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

As of November 2025, 2 flights take off from Des Moines and land in California each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 3:00PM, with 75% of daily flights taking off in the afternoon.

What airlines fly to California?

American Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest are the top three most popular airlines that fly to California from Des Moines according to our data. American Airlines is the first choice among our users, with 35% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to California. Keep in mind that there are 6 different airlines that fly to California on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

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

17 flights are operational weekly from Des Moines to California as of November 2025. The most popular departure day for this route is Thu, with 24% of flights per week taking off on this day.

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

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

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

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

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

There are 6 operators available for flights from Des Moines Airport to California as of November 2025.

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

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 Des Moines Airport to California.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to California?

The necessary travel and health documents for your California trip may vary depending on your travel plans and individual circumstances. Generally, you should have various documents, such as a national ID card or driver's license and a passport that is valid for six months beyond your scheduled arrival date. We recommend seeking advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.

$51 Cheap Flights from Des Moines to California in 2025/26

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Cheap round-trip flights

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2:35 pm - 11:59 pmDSM-SAN

11h 24m1 stop

9:14 pm - 7:44 pmSAN-DSM

20h 30m2 stops

$132Frontier

Find Deal

Tue, Dec 23 - Sun, Dec 28

7:58 pm - 12:24 amDSM-SFO

6h 26m1 stop

6:30 am - 7:03 pmSFO-DSM

10h 33m1 stop

$134Frontier

Find Deal

Fri, Dec 5 - Mon, Dec 8

8:30 am - 9:46 amDSM-LAS

3h 16mnonstop

10:36 am - 3:31 pmLAS-DSM

2h 55mnonstop

$157Allegiant Air

Find Deal

Sun, Dec 14 - Thu, Dec 18

7:00 am - 8:46 amDSM-SNA

3h 46mnonstop

9:36 am - 2:54 pmSNA-DSM

3h 18mnonstop

$164Allegiant Air

Find Deal

Thu, Dec 11 - Sun, Dec 14

6:15 pm - 11:55 pmDSM-LAS

7h 40m1 stop

10:45 am - 3:35 pmLAS-DSM

2h 50mnonstop

$187Southwest

Find Deal

Fri, Dec 12 - Wed, Dec 17

3:21 pm - 8:33 pmDSM-LAS

7h 12m1 stop

11:55 pm - 8:14 amLAS-DSM

6h 19m1 stop

$207American Airlines

Find Deal

Thu, Dec 4 - Thu, Dec 11

5:25 am - 11:10 amDSM-LAX

7h 45m1 stop

5:10 am - 12:30 pmLAX-DSM

5h 20m1 stop

$271Southwest

Find Deal

Sat, Dec 6 - Sat, Dec 13

5:10 am - 8:47 amDSM-SAN

5h 37m1 stop

3:06 pm - 11:44 pmSAN-DSM

6h 38m1 stop

$297American Airlines

Find Deal

Tue, Dec 2 - Sat, Dec 13

1:35 pm - 5:26 pmDSM-PSP

5h 51m1 stop

5:20 am - 12:31 pmPSP-DSM

5h 11m1 stop

$343United Airlines

Find Deal

Mon, Nov 24 - Thu, Nov 27

9:04 am - 12:45 pmDSM-PSP

5h 41m1 stop

11:00 am - 9:51 pmPSP-DSM

8h 51m2 stops

$352United Airlines

Find Deal

Fri, Feb 20 - Tue, Feb 24

American Airlines flights from Des Moines to California

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

American Airlines

Dec 4

DSM3:21 pmDes Moines

7h 12m

1 stop

LAS8:33 pmLas Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Dec 11

LAS11:55 pmLas Vegas Harry Reid Intl

6h 19m

1 stop

DSM8:14 amDes Moines

$207

Find similar

American Airlines

Dec 2

DSM5:10 amDes Moines

5h 37m

1 stop

SAN8:47 amSan Diego

Dec 13

SAN3:06 pmSan Diego

6h 38m

1 stop

DSM11:44 pmDes Moines

$297

Find similar

American Airlines

Jan 8

DSM4:00 pmDes Moines

7h 49m

2 stops

SNA9:49 pmSanta Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Jan 10

SNA6:45 amSanta Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

8h 21m

2 stops

DSM5:06 pmDes Moines

$311

Find similar

United Airlines flights from Des Moines to California

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

United Airlines

Nov 24

DSM1:35 pmDes Moines

5h 51m

1 stop

PSP5:26 pmPalm Springs

Nov 27

PSP5:20 amPalm Springs

5h 11m

1 stop

DSM12:31 pmDes Moines

$343

Find similar

United Airlines

Feb 20

DSM9:04 amDes Moines

5h 41m

1 stop

PSP12:45 pmPalm Springs

Feb 24

PSP11:00 amPalm Springs

8h 51m

2 stops

DSM9:51 pmDes Moines

$352

Find similar

United Airlines

Nov 14

DSM5:14 pmDes Moines

5h 33m

1 stop

LAX8:47 pmLos Angeles

Nov 14

LAX12:25 amLos Angeles

8h 17m

1 stop

DSM10:42 amDes Moines

$417

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Des MoinesSan Diego

DSM - SAN

DSMSAN

Des Moines

Tue 12/23

2:35 pm-11:59 pm

1 stop11h 24m

San Diego

Sun 12/28

9:14 pm-7:44 pm

2 stops20h 30m

$132

Des MoinesSan Francisco

DSM - SFO

DSMSFO

Des Moines

Fri 12/5

7:58 pm-12:24 am

1 stop6h 26m

San Francisco

Mon 12/8

6:30 am-7:03 pm

1 stop10h 33m

$134

Des MoinesLas Vegas

DSM - LAS

DSMLAS

Des Moines

Sun 12/14

8:30 am-9:46 am

Nonstop3h 16m

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Thu 12/18

10:36 am-3:31 pm

Nonstop2h 55m

$157

Des MoinesSanta Ana

DSM - SNA

DSMSNA

Des Moines

Thu 12/11

7:00 am-8:46 am

Nonstop3h 46m

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Sun 12/14

9:36 am-2:54 pm

Nonstop3h 18m

$164

Des MoinesLas Vegas

DSM - LAS

DSMLAS

Des Moines

Fri 12/12

6:15 pm-11:55 pm

1 stop7h 40m

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Wed 12/17

10:45 am-3:35 pm

Nonstop2h 50m

$187

Des MoinesLas Vegas

DSM - LAS

DSMLAS

Des Moines

Thu 12/4

3:21 pm-8:33 pm

1 stop7h 12m

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Thu 12/11

11:55 pm-8:14 am

1 stop6h 19m

$207

Des MoinesLos Angeles

DSM - LAX

DSMLAX

Des Moines

Sat 12/6

5:25 am-11:10 am

1 stop7h 45m

Los Angeles

Sat 12/13

5:10 am-12:30 pm

1 stop5h 20m

$271

Des MoinesSan Diego

DSM - SAN

DSMSAN

Des Moines

Tue 12/2

5:10 am-8:47 am

1 stop5h 37m

San Diego

Sat 12/13

3:06 pm-11:44 pm

1 stop6h 38m

$297

Des MoinesPalm Springs

DSM - PSP

DSMPSP

Des Moines

Mon 11/24

1:35 pm-5:26 pm

1 stop5h 51m

Palm Springs

Thu 11/27

5:20 am-12:31 pm

1 stop5h 11m

$343

Des MoinesPalm Springs

DSM - PSP

DSMPSP

Des Moines

Fri 2/20

9:04 am-12:45 pm

1 stop5h 41m

Palm Springs

Tue 2/24

11:00 am-9:51 pm

2 stops8h 51m

$352

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

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 California?

The month of July is another great option to travel to California, with average flight prices from Des Moines averaging around $358.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to California?

The cheapest day to depart from Des Moines to California is on a Monday. Travelers who choose to depart for California on a Monday will often find tickets for as low as $358. Be sure to avoid booking your departure on a Tuesday as prices are generally higher than usual. According to our data, the average ticket price to California on Tuesday is $693.

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

The cheapest time of day to fly to California is in the morning when flights can be purchased for as low as $202. If you have a flexible travel schedule, then try to avoid flying in the afternoon when prices are $446 on average. Flights to California from Des Moines in the afternoon are generally more expensive because this time of day is more convenient for travelers’ schedules.

What is the cheapest Des Moines to California flight route?

Fly from Des Moines to San Diego for the best Des Moines - California flight prices

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

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to California from Des Moines when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to California for around $385 when searching weeks out. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to California from Des Moines for as low as $282 on momondo.

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

There are 2 cabin classes available to choose from on Des Moines to California 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 Des Moines to California flights?

You could potentially save up to 27% on your flight if you consider stops on a Des Moines to California flight.

Cheap Des Moines to California flight deals and tips

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

Best Price Found	$192
Fastest flight time	3h 13m
Direct flights	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri and Sat
Airports in California	1 airport

The best one-way flight to California from Des Moines in the past 72 hours is $192. The best round-trip flight deal from Des Moines to California found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $166.

The fastest flight from Des Moines to California takes 3h 13m

Direct flights go from Des Moines to California on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Airlines offering direct flights are: Allegiant Air and American Airlines.

There is 1 airport near California: Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS)

Search flight deals

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Des Moines Airport to California?
Prices for flights from Des Moines Airport to California refresh daily.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from Des Moines Airport to California?
There are 6 operators available for flights from Des Moines Airport to California as of November 2025.
How old do you have to be to fly from Des Moines Airport to California?
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 Des Moines Airport to California.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to California?
The necessary travel and health documents for your California trip may vary depending on your travel plans and individual circumstances. Generally, you should have various documents, such as a national ID card or driver's license and a passport that is valid for six months beyond your scheduled arrival date. We recommend seeking advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.
What is the most popular plane model from Des Moines to California?
Based on momondo bookings for flights between Des Moines and California, the leading plane model is Embraer 175, making up 53.10% of the total bookings. Other popular models include Airbus A320-100/200 with 33.10%, Airbus A319 with 3.45%, and Boeing 737 MAX 8 with 2.76%.

Best airlines flying from Des Moines to California

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

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
Allegiant Air	PriceFrom $104	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 697 reviews	Search Allegiant Air flights
Frontier	PriceFrom $110	Free Cancellation	Rating 5.8 3,116 reviews	Search Frontier flights
Delta	PriceFrom $130	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 8,004 reviews	Search Delta flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $222	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,003 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $252	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 11,041 reviews	Search American Airlines flights
Southwest	PriceFrom $294	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.0 4,240 reviews	Search Southwest flights

Why use momondo?

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

To find the flight that best suits your needs, momondo gathers a range of flights from a large pool of different airlines and agents; you can then use our insights and filters to find and book the right flight to California from Des Moines.

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

Flights from Des Moines to California 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 Des Moines to California?

Once you have performed a search for Des Moines to California flights, momondo helps you find the right one by offering useful filters to narrow down your flight selection. Flights can be filtered by multiple factors such as airline, airport and price; but also by other criteria like aircraft type and payment method.

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

Yes momondo offers price alerts on flights to California from Des Moines. After performing a search on this page you should be able to see the price alert set up feature. Simply provide a valid email address and momondo will instantly alert you when prices change.

An easier way to manage your California 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.

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Find better results for your trip to California

Popular cities in California

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Cheap flights from Des Moines to California from $51

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Des Moines to California departing on 12/23. 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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American Airlines flights from Des Moines to California

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

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Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Des Moines to California that are best for you.

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

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

What is the cheapest month to fly to California?

The month of July is another great option to travel to California, with average flight prices from Des Moines averaging around $358.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to California?

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

What is the cheapest Des Moines to California flight route?

Fly from Des Moines to San Diego for the best Des Moines - California flight prices

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

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

There are 2 cabin classes available to choose from on Des Moines to California 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 Des Moines to California flights?

You could potentially save up to 27% on your flight if you consider stops on a Des Moines to California flight.

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

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

What airlines fly to California?

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

As of November 2025, 2 flights take off from Des Moines and land in California each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 3:00PM, with 75% of daily flights taking off in the afternoon.

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

17 flights are operational weekly from Des Moines to California as of November 2025. The most popular departure day for this route is Thu, with 24% of flights per week taking off on this day.

Cheap Des Moines to California flight deals and tips

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

Best Price Found

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in California

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

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

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

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to California?

What is the most popular plane model from Des Moines to California?

Best airlines flying from Des Moines to California

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

Why use momondo?

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

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

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

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

An easier way to manage your California 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 California

Popular cities in California

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