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$163 Cheap Flights from Charleston (CHS) to San Diego (SAN)

View $163 flight on Tue, Oct 6, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Charleston Intl. Airport (CHS) to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)

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Cheap Flights from Charleston to San Diego (CHS-SAN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $163 for one-way flights and $325 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
CHS
Charleston
SAN
San Diego
$325 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Charleston to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $325 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
CHS
Charleston
SAN
San Diego
$325 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Charleston to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $325 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
CHS
Charleston
SAN
San Diego
$330 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$330
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Charleston to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $330 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
CHS
Charleston
SAN
San Diego
$332 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$332
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Charleston to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $332 found 2 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
CHS
Charleston
SAN
San Diego
$335 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$335
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Charleston to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $335 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
CHS
Charleston
SAN
San Diego
$335 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$335
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Charleston to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $335 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
CHS
Charleston
SAN
San Diego
$336 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$336
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Charleston to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $336 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
CHS
Charleston
SAN
San Diego
$337 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$337
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Charleston to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $337 found 2 hours ago
United
Sat, Oct 17 - Sat, Oct 24
CHS
Charleston
SAN
San Diego
$340 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$340
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Charleston to San Diego, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $340 found 2 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Wed, Oct 28
CHS
Charleston
SAN
San Diego
$368 Roundtrip, found 18 hours ago
$368
Roundtrip
found 18 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Charleston to San Diego, returning Wed, Oct 28, priced at $368 found 18 hours ago

Alternative airports near San Diego

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to San Diego Intl. SAN. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 5 minutes. Flights from $477
SAN
San Diego Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center5 min
Flights from $477

Find the cheapest month to fly from Charleston (CHS) to San Diego (SAN)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $209 - $482 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Charleston Intl. to San Diego Intl.

Charleston (CHS) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Discover a variety of airlines offering weekly flights from Charleston (CHS) to San Diego (SAN) on this short domestic route. You can choose between full-service and low-cost carriers to find the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel schedule. As you prepare to explore San Diego's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods, use the flight finder to check for the details of your next flight from Charleston International Airport to San Diego International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 6h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,200 miles (3,540 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$470, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Charleston International Airport (CHS) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Charleston to San Diego, which typically include one-stop and multi-stop options. Common layover spots are Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with approximately a 1h 15m layover, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) at around 1 hour, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) also about 1h 15m. This allows you to tailor your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal trip.

  • American Airlines: This major carrier provides full-service, one-stop flights, with one-way prices generally falling between $135 and $460. It accounts for about 40% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes and a total travel time, including layover, of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Delta: As a comprehensive service airline, Delta offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically in the range of $150 to $535. It makes up around 28% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey time of about 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares usually between $140 and $460. Southwest accounts for roughly 14% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes and total travel time close to 7 hours and 30 minutes.
  • United: A full-service airline, United offers one-stop service with one-way fares ranging from $135 to $535. It represents about 13% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes and an overall travel time of roughly 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • JetBlue Airways: This low-cost carrier provides one-stop services, with one-way fares typically ranging from $135 to $365. JetBlue accounts for approximately 4% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey time of around 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from Charleston to San Diego have the option to upgrade their flight. Leading airlines include Delta, which provides both first class and premium economy service; American Airlines, offering first class; and United, also featuring first class.

Best time to fly from Charleston (CHS) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Charleston to San Diego are March, April, and June, when peak temperatures in San Diego reach up to 66.4°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 72°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $243. Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 25 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 14 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $243, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: July, September, and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $254.
  • Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Charleston to San Diego, with approximately 25 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January57.4°F (14.1°C)Average14$283
February56.8°F (13.8°C)Average17$299
March58.1°F (14.5°C)Moderately High15$271
April60.6°F (15.9°C)Moderately High17$280
May62.6°F (17.0°C)Average25$243
June66.4°F (19.1°C)Moderately High24$266
July70.5°F (21.4°C)Average19$250
August72.3°F (22.4°C)Moderately Low19$257
September72.0°F (22.2°C)Moderately Low15$255
October68.2°F (20.1°C)Average19$260
November62.6°F (17.0°C)Average20$258
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Moderately Low17$337

*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.

Alternative route from Charleston (CHS) to San Diego (SAN)

  • Savannah to San Diego (SAV-SAN): Savannah - Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is located approximately 86 miles from Charleston International Airport (CHS). One-way economy prices for this route generally fall between $145 and $510, influenced by the season and advance booking. Travelers can choose from one-stop and multi-stop flights, with common layover points being Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). Major airlines operating on this route include American Airlines and Delta, with first-class service also offered.

How to find the best prices for flights from Charleston (CHS) to San Diego (SAN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Charleston to San Diego is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, coinciding with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, between 5 AM and 12 PM, tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday usually results in cheaper rates, while Friday remains the most favored travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find San Diego hotel and flight deals.
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at San Diego International Airport from Charleston International Airport

San Diego welcomes travelers from Charleston with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Charleston International Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 13 miles) from central Charleston. Here's how to reach San Diego efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in San Diego, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from San Diego International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at San Diego International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From San Diego International Airport, Seaport, a seaport, is conveniently located just 0.1 miles away on foot. Meanwhile, Middletown Station, a metro station, is about 2.3 miles from the airport and typically reached by car, and B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, a cruise terminal, is approximately 3 miles away by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $163 and cheap return flights from $325 Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $161 to $1070, and return flights typically cost between $386 and $1532. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
May is the cheapest month to fly from Charleston (CHS) to San Diego (SAN), with average return fares around $354. This price is about 16% lower than the average throughout the year, likely due to reduced travel demand before the summer season. Other cheap months to fly from Charleston to San Diego include September and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Enter CHS to SAN and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Spirit Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Charleston Intl. (CHS) to San Diego Intl. (SAN), with round-trip tickets starting from around $271 with a layover in Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW). Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The best months to fly from Charleston (CHS) to San Diego (SAN) are May and October. Return flights in May are around $354, offering a great value. October is also popular, as it provides pleasant weather in San Diego, making it an enjoyable time to visit.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in June, making it a great choice for travelers eager to explore San Diego early in the day. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Charleston, SC (CHS) to San Diego, CA (SAN) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 31% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in San Diego with plenty of time to enjoy the city.
How long does it take to fly from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
A flight from CHS to SAN with a layover takes around 9 hours 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 2,147 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
You can fly first class between CHS and SAN. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for San Diego from Charleston Intl. (CHS)?
If you're planning to travel to San Diego from Charleston Intl. (CHS), you can fly into San Diego Intl. (SAN) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), Nashville Intl. (BNA), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) before reaching San Diego. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) San Diego Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
If you booked your Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Charleston Intl.
Destination airport
San Diego Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$324
Distance
2146 mi

Book with confidence

Charleston to San Diego Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Charleston to San Diego

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Charleston to San Diego are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Charleston to San Diego with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Charleston to San Diego

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Charleston to San Diego: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Charleston to San Diego

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Charleston to San Diego in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $163 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Charleston to San Diego flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Charleston to San Diego airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Charleston to San Diego Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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