$23 Cheap Flights to Freedom, CA

Flights to Freedom at a glance

Flying to Freedom is easy with full-service airlines providing a range of flight options. You can compare travel times and choose the itinerary that best fits your schedule, allowing you to explore the city's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Freedom: Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY)
• Flights per week: 750+ flights arriving at Freedom airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Freedom: around 4 carriers

Popular airport near Freedom

Freedom is a vibrant destination perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and those seeking scenic beauty. With its array of adventures, beaches, and picturesque landscapes, it's no wonder travelers flock to Freedom, which is conveniently served by a major airport.

• Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY): Situated in Monterey County, California, approximately 24 miles from Freedom, this airport offers a blend of domestic and international flights. Travelers can access over 100 domestic cities and three international locations, with options to upgrade to first class or business class seating for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines that operate from this airport include United, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.

Top routes to Freedom

• San Diego (SAN) to Freedom (MRY), with one-way flight options from around $70
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Freedom (MRY), with one-way flights starting at around $90
• Phoenix (PHX) to Freedom (MRY), with one-way flights starting at around $120
• Seattle (SEA) to Freedom (MRY), with one-way flight options from around $80
• Denver (DEN) to Freedom (MRY), with one-way flight options from around $120

Cheapest routes to Freedom

• San Diego (SAN) to Freedom (MRY), with budget one-way fares from around $70
• Seattle (SEA) to Freedom (MRY), with low one-way fares from around $80
• San Francisco (SFO) to Freedom (MRY), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $80
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Freedom (MRY), with cheap one-way fares from around $90
• Portland (PWM/PDX) to Freedom (MRY), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $90

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Freedom

• United: Operating flights to Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), United represents about 42% of arrivals to Freedom. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $320, with premium cabin services that may include first class depending on the route.
• American Airlines: Serving Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), American Airlines accounts for approximately 41% of arrivals to Freedom. One-way fares average about $270, and their premium cabin options can feature first class depending on the route.
• Alaska Airlines: With flights to Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), Alaska Airlines is responsible for around 17% of arrivals to Freedom. The average fare for a one-way ticket is roughly $250, offering premium service options that may include both business and first class, depending on the route.
• Hawaiian Airlines: Providing service to Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), Hawaiian Airlines offers one-way fares averaging about $210.

Best time to fly to Freedom

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Freedom are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Freedom can reach up to 54.5°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 64.9°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $249, roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? June, August, and October offer average one-way fares of around $264, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Freedom

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Freedom is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Freedom hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Freedom flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Freedom

Freedom welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Freedom efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Monterey Peninsula Airport, travelers can easily access nearby transportation options. Monterey Transit Plaza, a bus station, is located about 2.9 miles away by car, while Monterey Seaport, a seaport, is approximately 3.1 miles from the airport by car. Additionally, Monterey Station, a train station, is situated about 4.7 miles away by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Freedom, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Freedom is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Freedom on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Freedom

• Watsonville: Located 2 miles drive away from Freedom, Watsonville is a charming city perfect for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts. Visitors flock here for its stunning outdoor scenery and inviting beaches. Key highlights include the picturesque Monterey Bay, ideal for a scenic day out, and La Selva Beach, perfect for sunbathing or a beach getaway. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the nearby national state park. Don’t miss the recreational areas and amusement parks that add fun to your visit, making Watsonville a versatile destination for all travelers.
• Aptos: Aptos is located 7 miles drive away from Freedom and is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant outdoor experiences. This city boasts a mix of adventure and relaxation, with attractions such as the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, which offers a glimpse into local sports culture. Visitors can unwind at Rio Del Mar Beach or enjoy family fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Whether you’re into golfing or simply soaking up the sun, Aptos provides a delightful escape for every traveler.
• Capitola: Capitola is located 11 miles drive away from Freedom and is a picturesque coastal town that caters to families and outdoor lovers alike. The stunning Capitola Beach offers a perfect spot for relaxing by the water, while the nearby Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk provides a lively atmosphere for adventure seekers. The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum adds a cultural touch for those interested in local sports history. With its charming boardwalk and recreational areas, Capitola is an inviting destination for memorable family experiences.

Tips for short-haul flights to Freedom

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it's often more economical to travel with only a carry-on. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and carefully planning your outfits. This also allows you to avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. Remember to fully charge your devices before boarding.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Freedom

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights, allowing sufficient time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Most airports offer free Wi-Fi that is generally easy to connect to.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to align your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to correspond with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Freedom

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Freedom on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

October is the cheapest month to fly to Freedom. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Freedom. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Freedom, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Freedom

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Freedom in 2026 starts from $46, while one-way tickets start from from $23. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Freedom. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Freedom

Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United, Delta, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Freedom. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Freedom and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Freedom, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Freedom. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Freedom plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Freedom

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Freedom.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Freedom are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Freedom. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Freedom for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Freedom. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Freedom flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Freedom. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.