SAN

$43 Find Cheap Flights from California to San Diego

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to San Diego departing on 8/18. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from California to San Diego

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from California to San Diego that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from California to San Diego

Thu, Aug 13 - Sat, Aug 15
Frontier Logo
6:50 pm - 8:06 pm
LAS
-
SAN
1h 16mnonstop
Frontier Logo
8:51 pm - 10:21 pm
SAN
-
LAS
1h 30mnonstop
$71Frontier
Thu, Aug 13 - Thu, Aug 20
Frontier Logo
6:50 pm - 8:06 pm
LAS
-
SAN
1h 16mnonstop
Frontier Logo
8:59 pm - 10:29 pm
SAN
-
LAS
1h 30mnonstop
$72Frontier
Sat, Jul 25 - Tue, Jul 28
Southwest Logo
5:35 pm - 10:55 pm
SMF
-
SAN
5h 20m
1 stop
Southwest Logo
8:10 am - 12:00 pm
SAN
-
SMF
3h 50m
1 stop
$137Southwest
Tue, Aug 4 - Wed, Aug 5
Southwest Logo
8:55 am - 11:45 am
SMF
-
SAN
2h 50m
1 stop
Southwest Logo
1:15 pm - 7:00 pm
SAN
-
SMF
5h 45m
2 stops
$138Southwest
Thu, Jul 30 - Mon, Aug 3
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:13 am - 8:43 am
SJC
-
SAN
1h 30mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
10:25 pm - 11:55 pm
SAN
-
SJC
1h 30mnonstop
$147Alaska Airlines
Sat, Jul 25 - Sat, Jul 25
Alaska Airlines Logo
5:37 pm - 7:21 pm
SMF
-
SAN
1h 44mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:47 pm - 11:32 pm
SAN
-
SMF
1h 45mnonstop
$147Alaska Airlines
Wed, Jul 29 - Wed, Aug 5
United Airlines Logo
6:09 pm - 11:54 pm
FAT
-
SAN
5h 45m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
11:55 am - 5:28 pm
SAN
-
FAT
5h 33m
1 stop
$159United Airlines
Mon, Aug 17 - Tue, Aug 18
American Airlines Logo
12:58 pm - 6:18 pm
STS
-
SAN
5h 20m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
6:25 am - 12:28 pm
SAN
-
STS
6h 03m
1 stop
$188American Airlines
Tue, Jul 28 - Tue, Aug 4
United Airlines Logo
6:55 pm - 12:31 am
RNO
-
SAN
5h 36m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
4:09 pm - 10:29 pm
SAN
-
RNO
6h 20m
1 stop
$197United Airlines
Tue, Jul 28 - Tue, Aug 4
American Airlines Logo
4:14 pm - 9:34 pm
MRY
-
SAN
5h 20m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
12:46 pm - 6:45 pm
SAN
-
MRY
5h 59m
1 stop
$251American Airlines
Useful Info

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$43
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 11% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 4% increase in price.
Flight from Fresno to San Diego

Flights from California to San Diego: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from California to San Diego 
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
SBA
-
SAN
Jun 2026
Check your flight the night before! My flight was canceled and rebooked but it is a common thing to have flights cancelled. The airport is small so going through TSA is fairly quick.
CupcakeFlew with Alaska Airlines
SMF
-
SAN
Apr 2026
Check flight delays on Google prior to arrival at airport.
PhilipFlew with Alaska Airlines
SFO
-
SAN
Feb 2026
Taking a flight with a smaller plane was pleasant, fewer passengers and.easier boarding and disembarking.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
STS
-
SAN
Jan 2026
If you want a better experience, fly non stop. American has a superior wireless connection experience. Delays appear to be the norm. Book two hours between flights minimum. Check your bags.
EricFlew with Alaska Airlines
SBP
-
SAN
May 2025
SBP gets busy in the early morning with several flights departing between 6am and 7am. Arriving early will avoid stress.
CaseyFlew with Scandinavian Airlines
LAX
-
SAN
May 2025
Better concession options on other terminals than 3, if you’re flying Delta. Explore if you have time.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
STS
-
SAN
Oct 2024
An hour before flight was enough time for departing from Santa Rosa. (I doubt anyone is at the airport and working at 4:30am).
JamesFlew with Alaska Airlines
SJC
-
SAN
Jun 2024
It’s pretty simple there. It’s one of the better airports.TSA has never been a problem for me there it moves and is mostly efficient… I was happy that we didn’t have to takeoff our shoes, which surprised me. They’re always seems to be long walk to the gates coming and going not sure why that is
Joo YoungFlew with Alaska Airlines
SMF
-
SAN
Jul 2024
Make sure your seat can recline when you board!
JoonwonFlew with Alaska Airlines
SJC
-
SAN
Apr 2024
The airplane is a quite small one, compared to the regular size, so pls be ready for some restrictions on carry on bags.

FAQs for booking flights from California to San Diego

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from California to San Diego?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from California to San Diego.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from California to San Diego?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to San Diego from California is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from California to San Diego?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to San Diego with an airline and back to California with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from California to San Diego?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to San Diego from California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from California to San Diego

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from California to San Diego? 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.
7.9
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 12602 reviews
8.1Boarding
7.0Entertainment
8.5Crew
7.8Comfort
7.1Food
Airline reviews

Over all it was great. My original flight was canceled but they quickly rebooked me. I was frustrated because I had to cancel my entire plans for the day but all considered, not bad. The crew tried to keep us calm while we sat in the plane for was felt was an hour or so but they could use a bit of a script. The seats were comfortable and I would give it another try.

8.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Jun 2026
SBA - SAN
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

Over all it was great. My original flight was canceled but they quickly rebooked me. I was frustrated because I had to cancel my entire plans for the day but all considered, not bad. The crew tried to keep us calm while we sat in the plane for was felt was an hour or so but they could use a bit of a script. The seats were comfortable and I would give it another try.

Not able to get boarding pass for domestic connection flight when check in at international airport. I was told I need to get connection flight boarding pass after I entered US. It us very inconvenient.

The gate agents begged us to check our carryons. They BEGGED us, over and over, and said that the flight was completely, totally full, and said that if we don't check our bags, it will cause huge delays. They finally said that "group suchandsuch will be required to check bags!" So I checked mine. Well, the flight wasn't close to being full, and many of the overhead compartments were *empty*! Moreover, my bag was delayed at the carousel, and it wasn't on the carousel that was posted. COME ON, AIRLINE, you can look at the seating for the flight on your computer and decide whether it's really necessary to beg and beg and beg people to go through the hassle of checking their bags! This is annoying as hell and makes me not want to use your crummy airline ever again.

It is a hassle to not have entertainment screens on the backs of the seats.

No headphones provided. No gf food. Only 1 beverage cart run sAN to HNL. Rarely saw crew members

A solidly good experience, but would’ve appreciated more communication with regards to travel delays.

No issues and clear sailing. What a preferred to have sat in one of empty seats other than my assigned seat that would be my only complaint if it was to complain.

Four hour delay. Missed our event. And they offered me $75. Absolutely shameful.

I have been flying commercial for decades. I was in one of the ladder boarding groups, had my bag tagged because they thought there was not going to be enough space for it in the overhead bins. I politely asked one of the attendance if I could try to find a space- she said I could and I did. I then took the bag tag off and gave it to one of the other attendants as I was told to do by the first one. He, in a curt, anal, and disrespectful manner, told me that I needed to take my bag down from the overhead bin and check it. This was a situation I’ve never encountered before. The attendant’s attitude was confrontational and belittling in front of other onlooking passengers as if daring me to challenge him. I am a physician who takes care of patients day in and day out. Not wanting to make a scene, I calmly told him, “do what you need to do.” he took my bag down from the overhead bin, put the back tag back on it, and checked it only to make room for another bag that was also supposed to be technically checked by a following passenger. The same male attendant later came up to me and said “you shouldn’t have showed me the bag tag,” as if conveying that he was just following protocol was a justification for treating me like a kid out of line. I cared about this because it took 15 minutes from my life to then retrieve the bag at baggage claim and it also felt like really poor customer service. I understand the need for protocols. This is also a service industry, and we the passengers are the clients. We should be made to feel welcome and respected and our life in transit made as easy as it can be within reason. This attendant clearly needs to be reminded of that. Of note, an older female fellow passenger sitting next to me agreed with this assessment.

I love Alaska! We arrived on the later side without seat assignments only to find the had oversold the flight by 1. The attendants worked extra hard to find a way for our party of 7 to stay together and we made it on the flight! Loved the free WiFi also!

3 hour delay. Had to change plans and was still delayed.

The flight crew was extremely rude and especially not helpful when our flight was delayed.

Delays delays delays. Late taking off, late landing, wait for a gate, etc.

First time traveling on Southwest since bag fees were implemented. Usual good service. Just more expensive now.

Plane late from DC to Austin 30 minutes. Crew made up much of the time enroute to San Diego.

Our first flight was so delayed that we had 10 mins to board the next one. We requested if the flight attendant could allow us off there plane first and they denied our request even though I have seen this done before. Luck was on our side that we didn’t miss our next flight.

Everything was great except for the in-flight wifi that wasn't working.

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

Flight was on time. Friendly staff and flight was smooth. We Love Southwest.

I had a great flight from Sacramento to San Diego on 2024-09-20 (at 9:00 am). Everything worked well, the crew was pleasant and efficient. Thank you!

Flight delayed two hours , missed connection flight then connection cancelled- horrible experience with hotel

The checking was disaster, the crew wasn't behave well. It took us two hours to check in, after that thr line at the TSA was long, we barely make the flight. Bad airline

I like that if they asked you to checked in a bag at the gate they give you priority to board

Previously flown Hawaiian Airlines on similar routes, I found Alaska Airlines to be noticeably more comfortable. The seats on Alaska Airlines provided better support and cushioning, which made a significant difference on the long flight to the islands. When you’re spending 5-6 hours in the air, seat comfort really matters, and Alaska Airlines delivered where it counts. After comparing both carriers, I’ve decided to book with Alaska Airlines for all my future Hawaii trips. The superior seat comfort alone makes it worth choosing Alaska over Hawaiian Airlines. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and prioritizing comfort, I’d recommend giving Alaska Airlines a try. You won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended for Hawaii travel!

One hour waiting time after boarding, but arrived in time. I am satisfied

I could not check in ahead of time. Kayak did not give me a proper confirmation number to check in.

You did not have any vegetarians options for the free meal! I do not eat any meat of any kind! I asked the flight attendant and was met with kind of a rude statement like vegetarian? No we don’t have that kind of thing! Did not make me happy but made me feel like why would I want a vegetarian meal! Otherwise a good experience!

Traveling with my 90 year old mother, the boarding process was great, the gate crew was very helpful and friendly. One of the flight attendants was kind enough to assist her to and from the restroom mid-flight and cater to any requests she had. I wish I flew Hawaiian Airlines more often, it was a great trip!

When I was not allowed by Alaska airlines to board due to time and difficulty pre-check the night before and kiosk did not work when I arrived at the airport and then finally told Alaska airlines is where I had to go. Not Hawaiian airlines that they had moved. That's when I was treated with the utmost disrespect by Alaska airlines agent that I was not allowed to board. And that might ticket to return was canceled and I hadn't even left yet when they gave me the option for the next flight to raise my flight price to $300 one way. I bought a $96 round trip ticket and they're trying to gouge me for $600 in addition and canceling my return flight.

First time in a long time and look forward to many more

Service was professional and quick. Premium economy seat was comfortable given the class

The staff was extremely helpful and friendly at all times! They went above and beyond to get us into an earlier flight in San Diego to make our connection in SFO possible, because our original flight did actually not make it! I did so much appreciate the UA team and how they made this possible. We also didn’t have seats together on the long flight to Singapore, but they found us seats together last moment with no additional cost! Nobody sat next to us, so that we were able to sleep! Thanks to UA for improving their service and Underpricer for booking this trip! Please be careful: 1,5 hrs for transfer in San Francisco might not be enough time in the future

Seat pitch is horrible especially on the 15 hour flight. Gate crew at SFO was Outstanding. The flight crew was also great.

Late plane. Only one crew on the ground so we b had to wait for Denver flight to come in, board, and depart. At 78 yrs of age I was not pleased trying to get my connection. What really made me angry was the notification you sent me to hurry up or I would miss my connection. Why tell me to hurry up when you got me in late. It was not a good way of treating customers.

Horrific. They missed my connecting flight to San Diego. I didn’t get there until Monday at 9am when I had a mandatory court settlement conference scheduled at 6am since we had parties on the east coast. This caused many issues. All because United apparently forgot to hold the doors open until my flight landed that only had a 10 minute delay. This was the last flight to Southern California. So I couldn’t even rent a car to finish the trip. United cannot be trusted when traveling on specific days and times since weather didn’t have anything to do with the delays.

Was a pain having to leave the plane and reboard but glad the plane was fixed

Connecting flights were poor,especially in Naples.our Lufthansa air bus was a joke.way too small for that long of a flight.no room at all.couldn’t even get out of the seats to move around or go to the bathrooms.we thought we were getting an actual air bus,double decker.i will never fly that long in a plane like that again.kind of misleading to call it an air bus.we actually had more room on our buses that we used.

For a 22 minute flight all you expect is for it to be safe and comfortable

Lost connnection had to stayON in Chicago Was a mess

Booked economy through United - air canada treated it as standby and was almost refused boarding.

Terrible. The canceled my entire flight when I requested a refund for a trip frontier canceled trip one way.

i was unable to check in the flight. refund requested

Great for the price. No wifi or entertainment, but gate agents and crew were fantastic and we boarded quickly and left on time.

Decent clean onboard experience. Okay discount airline experience. Unfortunately, any customer service interactions are difficult and unhelpful. There is no service. Also, a premium seat only gets you premium boarding if you line up first. Once they start general boarding you must go to the back of the line. Not very premium

I went to the Frontier counter in San Jose at 1030am or so on Sunday 10/13/24 to see if I could get an earlier flight to San Diego in lieu of my reserved 630pm flight. One thing led to another, and I was able to obtain an open seat for about $ 56. on the earlier flight. Fine. Then the agent asked if I "was checking a bag". Not knowing that carry-ons cost extra per Frontier policy, I thought that she meant a regular checked bag. Therefore, I said no. Once I got to the gate, the same gate agent who sold me a ticket told me that I had to pay $99 for a carry-on, and that all bags were extra on Frontier. Having never flown on Frontier, I was not aware of this. Part of the issue was that she was not a native English speaker, so there was a miscommunication as to what "bag" meant. I would have preferred for her to have clearly let me know at the front counter that any bag including a carry-on cost $99. It would have had the same outcome, as I had to take my carry-on. But it got hectic at the last minute at the gate itself. The baggage policy should have mentioned "including carry-ons" when we first spoke.

Literally everything could have been better. Why are the planes always late?

9hrs delay and didn’t provided anything until after flight landed $75 voucher for fiuture travel no meals or anything.

They cancelled the flight then did nothing to help us rebook. It was awful - I won’t fly with them again

The truck that was refueling the plane drove away with the hose still connected to the plane and ripped part of the plane off with it

The boarding time. I was in Section 1 the lady in charge just let people in section 3 without see us. Make a line , I have to step out and ask her. We were in the line and she just take my ticket and that’s it, so if I don’t ask her she could leave us at the end! We paid more for that privilege and. She doesn’t care….

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Everything you need to know for your flight to San Diego

Information on the airport you'll fly into in San Diego