DSM - SAN

$89 Find Cheap Flights from Des Moines to San Diego

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Des Moines to San Diego departing on 6/2. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to San Diego

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Des Moines to San Diego, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Des Moines to San Diego, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Cheap Flight Deals from Des Moines to San Diego (DSM-SAN)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Des Moines to San Diego that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Des Moines to San Diego

KAYAK's recommended round-trip deals from the most popular airlines that fly from Des Moines to San Diego.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Choose your dates
Allegiant Air Logo
2:43 pm - 4:19 pmDSM-SAN
3h 36mnonstop
Allegiant Air Logo
5:12 pm - 10:34 pmSAN-DSM
3h 22mnonstop
$147Allegiant Air
Find Deal
Mon, Jun 2 - Fri, Jun 6
Allegiant Air Logo
2:43 pm - 4:19 pmDSM-SAN
3h 36mnonstop
Allegiant Air Logo
5:09 pm - 10:33 pmSAN-DSM
3h 24mnonstop
$152Allegiant Air
Find Deal
Mon, May 26 - Fri, May 30
Frontier Logo
7:27 pm - 12:14 amDSM-SAN
6h 47m1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:25 am - 6:37 pmSAN-DSM
10h 12m1 stop
$238Frontier
Find Deal
Fri, Apr 25 - Wed, Apr 30
Frontier Logo
7:27 pm - 9:35 amDSM-SAN
16h 08m1 stop
Frontier Logo
8:50 pm - 6:37 pmSAN-DSM
19h 47m1 stop
$243Frontier
Find Deal
Wed, Apr 23 - Sun, Apr 27
United Airlines Logo
11:16 am - 6:42 pmDSM-SAN
9h 26m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
4:05 pm - 11:54 pmSAN-DSM
5h 49m1 stop
$318United Airlines
Find Deal
Tue, Jun 3 - Sat, Jun 7
United Airlines Logo
3:20 pm - 9:22 pmDSM-SAN
8h 02m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
2:30 pm - 11:39 pmSAN-DSM
7h 09m2 stops
$323United Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, May 17 - Tue, May 20
American Airlines Logo
3:54 pm - 10:27 pmDSM-SAN
8h 33m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
10:45 pm - 9:33 amSAN-DSM
8h 48m1 stop
$371American Airlines
Find Deal
Wed, Jul 16 - Fri, Jul 18
American Airlines Logo
5:00 am - 9:24 amDSM-SAN
6h 24m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
10:45 pm - 9:33 amSAN-DSM
8h 48m1 stop
$372American Airlines
Find Deal
Wed, Jul 16 - Fri, Jul 18
Southwest Logo
6:25 am - 3:20 pmDSM-SAN
10h 55m2 stops
Southwest Logo
6:45 am - 4:50 pmSAN-DSM
8h 05m1 stop
$384Southwest
Find Deal
Fri, Jun 6 - Tue, Jun 10
Southwest Logo
3:40 pm - 11:00 pmDSM-SAN
9h 20m1 stop
Southwest Logo
1:55 pm - 10:10 pmSAN-DSM
6h 15m2 stops
$402Southwest
Find Deal
Mon, Apr 28 - Mon, May 5

KAYAK's insights & trends for Des Moines to San Diego flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Des Moines to San Diego to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Des Moines to San Diego?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Des Moines to San Diego clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.
Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to San Diego on a Monday and more expensive on a Sunday. On your return trip to Des Moines, you should consider flying back on a Sunday, and avoid Wednesdays for better deals.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines to San Diego?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Des Moines to San Diego, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.
The cheapest month for flights from Des Moines to San Diego is June, where tickets cost $243 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are March and December, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $532 and $486 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Des Moines to San Diego?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Des Moines to San Diego, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.
To get a below average price on the flight from Des Moines to San Diego, you should book around 3 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 11 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

January

High season

June

Cheapest flight

$89
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 3% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 38% lower on average.
Flight from Des Moines to San Diego

When to book flights from Des Moines to San Diego

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Des Moines to San Diego based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from Des Moines to San Diego

  • Where can I park at DSM before my flight to San Diego?

    The Long-Term Premium and Long-Term Parking Lots are close enough that you can walk to the terminal. However, the more affordable options, the Blue Lot Economy 2, the Green Lot Economy 3, and the Gray Lot Economy 4, are not within walking distance. But you can take a free shuttle from the Economy Lots to the terminals. At DSM, you cannot reserve parking in advance, but the homepage on the DSM website keeps track of how much space is available in each lot and the Live Shuttle Tracker tells you when the next shuttle is coming.

  • Does DSM provide facilities for nursing moms?

    Yes. There is a Mamava lactation suite located just after the TSA checkpoint near the DSM police desk. Regardless of which concourse you're going to, everyone passes through the same security checkpoint in the main terminal. Each freestanding Mamava unit contains a fold-down table, bench seating on either side, a USB port, an electrical outlet, a coat hook, and a mirror.

  • Does SAN have a military lounge?

    Yes. The USO at SAN is in Terminal 2, landslide. If you are traveling soldier or a member of a military family who wants to relax, regroup, or refresh after your flight from Des Moines, you can visit the USO and enjoy its benefits and facilities free of charge. Amenities include showers, comfortable seating, refreshments, TV, unlimited domestic calls, and much more.

  • Where can I pick up my rental car at SAN?

    All car rental companies are located in a separate building outside the SAN airport. At the Arrivals curb, you can catch a free shuttle to whichever car rental agency you need to go to. Some car rental agencies at San Diego Airport include Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Alamo, Hertz, Firefly, National, and more.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Des Moines to San Diego?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Des Moines to San Diego was $89 for a one-way ticket and $147 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Des Moines and San Diego?

    A passport is not required to fly from Des Moines to San Diego.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Des Moines to San Diego?

    When flying out of Des Moines you will be using Des Moines. You will be landing at San Diego, also known as San Diego.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Des Moines to San Diego?

    The Airbus A320-100/200 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Des Moines to San Diego flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Des Moines to San Diego?

    oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam are the airline alliances operating flights between Des Moines and San Diego, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • What is the most popular layover when flying to San Diego from Des Moines?

    Denver is the most popular layover city among KAYAK users traveling from Des Moines to San Diego.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Des Moines to San Diego, Southwest or Delta?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Des Moines to San Diego are Southwest and Delta. With an average price for the route of $474 and an overall rating of 8.0, Southwest is the most popular choice. Delta is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $410 and an overall rating of 8.0.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Des Moines to San Diego?

    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 Des Moines to San Diego.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Des Moines to San Diego?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to San Diego from Des Moines 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 Des Moines to San Diego?

    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 to San Diego with an airline and back to Des Moines with another airline. Booking your flights between Des Moines and SAN can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Des Moines to San Diego?

    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 to San Diego from Des Moines up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

See more FAQs

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Des Moines to San Diego

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $170 or less round-trip.
  • Located virtually in the center of the state of Iowa, the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) serves as a focus city for Allegiant Air. The San Diego International Airport (SAN), located on the Pacific coast in California just north of the Mexican border, is a hub for Southwest, Alaska Airlines, and other smaller airlines.
  • Though is unlikely you will find a direct flight from Des Moines to San Diego, you can find one-stop flights on several airlines, such as United, often with a stop in Denver. Southwest, American, and Delta also have one-stop flights with layovers in cities such as Dallas, Phoenix, Minneapolis, in Atlanta. United, American, and Delta are among the airlines offering two-stop flights as well.
  • There is one animal relief area at DSM located outside the terminal. So, remember to make sure that your service animal or your pet goes to the bathroom before you enter the airport and go through security. This animal relief area is north of the Skywalk next to the parking garage.
  • A baggage claim at SAN, you can find the service Traveler’s Aid. Open every day from 8 am to 11 pm, Travelers Aid helps passengers who are stranded or distressed. For example, if your accommodation plans have fallen through, if your money has been lost or stolen, or if you need transportation assistance, Travelers Aid is there to help.
  • If you feel stiff and sore after your flight from Des Moines, consider getting a massage at one of the two Be Relax Spa locations at the San Diego Airport. There is one spa location at Gate 26 in Terminal 2 and another location atG ate 36 in Terminal 2. These spas are open daily from 7 am to 8 pm.
See more tips

Prefer to fly direct from Des Moines to San Diego?

Find which airlines fly direct from Des Moines Airport to San Diego Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Des Moines to San Diego

Monday

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air

Friday

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Diego to Des Moines

Monday

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air

Friday

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air

See more direct flights
See more direct flights

Top 5 airlines serving from Des Moines to San Diego

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Des Moines to San Diego. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Des Moines to San Diego? 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 4277 reviews
8.2Boarding
8.0Comfort
8.7Crew
7.1Food
7.6Entertainment
Airline reviews

Boarding process, crew were good. But the seats were so uncomfortable that was all I could focus on. I literally had to sit forward so that all 3 of us could fit in row. I will try to avoid Southwest in the future for any flights over 60 minutes.

6.0 GoodCarolynn, Mar 2025KOA - SMF
Read more Southwest reviews

Boarding process, crew were good. But the seats were so uncomfortable that was all I could focus on. I literally had to sit forward so that all 3 of us could fit in row. I will try to avoid Southwest in the future for any flights over 60 minutes.

Great flight, 47 passengers on a 180 seat plane. Stewardess was pleasant and cheerful.

Great experience flying Southwest. The crew was really kind and helpful, and very friendly with our toddler.

Plane late from DC to Austin 30 minutes. Crew made up much of the time enroute to San Diego.

Fine, but how to board on SW versus othrr airlines, is just lame. Goood staff though and all was solid otherwise.

Was as expected. Crowed planes. Too many carryons delaying takeoff. But the ride only took an hour and saved me a lot of time SFO is a not a great airport.

Was as expected. Crowed planes. Too many carryons delaying takeoff. But the ride only took an hour and saved me a lot of time SFO is a hell hole of an airport. It is the new LaGuardia. Everything Cobbled together. Security gates closed. Terri directional signage

I will be flying again Southwest Airlines. Friendly crew, comfortable and affordable.

The plane arrived 25 minutes late, and the Wi-Fi was slower than it usually is.

Forget beverage, they didn't even have water for half the passangers?

The gate was too far away for the connecting flight

Generally good. The aisles have gotten narrower which can slow down boarding. Flight crew was great! Healthier complimentary snacks would be appreciated. Due to earthquake in San Francisco we had to circle in air space for a bit but then had a smooth landing. I laud the flight crew for their patience ;)

The agents was very rude and they charged me $50 for a carry-on bag saying that it was too big and then I saw someone going on a plane with the same size bag as me

For the most part united was a good experience, how ever when they came by with the snacks and water, they completely passed by my wife and I. As we were in separate rows. On a 5 hr flight we were not offered water

Fantastic crew. Flight was delayed at last minute but we were given updates every 20 minutes and the crew was so friendly and considerate. I miss the touch screens on the back of the seats, wish they would bring that back though.

Awful. Worst airline I have ever been on. Crew were among the rudest people I have ever dealt with. United staff members were rude and disrespectful. My flight was delayed, causing me to miss a connecting flight. I understand things happen, but when staff start lying about what actually happened, that is when I have an issue. Just be honest, really it isn’t that hard. I’m being very honest with this review and I don’t find this difficult what so ever. In fact, because of United Airlines, my Christmas holiday was off to a really rocky start. As someone who has traveled across the world, it has only been United that I have had a truly awful experience.

Boarding always seems a bit chaotic. Seat spacing could leave more for leg room.

Good flight. On time. Boarding and seating was easy. Crew were really friendly, yet professional. Bathroom (by cockpit) was small but serviceable. Some the seats were showing some notable wear & tear, but were comfy. Very happy UA customer. TY! 🤛🏽💗

We arrived early and finally made it to our gate almost an hour after.

We were delayed 3x and because I didn’t purchase my tickets directly from United Airlines I was told I Have to take care of it myself so I called Underpricer and they helped me but before I changed my flights I took the risk of sticking by what my tickets were and was lucky to have gotten on the original all flight with only 15 mins before take off. not sure if I will do this again

Easiest flights I’ve ever taken. Plane was comfortable without overly crowded seating.

Terrible. Still have not received the refund from them. They sent it to some account that I don't even know. Spoke with costumer service and they are unable to help.

I didn’t like it at all. I miss my second flight because of the delay on Allegiant Air now I m stuck in MCO.

Good, but a bit late on take off after loading. Don't like charging for carry ons!

First time flying with them and will definitely fly again in the future. Crew was so nice and friendly, fought was seamless. They are simple planes, no entertainment, but it’s fine for a short flight or if you have personal devices Rates are competitive, and they did so well with keeping the flight on time after a tropical storm, where other airlines had delays and cancellations.

They boarded passengers that sat in the back of the plane first, making boarding very efficient.

I didn't even take this flight. My plans changed and I couldn't get ahold of customer service and the website kept breaking down during the attempt to change the flight. I wound up taking another airline entirely and eating the cost.

The worst flying experience ever 3 delays. No accommodations. Had to deboard the plane after being delayed.

Posted a 20minute delay but didn’t delay at all. Caused boarding issues and confusion. Also, didn’t release baggage. Took over an hour and 20 minutes to get luggage.

Flight was good, boarding was a breeze, flight attendants were friendly and professional. There was a medical issue with another passenger and the crew handled it in a calm and professional way.

One bottle of water and a package of cookies for comfort plus. We had to literally beg a flight attendant for an extra bottle of water later in the flight due to feeling dehydrated.

Flight boarded from Gate 39 at OGG, the farthest gate in the terminal. There were no Hawaiian themed amenities for the flight. The first class service was mediocre at best; I received not special welcome or recognition as an executive platinum member of American Advantage program. The flight attendants were more concerned with their cell phones than saying "thank you" to the passengers as we disembarked. Fortunately, the flight arrived at LAX a few minutes early.

Bigger seats. Board back to front! Disembark front to back!

Extraordinary service in business class, and very good breakfast and snacks. A really lovely flight.

This flight didn’t happen because AA agents didn’t let us board the flight

Plane was pretty clean, staff was friendly and helpful, flight left about on time arrived early. Took a long time to board and get off the plane - carry on items didn't have enough room so people had to move all around to find places.

The service and food needs to improve to catch up with other international flights

Would have been good to have a meal since it was a 5.5 hour flight

We boarded after several delays due to mechanical failure and a gate change. The seat cushion in the exit row was very compressed and offered no cushion, making the four-hour journey reasonably uncomfortable. The WiFi worked for a few people, but for most, it did not, and you cannot get entertainment unless you can connect—American Airlines flights do not have seatback screens, and you must use your mobile phone.

Terrible. Internet/kiosk glitch prevented baggage checkin. Line at ticket co in Ter was under serviced and did not move. Agents did not call for flight but rather allowed time to pass. Then told each person as they reached the front if line that it was too late to check bags so they’d have to rebook flights. At least 15 people missed the flight as a result of this incompetence.

The worst flight of my life. Never will I fly frontier again

Landing in terminal 2, but my luggage is terminal 3. We (and others) were looking for it in terminal 1. We probably missed the crew broadcast, but the communication could have been clearer for non native (or elderly) passengers.

I chose the seats when booked the flight and paid for them. However after checking in I found we were assigned different seats!

Bag should not be so much money. This is how Frontier takes advantage of customers

The plane was comfortable. The time to board was way too slow and very unorganized! The crew was not as friendly as normally. The was not a single time that they offered water nor anything!!!

They switched my flight to Spirit, Never using Kayak again,

i was denied boarding, even though i had an assigned seat, checked in on line and was at airport early. Then they refused to fully refund the the fair and replacement fair because they claimed it was "no show/denied boarding". I will never fly this airline again

I was not permitted on my flight and had to purchase another flight ticket to Las Vegas.

This was a full flight and I was in Zone 1, however upon boarding, several other zones went in ahead of me, leaving no overhead cabin space near my seat. This created a challenging disembarkment process.

Frontier had yet another flight cancellation. Have never made a complete round trip with this airline without at least one leg getting cancelled. Miserable flights - dirty, uncomfortable planes that apparently always have issues since I've had multiple delays and cancellations with them.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Des Moines to San Diego

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