airlines deals on California to Des Moines flight tickets

American Airlines

Dec 5

LAX1:37 pmLos Angeles

3h 33m

DSM7:10 pmDes Moines

Dec 13

DSM7:40 pmDes Moines

4h 03m

LAX9:43 pmLos Angeles

$227

American Airlines

Dec 4

LAX12:55 amLos Angeles

6h 20m

1 stop

DSM9:15 amDes Moines

Dec 13

DSM7:40 pmDes Moines

4h 03m

LAX9:43 pmLos Angeles

$281

American Airlines

Dec 16

LAX1:37 pmLos Angeles

3h 33m

DSM7:10 pmDes Moines

Dec 23

DSM9:11 pmDes Moines

4h 05m

LAX11:16 pmLos Angeles

$283

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest round-trip

Quickest round-trip

Santa AnaDes Moines

SNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty - DSM Des Moines

SNADSM

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Thu 4/15

9:46 am-2:59 pm

Nonstop3h 13m

Des Moines

Sun 4/18

7:00 am-8:56 am

Nonstop3h 56m

$189

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO San Francisco - DSM Des Moines

SFODSM

San Francisco

Thu 1/7

9:10 pm-9:01 pm

1 stop21h 51m

Des Moines

Sun 1/10

10:07 pm-10:37 pm

1 stop26h 30m

$202

San FranciscoDes Moines

SFO San Francisco - DSM Des Moines

SFODSM

San Francisco

Fri 1/8

11:06 am-9:01 pm

1 stop7h 55m

Des Moines

Sun 1/10

10:07 pm-10:37 pm

1 stop26h 30m

$202

Los AngelesDes Moines

LAX Los Angeles - DSM Des Moines

LAXDSM

Los Angeles

Sat 12/5

1:37 pm-7:10 pm

Nonstop3h 33m

Des Moines

Sun 12/13

7:40 pm-9:43 pm

Nonstop4h 03m

$227

Los AngelesDes Moines

LAX Los Angeles - DSM Des Moines

LAXDSM

Los Angeles

Tue 12/8

1:37 pm-7:10 pm

Nonstop3h 33m

Des Moines

Mon 12/14

7:40 pm-9:43 pm

Nonstop4h 03m

$227

Los AngelesDes Moines

LAX Los Angeles - DSM Des Moines

LAXDSM

Los Angeles

Wed 12/16

4:16 pm-7:31 pm

1 stop25h 15m

Des Moines

Thu 12/24

8:26 pm-4:04 pm

1 stop21h 38m

$236

Los AngelesDes Moines

LAX Los Angeles - DSM Des Moines

LAXDSM

Los Angeles

Wed 1/20

6:55 am-2:10 pm

1 stop5h 15m

Des Moines

Thu 1/21

6:30 pm-10:30 pm

1 stop6h 00m

$247

Los AngelesDes Moines

LAX Los Angeles - DSM Des Moines

LAXDSM

Los Angeles

Thu 12/17

6:00 am-7:31 pm

1 stop11h 31m

Des Moines

Thu 12/24

8:26 pm-12:21 am

1 stop5h 55m

$249

Los AngelesDes Moines

LAX Los Angeles - DSM Des Moines

LAXDSM

Los Angeles

Sat 12/5

5:15 am-1:40 pm

2 stops6h 25m

Des Moines

Sun 12/13

6:40 am-10:10 am

1 stop5h 30m

$252

Santa AnaDes Moines

SNA Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty - DSM Des Moines

SNADSM

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Fri 12/18

5:12 pm-10:31 pm

Nonstop3h 19m

Des Moines

Mon 1/4

2:32 pm-4:22 pm

Nonstop3h 50m

$270

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from California to Des Moines

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to Des Moines?

If you’re not able to fly to Des Moines in September, then February is your next best option. Flight prices from California to Des Moines during February average around $386.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Des Moines?

The cheapest day to depart from California to Des Moines is on a Tuesday. Travelers who choose to depart for Des Moines on a Tuesday will often find tickets for as low as $375. Flights from California to Des Moines on a Sunday will generally be more expensive and average around $566. Keep in mind that these prices on both days could fluctuate depending on the season and the demand.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Des Moines?

According to our data, the cheapest time of day to fly to Des Moines is in the morning. momondo users have found flights departing from California to Des Moines in the morning for as low as $384. Keep in mind that these prices may fluctuate based on what airline you choose and the time of year you plan to travel. Try not to purchase tickets at noon because they tend to be around $454. Of course, these prices can vary depending on the time of year and what airport you fly to.

What is the cheapest California to Des Moines flight route?

Fly from Hollywood Burbank to Des Moines for the best California - Des Moines flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight from California to Des Moines?

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Des Moines from California when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Des Moines for around $413 when searching weeks out. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to Des Moines from California for as low as $312 on momondo.

What cabin class options are available on California to Des Moines flights?

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on California to Des Moines flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Can stopping save me money on California to Des Moines flights?

No. A direct flight is the cheapest option for a flight between California to Des Moines.

Cheap California to Des Moines flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from California to Des Moines

Best Price Found	$95
Fastest flight time	2h 50m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in Des Moines	1 airport

The best one-way flight to Des Moines from California in the past 72 hours is $95. The best round-trip flight deal from California to Des Moines found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $189.

The fastest flight from California to Des Moines takes 2h 50m

Direct flights go from California to Des Moines every day.

There is 1 airport in Des Moines. From California there are direct flights to Des Moines (DSM).

Search flight deals

Frequently asked questions about flying from California to Des Moines

When did momondo last update prices for flights from California to Des Moines Airport?
Prices for flights from California to Des Moines Airport refresh daily.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from California to Des Moines Airport?
As of November 2026, there are 7 operators available to choose from for flights from California to Des Moines Airport.
How old do you have to be to fly from California to Des Moines Airport?
The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their own age limitations. Flight duration, scheduling, and layovers are among the considerations that may influence age limits. We recommend that you double-check with the airline you are booking with for travel from California to Des Moines Airport.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Des Moines Airport?
The required travel and health documents for your Des Moines Airport trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's license and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at Des Moines Airport. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.
What is the most popular plane model from California to Des Moines?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked plane model on the route from California to Des Moines is Embraer 175, representing 52.63% of all bookings. The subsequent popular models are Airbus A320-100/200 at 16.37%, Canadair (Bombardier) Regional Jet 700 at 7.60%, and Boeing 737-800 at 4.09%.

Best airlines flying from California to Des Moines

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from California to Des Moines with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
Allegiant Air	PriceFrom $70	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.3 679 reviews	Search Allegiant Air flights
Frontier	PriceFrom $95	Free Cancellation	Rating 5.5 2,512 reviews	Search Frontier flights
Southwest	PriceFrom $198	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.0 4,215 reviews	Search Southwest flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $208	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.0 12,234 reviews	Search American Airlines flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $213	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.3 10,462 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
JetBlue	PriceFrom $224	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.1 3,065 reviews	Search JetBlue flights
Delta	PriceFrom $262	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.8 8,698 reviews	Search Delta flights

West Des Moines

Ames

Ankeny

Clive

Altoona

Pella

Urbandale

Osceola

Boone

Johnston

Newton

Oskaloosa

Grinnell

Norwalk

Carlisle

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from California to Des Moines?

momondo compares prices from hundreds of airlines and agents so you can find and book the best deal on flights from California to Des Moines. Millions of users trust and use momondo every year so you are in good hands.

Can I find flights from California to Des Moines with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Flights from California to Des Moines with flexible booking policies can be found by using the search form above and then selecting our dedicated flexible booking filter, which will highlight only the flights where this policy is applied.

How can momondo help me find flights from California to Des Moines?

momondo offers useful filters to help you find the right flight. Choose specific flight times, airports or even what payment method you prefer. We have numerous options to help you book your ideal flight from California to Des Moines.

I’m not ready to book a flight from California to Des Moines right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Price alerts on flights to Des Moines from California are quick and easy to set up on momondo. Simply perform a search and select the price alert feature. It is as simple as that.

An easier way to manage your Des Moines trip

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Cheap flights from California to Des Moines from $95

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from California to Des Moines departing on 12/24. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

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Frontier flights from California to Des Moines

Our best Frontier deals on California to Des Moines flight tickets

American Airlines flights from California to Des Moines

Our best American Airlines deals on California to Des Moines flight tickets

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How to get the cheapest flight ticket from California to Des Moines

What is the cheapest month to fly to Des Moines?

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Des Moines?

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Des Moines?

What is the cheapest California to Des Moines flight route?

How far in advance should I book a flight from California to Des Moines?

What cabin class options are available on California to Des Moines flights?

Can stopping save me money on California to Des Moines flights?

What is the cheapest airline that flies from California to Des Moines?

What airlines fly to Des Moines?

How many flights depart from California to Des Moines on average per day?

How many flights depart from California to Des Moines on average per week?

How long does it take to fly to Des Moines?

Cheap California to Des Moines flight deals and tips

Best Price Found

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Des Moines

Frequently asked questions about flying from California to Des Moines

Best airlines flying from California to Des Moines

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from California to Des Moines with momondo

Traveling to a place near Des Moines?

Why use momondo?

An easier way to manage your Des Moines trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

Find better results for your trip to the United States

Airports servicing Iowa

Fly your favorite airline to Des Moines

Airlines are sorted and displayed according to clicks in the past 7 days on momondo

Cabin classes currently available on flights to Des Moines

List of cabin classes available on flights landing in Des Moines. Availability may vary depending on flight origin and airline.

Popular cities in the United States

Popular flights according to clicks in the last 7 days on momondo

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