$174 Cheap Flights from Champaign (CMI) to San Diego (SAN)

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Cheap Flights from Champaign to San Diego (CMI-SAN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $174 for one-way flights and $308 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
Flights from Champaign (CMI) to San Diego (SAN)
Origin airport
University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard
Destination airport
San Diego Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines
Roundtrip price
$308
Distance
1678 mi

Champaign to San Diego Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Champaign 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 Champaign to San Diego are during the month of May. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Champaign to San Diego with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Champaign 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 Champaign 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 Champaign to San Diego in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $174 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 Champaign 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 Champaign 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.

 

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from CMI to San Diego Airport last minute?
Booking your journey from Willard Airport to San Diego Airport at the last minute could save you a pretty penny if you’re lucky enough to find an epic deal. However, tickets generally don’t get cheaper closer to the departure date. If you choose to wait, flights could also be sold out or the best seats long gone. If you don’t want to hedge your bets, book well in advance of the date you want to leave. It’s worth noting that some of the best deals can be found up to a year in advance. If your preferred carrier hasn’t released its airfares yet, check back regularly as deals are updated on Expedia all the time.
What airports do you fly into for San Diego from Champaign?
With San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) and San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field) to choose from, flying from Champaign to San Diego is a snap. The city’s busiest terminal, San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), is around 2 mi northwest of the center. Besides ticket costs, consider things like transportation options from the airport and the distance to your hotel before deciding where you’ll get off the plane. Get your San Diego vacation off to a terrific start by checking out San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.
Can I change the date of my flight from CMI to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)?
It’s a snap to make changes to your Willard Airport to San Diego Airport trip yourself. Access your itinerary via the Expedia Trips portal and tap “change flight.” Browse around for new flights and book the one that works best. You’ll see an estimate of the extra charges, if applicable. You can also use our Customer Service portal to connect with our Virtual Agent and get answers to all your questions.

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*Available to One Key members.