Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Los Angeles Intl. (LAX)

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) cost?
One-way flights typically cost between $1,041 and $1,815 and return flights often range between $1,041 and $1,815. 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 Anaa (AAA) to Toronto, ON (YYZ-Pearson 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 Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
September is typically the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.), with average round-trip fares of approximately 931 CAD. This is about 8% lower than the average price throughout the year. September often sees lower prices as the summer travel rush ends and before the holiday season begins, leading to reduced demand. Other cheap months to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) include July and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
Enter DSM to LAX 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 Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles 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 airline to fly with from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, AA offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, AA typically offers the lowest fares. AA offers the most daily flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.), which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
Based on booking data from the past year, the cheapest months to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) are typically September and October, with average round-trip flights around 931 CAD. While April is a popular month for travel, offering plenty of flight options, it's not the cheapest. If you're looking for the best value, aiming for a trip in the autumn months will help you save on airfare.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
There is approximately 1 nonstop flight per day from Des Moines International (DSM) to Los Angeles International (LAX). For even more choice, look at flights that include layovers, as there are around 63 connecting flights per day. Some common connection points include O'Hare International (ORD), Denver International (DEN), and Midway International (MDW).
What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) typically departs at approximately 5:00 AM local time, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in March and April. An early departure like this can help you maximize your time at your destination. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What day of the week has the most flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
You'll find the most flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) on a Friday, with around 38 flights available. This gives you plenty of options for your travel plans. Major airlines on this route include American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Friday offers notably more flight options compared to other days of the week.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) are in the afternoon, from 3pm to 6pm. About 24% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because you can have a productive morning before your flight and arrive in Los Angeles in the evening.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from DSM to LAX takes around 4 hours, with the route covering approximately 1,444 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 3 hours 50 minutes longer than direct options. 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 Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
Select the "Business class" and "First class" filters when looking for DSM to LAX flights on Expedia. This is the easiest way to compare prices, routes and flight times for your trip.
How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
From Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) to reach Los Angeles. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX) before reaching Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight and hotel package 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 Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles 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 Intl.
Destination airport
Los Angeles Intl.
Distance
2310 km
Average flight time
1 hour 57 mins

Book with confidence

Compare flights from Des Moines to Los Angeles easily and book with confidence

For travelling on business or for pleasure, Expedia makes it easy to book your flights from Des Moines to Los Angeles. Operating between them flights per day, airlines cover the route. And fly direct, getting you to Los Angeles Intl. in just hours. If you have a preferred carrier, use our advanced search tool to find the right flight from Des Moines Intl. to Los Angeles Intl..  

To make things even better, in the advanced search, you can also choose to fly economy, premium economy, business or first class, select your maximum number of stops, and pick your preferred departure and arrival time. You can also opt for refundable and direct flights. 

Grab a great deal on your flight from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Los Angeles Intl. (LAX)

The easiest way to view the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Los Angeles today is to enter your travel dates and hit search. From here, you can sort your results by price to see the cheapest flights first. Right now, return flights from Des Moines Intl. to Los Angeles Intl. start at just and range up to .  

To find an even better deal, try  

  • being flexible on your dates – midweek flights can be cheaper
  • looking for other airports near Des Moines and Los Angeles
  • booking your flight during , the cheapest month on this route
  • varying your flight times – early morning and late at night are sometimes cheaper 

Why you should book your Des Moines to Los Angeles flight with Expedia!

We cater for all flight types, cabin classes and airlines. So whether you’re booking flights from Des Moines Intl. to Los Angeles Intl. for a budget break or a business trip with a bit of pleasure thrown in, we make it easy to secure the seat that’s right for you.  

Thanks to our supersized inventory that offers great choice all in one place, you know you’ll get a great deal with Expedia. Especially if you bundle your flight together with your hotel, you will unlock amazing savings. For added peace of mind, you can choose flexible bookings or filter to find refundable options, so you won’t pay a fee to change your flight.  

Compare flights from Des Moines to Los Angeles easily and book with confidence

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

*Available to Expedia members.