$52 Find Cheap Flights from Kansas City to California

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Kansas City to California departing on 3/4. 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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These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Kansas City to California.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Kansas City to California.
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Cheap Flights from Kansas City to California

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Los Angeles
Los Angeles2 stops$170
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop$184
San Diego
San Diego1 stop$115
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$237
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$288
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$237
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo1 stop$273
Bakersfield
Bakersfield1 stop$328
Arcata
Arcata1 stop$312
Reno
Reno1 stop$151
Sacramento
Sacramento1 stop$217
Los Angeles
Los Angeles2 stops$170
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop$184
San Diego
San Diego1 stop$115
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$237
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$288
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$237
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo1 stop$273
Bakersfield
Bakersfield1 stop$328
Arcata
Arcata1 stop$312
Reno
Reno1 stop$151
Sacramento
Sacramento1 stop$217

Book Cheap Kansas City to California Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Kansas City to California 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 Kansas City to California

Sat, Feb 28 - Sat, Mar 7
Frontier Logo
8:41 pm - 8:24 am
MCI
-
SAN
13h 43m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:25 am - 7:55 pm
SAN
-
MCI
11h 30m
1 stop
$115Frontier
Mon, Mar 2 - Sat, Mar 7
Frontier Logo
4:49 pm - 8:24 pm
MCI
-
SAN
29h 35m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:25 am - 7:55 pm
SAN
-
MCI
11h 30m
1 stop
$125Frontier
Mon, Mar 9 - Thu, Mar 12
Spirit Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 8:14 am
MCI
-
LAS
3h 14mnonstop
Spirit Airlines Logo
12:25 pm - 5:09 pm
LAS
-
MCI
2h 44mnonstop
$127Spirit Airlines
Wed, Apr 8 - Sat, Apr 11
Spirit Airlines Logo
6:04 pm - 7:12 pm
MCI
-
LAS
3h 08mnonstop
Spirit Airlines Logo
12:25 pm - 5:09 pm
LAS
-
MCI
2h 44mnonstop
$131Spirit Airlines
Wed, Apr 22 - Sat, Apr 25
American Airlines Logo
2:33 pm - 7:15 pm
MCI
-
SFO
6h 42m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
2:10 pm - 12:07 am
SFO
-
MCI
7h 57m
1 stop
$197American Airlines
Tue, Mar 3 - Mon, Mar 9
American Airlines Logo
5:38 pm - 11:47 pm
MCI
-
SFO
8h 09m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
12:30 am - 8:59 am
SFO
-
MCI
6h 29m
1 stop
$201American Airlines
Mon, Mar 2 - Tue, Mar 17
Delta Logo
7:55 pm - 11:43 pm
MCI
-
SMF
5h 48m
1 stop
Delta Logo
1:17 pm - 11:16 pm
SMF
-
MCI
7h 59m
1 stop
$217Delta
Tue, Feb 24 - Tue, Mar 3
Southwest Logo
4:50 pm - 9:30 pm
MCI
-
SJC
6h 40m
1 stop
Southwest Logo
12:15 pm - 9:30 pm
SJC
-
MCI
7h 15m
1 stop
$237Southwest
Tue, Feb 24 - Tue, Mar 3
Southwest Logo
6:50 am - 12:30 pm
MCI
-
SJC
7h 40m
2 stops
Southwest Logo
12:15 pm - 9:30 pm
SJC
-
MCI
7h 15m
1 stop
$242Southwest
Fri, Mar 6 - Mon, Mar 9
Delta Logo
7:00 am - 2:20 pm
MCI
-
SMF
9h 20m
1 stop
Delta Logo
5:19 pm - 12:46 am
SMF
-
MCI
5h 27m
1 stop
$257Delta
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Kansas City to California flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Kansas City to California to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest Kansas City to California flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The cheapest ticket to California from Kansas City found in the last 72 hours was to San Diego, at $241 round-trip. The most popular route is from Kansas City (MCI) to Los Angeles (LAX), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $283.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Kansas City to California?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

Yes, flying with a layover may cost you more time, but you can also save money on the route, with a 1 stop layover the cheapest option at $429 on average.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Kansas City to California?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Kansas City to California, 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 Kansas City to California is September, when tickets cost $205 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and February, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $486 and $432 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Kansas City to California?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Kansas City to California clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

When flying from Kansas City to California, you should consider leaving on a Thursday and avoid Mondays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to Kansas City, you’ll find the best rates on Thursdays and the most expensive ones on Saturdays.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Kansas City to California?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Kansas City to California, 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 Kansas City to California, you should book around 2 weeks before departure, which saves you about 37% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 6 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$52
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 12% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 8% increase in price.
Flight from Kansas City to John Wayne (Santa Ana)

FAQs - booking California flights

  • What are some common layovers on the route from Kansas City to California?

    When flying from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to various destinations in California, you might find direct flights to major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. However, for smaller California destinations or if you're seeking more economical options, common layover airports could include Denver International Airport (DEN), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). These layover points often depend on the airline and the specific destination in California.

  • If I want to visit Disneyland, which airport should I fly to?

    For a trip to Disneyland in California, the most convenient airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County. Located just a short drive from Disneyland, it offers an easier and often less crowded alternative to the larger Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Another good option is Long Beach Airport (LGB), which is also relatively close and offers a more relaxed travel experience compared to Los Angeles Airport. Both airports provide access to Disneyland with various ground transportation options, including shuttles, taxis, and car rentals.

  • How can I make my flight from Kansas City to California more sustainable?

    To reduce the environmental impact of your flight, consider flying with airlines that prioritize sustainability. Airlines like Southwest, which operates routes from Kansas City to various California destinations, are known for their efficient fleet and environmental initiatives. Choosing direct flights when possible can help minimize carbon emissions, as the most fuel is consumed during takeoffs and landings.

  • On flights from Kansas City to California, which airlines offer onboard Wi-Fi, and are there charges for using it?

    For flights departing from Kansas City International Airport to California, airlines like Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines commonly provide Wi-Fi onboard. The approach to Wi-Fi services varies among these carriers. Southwest Airlines usually offers Wi-Fi at a nominal fee, while Delta Air Lines and American Airlines may have different pricing structures based on the length of the flight and the type of internet package.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Kansas City to California?

    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 Kansas City to California.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Kansas City to 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 Kansas City to California?

    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 from Kansas City to California with an airline and back with another airline.

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

    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 from Kansas City to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to California?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to California is generally at night, when round-trip flights cost $204 on average. Morning departures are around 11% more expensive than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to California is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $380.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to California

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from Kansas City to the following destinations at these prices or less: Las Vegas $109 one-way - $210 round-trip; Los Angeles $206 one-way - $422 round-trip
  • Your journey from Kansas City to California begins at Kansas City International Airport (MCI). While this airport isn't a major hub for any specific airline, it is served by several carriers, including Southwest Airlines, which has a significant number of flights from this airport. You'll find both direct and connecting flight options to various destinations in California.
  • Select your arrival airport based on your California destination: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for Southern California, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for the Bay Area, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) for the state's capital area, San Diego International Airport (SAN) for the San Diego area, or John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County for the Disneyland area and coastal attractions.
  • Southwest Airlines provides frequent direct flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it a popular choice for travelers. For Northern California destinations like Sacramento, airlines such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines offer a variety of flight options, including some direct flights and others with layovers.
  • For families flying from Kansas City to California, Kansas City International Airport provides amenities like nursing rooms and family restrooms for convenience. Airlines like Southwest Airlines, serving this route, often include family pre-boarding and in-flight entertainment suitable for children.
  • For enhanced comfort on your flight, especially on longer routes, consider upgrading your seat. Airlines like Delta and United Airlines offer premium seating with added benefits such as extra legroom, priority boarding, and improved in-flight services. Look for upgrade options when booking or keep an eye out for promotional upgrade offers.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Kansas City to California

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Kansas City to California. 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 Kansas City 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 4274 reviews
8.1Boarding
7.0Food
8.0Comfort
8.6Crew
7.5Entertainment
Airline reviews

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

2.0 MediocreAnonymous, Jan 2026
SFO - SAN
Read more Southwest reviews

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.

Pretty seamless, just a tad bit late in taking off and landing.

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.

San Diego airport is brand new, spacious, airy and very smooth checkin at SW baggage drop.

Everything a cheap airline should be at normal airline rates.

Ever since Southwest starting charging for bags, passengers don't want to pay to check their bags, so the gate agents have to beg people to check their roller bags now because there's "not enough space". This was a terrible business move by Southwest.

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

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.

Staff were friendly and happy. Delta could make sure passengers that don't have the app know of changes. Without Kayak I would not have known about the change of gate or the delay. Kayak was faster to notify me.

They changed planes and the new plane couldn’t carry enough fuel to fly across the country so we had to stop in Kansas City to refuel. Flight was delayed .

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.

Gate agent rushed to fill hot jetway with crowd so it took over 12 minutes to go from gate to plane. Just like a discount airline Pooly prepared cabin and third time that claim of rough air prevented any cabin service. Friends on a Southwest flight at similar time had service.

I was uncomfortably cold on the plane. Other than that it was uneventful and therefore as enjoyable as a plane ride can be.

Food was surprisingly good but the WiFi was not great

My flight was extremely cold. I had a jacket and a cover was left in each seat. The cover was extremely thin and I have a disability, fibromyalgia and arthrithis and AC air is the worst. I closed my vent and my husbands vent and it still was frigid. I asked the attendant if I could get another cover and she quickly almost dismissively and totally unconcerned stating, (I quote) (one per chair) and walked off so quickly that I didn't get a chance to explain to her that I literally have adisability. I didnt want to make a seen so I set on that flight for over 5 hours in pain, joints locking up and extremely uncomfortable. When my fibromyalgia flares up my joints not only ache but they will lock up also and it takes me days to get back to my regular self even though I take medication for it. I felt like it would not have hurt anyone at all for her to just give me an extra cover because I'm sure they have all types of medical issues in people that fly every day.

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.

Teeny tiny bathrooms, crew was not realistic about when we'd arrive.

Unbelievably poor service from flight attendants. They didn’t even do water service on a four hour flight. Just disrespectful.

Flight was late - I was downgraded from first class to coach

United needs to step up their game. Delayed flight leaving Seattle, San Francisco. Older aircraft, not very comfortable.

Plane boarded early a quickly, was mostly full. We left close to on time. And landed early.

7 hours delayed due to operational issues on United’s end. Basically laziness.

Amazing 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.

Loved the crew . Absolutely no complaints. Except for luggage lost

Wish some foods provided rather than just biscuit/cookie for flight more than 2 hours

We are too tired and frustrated to comment politely at this point

The flight crew was rude. We were in first class and no one even offered water until an hour after we were in the air. Horrible experience

Great. Quick and quiet and east. The breakfast choices were a welcome surprise!

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.

Always comes in handy when I want a quick weekend getaway.

My luggage didn’t arrive at LAX, so that wasn’t a good experience.

I was never aware that I had to pay $100 per luggage to them on the plane that are simply carry-ons. This is discriminatory and I’m going to be alerting my entire family and friends and my Instagram following up over 75,000 of this issue and misunderstanding, including mismanaging.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Kansas City to California

Information on your arrival and departure airports