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$124 Cheap Flights from Milwaukee (MKE) to San Diego (SAN)

View $124 flight on Sat, Nov 14, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from General Mitchell Intl. Airport (MKE) to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)

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Cheap Flights from Milwaukee to San Diego (MKE-SAN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $124 for one-way flights and $257 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Wed, Dec 9 - Sat, Dec 12
MKE
Milwaukee
SAN
San Diego
$257 Roundtrip, just found
$257
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Dec 9 from Milwaukee to San Diego, returning Sat, Dec 12, priced at $257 just found
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Dec 9 - Sat, Dec 12
MKE
Milwaukee
SAN
San Diego
$263 Roundtrip, just found
$263
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Dec 9 from Milwaukee to San Diego, returning Sat, Dec 12, priced at $263 just found
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Feb 20 - Wed, Feb 24
MKE
Milwaukee
SAN
San Diego
$263 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$263
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Feb 20 from Milwaukee to San Diego, returning Wed, Feb 24, priced at $263 found 7 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Feb 20 - Wed, Feb 24
MKE
Milwaukee
SAN
San Diego
$268 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$268
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Feb 20 from Milwaukee to San Diego, returning Wed, Feb 24, priced at $268 found 7 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Feb 20 - Wed, Feb 24
MKE
Milwaukee
SAN
San Diego
$268 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$268
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Feb 20 from Milwaukee to San Diego, returning Wed, Feb 24, priced at $268 found 7 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Nov 26 - Wed, Dec 2
MKE
Milwaukee
SAN
San Diego
$274 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$274
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 26 from Milwaukee to San Diego, returning Wed, Dec 2, priced at $274 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Nov 26 - Wed, Dec 2
MKE
Milwaukee
SAN
San Diego
$280 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$280
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 26 from Milwaukee to San Diego, returning Wed, Dec 2, priced at $280 found 2 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Fri, Jan 29 - Sat, Jan 30
MKE
Milwaukee
SAN
San Diego
$364 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$364
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Fri, Jan 29 from Milwaukee to San Diego, returning Sat, Jan 30, priced at $364 found 3 days ago
Delta
Mon, Dec 21 - Thu, Dec 24
MKE
Milwaukee
SAN
San Diego
$395 Roundtrip, just found
$395
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Dec 21 from Milwaukee to San Diego, returning Thu, Dec 24, priced at $395 just found
JetBlue Airways
Wed, Apr 28 - Sun, May 2
MKE
Milwaukee
SAN
San Diego
$796 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$796
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Wed, Apr 28 from Milwaukee to San Diego, returning Sun, May 2, priced at $796 found 8 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 $492
SAN
San Diego Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center5 min
Flights from $492

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

Milwaukee (MKE) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Milwaukee (MKE) to San Diego (SAN) on this convenient domestic route. Whether you prefer full-service options or budget-friendly carriers, you can compare itineraries to find the best fit for your budget and schedule. Prepare to discover San Diego's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods as you gather essential information about flights departing from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to San Diego International Airport (SAN).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,700 miles (2,740 km)
  • Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $115–$395, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Milwaukee to San Diego, offering both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover choices include O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Denver International Airport (DEN), and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), each with about a one-hour layover. These selections provide the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class, allowing you to tailor your itinerary to meet your preferences.

  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way prices generally falling between $115 and $395. It represents about 33% of departures on this route, featuring a standard in-flight duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes, making the overall travel time roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes.
  • American Airlines: As a full-service airline offering one-stop flights, American Airlines has one-way fares usually ranging from $115 to $385. It accounts for around 25% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total trip time of about 6 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: This full-service carrier, Delta, provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically between $130 and $425. It makes up approximately 21% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in an overall journey duration of about 6 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layover time.
  • United: United Airlines is a full-service option offering one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally ranging from $125 to $430. It constitutes around 18% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Frontier Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $115 to $230. It accounts for about 3% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from Milwaukee to San Diego can opt for an upgraded experience. Delta offers both first class and premium economy service, while American Airlines provides first class seating exclusively.

Best time to fly from Milwaukee (MKE) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Milwaukee to San Diego are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in San Diego reach up to 58.1°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 72.3°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $195. Flight availability peaks in September, with approximately 24 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. May has the fewest flights, with approximately 17 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $195, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: November and August typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $201 to $214.
  • Most flight options: September has the highest number of flights from Milwaukee to San Diego, with approximately 24 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)High18$223
February56.8°F (13.8°C)High18$222
March58.1°F (14.5°C)High22$266
April60.6°F (15.9°C)Average20$225
May62.6°F (17.0°C)Low17$228
June66.4°F (19.1°C)Average19$248
July70.5°F (21.4°C)Average22$251
August72.3°F (22.4°C)Low21$214
September72.0°F (22.2°C)Average24$224
October68.2°F (20.1°C)Average23$195
November62.6°F (17.0°C)Average21$201
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Low19$234

*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 Milwaukee (MKE) to San Diego (SAN)

  • Milwaukee to Carlsbad (MKE-CLD): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is located roughly 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). One-way economy ticket prices for this journey typically vary from $85 to $475, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Most flights on this route involve one stop, primarily connecting through Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The leading airline for this route is American Airlines, and travelers can also opt for first-class service.

How to find the best prices for flights from Milwaukee (MKE) to San Diego (SAN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Milwaukee 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 usually available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers book their flights two to eight weeks ahead. Evening departures between 6 PM and midnight tend to be less expensive, while morning flights from 5 AM to noon are more popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday often results in lower prices, but Wednesday remains the most frequented 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 General Mitchell International Airport

San Diego welcomes travelers from Milwaukee with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. 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, the nearest transport links are conveniently accessible. The Seaport, a seaport, is just about 0.1 miles away on foot, while Middletown Station, a metro station, is located approximately 2.3 miles away by car. Additionally, the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, a cruise terminal, is around 3 miles from the airport, also reachable by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $124 and cheap return flights from $257 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $166 to $1219, and return flights typically cost between $324 and $1839. 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from MKE to SAN is December when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Enter MKE to SAN and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from General Mitchell Intl. (MKE) to San Diego Intl. (SAN), with round-trip tickets starting from around $209. 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 airline to fly with from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, WN typically offers the lowest fares. WN offers the most daily flights from Milwaukee to San Diego, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
You can find approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from General Mitchell Intl. (MKE) to San Diego Intl. (SAN). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Milwaukee (General Mitchell International Airport) to San Diego (San Diego International Airport) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in December, allowing you to start your day early and maximize your time in sunny San Diego. 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from General Mitchell Intl. (MKE) to San Diego Intl. (SAN) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 31% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is great for travelers looking to maximize their time in San Diego.
How long does it take to fly from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Direct flights from MKE to SAN usually take about 4 hours 20 minutes, traveling roughly 1,736 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 2 hours 30 minutes to your journey. 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the MKE to SAN route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 General Mitchell Intl. (MKE)?
From General Mitchell Intl. (MKE), you can fly into San Diego Intl. (SAN) to reach San Diego. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), Denver Intl. (DEN) 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
If you booked your Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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
General Mitchell Intl.
Destination airport
San Diego Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$257
Distance
1735 mi
Average flight time
3 hours 13 mins

Book with confidence

Milwaukee to San Diego Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to San Diego in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $124 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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.

 

Milwaukee to San Diego Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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