$136 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to San Diego (SAN)
Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)
Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
UnitedUnited
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
DeltaDelta
Frontier AirlinesFrontier Airlines
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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to San Diego (DSM-SAN)
Alternative airports near San Diego
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Des Moines (DSM) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance
Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) on this popular domestic short-haul route. Whether you're looking for the next flight or the cheapest airfares, you can compare options from both full-service and low-cost carriers. Tailor your travel experience to fit your budget and schedule as you get ready to discover San Diego's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods.
- Fastest flight duration: around 4h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 1,400 miles (2,250 km)
- Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$455, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Des Moines to San Diego, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop options. Popular layover spots include Denver International Airport (DEN) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with a 1-hour layover, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes. These choices allow you to mix and match pricing, total travel time, and cabin class to create your ideal itinerary.
- American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, covering around 40% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $135 and $445, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in an overall travel time of approximately 6 hours, including a layover.
- United: A full-service option that offers one-stop service, United represents about 27% of the departures along this route. One-way fares typically range from $140 to $455. Passengers can expect an in-flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, with the entire journey taking roughly 6 hours, layover included.
- Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost carrier providing one-stop service, Southwest makes up about 17% of the departures on this route. One-way fares usually range from $145 to $530, with a flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of around 6 hours when factoring in a layover.
- Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline offers one-stop service and accounts for approximately 9% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices typically vary from $120 to $290. Passengers can expect about 4 hours and 30 minutes of flight time, leading to an overall journey duration of nearly 6 hours, including a layover.
- Delta: A full-service airline providing one-stop flights, Delta covers roughly 8% of departures on this route. One-way fares typically range from $145 to $445. Travelers can anticipate an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of about 6 hours, including layover time.
Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Des Moines to San Diego with an upgrade, as United provides first-class service on this route.
Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to San Diego (SAN)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to San Diego are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in San Diego reach up to 60.6°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 72.3°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $192). Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 18 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.
- Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $192, roughly 22% cheaper than the yearly average.
- Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to San Diego, with approximately 18 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 57.4°F (14.1°C) | High | 13 | $261 |
| February | 56.8°F (13.8°C) | Average | 13 | $246 |
| March | 58.1°F (14.5°C) | High | 15 | $288 |
| April | 60.6°F (15.9°C) | High | 14 | $249 |
| May | 62.6°F (17.0°C) | Average | 16 | $258 |
| June | 66.4°F (19.1°C) | Average | 16 | $271 |
| July | 70.5°F (21.4°C) | Average | 13 | $253 |
| August | 72.3°F (22.4°C) | Low | 13 | $192 |
| September | 72.0°F (22.2°C) | Average | 16 | $243 |
| October | 68.2°F (20.1°C) | Average | 18 | $222 |
| November | 62.6°F (17.0°C) | Low | 15 | $227 |
| December | 57.4°F (14.1°C) | Low | 14 | $248 |
*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.
Alternative route from Des Moines (DSM) to San Diego (SAN)
- Des Moines to Carlsbad (DSM-CLD): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is located roughly 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). One-way economy ticket prices on this route generally vary from $165 to $390, influenced by the time of year and how early you make your reservations. Flights are predominantly offered with a single stop, with most layovers occurring at Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). American Airlines is the leading carrier for this route, and first-class service is also an option.
How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to San Diego (SAN)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to San Diego is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday generally provides cheaper rates, while Thursday is the busiest travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find San Diego hotel and flight deals.
- Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.
Arriving at San Diego International Airport from Des Moines International Airport
San Diego welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach San Diego efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in San Diego, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
- Car rental: Renting a car from San Diego International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at San Diego International Airport on Expedia.
- Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
- Public transportation: From San Diego International Airport, Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, a cruise terminal, is around 3 miles from the airport by car. For those looking to access Middletown Station, a metro station, it's about 2.3 miles away by car.
Des Moines to San Diego Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to San Diego
On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Des Moines to San Diego are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Des Moines to San Diego with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to San Diego
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Des Moines to San Diego: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.
How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Des Moines to San Diego
Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Des Moines to San Diego in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $136 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Des Moines to San Diego flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.
You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Des Moines to San Diego airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.
*Terms apply.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $136 and cheap return flights $269 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $167 to $793, and return flights typically cost between $347 and $1241. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
August is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to San Diego, CA (SAN), with average round-trip fares around $326. This is about 20% lower than the average price throughout the year, as August typically sees a decrease in travel after the summer peak. Other cheap months to fly from Des Moines to San Diego include September and November.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Enter DSM to SAN and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
When flying from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to San Diego, CA (SAN), August and September are the best months to consider, with average return flight prices around $326. These months not only offer competitive pricing but also allow you to enjoy San Diego's beautiful summer weather, making your trip even more enjoyable.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in March, allowing you to start your day early and enjoy more time in sunny San Diego. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to San Diego (SAN) are in the early afternoon, from noon to 3pm. About 23% of passengers prefer this time window. Major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, offer flights during this period. This timing is favored as it allows travelers to start their day in Des Moines before heading to sunny San Diego.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Flights from DSM to SAN with one stop typically take around 9 hours, covering approximately 1,427 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
You can fly first class between DSM and SAN. First class cabins are available on:
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for San Diego from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
If you're planning to travel to San Diego from Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into San Diego Intl. (SAN) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL) before reaching San Diego. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) San Diego Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.
Travel information
Origin airport | Des Moines International Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | San Diego Intl. Airport |
Distance | 1,426 miles away |
Airlines serving | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United, Southwest Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines |
Popular airline | Alaska Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $269 |