Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Santa Monica (SMO)

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Santa Monica, CA (SMO-Santa Monica Municipal)

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Alternative airports near Santa Monica

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Los Angeles Intl. LAX. Average driving time to city center is 15 minutes. Flights from $503
LAX
Los Angeles Intl.
Average driving time to city center15 min
Flights from $503
Select flight to Bob Hope BUR. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 34 minutes. Flights from $447
BUR
Bob Hope
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center34 min
Flights from $447
Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Santa Monica (SMO)
Origin airport
Des Moines Intl.
Destination airport
Santa Monica Municipal
Distance
1444 mi

Des Moines to Santa Monica Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Santa Monica

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 Santa Monica are during the month of . You can find some of the cheapest flights from Des Moines to Santa Monica with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Santa Monica

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Des Moines to Santa Monica: 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 Santa Monica

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 Santa Monica in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Intl. Airport (DSM) to Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) cost?
Discover the latest flight deals from DSM to SMO by entering your preferred travel dates and searching on Expedia. Easily compare prices by departure date if you have flexibility with your schedule and use handy filters to explore prices for your preferred journey. As a member of One Key™, our free loyalty program, you can use Price Tracking to watch fares and receive notifications if prices go up or down.
What is the cheapest month to fly from DSM to SMO?
The cheapest flights from DSM to SMO are usually during off-peak season, when demand is lower. To save money, avoid flying during public holidays, school breaks and major local events.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from DSM to SMO?
Use the filter tool on Expedia to compare airlines and find the cheapest carrier that'll take you from DSM to SMO. Sort your results by "Price (lowest to highest)" to snap up a great deal.
How many flights per day from Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) to Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO)?
Nonstop flights from Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) to Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) aren't available daily, so you'll have to take a flight with a layover. Explore your options with our filter tool. Enter your travel dates and choose either "1 Stop" or "2+ Stops."
What day of the week has the most flights from DSM to SMO?
Friday is usually the busiest day for flights, while Tuesday tends to be the quietest.* Remember that flight schedules can vary depending on a range of factors, such as the time of year and carrier.*Busiest/quietest day to travel is based on Expedia flight demand through January to December 2024.
What is the best time to fly from Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) to Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO)?
To arrive at Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) on schedule, select a flight that leaves Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) before 3 PM. The chance of cancellations is 22% higher, on average, for departures after this time.**Most reliable time of the day and month to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2024 flight status data sourced from OAG's global flight data platform.
What airports do you fly into for Los Angeles from Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
If you're traveling on a direct flight from Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) to Los Angeles, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the only airport you can land at.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) to Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) last-minute?
Last-minute bookings from DSM to SMO are typically more expensive. To secure the lowest prices, start searching for flights well in advance. That being said, if your travel plans are flexible, it's possible to find a cheap fare right before your journey.
Is it cheaper to book a DSM to SMO flight and hotel package?
Opting for a DSM to SMO flight and hotel package is generally cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the convenience of organizing your travels in one place. Choose from our wide range of accommodations and then add car rentals, flights and activities 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 Intl. Airport (DSM) to Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO)?
Typically, you're able to reschedule or cancel your DSM to SMO flight. However, additional fees may apply, especially if your booking was made over 24 hours ago. Double-check your itinerary for the airline's policies and fees on flight changes, or if you want more information, head to our Customer Service portal.

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