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$535 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to Chennai (MAA)

View $535 flight on Tue, Sep 22, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

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Cheap Flights from San Diego to Chennai (SAN-MAA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $535 for one-way flights and $1,062 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Alaska Airlines
Wed, Nov 11 - Fri, Dec 11
SAN
San Diego
MAA
Chennai
$1,062 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$1,062
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 11 from San Diego to Chennai, returning Fri, Dec 11, priced at $1,062 found 2 days ago
Etihad Airways
Fri, Oct 23 - Fri, Oct 30
SAN
San Diego
MAA
Chennai
$1,080 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$1,080
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from San Diego to Chennai, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $1,080 found 8 hours ago
Etihad Airways
Tue, Sep 22 - Sat, Oct 3
SAN
San Diego
MAA
Chennai
$1,082 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$1,082
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Tue, Sep 22 from San Diego to Chennai, returning Sat, Oct 3, priced at $1,082 found 2 days ago
Etihad Airways
Sat, Nov 7 - Sat, Nov 14
SAN
San Diego
MAA
Chennai
$1,090 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$1,090
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Sat, Nov 7 from San Diego to Chennai, returning Sat, Nov 14, priced at $1,090 found 6 days ago
JetBlue Airways
Sat, Sep 12 - Mon, Sep 28
SAN
San Diego
MAA
Chennai
$1,092 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$1,092
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Sat, Sep 12 from San Diego to Chennai, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $1,092 found 1 hour ago
JetBlue Airways
Thu, Jan 14 - Thu, Jan 21
SAN
San Diego
MAA
Chennai
$1,097 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$1,097
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Thu, Jan 14 from San Diego to Chennai, returning Thu, Jan 21, priced at $1,097 found 6 days ago
Etihad Airways
Fri, Oct 30 - Sat, Nov 21
SAN
San Diego
MAA
Chennai
$1,099 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$1,099
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from San Diego to Chennai, returning Sat, Nov 21, priced at $1,099 found 1 hour ago
Alaska Airlines
Mon, Apr 5 - Sat, Apr 24
SAN
San Diego
MAA
Chennai
$1,102 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$1,102
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Mon, Apr 5 from San Diego to Chennai, returning Sat, Apr 24, priced at $1,102 found 22 hours ago
Qatar Airways
Sun, Sep 20 - Thu, Oct 8
SAN
San Diego
MAA
Chennai
$1,136 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,136
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Qatar Airways flight, departing Sun, Sep 20 from San Diego to Chennai, returning Thu, Oct 8, priced at $1,136 found 1 day ago
Emirates
Tue, Feb 23 - Fri, Mar 12
SAN
San Diego
MAA
Chennai
$1,432 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,432
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Emirates flight, departing Tue, Feb 23 from San Diego to Chennai, returning Fri, Mar 12, priced at $1,432 found 1 day ago

Alternative airports near Chennai

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

Select flight to Chennai Intl. MAA. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 9 minutes. Flights from $1,114
MAA
Chennai Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center9 min
Flights from $1,114

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

San Diego (SAN) to Chennai (MAA) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from San Diego (SAN) to Chennai (MAA) on this long-haul international journey. You can compare full-service carriers to find an itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences while discovering the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Chennai. Here, you'll find essential information about flights departing from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Chennai International Airport (MAA).

  • Fastest (typical) flight duration: around 22 hours in-flight, plus roughly 5h 45m total layover with two or more stops
  • Route distance: roughly 9,100 miles (14,640 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $505–$1375, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Recent traveler bookings reveal the top airlines flying from San Diego to Chennai, often selected for their multi-stop services. Common layover points include San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with approximately a 2-hour and 15-minute layover, Hamad International Airport (DOH) also around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) with about a 3-hour and 45-minute layover. This variety allows you to tailor your itinerary based on price, travel time, and cabin class preferences.

  • Air India: This full-service airline provides multi-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $505 and $1470. It represents about 25% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 22 hours and a total travel time of approximately 27 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • Qatar Airways: Known for its full-service offerings, Qatar Airways provides multi-stop flights with one-way fares typically ranging from $540 to $1415. It also accounts for around 25% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 22 hours and a total journey time of about 27 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • American Airlines: This full-service carrier offers multi-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $530 and $1165. It constitutes approximately 14% of departures along this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 22 hours and a total travel time of roughly 27 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • British Airways: As a full-service airline, British Airways offers multi-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $765 to $1340. It makes up about 10% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 22 hours and a total journey duration of approximately 27 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.

Alternative routes from San Diego (SAN) to Chennai (MAA)

  • San Diego to Tirupati (SAN-TIR): Located approximately 61 miles from Chennai International Airport (MAA), Tirupati Airport (TIR) serves as a key entry point for travelers heading to this spiritual destination.
  • San Diego to Tirupati (SDM-TIR): Brown Field Municipal Airport (SDM) is about 17 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN), while Tirupati Airport (TIR) is roughly 61 miles from Chennai International Airport (MAA), making it a convenient choice for many travelers.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Chennai (MAA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego to Chennai 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, although most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Afternoon departures from 12 PM to 6 PM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday typically results in cheaper fares, even though Friday is the busiest 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 Chennai International Airport from San Diego International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Chennai, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Chennai International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Chennai 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 Chennai International Airport, travelers will find Chennai International Airport Metro Station, a metro station, just 0.1 miles away on foot, while Chennai Tirusulam Station, a train station, is located approximately 0.2 miles away on foot as well. For those needing to reach Chennai Seaport, a seaport, it is about 5.8 miles from the airport by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $535 and cheap return flights from $1,062 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $776 and $6933, and return flights often range between $1440 and $9376. 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SAN to MAA is November 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Enter SAN to MAA 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
KLM is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to Chennai Intl. (MAA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,853.49 with a layover in Schiphol (AMS). 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Diego International (SAN) to Chennai International (MAA) usually leaves at 6:15 AM, with American Airlines and British Airways operating this route. An early departure like this can help you maximize your time in Chennai. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Chennai (MAA) are in the late morning, from 9am to 12pm. About 31% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Qatar Airways, United Airlines, and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows travelers to arrive in Chennai with ample time to settle in.
How long does it take to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Flights from SAN to MAA with one stop typically take around 22 hours, covering approximately 9,077 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Business class is available on flights from SAN to MAA. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • Air Canada
  • JetBlue Airways
  • British Airways
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Singapore Airlines
  • KLM

First class is available with United Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai 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 Chennai from San Diego Intl. (SAN)?
From San Diego Intl. (SAN), you can fly into Chennai Intl. (MAA) to reach Chennai. Some flights may connect through major hubs like San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW), John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) before reaching Chennai. 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) Chennai 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai 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
Chennai Intl.
Airlines serving
Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways
Roundtrip price
$1,061
Distance
9076 mi

Book with confidence

San Diego to Chennai Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Diego to Chennai

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

 

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

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

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 Chennai in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $535 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 Chennai 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 Chennai 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 Chennai Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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