Des Moines to Los Angeles (DSM–LAX) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
DSM–LAX is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. American Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 1,444 miles in approximately 3h 57m. Beyond nonstop, 37 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AA American Airlines | 14 | E75, E75L | 3h57-4h | Oneworld | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
On-Time Performance
Other ways to reach Los Angeles from Des Moines
| Metric | DSM→LAX | OMA→LAX |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from DSM | – | 117 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 1 | 3 |
| Weekly flights | 14 | 22 |
| Flight time | 3h 57m | 3h 45m |
| Departure OTP | 64% | – |
Travel Essentials
DSM: CDT · LAX: PDT
When it's 6:00 PM in Des Moines, it's 4:00 PM in Los Angeles.
LAX has no direct rail link to downtown. The closest option is the free LAX Shuttle G to the Metro C Line station at Aviation/Century Blvd (fare $1.75 to Union Station, 40–50 min). Taxis use a meter; expect $35–55 to downtown and $30–45 to Santa Monica. Ride-shares cost $20–45 depending on destination and surge pricing.Rental car facilities are a short shuttle ride from terminals. FlyAway buses run to Union Station, Van Nuys, Hollywood, and Westwood ($9.75–11.25). For LAX Connect (the new people mover to Inglewood), check if it has opened at time of travel.
Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry (24–30°C) with low humidity and almost no rain. Winters are mild (10–18°C) with occasional rain from November through March. Fog ("June Gloom") is common from late May through July, blanketing mornings until noon and causing departure delays.
Santa Ana winds occur in fall and spring, sometimes grounding departures briefly. Heat waves in September–October can push temperatures above 38°C inland, though LAX itself stays cooler near the coast.
DSM–LAX Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from DSM to LAX
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are connected by nonstop service from American Airlines. With 14 weekly departures, this is a well served route.
DSM to LAX Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from DSM to LAX ranges from 3 hours 57 minutes to 4 hours 0 minutes. The route covers a distance of 1,444 miles (2,324 km). There are approximately 14 weekly flights outbound and 14 return, totaling 28 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
37 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 5 hours via RIL. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Omaha (OMA).