$219 Cheap Flights from Santa Maria (SMX) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $219 flight on Tue, Oct 21, 2025Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Santa Maria, CA (SMX-Santa Maria Public) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Santa Maria to Des Moines (SMX-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $219 for one-way flights and for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Flights from Santa Maria (SMX) to Des Moines (DSM)
Origin airport
Santa Maria Public
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Distance
1518 mi

Santa Maria to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria to Des Moines in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $219 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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria 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.

 

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) cost?
Grab a cheap one-way flight from $219 or cheap return flight from Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) with Expedia. Enter your travel dates and sort by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see our cheapest flight deals on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
The cheapest month to fly from SMX to DSM is , when demand is low. Off-peak months are typically when airlines offer lower prices between these airports.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
Use the filter tool on Expedia to compare different airlines and find the cheapest carrier that'll take you from SMX to DSM. Then, sort your results by "Price (lowest to highest)" to pick up a good deal.
How many flights per day from Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
Direct flights from Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) aren't available daily, so you'll need to take a flight with a layover. Explore your options with Expedia's filter tool. Enter your dates and pick either "1 Stop" or "2+ Stops."
What day of the week has the most flights from SMX to DSM?
Friday is typically the busiest day for flights, while Tuesday tends to be the quietest.* Keep in mind that flight schedules can change depending on various factors, such as the season and airline.*Busiest/quietest day to travel is based on Expedia flight demand through January to December 2024.
What is the best time to fly from Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
To land at Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) on schedule, book a flight that leaves Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) before 3 PM. The chance of cancellations is 22% higher, on average, for departures after this hour.**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.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) last-minute?
Holding off until just before your departure to book a ticket from SMX to DSM generally means paying more. While you might find some last-minute discounts, they aren't always guaranteed. Keep your travel plans flexible to boost your chances of getting a bargain.
Is it cheaper to book a SMX to DSM flight and hotel package?
Compared with arranging hotels and flights separately, booking a SMX to DSM flight and hotel package with Expedia could result in significant savings. Better yet, having it all in one place will take the stress out of planning your trip. Simply pick your flights and select from our wide range of stays, then personalize your trip with other add-ons like tours, activities and car rentals.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)?
In most instances, you can cancel or reschedule your SMX to DSM flight. However, there may be additional fees, especially if you booked over 24 hours ago. Double-check your itinerary for the airline's fees and rules on flight changes, or if you need more details, visit our Customer Service portal.

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*Available to One Key members.