California is one of the most visited states in the U.S.—from Los Angeles and San Francisco to San Diego and Sacramento, there’s always something to see. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get there. Here’s how to score the best deals on domestic flights to California.
🕓 1. Book Early — But Not Too Early
- Best window: 1–3 months before your trip.
- Why: Airlines release cheap seats early, but they can fluctuate based on demand.
- Pro tip: Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track prices and set alerts.
💸 2. Compare Budget Airlines
Some of the cheapest domestic carriers that frequently fly to California include:
- Spirit Airlines (Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego)
- Frontier Airlines (San Francisco, Ontario)
- Allegiant Air (smaller regional airports)
- Southwest Airlines (great perks — free bags & no change fees)
Tip: Always compare the total cost (base fare + baggage + seat fees). A $39 Spirit ticket can quickly become $120 with add-ons.
🏙️ 3. Fly Into Alternate Airports
California has multiple airports near major cities. Smaller airports often have cheaper fares and less congestion.
| Major City | Alternate Airports | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), Ontario (ONT) | Often cheaper and faster to get through |
| San Francisco | Oakland (OAK), San Jose (SJC) | Budget carriers love these airports |
| San Diego | Santa Ana (SNA), Palm Springs (PSP) | Check deals during off-season |
📅 4. Be Flexible With Dates
- Flying midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) is usually cheaper.
- Avoid holiday weekends and summer peak months.
- Use “flexible date” search options on sites like Kayak or Google Flights to see price differences.
🌐 5. Use Flight Comparison & Deal Sites
Bookmark these to find the lowest fares:
- Google Flights
- Skyscanner
🎯 6. Sign Up for Airline & Deal Alerts
- Subscribe to email alerts from Southwest, Frontier, or Allegiant.
- Use apps like Hopper or Kayak to get notifications when prices drop.
- Follow airlines on social media — flash sales often appear there first!
🧳 7. Travel Light
Ultra-low-cost carriers charge for carry-ons and checked bags.
If you can pack light:
- Stick to a personal item only (fits under the seat).
- Skip seat selection to save $20–40.
🏁 Final Tip
Sometimes, it’s cheaper to fly into one California city and out of another (for example, into LAX and out of SFO). One-way fares are often lower than round trips if you stay flexible.