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Cheap Flights from Atlanta to California

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
Los Angeles
Los Angelesnonstop$181
San Francisco
San Franciscononstop$265
San Diego
San Diego2 stops$340
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$205
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$415
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$220
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo1 stop$419
Bakersfield
Bakersfield1 stop$388
Arcata
Arcata1 stop$424
Redding
Redding2 stops$474
Merced
Merced1 stop$565
Reno
Reno1 stop$185
Los Angeles
Los Angelesnonstop$181
San Francisco
San Franciscononstop$265
San Diego
San Diego2 stops$340
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$205
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$415
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$220
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo1 stop$419
Bakersfield
Bakersfield1 stop$388
Arcata
Arcata1 stop$424
Redding
Redding2 stops$474
Merced
Merced1 stop$565
Reno
Reno1 stop$185
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Atlanta to California flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

What are the cheapest fares from Atlanta to California recently?

Here are the cheapest round-trip fares from Atlanta to California on KAYAK in the last week:

• Los Angeles (LAX) from $181
• Fresno Airterminal (FAT) from $220
• Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty (SNA) from $251
• San Francisco (SFO) from $277
• Sacramento Intl (SMF) from $327

How do fares into airports in California compare?

According to KAYAK data from the last 12 months, the cheapest airports to fly into California from Atlanta are:

• Los Angeles (LAX) (avg. price $388)
• San Francisco (SFO) (avg. price $405)
• Oakland (OAK) (avg. price $449)

Are flights from Atlanta to California cheaper or more expensive than last year?

Fares from Atlanta to California are about 40% higher than they were in November last year, averaging $488 round-trip.

What's the cheapest month to fly from Atlanta to California?

January is typically the cheapest month to fly from Atlanta to California, with round-trip fares averaging $348. June and July are usually the most expensive, averaging $482 and $460, respectively.

How do fares from Atlanta to California vary by day of the week?

On average, Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly from Atlanta to California and Monday is the most expensive. Looking at the past 12 months of KAYAK data, it's 16% more expensive to fly on a Monday compared to Wednesday.

What's the best time of day to fly from Atlanta to California?

It's cheapest to fly to California at night with average prices of $395. The morning is the most expensive time to fly, with average prices of $458.

What's the best time to book a flight from Atlanta to California?

Book your flights 5 weeks before your trip. KAYAK data collected over the past 12 months shows that booking in this window can save you around 30% compared to booking at the last minute (within 2 weeks of departure).

Key details for Atlanta to California flights

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$71
Beat the crowds with an average 18% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 19% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Atlanta to Ontario

Flights from Atlanta to California: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Atlanta to California 
AnujFlew with Delta-Aug 2026
If you want to watch something streaming then better download it in Netflix or Prime. Don't rely on watching it in the flight like you normally do
Verified travelerFlew with Spirit Airlines-Jan 2026
Take an inflatable seat cushion, as the seats are uncomfortable, and take a patience pill as the staff are rude and mean.
Verified travelerFlew with Delta-Jan 2024
Ride with full belly and the bare minimum. Also I did not know a fanny pack that is staying on my hip was considered a carry on
LarryFlew with Delta-Dec 2023
Get there early. The TSA security line is very long.

Your Atlanta to California flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

  • Is now a good time to book a flight from Atlanta to California?

    Yes. Fares from Atlanta to California are low right now. As a rule of thumb, a round-trip under $320 (cheaper than most fares this year) is a good deal, so if you spot one at or below that, it's a good time to book.

  • How much should I budget for a flight from Atlanta to California?

    Over the past 12 months, round-trip fares from Atlanta to California have typically cost between $320 and $589.

  • What are the main airports serving California?

    There are 43 airports in California. 41% of KAYAK users choose Los Angeles (LAX) as their arrival airport, while 25% choose San Francisco (SFO).

  • Which airlines fly nonstop from Atlanta to California?

    Based on the flight schedule for the next 3 months, 4 airlines offer nonstop flights on this route:

    • Delta
    • Frontier
    • United Airlines
    • American Airlines

  • Which destinations in California can I fly nonstop from Atlanta?

    Based on the flight schedule for the next 3 months, you can fly nonstop from Atlanta to 9 destinations in California. The most popular among KAYAK travelers are Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.

  • Is it cheaper to fly with a layover from Atlanta to California?

    Yes, nonstop flights from Atlanta to California average $445 over the past 12 months, but flights with a layover can cost less. The most affordable connecting airports are:

    • Newark (EWR) (avg. price $190)
    • Philadelphia (PHL) (avg. price $210)
    • Fort Lauderdale (FLL) (avg. price $286)

  • How long is a flight from Atlanta to California?

    Nonstop flights from Atlanta to California take 5h 07m on average. The fastest scheduled flight takes 4h 33m, flying into Palm Springs (PSP).

  • Which cabin classes are available from Atlanta to California?

    On flights from Atlanta to California you can book Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, Business Class or First Class.

  • What are some popular landmarks around California?

    California is home to many popular sights. KAYAK travelers' favorites include:

    • Universal Studios Hollywood
    • Gaslamp Quarter
    • Fisherman's Wharf
    • Venice Beach

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Atlanta to California?

    The earliest nonstop flight from Atlanta to California departs at 6:20 am and the latest leaves at 10:55 pm. Nonstop flights take about 5h 07m.

  • What is the best way to get to downtown Los Angeles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)?

    Downtown Los Angeles and LAX lie about 29 km apart, and you will find various travel options linking these two destinations. Those on a strict budget and who want to save money should hop onto a FlyAway Bus service which departs every 30 minutes. For extra comfort and privacy, a taxi is the best option.

  • Are there car rentals at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)?

    Numerous car hire agencies provide rental services at SFO, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Alamo. All the agencies run off-site garages situated at McDonnell Road. To get there, hop onto a courtesy AirTrain Blue shuttle that runs every 15 minutes. The service will ferry you from the terminals and drop you at the garage any day of the week, throughout the year.

  • Are the family amenities at San Diego International Airport (SAN)?

    SAN features a wide range of family amenities, including nursing and lactation rooms. These suites are spread out in various terminals and provide privacy for moms who want to breastfeed their kids or change nappies. If you’re using Terminal 1, you can locate these amenities on the second level, across from the elevator. In Terminal 2, they lie on the second floor, adjacent to gates 34-35.

  • Is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) pet-friendly?

    LAX features several pet-relief spaces for the convenience of service animals and other furry family members like dogs. These amenities are situated in a room close to Gate 13, and outside between Airline Terminals T1 and T2. These relief areas are equipped with waste disposal bags.

Your guide to booking Atlanta to California flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If you can plan ahead, the sweet spot for booking your flight is 5 weeks before your trip. KAYAK data shows fares in this window are around 30% lower than last-minute bookings (made within 2 weeks of departure). Not ready to commit? Set a Price Alert and we'll let you know when prices change.
  • Flexible with your dates? Fly in January to save some money. It's typically the cheapest month on this route, while flights in June will cost you the most.
  • Fly out on a Wednesday to get the cheapest fares. Avoid Monday flights, which are about 16% more expensive.
  • If you're watching your budget, fly into Los Angeles (LAX) which has the lowest average airfare in the region. Just remember to budget for any onward travel by bus, car or domestic flight.
  • Start your trip in San Diego, the most popular destination in California. From there, it's easy to continue on to other popular spots such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Anaheim.
  • Time or money? If speed matters most, fly from Atlanta to Palm Springs (PSP). If you're after the lowest fares, Los Angeles (LAX) is usually your best bet.
  • With numerous airlines operating their lounges at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you will have a place to relax as you wait for your flight to California. If you are flying aboard Delta Airlines, take advantage of its hub at ATL to enjoy the Delta Sky Club located at every concourse.
  • Travelers scheduled to leave early in the morning from ATL to California should remember that the first flight leaves a few minutes after midnight. You will be glad to note that three of the hotels can easily be reached via Atlanta Skytrain. The rest of the facilities offer courtesy airport shuttles for your convenience.
  • As you book your flight from ATL to California, you will find several airlines that provide one-stop flights between these two cities. Spirit Airlines is one of the most popular carriers along this route providing frequent flights from ATL to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), with a layover at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).
  • Suppose your focus while touring California is San Diego. In that case, book a flight to San Diego International Airport (SAN). Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines are two frequent operators providing one-stop flights along this route. Frontier Airlines makes a layover in Denver, while Frontier passes through Dallas.
  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is well-equipped to cater to the needs of disabled passengers and other travelers with reduced mobility. Every terminal has an ADA-compliant toilet, and elevators facilitate easy movement between the underground tunnels and the departure levels. Contact your airline in advance for any specialized service.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Atlanta to California

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Atlanta to California? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.0
SouthwestOverall score based on 4222 reviews
8.0Comfort
7.0Food
8.6Crew
8.1Boarding
7.5Entertainment
Airline reviews

Terrible, decided to delay our flight since another flight require a flight captain

2.0 MediocreChih Hsuan, Nov 2026
Read more Southwest reviews

Terrible, decided to delay our flight since another flight require a flight captain

staff and crew were great but the flight delays for the last few flights are insane. After a long day of work and you will get a notification of flights delay is not the message we want to see. And for some reason it keeps happening often this year.

Every single flight I take with southwest is delayed by at least one hour. Unbelievable

It was great and arrived home a little sooner than expected which is nice.

Gate agents were informative and friendly… flight attendants were as well. Had a fun time chatting about their legacy AirTran experiences as a former fan of the airline that Southwest acquired.

The fluidity of the entire process of boarding the plane the flight attendants attentiveness. The flight attendants also provided coloring books for my kids who loved it.

Excellent. The lady boarding the flight was awesome. Very efficient, and she got everyone on line.

It was great! The new boeing has much more space and charging ports!

I kept getting h notifications that the flight was delayed. At the airport it was only 2 mins delay. Very confusing. No WiFi on the plan. Snacks very salty. No alternative

I like the boarding procedure. A bumpy ride, but it couldn't be helped. Please make sure the exit seats are clearly indicated.

As an Elevance employee, don't we get priority boarding? Also, I boarded zone 5 and could not get normal carry on in luggage space. There were many Delta employees on the flight and their bags, which were large and could only fit two bags per compartment, got preference over customers so I had to check my bag.

After boarding the plane had to wait an hour at the for the copilot to show up before we could depart

The experience was bad. Flight was delayed to handle maintenance (understandable) but still there was some dew forming and dropping as droplets on few seats. Internet at best was allowing some browsing but at a snail pace.

It was okay. We were delayed for weather reasons, but the pilots and the flight control staff figured a way around the storm and were able to get us to Los Angeles safely. Not all the staff members were polite, but the entertainment on the flight was good.

I usually get upgraded so my experience is usually amazing. I did not get upgraded this time - which was fine - but the wifi had issues, the monitors were going in & out, & (though not Delta's fault) one of the gentlemen next to me desperately needed a shower.

Flight was too crowded and seats are too small, especially since passengrs are getting larger. Having a middle seat is ALWAYS tough! Woman on my left was large & kept creeping in to my space. Flight personnel were great! Have more savory rather than sweet snacks please.

The crew took good care of us. The flight from ATL to SFO is a longer one, and there were multiple beverage offerings. I like the 757's that Delta uses. Good airplane that is comfortable. I do wish Delta would separate Priority boarding from the better seats. I would gladly take a smaller seat in an open row than be jammed into Comfort just to get priority boarding, just to make sure I don't have to check a bag.

Great. Flight departed early and arrived early. Deplaning and baggage claim ww were quick.

Rough day of travel all the way around. Wrong info given to us multiple times and mistakes in their booking making our trip 10 hours longer than planned. I’m bummed because I fly Delta all the time and love them. Mistakes happen. Just bummed that this was a rare trip our whole family was traveling together.

Very crowded, unorganized, people pile up to the gate before their seat is called. Becomes a cluster. Why not board first and premium then start main cabin from the back?

We arrived to Chicago nearly 30 minutes early, which was great, but then was on the ground for over an hour because the gate was not available. The issue I had was the pilot estimation was frustrating. First he said he was informed it would be 20 minutes but he said "it will probably be more like 10 minutes". After 30 minutes he came back on the comm and said it would be another 10 minutes, maybe 20. I understand he was only giving estimates but he also layered in his own gut feel. We were never told why we didn't have a gate even after our scheduled entry.

I did bought anything… I don’t understand how this book appears to me . Ridiculous

I had a terrible experience. My flight got delayed from Atlanta to Chicago on Monday April 6, 2026, and that led to me missing my next flight to Brussels. United Airlines didn’t provide me with any accommodation for shelter. I had to sleep at the airport in Chicago. The next flight I was put on didn’t leave until the evening hours of Tuesday 4/7/2026.

Just a bad day to fly. Flight was delayed from scheduled 6:50 pm departure to 8:50 pm. Combination of factors mostly related to weather at the destination airport (which is where the incoming flight originated) which delayed the inbound flight over an hour. Once on board, we taxied but had to hold again on the taxiway for 10 minutes or so. We did not get wheels up until after 9 pm. The flight was smooth but about 18 minutes from our destination, we had to hold for several minutes more due to weather at ORD. We finally landed at ORD about 11:08 pm (accounting for the time difference, that was about a 3 hour delay from our scheduled departure time). It felt like we were never going to get to our destination. But the flight crew and attendants were very good. The movie selection onboard was also very nice. Got to watch half of a movie just during our taxi from the gate at ATL due to the delay!

Everything was great except for the boarding process. Everyone is lining up all at the same time and it’s hard to tell between the groups as they are way too large.

Excellent experience. Starting with the agent at the Premier bag drop who noticed I was very early for my scheduled flight and offered to rebook me on an earlier flight with my seat preference. She would not let me leave the counter until she knew that all of the changes and new boarding pass showed up on my United app. At the gate, the flight boarded quickly such that we departed early and the flight was smooth. We arrived 20 minutes early at ORD and I was able to be home in time for dinner. One of the best flights I've had.

Cramped seat even in economy plus seat 10A. Over booked flight, no space for the bags

The agents was very rude and they charged me $50 for a carry-on bag saying that it was too big and then I saw someone going on a plane with the same size bag as me

Great onboard crew. Boarding was a zoo, I got in line before pre boarding in Group 2, still had my bag force checked. WiFi was glitchy all flight. Seat and bathroom are both tiny unless you pay $$$ for first class.

I liked that handicap assistance was right inside the door. I was able to get help right away. It is stressful when I have to think of flying and know that an airport is a large place and there is always a great distance to get to the loading area. My walking is not great anymore. With so many people flying, it is so great to have someone to assist you. I am very grateful for the help.

At 5:46 am EST, when I arrived at my departing gate, your gqte agent told me that I could not board the flight because the flight is closed 15 minuets before departure. However, the same gate agent escorted a woman (standing right next to me) at the gate onto the flight which, proves that I could have boarded the flight just like the woman I watched board the flight. The gate agent stated "she was here before you". 1-why was she not already on the flight & 2-how and why was she able to board a "closed" flight that I was not. Additionally, although 6am EST was the time of departure, the plane did not 'pullback' from the gate until 6:15am EST The same gate agent told me that the "boarding closes 15 before departure time" is printed on my boarding pass. This statement is not displayed on my digital boarding pass that I downloaded from AA.com. She also told me that this in stated on AA.com whent I booked my ticket however, since am travelling for work, I booked my flight thru my firm's (Deloitte Consulting) corporate travel app, not AA.com. Marc W Brown

My flight depature was changed. Then it was delayed, and then cancelled after I reached the gate.I paid $231 for a hotel room that I didn't get to use because I arrived 24 hours later than I was suppossed to. My wife had to pick me up from the airport and I had to pay for an another ride back to the airport the next day. They did get me faster/ priority through TSA. The 2nd flight was okay

It was a short flight so there were no entertainments nor super comfortable which is OKAY, just the review system doesnt allow for N/A which is why okay was put, but overall good! No delays and nice crew

It was significantly delayed. Also the admirals club in Philadelphia airport near Gate B is absolutely filthy. Good was on the floor. Flies on the cheese. And the men’s restroom had pools of urine on the floor. I am not using that lounge again.

It was good overall. On my transition from Philadelphia to Boston,the gate information wasn't correct. When I went to check the gate information; I found out that my flight was boarding clear across the airport at another gate. Fortunately I rushed over there and made it on time while they were in the middle of boarding.

With weather and severe delays it was disappointing we didn't receive any compensation for the 5 hour delay. Not even a food voucher.

ATL to CLT return flight. Delayed way too severely. Had to cancel the return flight.

Uncomfortable seats, spotty WiFi, only Biscoff for snack (no one likes those).

Booked flight at 8pm Sunday evening. Flight posted delay from 5:00 to 7:46AM Monday morning. At 12:26 AM (after I was asleep) pulled flight forward to 6:21AM. Had to scramble in morning to make the flight. Barely did

I was disappointed throughout the my whole experience. After being delayed for 3 hrs sitting in plane, not accommodated by staff

My ATL–CVG Frontier flight was disappointing due to both an operational issue and unprofessional customer service. After everyone had boarded and the aircraft had pushed back from the gate, we were delayed because the passenger count did not match the flight manifest. The crew counted passengers approximately six times before the aircraft returned to the gate and gate agents boarded to help resolve the discrepancy. We were ultimately advised that a family had been allowed to board but not all of their boarding passes had been properly scanned. This resulted in a departure delay of nearly an hour. I did appreciate that the pilot kept passengers informed and tried to reassure us that some of the delay could be recovered during the flight. My greater concern was the customer-service experience. I am a Frontier Elite Platinum member and was seated within the first five rows. When I boarded, the overhead bins near my seat were already closed. I opened two bins to see whether my small backpack would fit. A female flight attendant sharply told me that a closed bin meant it was full, although the second bin clearly had available space. When I tried to ask whether I could simply place my backpack in that available space, she ignored me. Later, while the gate agents were working to resolve the passenger-count problem, I heard the same flight attendant make jokes about how many gate agents it takes to count passengers. She then made unnecessary comments about the male gate agent doing the count, men thinking they can do things better than women, and women knowing better and outliving men. Later in the flight, she also commented that passengers should know that the first thing they need to do is always be nice to the flight attendants. Courtesy absolutely should go both ways. Flight attendants deserve respect from passengers, but passengers also deserve respectful and professional treatment from the crew. Joking about colleagues who were actively trying to correct an operational problem, making gender-based comments in front of passengers, and being dismissive toward a passenger asking a simple baggage question were unnecessary and unprofessional. I fly enough to understand that delays and mistakes happen. What determines the quality of the experience is how those situations are handled. Unfortunately, the customer-service attitude on this flight made an already frustrating operational delay considerably worse.

A 630departure flight Delayed 6hours! They changed my gate, I moved to the new gate. Had our flight on the screen for 12noon departure. I go get above to eat, check screen again and the flight was gone, no notice no announcement, nothing!! They sent my bag on the flight I wasn’t on, got it back to me 3days later. Thank goodness they did refund my money but I will NEVER fly them again.

Plane and crew on board were fine. Everything else was terrible.

Inbound plane was on time and flight departed on time with no issues while boarding.

Too many extra fees, uncomfortable, little leg room. Will not recommend this airline.

Disaster. They lied every step of the way. We ended up being delayed due to crew and then allegedly abandoned the flight because of a curfew at LGA. No rebooking to LGA at any reasonable time. No hotel. No meal vouchers. Had to sleep in the airport and fly to Newark instead. Will never fly Frontier again.

My first flight was delayed 5 hours. The 2nd flight was canceled til the next day and the never even tried to compensate for it. Worse I was delayed again on the flight the rebooked me on.

They canceled flight. Hard to believe there was even a plane incoming for us to get on

Horrendous. I do not recommend Frontier. The passengers lack manners and decency, and the flight attendants lack professionalism. If I wasn’t in a bind to fly with 48 hours notice for a job interview, I would not have selected a flight with Frontier and I never plan to fly with them in the future.

The plane was clean, the crew was friendly and helpful. It’s a low cost airline so there was no food, drinks or in flight entertainment but we didn’t expect any of these things. In the room for improvement department, they should install USB ports in seats to charge mobile devices.

More options for your flight from Atlanta to California

Complete your trip to California with a hotel stay or car rental