$19 Cheap Flights to Los Banos, CA

Flights to Los Banos at a glance

Traveling to Los Banos is simple, with numerous options for direct flights. Enjoy comfortable journeys that make it easy to discover the city's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Los Banos: Merced Municipal Airport (MCE)
• Flights per week: 14 flights arriving at Los Banos airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Los Banos: around 1 carrier

Popular airport near Los Banos

Los Banos is a vibrant city known for its outdoor activities, stunning scenery, and adventurous spirit, making it a popular choice for family vacations and beach getaways. It is conveniently served by a major airport, ensuring easy access for travelers looking to explore everything this destination has to offer.

• Merced Municipal Airport (MCE): Situated in Merced County, California, approximately 24 miles from Los Banos, this airport provides domestic flights linking to around 2 cities nationwide. Advanced Air is a notable airline operating at this location.

Top routes to Los Banos

• Hawthorne (HHR) to Los Banos (MCE), with one-way flights starting at around $85
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Los Banos (MCE), with one-way tickets available from around $85

Cheapest routes to Los Banos

• Hawthorne (HHR) to Los Banos (MCE), with affordable one-way prices from around $85
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Los Banos (MCE), with budget one-way fares from around $85

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

Top airlines with flights to Los Banos

• Advanced Air: Operating flights to Merced Municipal Airport (MCE), Advanced Air handles nearly all incoming traffic to {short_name}. The average fare for a one-way ticket is about $160.

Best time to fly to Los Banos

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Los Banos are January, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Los Banos can reach up to 67.6°F in May. If you prefer quieter travel, consider July, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 81°F. For better deals, January usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $103, roughly 29% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? February offers an average one-way fare of around $111, making it a good option 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 Los Banos

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Los Banos 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Los Banos

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

• Public transportation: From Merced Municipal Airport, Merced Station, a train station, is located about 4.7 miles away by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Los Banos, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Los Banos is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Los Banos 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 Los Banos

• Gustine: Located 16 miles drive away from Los Banos, Gustine is a charming city that offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Santa Nella Community Park, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. The Santa Nella Library provides a cultural touch, while the California Korean War Veterans Memorial invites reflection. With access to shopping malls and recreational areas, Gustine is an ideal spot for families looking to explore the beauty of California’s landscape.
• Dos Palos: Dos Palos is located 13 miles drive away from Los Banos and is known for its adventurous spirit and picturesque scenery. This city features a variety of recreational areas, perfect for hiking or golfing. Key attractions like Los Banos Park invite families to enjoy outdoor activities, while the historic Los Banos City Hall offers a glimpse into local heritage. For those seeking fun, the Aqua Entertainment Center provides a lively atmosphere, making Dos Palos a great destination for both relaxation and adventure.
• San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area: San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is located 14 miles drive away from Los Banos and is a nature lover’s paradise, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics alike. The park boasts beautiful lakes and stunning views along its boardwalk, making it perfect for a tranquil day out. Nearby attractions, such as Pacheco State Park, offer opportunities for exploration and adventure. Whether you're enjoying a picnic or simply taking in the scenery, this area provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.

Tips for short-haul flights to Los Banos

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

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often the more economical choice. Optimize your packing by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothes, and coordinating outfits ahead of time. This approach also helps you 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 occupied. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's wise to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure, allowing for traffic and security line delays.
• 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 Los Banos

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 provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if time permits, take the opportunity to browse the shops, enjoy a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Most airports offer free Wi-Fi that is readily available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Los Banos

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Los Banos 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

December is the cheapest month to fly to Los Banos. 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 Los Banos. 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 Los Banos, 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 Los Banos

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Los Banos in 2026 starts from $38, while one-way tickets start from from $19. 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 Los Banos. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Los Banos

Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United, Delta, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Los Banos. 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 Los Banos and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Los Banos, 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 Los Banos. 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos

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 Los Banos.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Los Banos are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Los Banos. 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Los Banos 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 Los Banos. 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.