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$123 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $123 flight on Fri, Nov 6, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from San Diego to Des Moines (SAN-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $123 for one-way flights and $236 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Mon, Sep 14 - Mon, Sep 21
SAN
San Diego
DSM
Des Moines
$236 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$236
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Sep 14 from San Diego to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 21, priced at $236 found 2 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 14
SAN
San Diego
DSM
Des Moines
$241 Roundtrip, just found
$241
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from San Diego to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $241 just found
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Fri, Nov 13
SAN
San Diego
DSM
Des Moines
$246 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$246
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from San Diego to Des Moines, returning Fri, Nov 13, priced at $246 found 2 hours ago
American Airlines
Tue, Dec 1 - Mon, Dec 7
SAN
San Diego
DSM
Des Moines
$259 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$259
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Dec 1 from San Diego to Des Moines, returning Mon, Dec 7, priced at $259 found 5 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 25 - Mon, Sep 28
SAN
San Diego
DSM
Des Moines
$259 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$259
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from San Diego to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $259 found 2 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Fri, Nov 13
SAN
San Diego
DSM
Des Moines
$264 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$264
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from San Diego to Des Moines, returning Fri, Nov 13, priced at $264 found 2 hours ago
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Tue, Nov 3
SAN
San Diego
DSM
Des Moines
$274 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$274
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from San Diego to Des Moines, returning Tue, Nov 3, priced at $274 found 4 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 14
SAN
San Diego
DSM
Des Moines
$301 Roundtrip, just found
$301
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from San Diego to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $301 just found
Delta
Fri, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 14
SAN
San Diego
DSM
Des Moines
$355 Roundtrip, just found
$355
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from San Diego to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $355 just found
Alaska Airlines
Mon, Oct 19 - Tue, Oct 20
SAN
San Diego
DSM
Des Moines
$535 Roundtrip, just found
$535
Roundtrip
just found
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 19 from San Diego to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $535 just found

Alternative airports near Des Moines

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

Select flight to Des Moines Intl. DSM. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 10 minutes. Flights from $466
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $466

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $148 - $452 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from San Diego Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

San Diego (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel effortlessly on your next flight from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), choosing from a range of airlines that cater to this domestic short-haul route. Whether you're seeking cheap flights from San Diego or prefer a full-service option, you can compare various itineraries to align with your budget and travel plans. Discover the highlights of Des Moines as you explore its renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Fastest (typical) flight duration: around 4h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,400 miles (2,250 km)
  • Flights per week: around 13 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $115–$470, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from San Diego to Des Moines. Popular layover options include Denver International Airport (DEN) with roughly a 1 hour 15 minute wait, Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) also around 1 hour 15 minutes, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which similarly offers a 1 hour 15 minute layover. These choices allow you to customize your trip by balancing cost, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, capturing around 38% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally fall between $135 and $495. Passengers can expect about 4 hours and 15 minutes in the air, with a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • United: Offering one-stop service, United accounts for about 21% of departures. Their one-way fares usually range from $145 to $530. Travelers will spend 4 hours and 15 minutes flying, with an overall journey time of roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost option, Southwest features one-stop services and represents about 18% of the flights on this route. One-way fares typically range from $115 to $520. Expect an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes, with a total trip time nearing 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.
  • Frontier Airlines: This budget-friendly carrier offers one-stop flights, comprising around 12% of the departures. One-way fares are generally between $115 and $300. In-flight, you'll spend about 4 hours and 15 minutes, with an overall journey time of roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: Delta is another full-service airline providing one-stop service, making up approximately 11% of departures on this route. One-way fares typically range from $145 to $440. Travelers can anticipate 4 hours and 15 minutes of flying time, with the total travel duration around 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from San Diego to Des Moines have the option to upgrade their experience, with both United and American Airlines offering first-class service for this route.

Best time to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Diego to Des Moines are March, April, and October, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 53.2°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 73.4°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $214. Flight availability peaks in September, with approximately 18 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 10 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $214, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $217.
  • Most flight options: September has the highest number of flights from San Diego to Des Moines, with approximately 18 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January21.7°F (-5.7°C)Average11$262
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Slightly Low10$246
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Slightly High12$317
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Slightly High13$240
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average14$237
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average16$286
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Average13$265
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Slightly Low11$217
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average18$240
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Slightly High17$214
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average16$246
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Slightly Low14$237

*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 routes from San Diego (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • San Diego to Des Moines (SDM-DSM): Brown Field Municipal Airport (SDM) is located approximately 17 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN), offering convenient access for travelers.
  • San Diego to Fort Dodge (SAN-FOD): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) lies about 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), providing options for those heading to this destination.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego to Des Moines is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, but most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures, from 5 AM to 12 PM, not only offer lower fares but are also the most popular, while flying on Wednesday generally yields cheaper prices, despite Monday being the most popular travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 Des Moines International Airport from San Diego International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from San Diego with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Des Moines efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Des Moines, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Des Moines International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Des Moines 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $123 and cheap return flights from $236 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $173 and $1504, and return flights often range between $305 and $1436. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average round-trip fares around $346. This is about 28% lower than the average price for the year, as September often sees a decrease in travel demand after the summer. Other economical months to consider are January and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter SAN to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $286.39. This is a convenient option for travelers looking to connect these two cities. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best time to fly from San Diego to Des Moines is typically in September or August. During these months, you can expect average return flight prices around $346, making it a budget-friendly option. September is particularly appealing as it offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy your trip more fully.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Diego International (SAN) to Des Moines International (DSM) usually leaves at around 6:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in February and March, giving you a chance to start your day early and enjoy more time in Des Moines. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 40% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to enjoy your day.
How long does it take to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
A flight from SAN to DSM with a layover takes around 5 hours 30 minutes, with the route 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the SAN to DSM route. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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 Des Moines from San Diego Intl. (SAN)?
From San Diego Intl. (SAN), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX) before reaching Des Moines. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) Des Moines 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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
San Diego Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$236
Distance
1426 mi
Average flight time
9 hours 5 mins

Book with confidence

San Diego to Des Moines Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Diego to Des Moines

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

 

The best time to book a flight from San Diego to Des Moines

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

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 San Diego to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $123 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 San Diego to Des Moines 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 San Diego to Des Moines 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.

 

San Diego to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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