$46 Find Cheap Flights from Des Moines to California - Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Des Moines to California departing on 8/30. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to California

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop$176
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop$190
San Diego
San Diego1 stop$194
San Jose
San Jose2 stops$316
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$355
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$274
Bakersfield
Bakersfield1 stop$328
Reno
Reno2 stops$307
Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop$176
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop$190
San Diego
San Diego1 stop$194
San Jose
San Jose2 stops$316
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$355
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$274
Bakersfield
Bakersfield1 stop$328
Reno
Reno2 stops$307

Book Cheap Des Moines to California Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Des Moines to California that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Des Moines to California

Mon, Aug 24 - Thu, Aug 27
Allegiant Air Logo
8:38 pm - 9:47 pm
DSM
-
LAS
3h 09mnonstop
Allegiant Air Logo
4:06 pm - 9:00 pm
LAS
-
DSM
2h 54mnonstop
$94Allegiant Air
Mon, Sep 28 - Wed, Sep 30
Allegiant Air Logo
9:31 pm - 10:41 pm
DSM
-
LAS
3h 10mnonstop
Allegiant Air Logo
9:00 am - 1:52 pm
LAS
-
DSM
2h 52mnonstop
$95Allegiant Air
Mon, Aug 31 - Fri, Sep 4
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:19 pm - 7:59 pm
DSM
-
LAS
7h 40m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:15 am - 11:10 am
LAS
-
DSM
2h 55mnonstop
$122Multiple Airlines
Mon, Aug 24 - Thu, Aug 27
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:19 pm - 7:59 pm
DSM
-
LAS
7h 40m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:06 pm - 9:00 pm
LAS
-
DSM
2h 54mnonstop
$125Multiple Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Tue, Oct 20
Frontier Logo
2:31 pm - 11:31 pm
DSM
-
LAS
11h 00m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
12:59 am - 1:18 pm
LAS
-
DSM
10h 19m
1 stop
$146Frontier
Mon, Sep 21 - Wed, Sep 30
Frontier Logo
8:30 pm - 8:28 am
DSM
-
LAS
13h 58m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
8:44 pm - 10:44 am
LAS
-
DSM
12h 00m
1 stop
$156Frontier
Thu, Aug 27 - Wed, Sep 2
Southwest Logo
12:05 pm - 1:10 pm
DSM
-
LAS
3h 05mnonstop
Southwest Logo
12:50 pm - 5:45 pm
LAS
-
DSM
2h 55mnonstop
$217Southwest
Sun, Sep 6 - Wed, Sep 9
Southwest Logo
1:10 pm - 2:15 pm
DSM
-
LAS
3h 05mnonstop
Southwest Logo
12:50 pm - 5:45 pm
LAS
-
DSM
2h 55mnonstop
$217Southwest
Mon, Aug 24 - Mon, Aug 31
United Airlines Logo
1:21 pm - 6:39 pm
DSM
-
LAS
7h 18m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
5:20 am - 12:32 pm
LAS
-
DSM
5h 12m
1 stop
$222United Airlines
Wed, Aug 26 - Wed, Sep 2
United Airlines Logo
11:33 am - 5:02 pm
DSM
-
LAS
7h 29m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
5:20 am - 12:32 pm
LAS
-
DSM
5h 12m
1 stop
$222United Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Des Moines to California flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Des Moines to California to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a round-trip flight from Des Moines to California?

This analysis is based on the cheapest round-trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Des Moines to California departing in August.

Flight prices are below average for this route right now.

Flights to California from Des Moines usually cost between $358 and $451 in August.
The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $176 on Multiple Airlines (Aug 30-Sep 10).

What is the cheapest Des Moines to California flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The cheapest ticket to California from Des Moines found in the last 5 days was to Burbank, at $62 round-trip. The most popular route is from Des Moines (DSM) to Los Angeles (LAX), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 5 days was $250.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to California?

The average price for all round-trip flights from Des Moines to California depending on the time of departure, clicked by users on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

The cheapest time of day to fly to California is generally in the afternoon, when round-trip flights cost $369 on average. Morning departures are around 59% more expensive than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to California is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $668.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Des Moines to California?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of $332, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines to California?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Des Moines to California, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Des Moines to California is January, when tickets cost $357 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are March and June, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $503 and $460 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Des Moines to California?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Des Moines to California clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to California on a Wednesday and more expensive on a Tuesday. On your return trip to Des Moines, you should consider flying back on a Tuesday, and avoid Mondays for better deals.

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

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Des Moines to California, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Des Moines to California, you should book around 5 weeks before departure, which saves you about 20% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 10 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

December

Cheapest flight

$46
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 9% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 3% lower on average.
Flight from Des Moines to Las Vegas

FAQs - booking California flights

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Des Moines to California?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Des Moines to California.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Des Moines to California?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Des Moines to California is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Des Moines to California?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly from Des Moines to California with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Des Moines to California?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from Des Moines to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to California

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from Des Moines to the following destinations at these prices or less: Las Vegas $139 one-way - $137 round-trip; Los Angeles $256 one-way - $326 round-trip

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Des Moines to California

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Des Moines to California. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Des Moines to California? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.0
SouthwestOverall score based on 4229 reviews
7.0Food
8.6Crew
7.5Entertainment
8.0Comfort
8.1Boarding
Airline reviews

No wifi, seems to be very common with Southwest currently. Everything else was normal.

8.0 ExcellentSean, Jul 2026
HOU - LGB
Read more Southwest reviews

No wifi, seems to be very common with Southwest currently. Everything else was normal.

Poor customer service, no accommodation for passengers when the flight was delayed over 5 hours.

The flight was late. The crew was rude. There was no food. Cramped and uncomfortable. Nothing about this flight was good.

It was just okay, no frills, basic transportation with no luxury. No screens on the seats, no water or drinks on a short flight. Full flight but at least it was on time.

The first time I flew in the extra legroom section. It was difficult to notice a difference. I had bad luck with my neighbors. The crew was okay. Southwest has reduced the live TV options.

No gluten free snacks. Seats felt worn or bare bones even though it was a new 737 MAX 8.

Plane was clean and comfortable. Flight attendants and gate staff were professional, friendly and efficient. Boarding and deplaning were orderly and efficient. All in all, the typical excellent Southwest experience.

Not having a five hour delay with little notice! The crew was very kind, though, and just as tired as we passengers were. The flight didn't depart until nearly 1 am...and no reason was ever given.

This leg was much better, but we did have to have a 3 hour lay o er after coming from a very exhausting hiccup with our flight from BNA to Den

The Air hostess were very rude on my flight from Houston to Austin . Their regular communication itself felt a they are shouting at people.

The SFO lounge closes at 12 midnight. My flight took off at 2AM

Delayed 2 hours while stuck on the aircraft. If the luggage was properly loaded the first time we probably wouldn’t have been delayed at all

Flight be on time would be a good start. Then train your flight attendants to be attentive and friendly. This time they completely forgot my row for the measly snack! United, do better!

It was a short, comfortable flight. It did leave an hour late due to the pilot having to be replaced (family emergency) but that didn’t inconvenience myself & my friend. The situation was explained, eventually.

There was a piece of plastic baked into my buttermilk biscuit! I have a pictures. The flight attendants in first class were really apologetic, and tried to rectify the situation. I I am very appreciative that they were able to give me some packets of pretzels and gummy bears. I understand they don't personally handle the food until warming it up so I know it wasn't their fault. I don't know whether it was a newer aircraft, or different food packaging, but I was happy that when the food was being warmed up - it didn't smell like plastic. Jokes on me with finding plastic in my food.

The seats were uncomfortable, as if the cushions haven't been switched out in many years. I felt like I was on an old bus. The food was delicious. thank you. Onboard entertainment, very limited. Unless you like violent movies. Why in the world would you have such severely violent movies on a plane? if you don't want to see such things, you don't have a choice. Have you considered that when choosing entertainment? Good god. Why would you have the Godfather? Or black women being brutally beaten with a club? Why in the hell would you put that kind of material on a plane? As for Kayak: Why when I ordered Qantas, was the plane on United?

UA594 was delayed multiple times. I ended up getting picked up so I can make it in time for work 6AM on Monday, 7/6/2026

Excellent flight. On time. Great staff. Clean and crisp cabin.

Very rough getting into denver. my kid threw up it was so rough.

Liked that we left on time for each flight. Snacks not the best, but we're okay.

It was poor a four hour delay and no explanation for the delay. What’s a 35 dollars going to do. It also made me miss my car rental,

It was on time. Flight was comfortable. Staff was nice. It was the way a flight should always be.

The price was the only good thing about this flight. It was scary during takeoff when the plane tilted side to side. It made me feel very nervous as I have never had a take-off that unsmooth. There was no on-flight movie or music options and the only complimentary option was water. Other airlines offer trail mix or a caramel cookie and pop options as complimentary. This flight was a 2.5 hour flight. I understand for shorter flights not having options, but a flight 2 hours or longer should offer more complimentary options and in flight entertainment. Also the seats did not recline and for a longer flight reclining seats are a must for comfort.

A very pleasant flight but it would be greatly improved with wifi to help entertain kids

This is a no frills, get it done, efficient airline. The seat is a lawn chair. You better bring your own entertainment. If you want something other than water you need to pay for it. But they will get you to your destination quickly, on time, and then they will turn the flight around and go right back where they came from. Reliably. Couple times a week tops. If it fits into your schedule, you can’t get there cheaper or faster.

A three hour delay to board and then another hour on the tarmac because they couldn't get a tractor? Ugh.

Allegiant canceled the flight. The flight the next day was full. Allegiant did not provide any compensation besides a refund. Last time on Allegiant.

The flight was very delayed (in BOTH directions - outbound and returning). The flight was very very cramped. The plane taxi'd on the runway for a really long time, and I got claustrophobic being in such a tight seat. The pilot and crew both indicated that we were going to make up lost time due to the delay, but the plane arrived LATER than expected.

A foot rest for short legged people and a complimentary water would be nice.

The employees at the check-in counter said my disabled wife and I were going to be separated even though we picked seating together when we bought our tickets. They told us my wife would be seated in row 2 and I would be in row 8, because we bought our tickets from a third party. Fortunately the flight crew said: "No, you two need to be together, we'll fix this." Then they seated us together. We are 75 years old and flying is a challenge for us, so we appreciate all the help we can get. Your flight crew was awesome with us, and with the children on our flight as well. Thank You Allegent Air Lines! 🙂

Horrible. No AC. No Air inside the plane. We had to deplane twice! It is late almost 5 hrs in total. I almost passed out and about to call 911. I asked the crew to be honest and open the door. The lady next to me was lay down in the floor due to heat and no air inside the plane. I got headaches, can’t wait the replacement flight about midnight Dallas time. I end it up rebook for next day flight and stay overnight using my own pocket in a hotel nearby due to headaches and can’t breath. I still have a headache this morning. Still not decided yes how to file this issue to AA and/or FAA.

Worst communication. Delayed boarding for two hours without a single announcement until hour 1 had passed - on time status showing until our flight was supposed to takeoff and the crew had already walked away. No one was boarding. Disgusting part of DFW overcrowded with no AC on a 97 degree day. Then the first app update is that we’d take off in 15 mins… but again no one had boarded a full flight. No announcement in the terminal so everyone is just crowded around a disgusting place with no info for over an hour which turned into two. This was an overfill flight and a disgrace to passenger decency all while likely just trying to fix their own issue of overbooking. The worst airline at the worst airport.

I’ve been on 8 flights with American Airlines in the last 2 months and 4 have been delayed.

Mechanical delay > Crew Time out. No communication to passengers. Crew time out was positioned as a surprise (even though it must have been know at the time of boarding that the crew would time out.

Initial flight had an engine overheat - returned to DFW. Had another plane ready, but crew timed out. Had to wait 5h for boarding. Fully boarded and pilot says plane is not flight worthy. Deplane and go to the other end of the terminal. Wait an hour to board third plane because the crew couldn’t leave the second plane because no wheelchairs were brought to remove passengers. Finally take off and there is no catering (in flight service) even in first class. Very much an AA failure.

I was able to check into my flight through the app and online but had issues getting my boarding pass once I arrived to the airport.

In flight connectivity (via T-Mobile) was often not working.

Terrible. Internet/kiosk glitch prevented baggage checkin. Line at ticket co in Ter was under serviced and did not move. Agents did not call for flight but rather allowed time to pass. Then told each person as they reached the front if line that it was too late to check bags so they’d have to rebook flights. At least 15 people missed the flight as a result of this incompetence.

It was exactly what I expected, actually arriving sooner than scheduled.

Terrible, they canceled my flight due to an issue they had, couldn't fly me into the same place within 24 hrs so had to fly in 2.5 hrs away from my destination and spend even more money. The customer service was terrible (except at the airport in Charleston). Had to call to get my checked baggage fees reimbursed 2 wks later in which one customer service agent was very rude, wouldn't listen and then hung up on me. The second lady I spoke with was actually able to help me with that part thankfully. Would not recommend flying AA.

Tiny seats, no entertainment, no amenities, delays, they charge for carry on and their allowed personal item is smaller than in other airlines.

I really didn't like anything. Paid for my checked luggage online ($79) and then was told that I would have to paid another $79 for my carry on. Was not allowed to enter the terminal until 3 hours before my flight and when I finally was allowed to check my bag and enter, my flight was delayed 3 times. When I finally landed, we were all instructed to "run off the plane" as they had to do a quick turn around to Las Vegas. Me and several of my flying companions will never fly Frontier again.

Our flight was canceled. I will never use Kayak nor Frontier for travel again. The entire experience was a headache.

Terrible. The canceled my entire flight when I requested a refund for a trip frontier canceled trip one way.

i was unable to check in the flight. refund requested

I think Frontier was very good at communication. Their app worked very well. Loading was great and the flight was nice and easy.

Great for the price. No wifi or entertainment, but gate agents and crew were fantastic and we boarded quickly and left on time.

Decent clean onboard experience. Okay discount airline experience. Unfortunately, any customer service interactions are difficult and unhelpful. There is no service. Also, a premium seat only gets you premium boarding if you line up first. Once they start general boarding you must go to the back of the line. Not very premium

The crew was mostly okay. The flight attendant who answered our questions was curt and unhelpful unfortunately. He seemed upset and I understand having off days.

Very bad! No good service delayed my second connection flight

Everything you need to know for your flight from Des Moines to California

Information on your arrival and departure airports