$54 Find Cheap Flights from Iowa to California

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Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$54
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 3% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 11% increase in price.
Flight from Des Moines to Las Vegas

FAQs for booking flights from Iowa to California

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Iowa 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 Iowa to California.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • How many airports are there in California?

    There are 29 airports in California. The busiest airport is Los Angeles Airport (LAX), with 40% of all flights arriving there.

  • Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in California?

    Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in California is Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty Airport (SNA), with an average flight price of $170.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to California?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to California is Wednesday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $369. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Tuesday, where round-trip prices are $556 on average.

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

    The cheapest time of day to fly to California is generally in the morning, when round-trip flights cost $202 on average. Morning departures are around 52% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to California is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $422.

  • What is the cheapest flight to California?

    The cheapest ticket to California from Iowa found in the last 72 hours was to San Diego, at $102 round-trip. The most popular route is Cedar Rapids (CID) to Los Angeles (LAX) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $231.

  • What is the cheapest month to fly from Iowa to California?

    The cheapest month for flights from Iowa to California is September, when tickets cost $288 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are October and March, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $566 and $538 respectively.

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

    To get a below average price on the flight from Iowa to California, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 10% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 10 weeks before departure.

  • How many cities have direct flights to California?

    From Iowa, there are direct flights to California from 1 city. This city is Des Moines and there are 9 direct flights each week.

  • How many direct flights to California are there each day?

    There are around 2 direct flights from within Iowa to California every day. Most flights (78%) depart in the afternoon.

  • How many direct flights to California are there each week?

    Each week there are around 9 direct flights from within Iowa to California. The most common day for departures is Monday, with 22% of flights taking off on this day.

  • How long is the flight to California?

    An average nonstop flight from Iowa to California takes 5h 22m, covering a distance of 1436 miles. The shortest route is Omaha (OMA) to Las Vegas (LAS) with an average flight time of 2h 50m.

  • How many long-haul flights are there to California each week?

    Each week, there are 7 medium-haul flights (3-6 hour flight duration) and 2 short-haul flights (up to 3 hour flight duration) to California. There aren't any long-haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration).

  • What are the most popular destinations in California?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Las Vegas (32% of total searches to California). The next most popular destinations are Los Angeles (16%) and San Francisco (10%). Searches for flights to San Diego (9%), to Ontario (8%) and to Santa Ana (5%) are also popular.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Iowa to California

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Iowa 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 4318 reviews
8.0Comfort
7.0Food
8.6Crew
8.1Boarding
7.5Entertainment
Airline reviews

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

8.0 ExcellentTobin, Mar 2026
SJC - BUR
Read more Southwest reviews

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

No food or entertainment, just a quick 40 minute flight. A little bumpy due to Santa Ana winds but pilot has no control over that. Good flight and landing!

Good but I prefer choose your own seat. With the new assigned seats they should board from the back I see no advantage to this new boarding. Just like every other airline

Mediocre. Boarding is now unpleasant. The employees, once friendly and nice, are now regularly speaking sternly to passengers, badgering them to do things right so they can take off on time and gate check bags because they don't have enough overhead bin space. The pretzel snack was crushed flat and broken into even smaller pieces, which happens frequently lately. Drink service was suspended before they reached my row.

The charges were ridiculous for an hour flight and the turbulence was very scary.

3 hour delay. Had to change plans and was still delayed.

The flight crew was extremely rude and especially not helpful when our flight was delayed.

The boarding and seat assignment system no longer works for me, but I know it is being replaced. Otherwise, I am good with the overall experience.

The lead steward kept singing about "San Francisco" and hotel California---more annoying than humorous....needs work. Flight was smooth and on time.

Still a fan of open seating. Flight was on schedule and arrived on time. The 737 MAX is very comfortable.

Left a few minutes early. Got in 15 minutes early. Very attentive service on board. Very organized boarding.

There’s not much to say about a one hour flight. This is a connection from LA to RNO that I missed the previous night due to a mechanical check delay on my originating flight from JFK to LAX. The short flight itself was fine. Instructions from the pilot and crew were per usual. The coffee was barely lukewarm, which possibly was purposeful so we would down it quickly. Bags were already on carousel upon reaching baggage claim, which was excellent.

Delta continues to set the benchmark for traveler-friendly service with minimal disruption and clear communication within the mainland US (coast to coast). I am consistently pleased to be a Delta customer, and this experience once again met my expectations. There was a brief delay departing from MIA due to a technical issue that required the aircraft to return to the gate. However, the situation was handled professionally and transparently. Fortunately, my planned layover allowed ample buffer time, so the adjustment caused no stress. Overall, another smooth and reassuring experience.

Awesome! On time flight, early arrival, and a complimentary upgrade!

Was forced to check in my small carry on, even though I informed the crew it has very fragile items inside

They double booked seats, the gate staff changed my ticket as I was boarding she went over to the computer and changed it without telling me. She messed up an entire three row section for me and others. Other travelers were outraged but the gate staff were so rude, so condescending saying it wasn't their problem to solve. I would rate this a zero if I could. Will not fly Delta again I'll stick with United and American.

I usually get upgraded so my experience is usually amazing. I did not get upgraded this time - which was fine - but the wifi had issues, the monitors were going in & out, & (though not Delta's fault) one of the gentlemen next to me desperately needed a shower.

I really liked the legroom. I am 6’4”.a at For some reason our seats were not together and using the app to fix it didn’t work. Passengers were nice enough to move for us but you should absolutely ensure a parent sits with their child.

Staff were friendly and happy. Delta could make sure passengers that don't have the app know of changes. Without Kayak I would not have known about the change of gate or the delay. Kayak was faster to notify me.

They changed planes and the new plane couldn’t carry enough fuel to fly across the country so we had to stop in Kansas City to refuel. Flight was delayed .

Flight delayed for more than 16 hrs and no effort was spent to provide an alternate

Overall we had a good experience during our flight from San Francisco to Houston.

it was a very short flight so my expectations were low.

Very disappointing given gate agent behavior. Filed a formal complaint with United.

Flight delayed. WiFi connectivity very poor if not existant. Last minute arrival forced me to run to catch my connection.

The power at the seat didn't work and the seat itself was difficult to adjust - this was a business class seat. Flight attendant gave me miles to compensate. The attendant was very professional and on top of his game the entire flight.

the whole trip was smooth, and as comfortable as flying is these days. flight crew was friendly and very courteous and helpful.

First class ticket gets you a choice of chips or nuts. . Just like economy Southwest. Also no screen in the seats. This is first class???!

Flight arrived 30 min early and bag was waiting at the baggage pickup. United Club HNL was one of the nicest in the system

Yet another flight in which beverage and snack service was skipped. Other that that, firmly mediocre. Landed early, to gate late due to congestion at the gates. Airline's fault or airports fault: unknown.

Superb. Staff great. Great flight. As with other airlines, seating too tight and restrictive.

There is not one likable thing about this airline. It’s starts with the deceptive pricing and continues through the whole flight. The worst staff I’ve ever experienced way over priced bags absolutely no food or drink (unacceptable and you should be embarrassed) the seats are cramped and uncomfortable there is no entertainment there is nothing about this trash airline that constitutes any amount of money. It’s worse than spirit and way more expensive it is disgraceful. Do not travel with Allegiant I repeat do not bother no matter what they say the price is it is never ever going to be the right choice I’m mind blown at how awful the entire experience was I’m embarrassed that I chose so poorly I cannot reiterate enough how beyond horrible this company and its staff are, not one person on this flight or at the airport is qualified to sweep up trash on a city sidewalk they should certainly never be given any job that requires a brain or manners or communication with human beings, what a disgrace to the human race. Your criminal chiselers and should be put out to pasture

Great flight. Friendly staff. Free snacks and drinks would be nice. I would love fewer taxes and fees added on.

My 90 year old father flew with me. He needed wheel chair assistance and is nearly deaf. The staff was amazing with him.

It was fine. Nobody was outstandingly friendly but no one was rude and everything was smooth . The captain thanked us for flying but no one greeted me as I walked on the plane or as I exited which is the least they could do lol

Clean, friendly, roomy. But check-in from the phone link was terrible. Repeated attempts wouldn’t save at the final step. Just kept spinning! It was very frustrating. Finally, I used the app (vs website link) to check-in which worked very smoothly on the first attempt.

Check in on the web portal was cumbersome! After several attempts I finally got the boarding pass.

Excellent flight and even arrived 23 min early. No entertainment , or wi fi on board, but I downloaded a couple of movies beforehand which kept me entertained. Really like flying Allegiant airlines.

WE were delayed about an hour and never any communications from the employees working the gate. We also were moved to a total of three gates.

I love how they show love to their customers and care about them too.

Smooth flight. From the early boarding and all were on board before departure time and arrived early in ONT. Great crew. Thank you!!!!

The flight was significantly delayed for 6.5 hours because of snow. There was no communication once the plane returned to the gate regarding when the flight would resume. Other flights were departing while our flight was being unloaded for reasons unknown. Our flight also seemed out of the queue regarding further deicing, refueling, and waiting to Taxi to the runway.

They are always late and seats was also not having working charger

did not have enough meal for first class passengers so offer us snack

Amazing I love American. I’ll never fly anyone else if I can help it.

Everything about the flight was lovely. My only suggestion would be to offer a few more options of tv series from Apple TV or HBO.

After the door had been closed, the cockpit makes an announcement that catering is running late and it is not the airline's fault. It is their fault in the sense that we had to sit for 2 hours or more when we could have stayed in the terminal. Poor communications between catering and airline. This caused a young man to lose his temper and he went storming out hitting objects. He had complained to the gate agent that he had already waited at the gate 7 hours and when can the airplane leave? Airilnes do a poor job of explaining delays, maintenance issues, etc. whereas being truthful may gain more sympathy or understanding.

We were told the flight was delayed 5 times, then it was moved to the next day.

The experience with American Airlines was good, although the Philippines Airlines flight was much better (better seats, better food, better entertainment options, overall better). Again, the MIA to LAX flight was fine, but nothing in comparison to the comfort and accommodations of the Philippines Airlines flight from LAX to MNL.

Loved the crew . Absolutely no complaints. Except for luggage lost

Everything you need to know for your flight to California

Cabin class types available on flights to Iowa

Cabin classes available on flights to Iowa. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.