DTW - SAN

$90 Find Cheap Flights from Detroit to San Diego - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$317
Typical prices: $401-$663
Frontier
Mon 1/15Mon 1/22
DTW - SAN • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$559
Typical prices: $538-$739
Delta
Fri 12/7Wed 12/12
DTW - SAN • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Delta. Average duration is 4h 55m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 12 weeks in advance save around 35% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 39% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $276 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 11m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to San Diego!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Detroit to San Diego (DTW-SAN)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Detroit to San Diego

Fri, Jan 15 - Fri, Jan 22
Frontier Logo
2:49 pm - 11:58 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
12h 09m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
6:36 am - 12:58 amSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
15h 22m1 stop Denver Intl
$317Frontier
Sun, Nov 1 - Thu, Nov 5
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 10:11 amDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
7h 11m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
Frontier Logo
9:32 am - 9:43 pmSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
9h 11m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
$317Frontier
Thu, Nov 5 - Thu, Nov 12
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:28 pm - 8:37 amDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
13h 09m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:37 pm - 12:07 pmSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
20h 30m1 stop Raleigh-Durham
$318Multiple Airlines
Sun, Dec 6 - Sun, Dec 13
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:08 pm - 12:07 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
20h 59m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:37 pm - 7:06 pmSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
27h 29m1 stop Raleigh-Durham
$319Multiple Airlines
Mon, Nov 9 - Wed, Nov 18
Southwest Logo
10:50 am - 4:35 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
8h 45m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Southwest Logo
11:55 am - 9:25 pmSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
6h 30m1 stop Nashville Intl
$437Southwest
Thu, Jan 14 - Thu, Jan 21
Southwest Logo
6:15 pm - 10:20 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
7h 05m1 stop Chicago Midway
Southwest Logo
11:40 am - 8:50 pmSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
6h 10m1 stop Nashville Intl
$437Southwest
Fri, Nov 6 - Wed, Nov 18
JetBlue Logo
12:10 pm - 7:14 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
10h 04m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
JetBlue Logo
8:50 pm - 10:55 amSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
11h 05m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
$481JetBlue
Sun, Mar 7 - Thu, Mar 11
JetBlue Logo
9:44 am - 7:19 pmDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
12h 35m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
JetBlue Logo
8:59 pm - 8:54 amSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
8h 55m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
$512JetBlue
Mon, Nov 23 - Fri, Dec 4
Delta Logo
8:29 am - 10:26 amDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
4h 57mnonstop
Delta Logo
10:05 pm - 3:03 pmSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
13h 58m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
$552Delta
Thu, Nov 19 - Fri, Dec 4
Delta Logo
8:29 am - 10:26 amDTW  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County-SAN San Diego
4h 57mnonstop
Delta Logo
10:05 pm - 6:54 pmSAN  San Diego-DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
17h 49m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
$552Delta
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego flights

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

How much is a round-trip flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

Round-trip flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego typically range from $401 to $663. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $317, on Frontier.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Monday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego. It’s 7% cheaper than the average day, while Sunday is the most expensive, with prices 6% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

•January is the cheapest month to fly from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego at $329 round-trip.
•October ($585) and November ($558) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 77% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego the cheapest?

Flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego are cheapest 12 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 35% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Detroit to San Diego

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on Delta

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Brandon Schultz

Brandon Schultz

Expert on SAN

Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and The Daily Meal, among many others, and he is the author of 6 books, including 3 cookbooks.

Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey Qubein

Expert on DTW

An avid traveler and aviation expert who has visited 173 countries, all 50 states and seven continents, Ramsey Qubein flies nearly 400,000 miles a year. As a North Carolina-based freelance journalist for publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, USA Today and Bloomberg among others, he explores the latest trends in aviation, hospitality, cruises and business.

Key details for Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego flights

Low season

October

Cheapest flight

$90
Beat the crowds with an average 28% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 20% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego

When to book flights from Detroit to San Diego

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Detroit 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

Your Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego flight questions, answered

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

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego:

    • Earliest: departs at 8:25 am and lands at 1:20 pm
    • Latest: departs at 8:53 pm and lands at 1:48 am.

    The flight takes about 4h 55m.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • First Class

  • How long is a flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

    A nonstop flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego takes 4h 55m, covering 1,952 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego flight?

    Round-trip flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego range from $401 to $663, with an average of $539 over the past 12 months. Anything below $401 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 25% above the $539 route average. Book 12 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $276 round-trip via Denver Intl (DEN), compared to $605 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $35–$90 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

    The Airbus A321-100/200 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Delta and JetBlue. Other aircraft seen on the route include Airbus A321neo variants.

  • How are flight departures from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego spread across the day?

    Afternoon is the busiest departure period on Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego flights, with 50% of flights leaving in that window. Morning departures account for 25%, evening flights for 25%, and night flights for 0%.

  • Have flight prices from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $317 to $1,605. That means the highest observed fare was about 5x higher than the lowest one.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego flights?

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego flights:

    • Delta
    • JetBlue

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty program; others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

  • How are flight prices from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego looking right now?

    One-way fares from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $188, which is 32% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at San Diego Airport (SAN)?

    San Diego Airport (SAN) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $14 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Dollar
    • Payless
    • Europcar
    • Thrifty
    • Fox

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

    Flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego usually depart from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) and arrive at San Diego (SAN).

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego pass through?

    One-stop flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego most commonly connect through:

    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 45% of one-stop connections
    • Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) - 24% of one-stop connections
    • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - 9% of one-stop connections
    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) - 9% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 13% on flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego. Monday is the cheapest departure day at $504 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $573, a difference of $69.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What airlines fly from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

    Only Delta operates flights between Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and San Diego.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego?

    Flying via Lambert-St Louis (STL) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 6h 11m, compared with 6h 34m via Chicago Midway (MDW) and 7h 12m via Nashville Intl (BNA).

  • What is the time difference between Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and San Diego?

    San Diego is 3 hours behind Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Pacific Time vs Eastern Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in San Diego?

    Some of the most popular sights in San Diego are Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Convention Center and SeaWorld San Diego. These are among the most viewed places in San Diego on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego flights?

    Among airlines operating Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego flights:

    • Delta: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Delta: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • JetBlue: a cabin bag in Economy Class class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • Where can I get car rentals from SAN Airport in San Diego?

    The San Diego-Lindbergh Airport (SAN) rental car agency is on Admiral Boland Way in San Diego. It offers quality service at affordable prices for travelers heading to San Diego city center.

  • How do I get to San Diego downtown from SAN Airport?

    Public transit is available on Metropolitan Transit System Route 992. Buses pick up travelers at SAN's Terminals 1 and 2 and run to downtown San Diego. Rental cars are also available at the San Diego-Lindbergh Airport (SAN) agency.

  • Are there kid-friendly amenities on Detroit to San Diego flights?

    Yes, Delta offers kid-friendly amenities for travelers on flights from Detroit to San Diego. The airline has SkyClubs in the McNamara Terminal and Delta Sky Zone at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is a lounge for children.

Your guide to booking Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Monday departure and avoid flying on Sunday. On this route, Monday flights average $504, about $69 less than Sunday fares (12% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 12 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 35% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego trip for January. Fares historically average $329 round-trip in that month - typically $256 less than the most expensive month, which is October (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Denver Intl Airport (DEN) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $276 round-trip on this route - about $329 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to San Diego Airport.

    • Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy
    • Bay Club Hotel & Marina
    • Sheraton San Diego Resort
  • For the earliest DTW to San Diego flight, consider staying near the airport the night before so you can arrive early. Quality Inn & Suites Detroit Metro Airport is one nearby option on Middlebelt Rd in Romulus, 3.4 miles from DTW.
  • If you need wheelchair assistance at DTW, head to the wheelchair services area inside the lobby at ticket counter positions #1 and #2. It is staffed by Prospect Airport Services.
  • Flying from Detroit to San Diego with a pet? DTW's pet-friendly policy allows travelers to bring pets that are packed and approved for travel. Just keep your pet from roaming freely inside the terminal, since that may lead to a fine.

Prefer to fly direct from Detroit to San Diego?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to San Diego Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County to San Diego

Monday

Delta

Delta

Tuesday

Delta

Delta

Wednesday

Delta

Delta

Thursday

Delta

Delta

Friday

Delta

Delta

Saturday

Delta

Delta

Sunday

Delta

Delta

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Diego to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

Monday

Delta

Delta

Tuesday

Delta

Delta

Wednesday

Delta

Delta

Thursday

Delta

Delta

Friday

Delta

Delta

Saturday

Delta

Delta

Sunday

Delta

Delta

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Detroit to San Diego

Complete your trip to San Diego with a hotel stay or car rental