Direct (nonstop) flights from Des Moines to Los Angeles

1 airline flys nonstop from Des Moines International (DSM) to Los Angeles International (LAX). It's 1,447 miles (2,329 km), about 4h 1m in the air. Operated by American Airlines.

DSM
Des Moines International
🇺🇸 Des Moines, USA
LAX
Los Angeles International
🇺🇸 Los Angeles, USA
Flight Time
4h 1m
Distance
1,447 mi
2,329 km
CO₂/pax
245 kg
−29 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
American Airlines
Time Diff
-2h
Operated by American Airlines American Airlines

Route data last updated: May 26, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

American Airlines AA American Airlines
Route
DSM → LAX
Flight Time
4h 1m
Distance
1,447 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Des Moines to Los Angeles with one stop · direct emits 245 kg CO₂ per passenger

DSM LAS (Las Vegas) LAX
Leg 1: 3h 10m (1,215 mi) Leg 2: 1h 18m (236 mi) Total: ~4h 28m 🍃 274 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → LAS
3h 10m · 1,215 mi
View DSM to LAS flights →
Leg 2
LAS → LAX
1h 18m · 236 mi
View LAS to LAX flights →
DSM DEN (Denver) LAX
Leg 1: 2h 5m (590 mi) Leg 2: 2h 35m (861 mi) Total: ~4h 40m 🍃 293 kg CO₂ (+20% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → DEN
2h 5m · 590 mi
View DSM to DEN flights →
Leg 2
DEN → LAX
2h 35m · 861 mi
View DEN to LAX flights →
DSM PHX (Phoenix) LAX
Leg 1: 3h 11m (1,149 mi) Leg 2: 1h 33m (370 mi) Total: ~4h 44m 🍃 288 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → PHX
3h 11m · 1,149 mi
View DSM to PHX flights →
Leg 2
PHX → LAX
1h 33m · 370 mi
View PHX to LAX flights →
DSM SLC (Salt Lake City) LAX
Leg 1: 2h 55m (956 mi) Leg 2: 2h 7m (589 mi) Total: ~5h 2m 🍃 295 kg CO₂ (+20% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → SLC
2h 55m · 956 mi
View DSM to SLC flights →
Leg 2
SLC → LAX
2h 7m · 589 mi
View SLC to LAX flights →
DSM MSP (Minneapolis) LAX
Leg 1: 1h 12m (232 mi) Leg 2: 3h 59m (1,535 mi) Total: ~5h 11m 🍃 327 kg CO₂ (+33% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → MSP
1h 12m · 232 mi
View DSM to MSP flights →
Leg 2
MSP → LAX
3h 59m · 1,535 mi
View MSP to LAX flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Des Moines to Los Angeles?

A nonstop flight from Des Moines (DSM) to Los Angeles (LAX) takes approximately 4 hours and 1 minutes. The distance is 1,447 miles (2,329 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Des Moines to Los Angeles?

Just American Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Des Moines to Los Angeles?

Yes. 1 airline: American Airlines.

How far is Des Moines from Los Angeles?

The flight distance from Des Moines to Los Angeles is 1,447 miles (2,329 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Miami.

What type of aircraft flies from Des Moines to Los Angeles?

At 4h 1m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Des Moines to Los Angeles?

Roughly 245 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,225 km.

Is the return flight from Los Angeles to Des Moines also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Des Moines to Los Angeles?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Des Moines International for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.