MSP - SAN

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$289
Typical prices: $279-$470
Frontier
Mon 12/3Fri 12/7
MSP - SAN • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$295
Typical prices: $287-$475
Sun Country Air
Thu 11/22Sat 12/1
MSP - SAN • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Delta and Sun Country Air. Average duration is 3h 54m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 85% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 23 weeks in advance save around 35% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 17% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $259 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 06m (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 Minneapolis to San Diego (MSP-SAN)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Minneapolis to San Diego

Thu, Dec 3 - Mon, Dec 7
Frontier Logo
2:10 pm - 11:57 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SAN San Diego
11h 47m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
8:24 am - 10:40 amSAN  San Diego-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
24h 16m2 stops Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Dallas/Fort Worth
$289Frontier
Tue, Oct 20 - Sat, Oct 24
Frontier Logo
2:36 pm - 2:29 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SAN San Diego
25h 53m2 stops Denver Intl Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
Frontier Logo
4:53 pm - 12:06 amSAN  San Diego-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
5h 13m1 stop Denver Intl
$290Frontier
Thu, Dec 17 - Thu, Dec 24
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:15 pm - 12:28 amMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SAN San Diego
12h 13m1 stop Denver Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:20 pm - 11:57 pmSAN  San Diego-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
3h 37mnonstop
$290Multiple Airlines
Mon, Oct 19 - Thu, Oct 22
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:50 pm - 4:35 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SAN San Diego
3h 45mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:25 am - 1:41 pmSAN  San Diego-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
5h 16m1 stop Denver Intl
$290Multiple Airlines
Sun, Nov 22 - Tue, Dec 1
Sun Country Air Logo
3:10 pm - 5:01 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SAN San Diego
3h 51mnonstop
Sun Country Air Logo
1:35 pm - 7:13 pmSAN  San Diego-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
3h 38mnonstop
$295Sun Country Air
Thu, Dec 17 - Thu, Dec 24
Sun Country Air Logo
3:10 pm - 5:07 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SAN San Diego
3h 57mnonstop
Sun Country Air Logo
6:20 pm - 11:57 pmSAN  San Diego-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
3h 37mnonstop
$296Sun Country Air
Sat, Jan 9 - Mon, Jan 11
American Airlines Logo
10:48 am - 7:36 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SAN San Diego
10h 48m1 stop Chicago O'Hare Intl
American Airlines Logo
11:43 am - 12:56 amSAN  San Diego-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
11h 13m1 stop Chicago O'Hare Intl
$383American Airlines
Sat, Nov 14 - Wed, Nov 18
American Airlines Logo
10:46 am - 7:15 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SAN San Diego
10h 29m1 stop Chicago O'Hare Intl
American Airlines Logo
10:44 pm - 1:30 pmSAN  San Diego-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
12h 46m1 stop Chicago O'Hare Intl
$383American Airlines
Thu, Nov 19 - Mon, Dec 7
Southwest Logo
10:25 am - 3:20 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SAN San Diego
6h 55m1 stop Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
10:55 am - 9:20 pmSAN  San Diego-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
8h 25m2 stops Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Denver Intl
$410Southwest
Sat, Nov 14 - Wed, Nov 18
Southwest Logo
1:05 pm - 8:50 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SAN San Diego
9h 45m1 stop Chicago Midway
Southwest Logo
9:20 am - 7:00 pmSAN  San Diego-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
7h 40m2 stops Albuquerque Denver Intl
$410Southwest
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to San Diego?

Round-trip flights from Minneapolis to San Diego typically range from $279 to $470. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $289, on Frontier.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to San Diego. It’s 8% cheaper than the average day, while Saturday is the most expensive, with prices 7% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from Minneapolis to San Diego?

•November is the cheapest month to fly from Minneapolis to San Diego at $302 round-trip.
•March ($473) and December ($392) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 56% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Minneapolis to San Diego the cheapest?

Flights from Minneapolis to San Diego are cheapest 23 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 Minneapolis 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.

Daniel Scheffler

Daniel Scheffler

Expert on Sun Country Air

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.

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 MSP

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 Minneapolis to San Diego flights

Low season

October

Cheapest flight

$86
Beat the crowds with an average 15% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 69% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Minneapolis to San Diego

When to book flights from Minneapolis to San Diego

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to San Diego?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Minneapolis to San Diego:

    • Earliest: departs at 7:45 am and lands at 11:39 am
    • Latest: departs at 9:59 pm and lands at 1:53 am.

    The flight takes about 3h 54m.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Minneapolis to San Diego?

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from Minneapolis to San Diego:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • First Class

  • How long is a flight from Minneapolis to San Diego?

    A nonstop flight from Minneapolis to San Diego takes 3h 54m, covering 1,530 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to San Diego flight?

    Round-trip flights from Minneapolis to San Diego range from $279 to $470, with an average of $364 over the past 12 months. Anything below $279 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Minneapolis to San Diego flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 21% above the $364 route average. Book 23 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Minneapolis to San Diego?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $259 round-trip via Charlotte Douglas (CLT), compared to $371 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Minneapolis to San Diego?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $24–$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 Minneapolis 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 Boeing 737-800 variants.

  • How are flight departures from Minneapolis to San Diego spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Minneapolis to San Diego flights, with 67% of flights leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 33%, afternoon flights for 0%, and night flights for 0%.

  • Have flight prices from Minneapolis 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 $290 to $1,269. That means the highest observed fare was about 4x higher than the lowest one.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Minneapolis to San Diego flights?

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to San Diego looking right now?

    One-way fares from Minneapolis to San Diego are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $156, which is 28% 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 Minneapolis to San Diego?

    Flights from Minneapolis to San Diego usually depart from Minneapolis St Paul (MSP) and arrive at San Diego (SAN).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from Minneapolis to San Diego?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route, while evening departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Minneapolis to San Diego?

    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 Minneapolis to San Diego route, 16% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 1h 49m.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Minneapolis to San Diego pass through?

    One-stop flights from Minneapolis to San Diego most commonly connect through:

    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 94% of one-stop connections
    • Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) - 3% of one-stop connections
    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) - 1% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago Midway (MDW) - 1% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Minneapolis to San Diego?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 15% on flights from Minneapolis to San Diego. Monday is the cheapest departure day at $336 round-trip on average, while Saturday is the most expensive at $392, a difference of $56.

    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 Minneapolis to San Diego?

    2 airlines operate flights between Minneapolis and San Diego. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • Delta
    • Sun Country Air

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Minneapolis to San Diego?

    Flying via Salt Lake City (SLC) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 6h 06m, compared with 6h 07m via Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) and 7h 06m via Chicago Midway (MDW).

  • What is the time difference between Minneapolis and San Diego?

    San Diego is 2 hours behind Minneapolis (Pacific Time vs Central 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 Minneapolis to San Diego flights?

    Among airlines operating Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 First 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.

  • Which airport do travelers from MSP fly into in San Diego?

    San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the primary airport for flights from MSP to San Diego. It is near the city's main thoroughfares and shared transportation options.

  • Does Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport offer services for disabled passengers?

    Yes, MSP offers a special needs shuttle for travelers with mobility limitations. It is also available for travelers with young children. The shuttle provides an alternative to the light rail for trips between terminals. It can be accessed at Terminal 2 and also serves Terminal 1, the Quick Ride Ramp and the InterContinental Hotel.

  • What booster seat safety concerns should visitors be aware of when picking up rental cars from SAN?

    For rental cars picked up at SAN, children should be properly secured in the back seat. Under California law, children age 8 or younger must ride in the rear seat, subject to listed exceptions.

  • Are there any special amenities on flights from Minneapolis to San Diego?

    Yes, MSP Airport offers a range of special services for travelers with disabilities flying to San Diego.

  • Are there pet relief areas at San Diego International Airport?

    Yes, San Diego International Airport (SAN) has several pet relief areas, including one in the pre-security area and another in Terminal 2 West.

  • Can I access free Wi-Fi at San Diego International Airport?

    Yes, free Wi-Fi is available at San Diego International Airport (SAN) through the "#SANfreewifi" network. Sessions last 2 hours and support streaming and downloads. After each session ends, travelers can log back in at no cost to start a new one.

Your guide to booking Minneapolis 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 Saturday. On this route, Monday flights average $336, about $56 less than Saturday fares (14% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 23 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 Minneapolis to San Diego trip for November. Fares historically average $302 round-trip in that month - typically $171 less than the most expensive month, which is March (based on the last 12 months).
  • For the best chance of arriving on time, fly with Delta. Over the past three months, 85% of Delta flights from Minneapolis to San Diego arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 84%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 1h 49m, so choosing an airline with strong on-time performance can make a difference if you're on a tight schedule.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $259 round-trip on this route - about $113 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
    • Wyndham San Diego Bayside
  • If you're flying from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, you'll arrive at San Diego International Airport (SAN), which serves downtown San Diego and neighboring areas.
  • If you're flying from Minneapolis to San Diego, you can also consider Tijuana Airport (TIJ) as a nearby alternative to San Diego International Airport (SAN). If you're visiting for work, note that many company headquarters in San Diego are close to SAN.
  • If you're traveling with limited mobility, small children or heavy luggage, use the Special Needs shuttle at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport instead of the light rail between terminals.
  • Book with one of these companies if you want free internet access on board. It can help keep children entertained with movies, TV episodes or music during the flight.
  • Head to the quiet seating area on the Terminal 1 Mezzanine Level opposite the Airport Mall at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport if you want a calm spot to rest, read or meditate.
  • If you need accessibility services at San Diego International Airport, request wheelchair assistance directly through your airline. You'll also find parking spaces for disabled passengers in all parking lots.
  • Need to get online at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport? Connect to MSP Airport Wi-Fi, which is available throughout the terminals and public areas. Select the network on your device and accept the terms and conditions to connect.

Prefer to fly direct from Minneapolis to San Diego?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Minneapolis St Paul Airport to San Diego Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Minneapolis St Paul to San Diego

Monday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

Tuesday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

Wednesday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

Thursday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

Friday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

Saturday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

Sunday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Diego to Minneapolis St Paul

Monday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

Tuesday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

Wednesday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

Thursday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

Friday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

Saturday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

Sunday

Delta,Sun Country Air

Delta,Sun Country Air

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Minneapolis to San Diego

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