$42 Cheap Flights to Santa Monica

Popular airlines to Santa Monica

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How much is the cheapest flight to Santa Monica?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $42 for one-way flights and $79 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Cebu Pacific
Philippine Airlines
World Ticket Ltd
EVA Airways
Singapore Airlines

What you need to know for your flight to Santa Monica

Flights to Santa Monica at a glance

Booking a flight to Santa Monica is easy—choose between full-service and budget airlines, compare travel times, and select the option that aligns with your budget, schedule, and plans to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Major airports near Santa Monica: Sayak Airport (IAO), Bancasi Airport (BXU), Surigao Airport (SUG)
  • Closest airport to Santa Monica: Sayak Airport, IAO (around 12 miles)
  • Flights per week: 75+ flights arriving across Santa Monica airports
  • Number of airlines that fly to Santa Monica: around 3 carriers

Popular airports near Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a vibrant city perfect for beach getaways. Travelers flock to this destination for its beautiful coastline, outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, urban vibe, and eco-conscious environment. The city is conveniently accessible via three major airports.

  • Sayak Airport (IAO): Situated in Surigao del Norte, Caraga, approximately 12 miles from Santa Monica, this airport offers domestic flights to around 4 cities nationwide. Travelers can opt for an upgrade to premium economy class for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines operating here include Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and FlexFlight.
  • Bancasi Airport (BXU): Located about 83 miles from Santa Monica in Caraga, Bancasi Airport provides both domestic and international flights, linking to 2 domestic cities and 1 international destination. Passengers can choose to upgrade to premium economy class for a more comfortable journey based on the airline and route. Airlines such as Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines serve this airport.
  • Surigao Airport (SUG): Found in Surigao del Norte, Caraga, roughly 42 miles from Santa Monica, this airport primarily facilitates domestic flights to around 2 cities within the country. The main airline operating at this location is Cebu Pacific, providing travelers with essential connections.

Top routes to Santa Monica

  • Manila (MNL) to Santa Monica (SUG/IAO/BXU), with one-way flights starting at around $35
  • Cebu (CEB) to Santa Monica (SUG/IAO/BXU), with one-way fares starting at around $25
  • Angeles City (CRK) to Santa Monica (IAO), with one-way flights starting at around $65
  • Davao (DVO) to Santa Monica (IAO), with one-way tickets available from around $45
  • Los Angeles (LAX) to Santa Monica (BXU), with one-way flight options from around $470

Cheapest routes to Santa Monica

  • Cebu (CEB) to Santa Monica (SUG/IAO/BXU), with low one-way fares from around $25
  • Manila (MNL) to Santa Monica (SUG/IAO/BXU), with affordable one-way prices from around $35
  • Davao (DVO) to Santa Monica (IAO), with cheap one-way fares from around $45
  • Angeles City (CRK) to Santa Monica (IAO), with budget one-way fares from around $65
  • Los Angeles (LAX) to Santa Monica (BXU), with low one-way fares from around $470

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

Top airlines with flights to Santa Monica

  • Cebu Pacific: This airline operates flights to Surigao Airport (SUG), Sayak Airport (IAO), and Bancasi Airport (BXU), making it responsible for approximately 75% of Santa Monica's arrivals. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $70.
  • Philippine Airlines: Offering services to Sayak Airport (IAO) and Bancasi Airport (BXU), this carrier accounts for about 24% of arrivals in Santa Monica. Expect average one-way fares near $220, with the possibility of premium economy class in select routes.
  • FlexFlight: Providing flights exclusively to Sayak Airport (IAO), FlexFlight makes up about 1% of Santa Monica's arrivals. The average one-way fare stands at approximately $110.

Best time to fly to Santa Monica

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Santa Monica are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Santa Monica can reach up to 80.1°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 81.1°F. For better deals, December usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $85, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? November offers an average one-way fare of around $89, making it a good option for flexible travelers.

calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinesscrowd level iconDemandprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January79.3°F (26.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyHigh$108
February79.2°F (26.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyHigh$107
March80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHigh$117
April81.3°F (27.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$125
May82.9°F (28.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$106
June82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$105
July82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$96
August82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$94
September82.4°F (28.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLow$96
October81.9°F (27.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyLow$99
November81.1°F (27.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyLow$89
December80.4°F (26.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverage$85

*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 Monica

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Santa Monica 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 Monica 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 Monica 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 Monica

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Santa Monica, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car in Santa Monica is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Santa Monica 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 in and around Santa Monica

  • San Isidro: San Isidro is located 6 miles away from Santa Monica and is a charming city perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing and sports at local parks. Key attractions include the picturesque Magpupungko Beach for a relaxing day by the sea, the San Isidro Municipal Building showcasing civic architecture, and the Sunset Bridge, an ideal spot for romantic strolls and cultural experiences.
  • Burgos: Burgos is located 1 mile away from Santa Monica and offers stunning coastal scenery for travelers seeking beach and outdoor activities. The area is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic bays. Highlights include the inviting Magpupungko Beach, perfect for sunbathing, the breathtaking Sugba Lagoon, which is ideal for outdoor adventures and photography, and the San Isidro Municipal Building for a glimpse into local governance.
  • Alegria: Alegria is located in the area of Santa Monica and is a delightful village that attracts beach lovers and nature explorers. Visitors can unwind at Magpupungko Beach, a fantastic spot for sun and surf, or check out the Pacifico Surf Spot, known for its waves and vibrant surf culture. The San Isidro Municipal Building also lies nearby, providing a touch of local history amidst the natural beauty.

Tips for short-haul flights to Santa Monica

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 just a carry-on. Optimize your packing by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating your outfits. This strategy also allows you to avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim once you arrive.
  • Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment options. To keep entertained, download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Be sure to charge your devices fully before you board.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to get to the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
  • Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Santa Monica

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

  • Select your seat in advance—for long-haul flights, choosing your seat is crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide free seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow seat selection even earlier than that.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight’s departure to ensure you have enough time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
  • Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with some 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. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and widely available.
  • Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin acclimating your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to rest or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival location to help minimize jet lag.

Frequently asked questions

What month is the cheapest to fly to Santa Monica?
The cheapest month to fly to Santa Monica is September when there's less demand. Off-peak months are often when you'll find cheap fares. To keep costs down, steer clear of flying during school breaks and major holidays.
Which US cities fly direct to Santa Monica?
Direct flights make travel a little easier. When browsing on Expedia, choose "Direct flights only" and we'll show you the nonstop options to fly to Santa Monica.
How to find a cheap flight to Santa Monica?
Making travel plans in the low season and booking in advance are two of the best ways to secure cheap flights to Santa Monica. Or, consider flying on a Thursday, which, on average, is 16% cheaper than departing on a Sunday.* Want to be the first to know when fares drop? Simply set up price tracking on the Expedia app for real-time updates.*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
How to get a cheap last-minute flight to Santa Monica?
You can find cheap deals on last-minute departures to Santa Monica, especially if your plans aren't set in stone. Think about leaving from a different hub, changing your dates or selecting another carrier to get a cheap flight to Santa Monica.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Santa Monica?
Secure your flight to Santa Monica two to four months ahead if you're jetting in from an international destination. For domestic travel, the general guideline is 28 days in advance. Cheaper fares and a wider variety of travel dates, schedules and seating options are just some of the advantages of booking early.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to Santa Monica?
You'll save an average of 8% if you purchase tickets on a Sunday rather than Fridays, which tend to be the most expensive day to book.* When it comes to scoring a cheap flight to Santa Monica, timing makes a difference.*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which airlines fly to Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has connections to 4 airports worldwide through 3 carriers, such as Cebgo. Sayak Airport (IAO) serves as the principal hub for many airlines to Santa Monica. Philippine Airlines can also take you to this leading destination.
Where do you fly into Santa Monica?
Sayak Airport (IAO) is the main airport for passengers flying to Santa Monica. Or you could land at Surigao Airport (SUG). Compare fares between the two airports to find the most cost-effective or convenient way to fly to Santa Monica.
How far is the airport from central Santa Monica?
You'll be approximately 12 mi south of central Santa Monica after jetting into Sayak Airport (IAO).
Can I save money by booking a Santa Monica trip package?
Book a Santa Monica flight and hotel package deal on Expedia, and you could make significant savings. It's simple to bundle your flight and hotel, and you can add activities and car rentals to create your own customized Santa Monica getaway. Plus, nothing beats the convenience of booking everything in the same place.
Can I change or cancel my flight to Santa Monica?
It's often possible to change or cancel your flight to Santa Monica. Many airlines let you cancel your ticket for free within 24 hours of making your booking. However, some flights are non-refundable, and airlines may offer you credit for future flights instead of a direct refund. To get cheap flights to Santa Monica with flexible change policies, select "No cancel fee" or "Changes included" when you search. Need more information? Check out our Customer Service Portal.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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Travel information

Destination airport
Sayak
Destination airport IATA code
IAO
Destination city name
Siargao
Roundtrip price
$79

Trending flights to Santa Monica

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $42 for one-way flights and $79 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

EVA Airways

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