$19 Cheap Flights to Lake Forest, CA

Flights to Lake Forest at a glance

Traveling to Lake Forest is easy—simply choose from full-service or low-cost airlines, compare flight schedules, and find the option that best fits your budget and itinerary. Whether you’re searching for cheap flights to Lake Forest or looking for the right timing, you’ll be ready to explore the city’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Lake Forest: John Wayne Airport (SNA), Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT), Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB)
• Closest airport to Lake Forest: John Wayne Airport, SNA (around 10 miles)
• Flights per week: 6,250+ flights arriving across Lake Forest airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Lake Forest: around 25+ carriers

Popular airports near Lake Forest

Lake Forest is a vibrant city perfect for family getaways, urban explorations, business trips, and outdoor adventures. Visitors are drawn to its blend of activities and entertainment options. The city is conveniently accessible via three major airports, including Los Angeles International Airport and Long Beach Airport, making travel easy.

• John Wayne Airport (SNA): Situated in Orange County, California, approximately 10 miles from Lake Forest, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, linking over 220 domestic cities and more than 30 international locations. Travelers have the option to elevate their journey by choosing first class, business class, or premium economy seating for enhanced comfort, depending on their selected airlines and routes. Prominent carriers include American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United.
• Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT): Found in San Bernardino County, California, about 29 miles from Lake Forest, this airport offers services for domestic and international travelers, connecting over 205 domestic cities and around 60 international destinations. Passengers can opt for first class, premium economy, or business class seating to enjoy a more comfortable flying experience, based on the airlines and routes they choose. Notable airlines at this airport include American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
• Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB): Located in Los Angeles County, California, nearly 29 miles from Lake Forest, this airport provides both domestic and international flights, connecting more than 90 domestic destinations and a single international location. Travelers can upgrade their experience by selecting premium economy, first class, or business class service, tailored to their chosen airlines and routes. Key airlines operating here include Southwest Airlines, Delta, and Hawaiian Airlines.

Top routes to Lake Forest

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

Cheapest routes to Lake Forest

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

• American Airlines: Operating flights to John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT), this airline represents about 26% of the arrivals in Lake Forest. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $270, with premium service options such as business class and first class available on select routes.
• Southwest Airlines: Providing service to John Wayne Airport (SNA), Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB), and Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT), Southwest accounts for roughly 25% of arrivals to Lake Forest. Expect an average one-way fare of approximately $230.
• United: With routes to John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT), United makes up about 16% of the arrivals in Lake Forest. One-way fares average around $280, and travelers can choose from various premium options, including premium economy, business class, and first class depending on the route.
• Alaska Airlines: This airline services John Wayne Airport (SNA), Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB), and Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT), contributing to nearly 9% of arrivals in Lake Forest. The average fare for a one-way flight is about $250, with premium cabin service options including business class and first class based on the route.
• Frontier Airlines: Offering flights to John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Los Angeles - Ontario International Airport (ONT), Frontier accounts for approximately 6% of Lake Forest arrivals. One-way fares are quite economical, averaging around $140.

Best time to fly to Lake Forest

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Lake Forest are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Lake Forest can reach up to 61.3°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 63.7°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 Lake Forest

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

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Lake Forest

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

• Public transportation: From John Wayne Airport, Tustin Station, a train station, is located about 5.3 miles away by car, while Balboa Island Ferry, a ferry terminal, is situated around 7.2 miles from the airport, both easily accessible by vehicle.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Lake Forest, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Lake Forest is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest

• Irvine: Irvine is located 7 miles drive away from Lake Forest and offers a perfect blend of family-friendly activities and urban experiences. This vibrant city is known for its shopping centers and educational institutions. Notable highlights include the University of California, Irvine, a modern campus ideal for a city vacation, and the Orange County Great Park, which is perfect for outdoor family fun. For a unique eco-friendly experience, don’t miss Tanaka Farms, where you can explore agriculture up close.
• Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is located 9 miles drive away from Lake Forest and is a picturesque coastal city popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. Its stunning beaches, like Treasure Island Beach, are perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. Heisler Park offers beautiful ocean views and is great for family outings, while Crystal Cove State Park invites adventure seekers to explore scenic trails and diverse wildlife. This charming destination is ideal for a beach vacation filled with beauty and leisure.
• Mission Viejo: Mission Viejo is located 3 miles drive away from Lake Forest and is a thriving city perfect for family and business travelers alike. With shopping centers and educational facilities, it caters to various interests. Key attractions include Saddleback College, a historic institution that adds cultural depth to your visit, and the Orange County Great Park, which provides ample outdoor space for relaxation and recreation. Don’t forget to visit Mission San Juan Capistrano, a cultural landmark that showcases the area’s historical significance.

Tips for short-haul flights to Lake Forest

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

• Pack light and skip checked bags—for budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often the more economical choice. Maximize space by opting for mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning versatile outfits. This also allows you to avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself occupied, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Don’t forget to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even 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 a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Lake Forest

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

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is crucial for your comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may offer seat selection even earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have 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 available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adapting your sleep schedule to your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival location to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Lake Forest

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest

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

The cheapest airlines flying to Lake Forest

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

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest

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 Lake Forest.

Stopover savings

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