LAX - SJO

$191 Find Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to San José - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$496
Typical prices: $421-$675
Southwest
Sun 10/28Sun 11/18
LAX - SJO • 2 stops
Cheapest non-stop
$534
Typical prices: $453-$738
Alaska Airlines
Thu 11/29Sat 12/15
LAX - SJO • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. Average duration is 5h 53m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 90% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 21 weeks in advance save around 16% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 24% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $396 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 8h 11m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to San José!
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Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to San José (LAX-SJO)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Los Angeles to San José

Fri, Oct 16 - Sat, Oct 24
Frontier Logo
9:56 pm - 8:30 amLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
9h 34m1 stop Orlando
Frontier Logo
9:45 am - 11:24 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
14h 39m2 stops Orlando Dallas/Fort Worth
$496Frontier
Wed, Nov 11 - Wed, Nov 18
Southwest Logo
4:35 pm - 12:20 pmLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
17h 45m2 stops Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Houston Hobby
Southwest Logo
2:15 pm - 10:30 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
10h 15m1 stop Houston Hobby
$496Southwest
Thu, Nov 12 - Thu, Nov 19
Southwest Logo
9:30 pm - 12:20 pmLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
12h 50m2 stops Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Houston Hobby
Southwest Logo
2:15 pm - 10:30 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
10h 15m1 stop Houston Hobby
$496Southwest
Fri, Oct 23 - Mon, Nov 2
JetBlue Logo
10:40 pm - 12:35 pmLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
12h 55m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
JetBlue Logo
3:05 pm - 11:57 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
10h 52m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
$502JetBlue
Fri, Nov 27 - Wed, Dec 2
JetBlue Logo
9:35 pm - 1:48 pmLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
14h 13m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
JetBlue Logo
12:50 pm - 10:38 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
11h 48m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
$502JetBlue
Wed, Nov 4 - Mon, Nov 9
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:20 pm - 1:25 amLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
24h 05m1 stop Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:05 pm - 11:57 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
10h 52m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
$505Multiple Airlines
Sun, Jan 3 - Thu, Jan 7
Viva Logo
11:35 pm - 1:30 amLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
23h 55m1 stop Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo
Viva Logo
2:35 am - 10:00 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
21h 25m1 stop Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo
$516Viva
Sun, Dec 27 - Fri, Jan 1
Viva Logo
11:30 pm - 1:25 amLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
23h 55m1 stop Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo
Viva Logo
2:35 am - 10:00 pmSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
21h 25m1 stop Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo
$527Viva
Sun, Nov 29 - Tue, Dec 15
Alaska Airlines Logo
4:59 pm - 12:40 amLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
5h 41mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
1:46 am - 6:14 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
6h 28mnonstop
$534Alaska Airlines
Sun, Nov 29 - Thu, Dec 17
Alaska Airlines Logo
4:59 pm - 12:40 amLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-SJO San José Juan Santamaria Intl
5h 41mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
1:54 am - 6:30 amSJO  San José Juan Santamaria Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
6h 36mnonstop
$534Alaska Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Los Angeles to San José flights

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

How much is a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to San José?

Round-trip flights from Los Angeles to San José start at $496. Prices are typical for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $421 to $675. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $496 on Southwest.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Los Angeles to San José?

Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Los Angeles to San José, it is 10% cheaper than the average day. Sunday is the most expensive day with flight prices 8% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles to San José?

  • February is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles to San José at $410 round-trip.
  • December ($743) and July ($625) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 81% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Los Angeles to San José the cheapest?

Flights from Los Angeles to San José are cheapest 21 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 16% 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 Los Angeles to San José

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

Harriet Baskas

Expert on Alaska Airlines

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Daniel Scheffler

Daniel Scheffler

Expert on Volaris Costa Rica

Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, podcaster, and producer. Born in Africa, bred in Europe and now living in America he has traveled to 140 countries (and all 50 U.S. states). Plus he has stayed at over 2500 hotels across the globe. His original shows Everywhere and Without Maps (available on Spotify) showcase his beliefs, travel is about humanity and sharing that beauty. And thus it reminds you that you shouldn’t believe everything you think.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines, Delta and LAX

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.

Mark Chesnut

Mark Chesnut

Expert on SJO

Mark Chesnut is a travel writer and public speaker with more than 30 years of experience. The 2019 winner of the NLGJA Excellence in Travel Writing Award, Mark is the author of the book “Prepare for Departure” and has covered air travel for multiple top consumer and trade media outlets.

Key details for Los Angeles to San José flights

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$191
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 19% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 39% increase in price.
Flight from Los Angeles to San José

When to book flights from Los Angeles to San José

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Los Angeles to San José based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your Los Angeles to San José flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • Is there anywhere to smoke at Juan Santamaría International Airport?

    If you are a smoker, it is important to keep in mind that there are not currently any smoking rooms anywhere at Juan Santamaria International Airport. To have a cigarette or use your electronic device, you will have to leave security and smoke outside the doors of the Arrivals terminal.

  • What are some good hotels near Juan Santamaría International Airport?

    The Hotel Santamaria is a mere 6-minute walk from the Juan Santamaria Cultural Historical Museum and a 12-minute drive from the Juan Santamaria International Airport. The Courtyard by Marriott is a casual choice that is a 5-minute drive from the Juan Santamaria Park and a 9-minute drive from the airport.

  • What shopping options are there at Los Angeles International Airport?

    Los Angeles International Airport is home to a variety of stores that sell local goods, souvenirs, and gifts. Travel + Leisure is a popular shop that focuses on suitcases and travel accessories, while DFS Duty Free has liquor, clothing, beauty items, and food products.

  • What is there to do at Los Angeles International Airport?

    If you enjoy planes, make sure to pay a visit to the Observation Deck, which is located in the main terminal of Los Angeles International Airport. If you are an art-enthusiast, take a look at the rotating exhibits done by local artists that can be found throughout the different terminals.

  • Are there pet relief areas in Los Angeles International Airport?

    Never leave your pet behind if you’re flying to San Jose through LAX airport. The airport is pet friendly and features several pet relief areas for the comfort of your pet before the fight. These areas are located outside between Terminals 1 and 2, Level 1 at the baggage claim area, and near Gate 13.

  • Can I rent a car from Juan Santamaría International Airport?

    SJO has a variety of car rental agencies that you can consider using to rent a car. These include Enterprise, Alamo, Budget, Hertz, and Avis. Their offices are located at the Arrival terminal where you’ll begin the reservation process on your arrival.

  • Which is the best airline to use with kids on flights from Los Angeles to San José?

    Parents with kids are recommended to reserve their tickets with Alaska Airlines. Through this airline, you can fly comfortably with your kid on your lap for it features most legroom coaches. It also provides bassinets and complimentary snacks and cartoon channels to the kids.

  • Which nearby cities can I get to from Juan Santamaría International Airport?

    Apart from landing at San Jose, consider exploring some of its nearby cities which are served by SJO as the departure point. You can visit Cupertino, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale to get the best experience of your vacation.

  • Can I leave some luggage at Los Angeles International Airport?

    Yes. For a little cost, you can leave your bags at the luggage drop-off location or in the storage lockers. You must make a reservation through the Bounce platform, which is close to Tom Bradley International Terminal, Terminal 2, and Terminal 5 in order to drop off your bags.

  • What special access services are available on flights from Los Angeles to San Jose?

    There are several special services for persons with reduced mobility in flights from Los Angeles to San Jose. These include wheelchairs or Sky Caps, wheelchair attendants, door-to-door shuttles, and accessible parking spaces. You should inform your airline earlier if you want special services before and after the flight.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Los Angeles to San José flights?

    Among airlines operating Los Angeles to San José flights:

    • Alaska Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers free seat selection
    • Avianca: offers free seat selection
    • Delta: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

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

  • What airlines are available from Los Angeles to San José?

    2 airlines operate flights between Los Angeles and San José. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:
    • Alaska Airlines
    • United Airlines

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Los Angeles to San José?

    Flights from Los Angeles to San José usually depart from Los Angeles Los Angeles (LAX) and arrive at San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Los Angeles to San José flights?

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

    • Alaska Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • American Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

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

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Los Angeles to San José?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Los Angeles to San José:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Los Angeles to San José?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $396 round-trip via Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo (MTY), compared to $587 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Los Angeles to San José?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $30–$100 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 Los Angeles to San José?

    The Boeing 737 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by American Airlines and United Airlines. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 737 MAX 8 variants.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Los Angeles to San José pass through?

    One-stop flights from Los Angeles to San José most commonly connect through:

    • San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) - 39% of one-stop connections
    • Guatemala City La Aurora (GUA) - 30% of one-stop connections
    • Panama City Tocumen Intl (PTY) - 12% of one-stop connections
    • Houston George Bush Intcntl (IAH) - 8% of one-stop connections

    San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Los Angeles to San José?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 17% on the Los Angeles to San José route. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $486 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $580, a difference of $94. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Los Angeles to San José?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the Los Angeles to San José route, 13% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2 hours 2 minutes.

  • What popular places can I visit in San José?

    Some of the most popular sights in San José are Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, Barrio Amón and Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica. These are among the most viewed places in San José on KAYAK.

  • How long is a flight from Los Angeles to San José?

    A nonstop flight from Los Angeles to San José takes 5h 53m, covering 2,721 miles.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Los Angeles to San José?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Los Angeles to San José:

    • Earliest: departs at 11:49 am and lands at 5:42 pm
    • Latest: departs at 10:42 pm and lands at 4:35 am.

    The flight takes about 5h 53m.

  • How expensive are last-minute Los Angeles to San José flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 4% above the route average of $536. Book 21 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Los Angeles to San José?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • Have flight prices from Los Angeles to San José 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 $496 to $2,358. That means the highest observed fare was about 5x higher than the lowest one.

  • How are flight prices from Los Angeles to San José looking right now?

    One-way fares from Los Angeles to San José are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $200, which is 19% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does Alaska Airlines’s on-time performance compare to other airlines on Los Angeles to San José flights?

    Alaska Airlines is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while United Airlines has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on Los Angeles to San José flights are:

    • Alaska Airlines: 90% on time
    • United Airlines: 85% on time
    • Delta: 72% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are on time 87% of the time on average.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from Los Angeles to San José?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Los Angeles to San José?

    Flying via Guatemala City La Aurora (GUA) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 8h 11m, compared with 8h 23m via San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) and 9h 26m via Houston George Bush Intcntl (IAH).

  • What is the time difference between Los Angeles and San José?

    San José is 1 hour ahead of Los Angeles (Central Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO)?

    San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $1 for economy cars. Top options include:
    · Budget
    · Avis
    · Priceless
    · Routes Car & Truck Rentals
    · Payless

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Los Angeles to San José flight?

    Round-trip flights from Los Angeles to San José range from $421 to $675, with an average of $536 over the past 12 months. Anything below $421 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Los Angeles to San José flights?

    Four airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Los Angeles to San José flights:

    • • Alaska Airlines
    • • American Airlines
    • • 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.

Your guide to booking Los Angeles to San José flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure instead of Sunday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $486 - about $94 less than Sunday (16% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 21 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 16% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Los Angeles to San José trip for February. Fares historically average $410 round-trip in that month - typically $333 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, Alaska Airlines is the strongest pick on this route. 90% of Alaska Airlines flights from Los Angeles to San José arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 87%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 2 hours 2 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo Airport (MTY) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $396 round-trip on this route - about $191 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • An easy way to save on flying time is to avoid layovers and look for direct flights from Los Angeles to San José. Delta Airlines is one of the most popular companies that services this route, as they have a diverse timetable and offer additional perks, such as free checked baggage and complimentary meals.
  • If you have some free time before your flight from Los Angeles to San José begins boarding, consider purchasing an access pass for one of the several private lounges located in Los Angeles International Airport. Delta, United, Virgin, and American Airlines all have their own lounges, and they often offer reduced rates for their customers.
  • To grab a bite to eat after a long day of flying, browse through the different dining options that can be found in Juan Santamaría International Airport. Deli Malinche is a popular cafe and restaurant located near Gate 10 that serves basic meals, sandwiches, and coffee-based drinks.
  • For those who get stressed while flying, keep your eyes open for the LAX PUPS Program while you are waiting for your plane to take off from Los Angeles International Airport. This program allows volunteers to bring trained service animals throughout the airport’s terminals in order to say hello and help calm anyone who might be feeling anxious about their travels.
  • If you need some help with all of your luggage once you have landed at Juan Santamaría International Airport, head to one of the Skycap Porters waiting in the Arrivals terminal. For a small fee, these porters will carry all of your items to wherever your final destination at the airport is located.
  • To connect from Downtown Los Angeles to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), consider using a taxi, car rental, tram, shuttle, or town car. Taxis, car rentals, and shuttles are the quickest way to connect from downtown to the airport for it takes around 30min. If you want to be dropped inside the airport from downtown, consider using buses from Union Station FlyAway, which drops passengers at Terminal 3 of the airport.
  • It is safe to land at San Jose through Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) at night. This is because the airport features an on-site hotel, which you need to book before landing. Consider spending your night at Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela located close to the car rental facility. The hotel features an airport shuttle which you may consider using to get to your final destination in the morning.
  • Nursing mothers are welcome on flights from Los Angeles to San Jose. You can use one of the nursing rooms located at airports to breastfeed and change your baby before and after the flight. For instance, at LAX these rooms are located at Terminal 1 by Gate 13, Terminal 2 by Gate 21B and 23A, and Terminal 3 by Gate 33. At SJO, it’s located on the left of the ladies’ bathroom close to Gate C21.

Prefer to fly direct from Los Angeles to San José?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Los Angeles Los Angeles Airport to San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Los Angeles Los Angeles to San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Thursday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Friday

Alaska Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,United Airlines

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,United Airlines

Sunday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San José Juan Santamaria Intl to Los Angeles Los Angeles

Monday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Friday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,United Airlines

Sunday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

See more direct flights

Everything you need to know for your flight from Los Angeles to San José

Other airlines flying from Los Angeles to San José