$19 Cheap Flights to Santa Ana, CA

Flights to Santa Ana at a glance

Traveling to Santa Ana is easy; you can choose from a range of airlines, including both full-service and low-cost options. Compare journey times and find cheap flights to Santa Ana that fit your budget and schedule, making it simple to explore the city's renowned sights and neighborhoods.

• Major airports in and around Santa Ana: John Wayne Airport (SNA), Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT), Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB)
• Closest airport to Santa Ana: John Wayne Airport, SNA (within Santa Ana)
• Flights per week: 6,250+ flights arriving across Santa Ana airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Santa Ana: around 25+ carriers

Popular airports in and around Santa Ana

Santa Ana is a vibrant city perfect for family outings, entertainment, and urban getaways. Visitors are attracted to its rich culture, outdoor activities, and business opportunities. The city is conveniently accessible via three major airports, including Santa Ana John Wayne Airport, which serves as a key travel hub.

• John Wayne Airport (SNA): Situated in Orange County, California, this airport provides access to both domestic and international flights, linking to over 220 domestic cities and more than 30 international destinations. Passengers have the option to upgrade to first class, business class, or premium economy service for enhanced comfort, based on the airline and route. Major carriers at this airport include American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United.
• Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT): Found in San Bernardino County, California, approximately 27 miles from Santa Ana, this airport offers both domestic and international services, connecting to around 205 domestic cities and 60 global destinations. Travelers can elevate their experience by choosing from first class, premium economy, or business class seating options, depending on the airline and flight route. Notable airlines operating from this airport include American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
• Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB): Located in Los Angeles County, California, about 17 miles from Santa Ana, this airport accommodates both domestic and international flights, connecting to around 90 domestic cities and one international destination. Passengers can opt for premium economy, first class, or business class seating for greater comfort, subject to the airline and specific routes. Popular airlines at this airport include Southwest Airlines, Delta, and Hawaiian Airlines.

Top routes to Santa Ana

• Seattle (SEA) to Santa Ana (SNA/LGB/ONT), with one-way fares starting at around $60
• San Francisco (SFO) to Santa Ana (SNA/LGB/ONT), with one-way fares starting at around $30
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Santa Ana (SNA/LGB/ONT), with one-way flights starting at around $30
• Denver (DEN) to Santa Ana (SNA/LGB/ONT), with one-way tickets available from around $40
• Portland (PWM/PDX) to Santa Ana (SNA/LGB/ONT), with one-way fares starting at around $55

Cheapest routes to Santa Ana

• San Francisco (SFO) to Santa Ana (SNA/LGB/ONT), with low one-way fares from around $30
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Santa Ana (SNA/LGB/ONT), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $30
• Ogden (OGD) to Santa Ana (SNA), with cheap one-way fares from around $35
• San Jose (SJC/SJO) to Santa Ana (SNA/LGB/ONT), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $40
• Reno (RNO) to Santa Ana (SNA/LGB/ONT), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $40

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

Top airlines with flights to Santa Ana

• American Airlines: Provides service to John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT), representing about 26% of arrivals in Santa Ana. The typical one-way fare is around $270, with options for premium cabins such as business and first class based on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: Operates flights into John Wayne Airport (SNA), Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB), and Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT), making up roughly 25% of Santa Ana's arrivals. The average one-way fare is approximately $230.
• United: Offers flights to John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT), accounting for nearly 16% of arrivals to Santa Ana. The average one-way fare is around $280, with premium options including premium economy, business, and first class depending on the route.
• Alaska Airlines: Serves John Wayne Airport (SNA), Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB), and Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT), contributing about 9% of arrivals to Santa Ana. The average one-way fare is approximately $250, with premium cabin choices that may include business and first class based on the route.
• Frontier Airlines: Flies to John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT), comprising around 6% of arrivals to Santa Ana. The average one-way fare is approximately $140, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.

Best time to fly to Santa Ana

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Santa Ana are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Santa Ana can reach up to 62.6°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 65.1°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $199), roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, August, and October offer average one-way fares of around $206, 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 Santa Ana

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

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Santa Ana

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

• Public transportation: From John Wayne Airport, Tustin Station (a train station) is located about 5.3 miles away by car, while the Balboa Island Ferry (a ferry terminal) is situated approximately 7.2 miles from the airport, also accessible by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Santa Ana, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Santa Ana is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana

• Anaheim: Located 7 miles drive away from Santa Ana, Anaheim is a vibrant city known for its family-friendly attractions and cultural experiences. It's home to iconic destinations like Disneyland® Resort, making it a must-visit for families seeking fun and adventure. The Anaheim Convention Center caters to business travelers and hosts a variety of events, while shopping enthusiasts can explore local malls. Don't miss Knott's Berry Farm for an entertaining day out, and immerse yourself in Anaheim's rich arts scene and various symbolic landmarks.
• Newport Beach: Newport Beach is located 9 miles drive away from Santa Ana and offers a picturesque coastal escape perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the sandy shores at Crystal Cove Beach or take a stroll along the Newport Beach Pier. The area features excellent shopping options and is close to the University of California, Irvine, adding a vibrant city vibe. Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach or explore local attractions, Newport Beach provides a delightful experience.
• Tustin: Tustin is located 2 miles drive away from Santa Ana and is a charming city ideal for family outings and entertainment. With its proximity to Disneyland® Resort, adventure seekers can easily access this famous theme park. Tustin boasts several shopping centers and is home to Chapman University, offering a blend of education and city life. Visitors can also find the Anaheim Convention Center nearby, making Tustin a convenient base for both leisure and business travelers alike.

Tips for short-haul flights to Santa Ana

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 usually more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothes, and organizing your outfits wisely. This approach also helps you bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself engaged, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts beforehand and consider bringing a book. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for both short and domestic flights, it’s advisable to get to the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack snacks and carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated while saving money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Santa Ana

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 complimentary seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may provide seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some spare time, take a moment to explore the shops, enjoy a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—start aligning your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to reflect your destination's time zone. Try to either 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 Santa Ana

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Santa Ana

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

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana

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 Santa Ana.

Stopover savings

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