CMH - SAN

$82 Find Cheap Flights from Columbus 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 from Columbus to San Diego departing on 4/13. 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

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to San Diego

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Columbus to San Diego.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Columbus to San Diego.
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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$280
Overall average: $376
Frontier
Fri 4/24Sun 4/26
CMH - SAN • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$333
Southwest
Thu 4/9Thu 4/16
CMH - SAN • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
You can fly direct with Southwest. Average duration is 4h 50m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
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Direct flights
Direct flights
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Top airlines
Cheapest • from $280 (round-trip)
Best reviews • 8.0 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
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Airline reviews
Airline reviews
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Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $276 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 30m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 3 weeks in advance save around 28% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 19% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
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Good to know
Good to know
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We hope you love your trip to San Diego!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Columbus to San Diego (CMH-SAN)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Columbus 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 Columbus to San Diego

Fri, Apr 24 - Sun, Apr 26
Frontier Logo
7:53 pm - 11:59 pm
CMH
-
SAN
7h 06m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:25 am - 7:34 pm
SAN
-
CMH
10h 09m
1 stop
$280Frontier
Thu, Apr 23 - Sun, Apr 26
Frontier Logo
8:15 pm - 11:59 pm
CMH
-
SAN
6h 44m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:25 am - 7:34 pm
SAN
-
CMH
10h 09m
1 stop
$281Frontier
Sun, Apr 26 - Wed, Apr 29
Frontier Logo
8:19 pm - 8:34 am
CMH
-
SAN
15h 15m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
12:29 pm - 7:13 pm
SAN
-
CMH
27h 44m
2 stops
$282Frontier
Mon, May 11 - Thu, May 14
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:43 pm - 11:50 pm
CMH
-
SAN
8h 07m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:19 pm - 6:49 pm
SAN
-
CMH
21h 30m
1 stop
$283Multiple Airlines
Fri, Apr 10 - Sat, Apr 25
Frontier Logo
7:14 pm - 12:02 am
CMH
-
SAN
7h 48m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
7:15 am - 2:52 pm
SAN
-
CMH
28h 37m
2 stops
$289Frontier
Sun, May 10 - Thu, May 14
Southwest Logo
7:25 pm - 10:25 pm
CMH
-
SAN
6h 00m
1 stop
Southwest Logo
9:00 am - 10:10 pm
SAN
-
CMH
10h 10m
1 stop
$292Southwest
Thu, Apr 16 - Wed, Apr 22
Frontier Logo
7:00 pm - 11:29 pm
CMH
-
SAN
31h 29m
2 stops
Frontier Logo
10:30 am - 7:20 pm
SAN
-
CMH
29h 50m
1 stop
$293Frontier
Fri, May 8 - Fri, May 15
Frontier Logo
8:48 pm - 11:50 pm
CMH
-
SAN
30h 02m
2 stops
Frontier Logo
6:25 am - 5:48 pm
SAN
-
CMH
8h 23m
1 stop
$295Frontier
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
Delta Logo
2:20 pm - 7:58 pm
CMH
-
SAN
8h 38m
1 stop
Delta Logo
2:00 pm - 11:59 pm
SAN
-
CMH
6h 59m
1 stop
$297Delta
Thu, Apr 16 - Wed, Apr 22
Frontier Logo
8:18 pm - 8:34 am
CMH
-
SAN
15h 16m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
10:30 am - 7:20 pm
SAN
-
CMH
29h 50m
1 stop
$298Frontier
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Columbus to San Diego flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Columbus to San Diego to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Columbus to San Diego?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Columbus Airport to San Diego clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to San Diego on a Tuesday and more expensive on a Sunday. On your return trip to Columbus, you should consider flying back on a Thursday, and avoid Sundays for better deals.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Columbus Airport to San Diego?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Columbus Airport to San Diego, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Columbus Airport to San Diego is January, where tickets cost $308 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and July, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $473 and $468 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Columbus Airport to San Diego?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Columbus Airport to San Diego, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Columbus Airport to San Diego, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 28% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 19 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonNovember
Cheapest flight$82
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 7% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 6% increase in price.
Flight from Columbus to San Diego

When to book flights from Columbus to San Diego

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Columbus to San Diego based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking Columbus to San Diego flights

  • How can I get to San Diego from San Diego International Airport?

    San Diego is only a few miles from the airport and is accessible through myriad transit options. You can leave the arrival airport using taxis, shuttles, and buses. Consider taking a taxi if you have luggage or are traveling with family because it is more convenient and efficient.

  • What accessible services are available at San Diego International Airport?

    The airport has been designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities. Their facilities and services have been modified to be more accessible. You can request wheelchair assistance, but we recommend contacting your airline in advance. Further accommodations can be made upon request.

  • What facilities are parent-friendly at Columbus International Airport?

    John Glenn Columbus International Airport has private nursing rooms in all concourses that all mothers can access. The rooms provide private and comfortable spaces for breastfeeding mothers. All the rooms are fitted with power outlets for breast pumps.

  • Does John Glenn Columbus International Airport have lounges?

    Lounges are a great place to unwind and relax as you wait to board your flight. The departure airport has a few of them offering elegant amenities and facilities to enhance your travel, such as the Escape Lounges and Jake Brewer USO Lounge.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Columbus Airport to San Diego?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Columbus Airport to San Diego was $82 for a one-way ticket and $280 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Columbus and San Diego?

    Even though you are not required to have a passport, keep in mind that an official ID is needed to board the airplane.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Columbus to San Diego?

    Columbus airport is called Columbus and the only airport in San Diego is San Diego.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Columbus to San Diego?

    The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Columbus to San Diego flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Columbus to San Diego?

    SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and oneworld are the airline alliances operating flights between Columbus and San Diego, with SkyTeam being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Columbus to San Diego?

    You can catch a nonstop flight from Columbus to San Diego on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Columbus to San Diego, Southwest or Delta?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Columbus to San Diego are Southwest and Delta. With an average price for the route of $418 and an overall rating of 8.0, Southwest is the most popular choice. Delta is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $388 and an overall rating of 7.9.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Columbus 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 Columbus to San Diego.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to San Diego from Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus with another airline. Booking your flights between Columbus and SAN can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Columbus 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 Columbus up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Columbus Airport to San Diego

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $202 or less one-way and $441 or less round-trip.
  • Columbus is served by John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), situated about 6 miles from downtown Columbus. You can easily get to the airport using several transit options, including taxis, rideshare, and public transportation. The COTA bus line is efficient and affordable. However, if you want comfort and convenience, we recommend opting for a taxi.
  • CMH provides various parking options, including Valet parking, to enhance your travel experience. Some shuttles link the garages to the terminals departing for the terminals every 15min. You can park your car at John Glenn Columbus International Airport for short or long-term, depending on your travel needs.
  • Flights from Columbus will be arriving at San Diego International Airport (SAN). The airport is about 3 miles from downtown San Diego. Upon arrival, take some time to explore the vast collection of permanent artworks that supports the Airport Authority's mission. Before you leave the airport, treat yourself to a beautiful and elegant exhibition dedicated to enhancing the travel experience for passengers.
  • You can find several accommodation options near San Diego International Airport, whether traveling for leisure or business. The airport has access to hotels that provide elegant amenities and a relaxing on-site and off-site environment. Stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station, which is 0.8 miles from SAN, or the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, which is 0.4 miles from the airport.
  • There are no direct flights operating from Columbus and San Diego. However, several airlines are providing connecting flights with at least one layover. The most common layover occurs at Harry Reid International Airport and O'Hare International Airport. Connecting flights are much cheaper compared to direct flights and are recommended if you do not mind a few more hours to your trip.

Prefer to fly direct from Columbus to San Diego?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Columbus to San Diego.
Find which airlines fly direct from Columbus Airport to San Diego Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Columbus to San Diego

Monday

Southwest

Southwest

Thursday

Southwest

Southwest

Friday

Southwest

Southwest

Saturday

Southwest

Southwest

Sunday

Southwest

Southwest

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Diego to Columbus

Monday

Southwest

Southwest

Thursday

Southwest

Southwest

Friday

Southwest

Southwest

Saturday

Southwest

Southwest

Sunday

Southwest

Southwest

See more direct flights

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

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Columbus to San Diego. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Columbus 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.
8.0
SouthwestOverall score based on 4318 reviews
8.0Comfort
7.5Entertainment
8.6Crew
8.1Boarding
7.0Food
Airline reviews

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

8.0 ExcellentTobin, Mar 2026
SJC - BUR
Read more Southwest reviews

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

No food or entertainment, just a quick 40 minute flight. A little bumpy due to Santa Ana winds but pilot has no control over that. Good flight and landing!

Good but I prefer choose your own seat. With the new assigned seats they should board from the back I see no advantage to this new boarding. Just like every other airline

Mediocre. Boarding is now unpleasant. The employees, once friendly and nice, are now regularly speaking sternly to passengers, badgering them to do things right so they can take off on time and gate check bags because they don't have enough overhead bin space. The pretzel snack was crushed flat and broken into even smaller pieces, which happens frequently lately. Drink service was suspended before they reached my row.

The charges were ridiculous for an hour flight and the turbulence was very scary.

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.

The boarding and seat assignment system no longer works for me, but I know it is being replaced. Otherwise, I am good with the overall experience.

The lead steward kept singing about "San Francisco" and hotel California---more annoying than humorous....needs work. Flight was smooth and on time.

Still a fan of open seating. Flight was on schedule and arrived on time. The 737 MAX is very comfortable.

Absolutely no communication on why there's a delay and multiple flight time reschedules. I would have canceled the flight and drove back home if I known it was going to be rescheduled 3 or 4 times.

Left a few minutes early. Got in 15 minutes early. Very attentive service on board. Very organized boarding.

There’s not much to say about a one hour flight. This is a connection from LA to RNO that I missed the previous night due to a mechanical check delay on my originating flight from JFK to LAX. The short flight itself was fine. Instructions from the pilot and crew were per usual. The coffee was barely lukewarm, which possibly was purposeful so we would down it quickly. Bags were already on carousel upon reaching baggage claim, which was excellent.

Delta continues to set the benchmark for traveler-friendly service with minimal disruption and clear communication within the mainland US (coast to coast). I am consistently pleased to be a Delta customer, and this experience once again met my expectations. There was a brief delay departing from MIA due to a technical issue that required the aircraft to return to the gate. However, the situation was handled professionally and transparently. Fortunately, my planned layover allowed ample buffer time, so the adjustment caused no stress. Overall, another smooth and reassuring experience.

Awesome! On time flight, early arrival, and a complimentary upgrade!

Was forced to check in my small carry on, even though I informed the crew it has very fragile items inside

They double booked seats, the gate staff changed my ticket as I was boarding she went over to the computer and changed it without telling me. She messed up an entire three row section for me and others. Other travelers were outraged but the gate staff were so rude, so condescending saying it wasn't their problem to solve. I would rate this a zero if I could. Will not fly Delta again I'll stick with United and American.

was sitting in the jet bridge for 10 minutes in -20 degree weather waiting for my bag

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.

I really liked the legroom. I am 6’4”.a at For some reason our seats were not together and using the app to fix it didn’t work. Passengers were nice enough to move for us but you should absolutely ensure a parent sits with their child.

Flight delayed for more than 16 hrs and no effort was spent to provide an alternate

Overall we had a good experience during our flight from San Francisco to Houston.

it was a very short flight so my expectations were low.

Very disappointing given gate agent behavior. Filed a formal complaint with United.

Flight delayed. WiFi connectivity very poor if not existant. Last minute arrival forced me to run to catch my connection.

The power at the seat didn't work and the seat itself was difficult to adjust - this was a business class seat. Flight attendant gave me miles to compensate. The attendant was very professional and on top of his game the entire flight.

the whole trip was smooth, and as comfortable as flying is these days. flight crew was friendly and very courteous and helpful.

First class ticket gets you a choice of chips or nuts. . Just like economy Southwest. Also no screen in the seats. This is first class???!

Flight arrived 30 min early and bag was waiting at the baggage pickup. United Club HNL was one of the nicest in the system

Yet another flight in which beverage and snack service was skipped. Other that that, firmly mediocre. Landed early, to gate late due to congestion at the gates. Airline's fault or airports fault: unknown.

Smooth flight. From the early boarding and all were on board before departure time and arrived early in ONT. Great crew. Thank you!!!!

The flight was significantly delayed for 6.5 hours because of snow. There was no communication once the plane returned to the gate regarding when the flight would resume. Other flights were departing while our flight was being unloaded for reasons unknown. Our flight also seemed out of the queue regarding further deicing, refueling, and waiting to Taxi to the runway.

They are always late and seats was also not having working charger

did not have enough meal for first class passengers so offer us snack

Amazing I love American. I’ll never fly anyone else if I can help it.

I love American. I’ll never fly anyone else if I can help it.

Everything about the flight was lovely. My only suggestion would be to offer a few more options of tv series from Apple TV or HBO.

After the door had been closed, the cockpit makes an announcement that catering is running late and it is not the airline's fault. It is their fault in the sense that we had to sit for 2 hours or more when we could have stayed in the terminal. Poor communications between catering and airline. This caused a young man to lose his temper and he went storming out hitting objects. He had complained to the gate agent that he had already waited at the gate 7 hours and when can the airplane leave? Airilnes do a poor job of explaining delays, maintenance issues, etc. whereas being truthful may gain more sympathy or understanding.

We were told the flight was delayed 5 times, then it was moved to the next day.

The experience with American Airlines was good, although the Philippines Airlines flight was much better (better seats, better food, better entertainment options, overall better). Again, the MIA to LAX flight was fine, but nothing in comparison to the comfort and accommodations of the Philippines Airlines flight from LAX to MNL.

Flight was delayed more than 3 hours, and the metro had stopped running by the time we got to the terminal well past midnight, so I was stranded, alone, with no way to get home until the metro started up the next morning.

My flight was cancelled I missed time at work and got a parking ticket

Crew was very nice. Take off and landing were great. Economy seats are not comfortable. Extra cost for snacks.

The flight was delayed by 2 hours and we had no food or water or chargers

Horribly late because they had no crew!!! And then jet bridge didn’t work!! Then we arrived at a gate at lax miles away that we had to take a shuttle to a terminal!! I was over 3 hours late to getting the LA! Should have been here at 8:30 and at an appointment at 10:30 and arrived and left lax at 11 am!! Horrible experience!!!

Once again, the staff seem to think they are above the customers and treat everyone with disdain, belittling people.

Flight was canceled 8 hours before departure for lack of operational control and prepositioning of a plane. Then had the audacity to say it was because of weather, however there was no weather here in California or New Orleans or in between. It was the weather in Florida, Florida it had nothing to do with our flight path just the plane was supposed to fly us. 8 hours is more than enough time to move a plane anywhere in the US. That left me with a bill of 1200 dollars to re book a flight oh and kayaks insurance what a joke. Probably will never use kayak or spirit ever again terrible companies terrible customer service. I’ll also let everyone and anyone know this was an abomination and only for the customer. Also will be making a report to the DOT on bad business practices on behalf of kayak and spirit as well as the BBB. Do better, take care of your customers and don’t suck

The airplane had a strange noise that was constant throughout the flight. Thankfully I had noise-cancelling over-ear headphones that muted much of it.

it was terrible. flight was cancelled hours before the flight without a given reason and no other booking available .

The plane was freezing and everyone had on their winter coats. I pulled out my sweaters out of my carryon to cover myself and put on an extra pair of socks. They offered NO FREE drinks or snacks on a 6 hour flight. The seats don’t have plugs or charges or any form of entertainment- so I just played my one downloaded game on my phone because I couldn’t sleep because I was too cold. Miserable flight though we landed safely.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Columbus to San Diego

Information on your arrival and departure airports