Flights to California at a glance

Traveling to California is easy and accessible, with a variety of flights to California available to fit your needs. You can compare airfare to California from full-service and budget airlines, allowing you to find the best deals that align with your schedule and plans to visit iconic attractions. Notable highlights include LEGOLAND® California for family fun, Silicon Valley for outdoor adventures, and the stunning Redwood National and State Parks, perfect for enjoying nature and breathtaking scenery.

• Major airports in California: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) serving Los Angeles; San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serving San Francisco; San Diego International Airport (SAN) serving San Diego
• Flights per week: 22,500+ flights arriving across California airports
• Number of airlines that fly to California: around 90+ carriers

Popular airports in California

California is a vibrant state ideal for vacations focused on outdoor activities, adventure, and stunning scenery. Travelers flock here for family experiences, cultural immersion, and thrilling escapades. The region is conveniently served by three major airports, making travel arrangements easier.

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Situated in Los Angeles County, California, LAX operates a vast array of domestic and international flights, linking travelers to over 280 domestic locations and more than 375 international destinations. Passengers have the opportunity to upgrade to business class, premium economy class, or first class for enhanced comfort, depending on the selected airline and route. Notable carriers at this airport include Delta, American Airlines, and United.
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Found in San Mateo County, California, SFO facilitates both domestic and international travel, providing connections to around 240 domestic cities and approximately 340 overseas destinations. Travelers can opt to upgrade their seating to first class, business class, or premium economy class for a more enjoyable journey, contingent upon their chosen airline and route. Major airlines operating at this airport are United, Alaska Airlines, and Delta.
• San Diego International Airport (SAN): Located in San Diego County, California, SAN caters to both domestic and international flights, offering connections to about 265 domestic cities and 145 international locations. For a more luxurious travel experience, passengers can select upgrades to first class, premium economy class, or business class, based on the airline and route. Prominent airlines serving this airport include Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines.

Top routes to California

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Los Angeles (LAX), with one-way flights starting at around $100
• New York (JFK/LGA) to San Francisco (SFO), with one-way tickets available from around $100
• Seattle (SEA) to Los Angeles (LAX), with one-way flight options from around $55
• Honolulu (HNL) to Los Angeles (LAX), with one-way flight options from around $120
• Newark (EWR) to Los Angeles (LAX), with one-way flight options from around $110

Cheapest routes to California

• Phoenix (PHX) to San Diego (SAN), with low one-way fares from around $30
• Las Vegas (LAS) to San Diego (SAN), with cheap one-way fares from around $35
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Los Angeles (LAX), with low one-way fares from around $35
• Phoenix (PHX) to Los Angeles (LAX), with affordable one-way prices from around $35
• Las Vegas (LAS) to San Francisco (SFO), 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

Best time to fly to California

The most popular months for travelers to fly to California are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in California can reach up to 56.1°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 63.7°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $231, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, October, and February offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $235 to $249, making them good options for flexible travelers.

Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Average one-way Fare
January	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	$319
February	49.3°F (9.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	$249
March	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	$260
April	56.1°F (13.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	$270
May	65.7°F (18.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	$231
June	68.0°F (20.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	$253
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	$267
August	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	$256
September	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	$235
October	68.0°F (20.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	$237
November	58.3°F (14.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	$251
December	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	$274

*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 California

Getting some of the best deals on flights to California 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—stay up to date on fare changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our California hotel and flight deals.
4. Travel during shoulder season-peak travel periods tend to push the flight fares a little higher than usual. Traveling outside of these busy periods can help you find more competitive prices while still being able to enjoy good weather and lesser crowds.
5. Be flexible with your travel dates-if your schedule allows it, try and search for a few different departure and return dates as this may help you find lower fares.
6. Consider economy fares-if you're traveling light and don't need extras like seat selection or additional baggage, opting for a basic economy fare can be a simple way to keep costs down. Just make sure to check what's included in the flight ticket before confirming your booking.
7. Think about luggage—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.
8. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book with Expedia. Make sure to select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking to get more value from your trip.

*For members. Select hotels.

Where to stay in California

• Anaheim: Anaheim is located in the area of California and is a vibrant city known for its family-friendly attractions and entertainment options. A major highlight is the iconic Disneyland® Resort, a must-visit for families and those seeking a magical experience. The Anaheim Convention Center caters to business travelers, while Knott's Berry Farm offers thrilling rides and outdoor fun for adventurers. With shopping centers and arts venues nearby, Anaheim provides a rich cultural experience for visitors of all interests.
• Los Angeles: Los Angeles is located in the area of California and stands as a bustling metropolis that blends family fun with urban excitement. Tourists flock to Universal Studios Hollywood for a taste of the film industry, while Santa Monica Beach provides a perfect spot for relaxation and sunbathing. The Los Angeles Convention Center is ideal for business events, and the city's vibrant theater scene offers entertainment for all tastes. With diverse neighborhoods and attractions, there's always something happening in LA.
• San Diego: San Diego is located in the area of California and is renowned for its beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures. Mission Beach and Mission Bay offer stunning coastal views and are perfect for a day of sun and sand. The San Diego Convention Center serves business travelers, while the city’s parks and scenic spots invite nature lovers to explore. With a mild climate year-round, San Diego is a fantastic destination for beach vacations and outdoor activities at any time.

Tips for short-haul flights to California

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. Maximize your packing efficiency by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits carefully. This strategy also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Early check in—most airlines allow you to check in online at least 24 to 48 hours before your flight. This can save you valuable time at the airport, and you may even secure a preferred seat at no extra cost.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights do not provide in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself entertained, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book as well. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive early—even for short flights, it’s wise to get to the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure, taking into account potential traffic and security wait times.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce costs while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to California

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 to 48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may permit seat selection earlier, but this might come with an additional fee.
• Arrive early—make sure to be 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 extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, find a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align 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 minimize jet lag.
• Dress comfortable—the journey will be long, so opt for loose, comfortable clothing and layers, as cabin temperatures can fluctuate.
• Stay hydrated—bring a refillable water bottle and ensure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, helping you feel your best upon arrival.