Cheap flights to California

CLT — LAX
Mar 27 — Apr 31

Were you looking for Flights from California?

Flights to California in 2023

Flight route prices based on searches on Cheapflights within the last 3 days, monthly prices based on aggregated historical data.
Popular inJuneHigh demand for flights, 20% potential price rise
Search Deals
Cheapest inJanuaryBest time to find cheap flights, 3% potential price drop
Search Deals
Average price$319Average for round-trip flights in March 2023
Search Deals
Round-trip from$133From New York to Los Angeles
Search Deals
One-way from$59One-way flight from New York to California
Search Deals

Search flights to popular California cities

Search the best deals to popular California cities recently found by Cheapflights users
Cheap flights to Los Angeles, CA
Cheap flights to San Francisco, CA
Cheap flights to San Diego, CA

California 2023 flight deals

Cheap flights to California found for this year

Last minute flights to California

Late deals on round-trip flights to California, departing today and this week

One-way flights to California

The cheapest one-way flights to California

Find flights to California within your budget

Use the slider to find flights to California that fit your budget.

Fly from

Any airport

Budget

$133 - $272

Route

Depart

Return

Price

New York LaGuardiaLos Angeles

LGA - LAX

LGALAX

New York LaGuardia

2023-05-10

1 stop15h 21m

Los Angeles

2023-05-17

1 stop9h 11m

New York LaGuardiaLos Angeles

LGA - LAX

LGALAX

New York LaGuardia

2023-05-10

1 stop15h 21m

Los Angeles

2023-05-17

1 stop9h 11m

New York LaGuardiaLos Angeles

LGA - LAX

LGALAX

New York LaGuardia

2023-05-09

2 stops25h 36m

Los Angeles

2023-05-17

1 stop9h 11m

New York LaGuardiaLos Angeles

LGA - LAX

LGALAX

New York LaGuardia

2023-05-06

2 stops12h 47m

Los Angeles

2023-05-10

1 stop9h 11m

New York John F Kennedy IntlSan Francisco

JFK - SFO

JFKSFO

New York John F Kennedy Intl

2023-04-26

Nonstop6h 25m

San Francisco

2023-04-26

Nonstop5h 39m

New York John F Kennedy IntlSan Francisco

JFK - SFO

JFKSFO

New York John F Kennedy Intl

2023-04-25

Nonstop7h 02m

San Francisco

2023-04-25

Nonstop5h 36m

New York John F Kennedy IntlOntario

JFK - ONT

JFKONT

New York John F Kennedy Intl

2023-04-19

1 stop8h 13m

Ontario

2023-04-29

1 stop7h 29m

New York John F Kennedy IntlOntario

JFK - ONT

JFKONT

New York John F Kennedy Intl

2023-04-12

1 stop9h 04m

Ontario

2023-04-18

1 stop7h 55m

New York LaGuardiaSan Francisco

LGA - SFO

LGASFO

New York LaGuardia

2023-08-29

1 stop9h 19m

San Francisco

2023-09-02

1 stop8h 48m

Flights are sorted by cheapest first

Deals found on 3/21

Reviews of Airlines Servicing California

Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
1,368 reviews

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.3

Overall

8.0

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

The line at TSA took me 2.5-3 hours to get through and I was behind on my flight time by 20 minutes. I was told some flights would be delayed and they would wait but when I arrived the flight had already taken off. I showed up on time and even then 2 and a half hours was not enough time to make my flight. I had to rent a car and drive from Vegas to San Diego at 8:00pm. I just hoped the airport would have notified their passengers a lot better.

Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
1,368 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
1,368 reviews

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.3

Overall

8.0

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

The line at TSA took me 2.5-3 hours to get through and I was behind on my flight time by 20 minutes. I was told some flights would be delayed and they would wait but when I arrived the flight had already taken off. I showed up on time and even then 2 and a half hours was not enough time to make my flight. I had to rent a car and drive from Vegas to San Diego at 8:00pm. I just hoped the airport would have notified their passengers a lot better.

Delta
8.0
Very good
2,333 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
1,368 reviews

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.3

Overall

8.0

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

The line at TSA took me 2.5-3 hours to get through and I was behind on my flight time by 20 minutes. I was told some flights would be delayed and they would wait but when I arrived the flight had already taken off. I showed up on time and even then 2 and a half hours was not enough time to make my flight. I had to rent a car and drive from Vegas to San Diego at 8:00pm. I just hoped the airport would have notified their passengers a lot better.

JetBlue
7.6
Good
465 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
1,368 reviews

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.3

Overall

8.0

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

The line at TSA took me 2.5-3 hours to get through and I was behind on my flight time by 20 minutes. I was told some flights would be delayed and they would wait but when I arrived the flight had already taken off. I showed up on time and even then 2 and a half hours was not enough time to make my flight. I had to rent a car and drive from Vegas to San Diego at 8:00pm. I just hoped the airport would have notified their passengers a lot better.

United Airlines
7.6
Good
1,427 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
1,368 reviews

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.3

Overall

8.0

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

The line at TSA took me 2.5-3 hours to get through and I was behind on my flight time by 20 minutes. I was told some flights would be delayed and they would wait but when I arrived the flight had already taken off. I showed up on time and even then 2 and a half hours was not enough time to make my flight. I had to rent a car and drive from Vegas to San Diego at 8:00pm. I just hoped the airport would have notified their passengers a lot better.

Allegiant Air
7.5
Good
95 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
1,368 reviews

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.3

Overall

8.0

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

The line at TSA took me 2.5-3 hours to get through and I was behind on my flight time by 20 minutes. I was told some flights would be delayed and they would wait but when I arrived the flight had already taken off. I showed up on time and even then 2 and a half hours was not enough time to make my flight. I had to rent a car and drive from Vegas to San Diego at 8:00pm. I just hoped the airport would have notified their passengers a lot better.

What is the cheapest month to fly to California?

The cheapest ticket to California found for each month in 2023 based on historical flight searches by Cheapflights users.

January

$217

February

$220

March

$283

April

$312

May

$305

June

$437

July

$437

August

$307

September

$282

October

$278

November

$296

December

$268

Currently, the cheapest month for flights to California is January. The most expensive month for flights is June. The cheapest prices are shown above but prices will vary according to departure times, airlines, class and how early you book.

When is the best time to fly to California?

Average California flight ticket prices and weather conditions for 2023 and 2024 by month

NYC - LAX

Price

$217 - $501

LAX

Temperature

57.2 - 73.4 °F

LAX

Rainfall

0 - 3.4 inches

Peak Season:

California is blessed with pleasant weather most of the year, meaning the peak season is year-round. Flights to California can be expensive because of this, so make sure to book in advance to get the best savings on your flight tickets. If you’re a movie fan, you should book your flights to California around February, more specifically to Los Angeles, as it is home to the Academy Awards. You’ll find cheap flights to California are extremely difficult to find around this time of year, as well and in June and August.

Off Season:

The cheapest flights to California are best found around January. Parts of California class this as the rainy season so expect the best discounts on your flight tickets here. That said, cheap flights to California aren’t overly common, so plan in advance and book early to get the best savings.

When is the best time to book a flight to California?

To find the cheapest flights to California, it’s recommended to book your flight tickets as early as 6 months in advance. If you’re not flexible enough to plan that far ahead, aim for a minimum of 7 weeks before booking your flights to California. Take into consideration events like the Academy Awards when looking into flights to California as this will increase the price a lot. If you’re flying into Los Angeles try to sit on the right hand side of the plane to get spectacular views of the Hollywood sign, the L.A River and the San Gabriel mountains. Being flexible is the best way to secure the cheapest flights to California.

Which day is cheapest to fly to California?

The cheapest flights to California are usually found when departing on a Wednesday. The departure day with the highest cost at present is Sunday.

What time of day is cheapest to fly to California?

To get the best value, try booking a flight in the afternoon when visiting California. Generally the prices will increase for flights in the morning as these tend to have higher demand.

California Travel Guide

Know this before booking California flights – if America is the land of opportunity, California is the state of chance. California showed great prospect as far as back as the 1800’s, when a settler struck gold at Sutter’s Mill and California quickly became the land of wealth. The effects of the California Gold Rush were monumental and today, the coastal state continues to welcome visitors booking airline tickets to California for a greater opportunity, or for just plain fun.

The third-largest state in the United States is a place of enormous diversity. From the Redwood forests in the north to the sunny beaches of the Pacific Coast, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Central Valley, visitors will be spoiled for choice. The question travelers should ask themselves before booking a cheap flight to California is not what to do, but where to start? The four biggest cities in California are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose and San Francisco. Each of these cities have more than enough to occupy visitors, between museums, galleries, shopping, world-class dining and exciting nightlife.

In LA, travelers have the chance to experience some of the West Coasts’ most famous streets. The rich and luxurious charter their own California flights to Beverly Hills and to shop the swank stores along Rodeo Drive. In Hollywood, see the Mann Chinese Theater and be on the lookout for celebrity A-listers. Gold stars grace the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard, marking the achievements of Hollywood’s greatest artists. Just outside of Los Angeles, visitors would be remiss if they didn’t visit one of California’s beautiful beaches in Malibu or Santa Monica before boarding the California flight home. In San Fran, people will be awed by the hilly streets and views of the majestic Golden Gate Bridge which spans the Golden Gate strait, a channel between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Fisherman’s Wharf and the former prison on Alcatraz Island also are big reasons why many take flights to California. San Diego is famous for its beaches, parks like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, and warm weather. You can also catch a Padres game if you’re a sports fan, or grab some food and drinks in the famous Gaslight district. Lastly, San Jose is known as the “Capital of Silicon Valley” and is major technology hub, home to many high tech and electronics companies. Many business conferences are held in the area as well each year.

Outside these bustling metropolises, natural wonders are in abundance. For the outdoor traveler going to California, open parks and hiking trails at Big Sur, Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Park contrast with the beaches of Orange County and are a nature-lover’s dream come true. One of the best-kept secrets in California is the Shasta Cascade region in the far north of the state. Covering 20 percent of California, this uncrowded region of national forests, parks, lakes, rivers and waterfalls offers the chance to refresh and recharge before heading back to the work-a-day world. For the wine connoisseur, be sure to visit the Sonoma and Napa Valley regions which reaches into the Redwood forests and trails of the North Coast. Wine country draws large crowds of tourists each and every year, and there are numerous vineyards to visit where you can sample a glass if you desire.

People traveling to California are bound to be busy during their visit and the options for activities are endless. However, in the land of opportunity, what better state to take a chance in?

How to get around the city of California

Los Angeles International:

Downtown LA is located around 18 miles from LAX airport. The easiest and cheapest option is to get a free shuttle bus from the airport. Outside of arrivals you should take either shuttle G or C. C takes you to the Metro bus center and from there you can either continue on your way to downtown LA or if you’re staying in Hollywood or Santa Monica, you can find means of transport from here.  You can also jump in a taxi if you want convenient and fast travel from the airport, however the price won’t be cheap and it is expected that you tip your driver. This is a good option if there are a few of you to split the fare.

San Francisco International:

The easiest and most convenient way to travel from the airport to the city is from the BART station. It’s located in the International Terminal, and you can take a free AirTran from all terminals to the BART station. You will need to buy a ticket from the BAET station before you travel, or you can book in advance and exchange your voucher for the correct ticket, which is kind of like a debit card which you keep for your time in San Francisco. Another option is to get a taxi from outside of the airport, although this can be costly if you’re travelling alone. You can also take a shuttle or shared van from the airport, simply tell the driver where you want to go and he’ll add you to his route and tell you the price.

In general, driving is the best way to cover short distances in California, or if you enjoy long drives, for covering the entire state. If you’re booking flights to California and then planning on driving the state, make sure to carry a map as not all road signs indicate a direction, just town or city names. If you’re headed into the mountains, make sure to get antifreeze and tire chains

Many freeways have carpool lanes called “diamond” lanes or high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations regarding the use of these lanes as some of them are monitored even during non-rush hour and fines can be quite high.

Tips for Your Stay in California

  • Los Angeles covers desert basin, mountain canyons, and coastal beaches. With its rich cultural diversity, LA offers countless attractions—catch a glimpse of the stars, hike the Hollywood sign, visit the La Brea Tar Pits, walk the boardwalk at Venice Beach, spend like a celebrity on Rodeo Drive, and enjoy free attractions like the Watts Towers or Getty Museum.
  • The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Castro, Mission District, and Haight Ashbury just skim the surface of San Francisco’s diversity and charm. The city also cherishes its past, restoring and reusing its historic buildings. The surrounding areas—Marin County, Oakland, and Berkeley—are as popular as the city itself.
  • John Sutter’s trading post became the main supply point for gold miners, then western headquarters of the transcontinental railroad. Today Sacramento is growing, offering affordable homes to those seeking California weather. The capital city is known for its natural parkland and streets lined with fruit-bearing trees. Once the Gateway to Gold Country, Sacramento is now a gateway to the wine country.
  • Most of California’s wineries are in Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. Hundreds of wineries invite you to enjoy their tours, tastings, restaurants, and spas. Napa Valley has more wineries and a higher volume of tourism, with more commercial tours and attractions such as hot-air ballooning. Sonoma Valley is lower key, with family-run wineries, fewer tourists, and relaxed ambience. Book flights to California’s wine region and join a tour of the wineries.
  • Anaheim is home to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. The Orange County coast offers miles of beaches, and the California Riviera is the stretch between Seal Beach and San Clemente. The area’s eccentric beach towns, Santa Ana Artists’ Village, Laguna Beach boardwalk, San Juan Capistrano Mission, and Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace attract tourists year-round.
  • Costa Mesa, located in the heart of Orange County in Southern California, is within close proximity to Disneyland, major beaches, museums, nightlife and recreation and is home to internationally-renowned South Coast Plaza, an award-winning performing arts district as well as the Orange County Fairgrounds.
  • Some ambitious travelers book vacations to California and then drive the coastline to the state’s northern most cities. While the drive and landscape is beautiful, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time for the long drive north. It’s advisable that you book outbound California flights from your destination point.

Finding Flights from California

If you’re looking to extend your trip outside of California, let Cheapflights help you get there in a convenient and affordable fashion. LAX accommodates all of the major U.S. carriers including American Airlines, Jet Blue, Delta and Virgin America, and Sun Country offers charter flights within the U.S and to Mexico, so booking your outbound flight should be a breeze. LAX also serves several international carriers for outbound flights, including Air Canada, Scandanavian Airlines and British Airways.

Check out these popular U.S. flight routes from California, along with some great flight deals:

Cheap flights from Los Angeles to Minneapolis

Cheap flights from Los Angeles to Boston

Cheap flights form Los Angeles to London

If you need transportation to the airport, there are several options available ranging from public transportation to shuttle services such as Super Shuttle, Airport Shuttle and Prime Time Shuttle. United Taxi offers flat rates to the airport, and ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber are authorized to both drop off and pick up at LAX.

The LA Flyaway located in Van Nuys provides regular shuttle services for passengers heading to the airport from the San Fernando Valley, and  Metro Red Line city buses pick up passengers at multiple locations throughout the state. If you plan to take public transportation, it’s always a good idea to catch a bus at least four hours before your flight, as traffic in Los Angeles can lead to delays, especially if you’re traveling during rush hour. LAX requires passengers to arrive at least two hours before departure for security purposes, so you’ll also want to make sure to incorporate this into your overall travel time.

When booking a shuttle van, taxi or shared transportation service such as Uber, scheduling your ride at least 24 hours prior will help to ensure a timely arrival at the airport. However, most taxis and ride-sharing services can also pick you up with a 15 minute notice if you’re strapped for time.

For additional information about navigating the Los Angeles International Airport, take a look at our detailed airport guide.

Top Destinations in California

Flights to California

Search flights to California by cabin class

First Classfrom $29/person
Business Classfrom $129/person
Prem Economyfrom $18/person
Economyfrom $19/person

Fly with Cheapflights

What makes Cheapflights the go-to destination for all your flight needs
100% Free
Cheapflights is completely free to use, so you can start saving the moment you arrive.
Book with Flexibility
Our users can plan ahead with confidence and find flights with no change fees
Travel Smart
Millions of people come to us for their flight needs every year. We help make travel planning easy by providing useful insights and data-driven graphs that can inform your decisions.