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

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

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

As of December 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 57% 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 38% 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?

18 flights are operational weekly from Des Moines to California as of December 2025. The most popular departure day for this route is Mon, with 28% of flights per week taking off on this day.

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 December 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.

$54 Cheap Flights from Des Moines to California in 2025/26

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One-way

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Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

7:15 am - 9:15 am

DSM

SNA

4h 00mnonstop

10:05 am - 3:24 pm

SNA

DSM

3h 19mnonstop

$108Allegiant Air

Mon, Feb 16 - Fri, Feb 20

7:00 am - 8:47 am

DSM

SNA

3h 47mnonstop

9:37 am - 3:03 pm

SNA

DSM

3h 26mnonstop

$127Allegiant Air

Sun, Jan 25 - Thu, Jan 29

3:25 pm - 5:26 pm

DSM

LAX

4h 01mnonstop

9:15 am - 2:50 pm

LAX

DSM

3h 35mnonstop

$275American Airlines

Wed, Jan 21 - Sat, Jan 24

3:25 pm - 5:26 pm

DSM

LAX

4h 01mnonstop

9:15 am - 2:50 pm

LAX

DSM

3h 35mnonstop

$276American Airlines

Tue, Feb 3 - Tue, Feb 10

4:21 pm - 9:28 pm

DSM

SJC

7h 07m1 stop

10:45 pm - 10:41 am

SJC

DSM

9h 56m1 stop

$317Delta

Wed, Jan 14 - Wed, Jan 21

4:21 pm - 10:55 pm

DSM

SJC

8h 34m2 stops

10:45 pm - 10:41 am

SJC

DSM

9h 56m1 stop

$322Delta

Wed, Jan 14 - Wed, Jan 21

5:09 pm - 9:08 pm

DSM

PSP

5h 59m1 stop

5:15 am - 12:52 pm

PSP

DSM

5h 37m1 stop

$323United Airlines

Sun, Jan 18 - Sun, Jan 25

8:00 am - 3:09 pm

DSM

PSP

9h 09m2 stops

5:15 am - 12:52 pm

PSP

DSM

5h 37m1 stop

$328United Airlines

Sun, Jan 18 - Sun, Jan 25

12:05 pm - 7:50 pm

DSM

PSP

9h 45m2 stops

12:45 pm - 9:20 pm

PSP

DSM

6h 35m1 stop

$372Southwest

Tue, Jan 13 - Fri, Jan 16

2:20 pm - 8:00 pm

DSM

SMF

7h 40m1 stop

12:30 pm - 9:20 pm

SMF

DSM

6h 50m1 stop

$385Southwest

Mon, Feb 9 - Mon, Feb 23

Delta flights from Des Moines to California

Our best Delta deals on Des Moines to California flight tickets

Delta

Jan 21

DSM5:16 pmDes Moines

8h 35m

1 stop

LAX11:51 pmLos Angeles

Jan 24

LAX10:20 pmLos Angeles

9h 21m

1 stop

DSM9:41 amDes Moines

$295

Find similar

Delta

Jan 21

DSM4:21 pmDes Moines

7h 19m

1 stop

LAX9:40 pmLos Angeles

Jan 25

LAX8:00 amLos Angeles

7h 08m

1 stop

DSM5:08 pmDes Moines

$314

Find similar

Delta

Jan 21

DSM12:25 pmDes Moines

8h 36m

1 stop

SAN7:01 pmSan Diego

Jan 25

SAN10:30 pmSan Diego

10h 11m

1 stop

DSM10:41 amDes Moines

$316

Find similar

Southwest flights from Des Moines to California

Our best Southwest deals on Des Moines to California flight tickets

Southwest

Jan 17

DSM5:45 amDes Moines

10h 15m

2 stops

LAX2:00 pmLos Angeles

Jan 24

LAX8:55 amLos Angeles

9h 25m

1 stop

DSM8:20 pmDes Moines

$296

Find similar

Southwest

Jan 13

DSM12:05 pmDes Moines

7h 00m

1 stop

LAX5:05 pmLos Angeles

Jan 27

LAX8:45 amLos Angeles

8h 35m

2 stops

DSM7:20 pmDes Moines

$300

Find similar

Southwest

Mar 11

DSM6:35 pmDes Moines

6h 05m

1 stop

LAX10:40 pmLos Angeles

Mar 11

LAX11:55 pmLos Angeles

10h 15m

1 stop

DSM12:10 pmDes Moines

$319

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Des MoinesSanta Ana

DSM - SNA

DSMSNA

Des Moines

Mon 2/16

7:15 am-9:15 am

Nonstop4h 00m

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Fri 2/20

10:05 am-3:24 pm

Nonstop3h 19m

$108

Des MoinesSanta Ana

DSM - SNA

DSMSNA

Des Moines

Sun 1/25

7:00 am-8:47 am

Nonstop3h 47m

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Thu 1/29

9:37 am-3:03 pm

Nonstop3h 26m

$127

Des MoinesLos Angeles

DSM - LAX

DSMLAX

Des Moines

Wed 1/21

3:25 pm-5:26 pm

Nonstop4h 01m

Los Angeles

Sat 1/24

9:15 am-2:50 pm

Nonstop3h 35m

$275

Des MoinesLos Angeles

DSM - LAX

DSMLAX

Des Moines

Tue 2/3

3:25 pm-5:26 pm

Nonstop4h 01m

Los Angeles

Tue 2/10

9:15 am-2:50 pm

Nonstop3h 35m

$276

Des MoinesSan Jose

DSM - SJC

DSMSJC

Des Moines

Wed 1/14

4:21 pm-9:28 pm

1 stop7h 07m

San Jose

Wed 1/21

10:45 pm-10:41 am

1 stop9h 56m

$317

Des MoinesSan Jose

DSM - SJC

DSMSJC

Des Moines

Wed 1/14

4:21 pm-10:55 pm

2 stops8h 34m

San Jose

Wed 1/21

10:45 pm-10:41 am

1 stop9h 56m

$322

Des MoinesPalm Springs

DSM - PSP

DSMPSP

Des Moines

Sun 1/18

5:09 pm-9:08 pm

1 stop5h 59m

Palm Springs

Sun 1/25

5:15 am-12:52 pm

1 stop5h 37m

$323

Des MoinesPalm Springs

DSM - PSP

DSMPSP

Des Moines

Sun 1/18

8:00 am-3:09 pm

2 stops9h 09m

Palm Springs

Sun 1/25

5:15 am-12:52 pm

1 stop5h 37m

$328

Des MoinesPalm Springs

DSM - PSP

DSMPSP

Des Moines

Tue 1/13

12:05 pm-7:50 pm

2 stops9h 45m

Palm Springs

Fri 1/16

12:45 pm-9:20 pm

1 stop6h 35m

$372

Des MoinesSacramento

DSM - SMF

DSMSMF

Des Moines

Mon 2/9

2:20 pm-8:00 pm

1 stop7h 40m

Sacramento Intl

Mon 2/23

12:30 pm-9:20 pm

1 stop6h 50m

$385

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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 January is another great option to travel to California, with average flight prices from Des Moines averaging around $335.

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 Wednesday. Travelers who choose to depart for California on a Wednesday will often find tickets for as low as $369. 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 $556.

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 $428 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 Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty 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 $374 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 $280 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?

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

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	$223
Fastest flight time	3h 05m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in California	418 airports

The best one-way flight to California from Des Moines in the past 72 hours is $223. The best round-trip flight deal from Des Moines to California found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $142.

The fastest flight from Des Moines to California takes 3h 05m

Direct flights go from Des Moines to California every day.

There are 418 airports in California. From Des Moines there are direct flights to 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 December 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 60.12% of the total bookings. Other popular models include Airbus A320-100/200 with 25.60%, Airbus A319 with 4.76%, and Boeing 737 MAX 8 with 2.38%.

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 7.2 701 reviews	Search Allegiant Air flights
Frontier	PriceFrom $116	Free Cancellation	Rating 5.8 3,078 reviews	Search Frontier flights
Delta	PriceFrom $148	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 8,014 reviews	Search Delta flights
Southwest	PriceFrom $213	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.0 4,254 reviews	Search Southwest flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $222	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,102 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $238	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 11,051 reviews	Search American Airlines 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

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Find better results for your trip to California

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Cheap flights from Des Moines to California from $54

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 2/23. 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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Delta flights from Des Moines to California

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

See travel insights to California from

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

What is the cheapest month to fly to California?

The month of January is another great option to travel to California, with average flight prices from Des Moines averaging around $335.

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 Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty 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?

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

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

Allegiant Air, Frontier, and American Airlines 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 December 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 57% of daily flights taking off in the afternoon.

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

18 flights are operational weekly from Des Moines to California as of December 2025. The most popular departure day for this route is Mon, with 28% 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