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$169 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to Panama City (ECP)

View $169 flight on Sat, Oct 3, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) to Northwest Florida Beaches Intl. Airport (ECP)

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Cheap Flights from San Diego to Panama City (SAN-ECP)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $169 for one-way flights and $372 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Mon, Oct 26
SAN
San Diego
ECP
Panama City
$372 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$372
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from San Diego to Panama City, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $372 found 13 hours ago
United
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
SAN
San Diego
ECP
Panama City
$373 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$373
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from San Diego to Panama City, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $373 found 2 days ago
United
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
SAN
San Diego
ECP
Panama City
$379 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$379
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from San Diego to Panama City, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $379 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
SAN
San Diego
ECP
Panama City
$382 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$382
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from San Diego to Panama City, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $382 found 2 days ago
Delta
Tue, Dec 8 - Tue, Dec 15
SAN
San Diego
ECP
Panama City
$384 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$384
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Dec 8 from San Diego to Panama City, returning Tue, Dec 15, priced at $384 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
SAN
San Diego
ECP
Panama City
$387 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$387
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from San Diego to Panama City, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $387 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Mon, Oct 26
SAN
San Diego
ECP
Panama City
$392 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$392
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from San Diego to Panama City, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $392 found 13 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Mon, Oct 26
SAN
San Diego
ECP
Panama City
$397 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$397
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from San Diego to Panama City, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $397 found 13 hours ago
United
Tue, Sep 29 - Wed, Oct 7
SAN
San Diego
ECP
Panama City
$398 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$398
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Sep 29 from San Diego to Panama City, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $398 found 20 hours ago
American Airlines
Mon, Nov 9 - Sat, Nov 14
SAN
San Diego
ECP
Panama City
$414 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$414
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 9 from San Diego to Panama City, returning Sat, Nov 14, priced at $414 found 2 hours ago

Alternative airports near Panama City

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

Select flight to Northwest Florida Beaches Intl. ECP. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 35 minutes. Flights from $497
ECP
Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center35 min
Flights from $497

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Panama City (ECP)

June is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $260 - $547 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from San Diego Intl. to Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.

San Diego (SAN) to Panama City (ECP) at a glance

Traveling from San Diego (SAN) to Panama City (ECP) offers a range of airline options, whether you prefer full-service or budget carriers. Take the time to compare Panama City flights to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans as you prepare to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Here, you'll find essential information about flights from San Diego International Airport to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

  • Fastest (typical) flight duration: around 5h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,900 miles (3,060 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $145–$560, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Diego to Panama City, primarily for their one-stop services. Common layover points include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with a layover of about 55 minutes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) offering roughly 2 hours, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) with a 1-hour layover. This variety allows you to tailor your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly options, Southwest provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally falling between $150 and $585. It represents around 30% of the departures for this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 15 minutes, totaling approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes when including layover time.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights at competitive prices, with one-way fares usually ranging from $145 to $560. American Airlines accounts for about 28% of the route's departures, with a flight time of 5 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of nearly 6 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: As another full-service option, Delta provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically between $150 and $625. It makes up approximately 21% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 5 hours and 15 minutes, with a total journey time of around 6 hours and 45 minutes when considering layovers.
  • United: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights with one-way prices generally ranging from $145 to $645. United accounts for about 21% of all departures on this route, with a flight duration of 5 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in a complete travel time of roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes when factoring in layover time.

Travelers flying from San Diego to Panama City can opt for an upgrade, with United providing first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Panama City (ECP)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Diego to Panama City are March, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Panama City reach up to 75°F in May. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 72°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $253). Flight availability peaks in March, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $253, roughly 21% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: August and September typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $261 to $272.
  • Most flight options: March has the highest number of flights from San Diego to Panama City, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January54.1°F (12.3°C)Average7$309
February57.9°F (14.4°C)Average8$322
March62.8°F (17.1°C)High11$300
April68.4°F (20.2°C)High9$415
May75.0°F (23.9°C)High10$372
June81.1°F (27.3°C)Average9$355
July82.6°F (28.1°C)Average10$299
August82.8°F (28.2°C)Average9$261
September79.5°F (26.4°C)Low8$272
October72.0°F (22.2°C)Low9$253
November62.4°F (16.9°C)Average8$323
December58.1°F (14.5°C)Low9$379

*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 San Diego (SAN) to Panama City (ECP)

  • San Diego to Fort Walton Beach (SAN-VPS): Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) is located approximately 46 miles from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). Generally, one-way economy fares for this route fall between $155 and $495, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both one-stop and multi-stop flight options, with common layover points being Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Major airlines operating on this route include American Airlines and Delta, and first-class service is also offered.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Panama City (ECP)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego to Panama City 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the afternoon (12pm-6pm) tend to be more affordable, although morning flights (5am-12pm) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally results in lower prices, while Thursday 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.*
  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 Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport from San Diego International Airport

Panama City welcomes travelers from San Diego with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Panama City efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Panama City, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Northwest Florida Beaches 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $169 and cheap return flights from $372 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $222 and $851, and return flights often range between $407 and $1320. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SAN to ECP is October 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
Enter SAN to ECP and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) with a layover in Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), starting from around $296 for a round-trip ticket. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches 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.
What is the earliest flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from SAN to ECP. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Panama City (ECP) are in the morning, from 6am to 9am. About 51% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it lets you arrive in Panama City with plenty of time to enjoy the day.
How long does it take to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
A flight from SAN to ECP with a layover takes around 6 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 1,850 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the SAN to ECP route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches 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 Panama City from San Diego Intl. (SAN)?
When traveling from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to Panama City, you can fly into Northwest Florida Beaches Intl. (ECP) and Tocumen Intl. (PTY). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), San Francisco Intl. (SFO) before reaching Panama City. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) flight and hotel package 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches 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
San Diego Intl.
Destination airport
Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$372
Distance
1849 mi

Book with confidence

San Diego to Panama City Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Diego to Panama City

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 San Diego to Panama City are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Diego to Panama City with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from San Diego to Panama City

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Diego to Panama City: 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 San Diego to Panama City

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 San Diego to Panama City in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $169 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 San Diego to Panama City 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 San Diego to Panama City 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.

 

San Diego to Panama City Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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