$87 Find Cheap Flights from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to California departing on 3/2. 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 California

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Philadelphia to California.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Philadelphia to California.
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Philadelphia to California

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop$198
San Francisco
San Franciscononstop$289
San Diego
San Diego1 stop$343
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$254
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$365
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$298
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo1 stop$329
Bakersfield
Bakersfield1 stop$318
Reno
Reno1 stop$297
Sacramento
Sacramento1 stop$232
Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop$198
San Francisco
San Franciscononstop$289
San Diego
San Diego1 stop$343
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$254
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$365
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$298
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo1 stop$329
Bakersfield
Bakersfield1 stop$318
Reno
Reno1 stop$297
Sacramento
Sacramento1 stop$232

Book Cheap Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to California

Fri, Feb 27 - Mon, Mar 2
Frontier Logo
5:30 am - 12:55 pm
PHL
-
LAX
10h 25m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
10:45 pm - 10:27 am
LAX
-
PHL
8h 42m
1 stop
$198Frontier
Mon, Mar 2 - Wed, Mar 4
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:18 pm - 12:38 pm
PHL
-
LAX
20h 20m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:33 pm - 10:27 am
LAX
-
PHL
8h 54m
1 stop
$199Multiple Airlines
Sat, Feb 28 - Mon, Mar 2
Southwest Logo
6:25 am - 3:50 pm
PHL
-
LAX
12h 25m
2 stops
Southwest Logo
5:50 am - 9:55 pm
LAX
-
PHL
13h 05m
2 stops
$203Southwest
Thu, Feb 26 - Tue, Mar 3
Southwest Logo
3:25 pm - 8:45 pm
PHL
-
SJC
8h 20m
1 stop
Southwest Logo
12:10 pm - 10:00 pm
SJC
-
PHL
6h 50m
1 stop
$254Southwest
Tue, Mar 3 - Fri, Mar 6
Spirit Airlines Logo
5:26 pm - 3:42 pm
PHL
-
SNA
25h 16m
3 stops
Spirit Airlines Logo
6:45 am - 8:44 am
SNA
-
PHL
22h 59m
3 stops
$267Spirit Airlines
Sun, Feb 22 - Fri, Feb 27
Spirit Airlines Logo
5:26 pm - 11:44 pm
PHL
-
LAS
9h 18m
1 stop
Spirit Airlines Logo
9:54 pm - 8:44 am
LAS
-
PHL
7h 50m
1 stop
$269Spirit Airlines
Tue, Apr 21 - Tue, Apr 28
United Airlines Logo
10:00 am - 5:23 pm
PHL
-
LAS
10h 23m
2 stops
United Airlines Logo
1:40 pm - 11:43 pm
LAS
-
PHL
7h 03m
1 stop
$272United Airlines
Thu, Feb 26 - Thu, Mar 5
United Airlines Logo
6:20 pm - 9:50 pm
PHL
-
SFO
6h 30mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
11:05 pm - 7:15 am
SFO
-
PHL
5h 10mnonstop
$289United Airlines
Fri, Feb 27 - Fri, Mar 6
American Airlines Logo
3:53 pm - 7:21 pm
PHL
-
SFO
6h 28mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
11:43 pm - 8:02 am
SFO
-
PHL
5h 19mnonstop
$290American Airlines
Tue, Mar 10 - Tue, Mar 17
American Airlines Logo
5:00 am - 12:02 pm
PHL
-
SNA
10h 02m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
12:26 pm - 11:57 pm
SNA
-
PHL
8h 31m
1 stop
$297American Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Philadelphia to California flights

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

What is the cheapest Philadelphia to California flight route?

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

The cheapest ticket to California from Philadelphia found in the last 72 hours was to San Francisco, at $289 round-trip. The most popular route is from Philadelphia (PHL) to San Francisco (SFO), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $289.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Philadelphia 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.

No, with an average price for the route of $426, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Philadelphia to California?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to California is July, when tickets cost $275 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and November, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $543 and $467 respectively.

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

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

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

How far in advance should I book a flight from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to California, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 34% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 5 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonNovember
Cheapest flight$87
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 10% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 12% lower on average.
Flight from Philadelphia to San Diego

FAQs - booking California flights

  • Are there nonstop flights from Philadelphia to California?

    Nonstop flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to California are typically not offered. However, you can usually find flights that require one layover instead of two. For example, if you fly from PHL to Los Angeles International Airport or San Francisco International Airport, you will only have to change planes once.

  • What services does Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) provide for travellers with disabilities or limited mobility?

    Philadelphia International Airport is equipped with ramps and elevators that can be used by individuals in wheelchairs to go to the different floors. It is also possible to rent a wheelchair to use while in the airport. If you need any additional assistance with checking in, going through security, or boarding your flight, airport employees are there to help.

  • How can I travel from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the city center?

    It is usually easiest to go from Los Angeles International Airport to the city center by car, which normally takes around 20 to 25 minutes if there is no traffic. You can also grab the LAX FlyAway bus, which will bring you to downtown Los Angeles in around an hour.

  • What airport should I fly into if I will be visiting Yosemite National Park?

    If you plan on visiting Yosemite National Park, you will want to fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). From FAT, the park is located around a 2h 15min drive, depending on what traffic and weather conditions are like at the time.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to California.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 in the evening, when round-trip flights cost $386 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 afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $530.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to California

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from Philadelphia to the following destinations at these prices or less: Las Vegas $255 one-way - $372 round-trip; Los Angeles $348 one-way - $451 round-trip; San Francisco $273 one-way - $351 round-trip
  • If you have an early flight departing from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), you may want to book a hotel room directly at this travel hub. The Minute Suites can be found directly inside of the Main Terminal, while the Philadelphia Airport Marriott is connected to Terminal B via a sky bridge.
  • When flying from Philadelphia to California, there are a few hubs that you can fly into that are known for having plenty of flights to choose from that are also affordable. If you will be exploring northern California, consider flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Those that will be heading to southern California will find it convenient to fly to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
  • While waiting for your flight to begin boarding at Philadelphia International Airport, spend some time relaxing in one of the lounges that are available. The American Airlines Admirals Club can be found in Concourses A, B, C, and F, while the Delta Sky Club is in Terminal D.
  • Those that will be visiting the famous Disneyland Park will want to fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA), as it is the closest travel hub to this destination. Once your flight has landed at SNA, you can then drive to the park, which will normally take you around 15 to 20 minutes in total.
  • If you will be travelling with children, make sure to take them to the “Ready For Take-Off” children’s play area in Philadelphia International Airport. This aviation-themed play area has a variety of climbing toys and activities for kids of all ages to enjoy.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Philadelphia to California

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 4267 reviews
8.0Comfort
7.5Entertainment
7.0Food
8.6Crew
8.1Boarding
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.

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.

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.

Connecting flight is on time and boarding was a breeze!

Very smooth checking in our luggage with a super pleasant SW agent. I enjoyed a fun entertaining movie.

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.

My husband and I recently had an unfortunate experience with Lufthansa. At the Philadelphia International airport, the ground staff refused to board us because we didn’t have a current visa stamped on our passports for Frankfurt. We completely understand that this was our mistake. we should have double-checked the visa requirements before our trip. However, the issue that upset us most was how the situation was handled by the staff. They told us they would mark it as “boarding denied due to visa issue”, but instead they recorded it as “no show”. Because of that incorrect entry, our return flight was automatically cancelled as well, which caused additional stress and expense. Mistakes can happen, but we expected more transparency and accuracy from a reputed airline like Lufthansa. It would have made a big difference if the staff had been more careful and considerate in documenting the situation correctly.

This flight captain and crew were amazing, started ahead of time of departure and reached 30 mins before arrival time. Amazing!

Long delays, lack of information about the status of the flight. The flight was delayed 4 times.

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.

Delays to take off and to leave the plane after landing added a lot of time to this flight.

The Phildalphia to Allentown portion was a BUS, not a plane. All was as expected.

Excellent - explanations were clear staff was nice and flight was comfortable

Flight was delayed not sure why no explanation given and no apologies either. Otherwise the flight was fine

Did not get the seat I selected and paid for.

Plane was delayed for 6 hours, at first by weather, which is understandable, but was further delayed with NO given reason for 2 1/2 hours more. We had no clue when we were going to depart actually until they opened the ramp. VERY POOR to ZERO COMMUNICATION!!!

Flight was delayed and after being in the airport for like seven hours, it was canceled.

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

This was my best experience with spirit. I flew you guys 4 times and I must say this was the BEST

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 .

This was my first time on a budget airline and I couldn't even sit down all the way because my knees would embed in the seat in front of me. I'm only 6' tall with a 32" inseam. There's no upside other than y'all are cheap. I'm glad it was only a 2 hour flight. Lesson learned! I get why everybody talks down on budget airlines. The staff was outstanding, the flight went as well as possible, great pilot, great boarding, smooth sailing. Zero chance I'll be back though.

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.

I am writing to express my disappointment with my recent Frontier Airlines flight. I was charged $99 at the gate because my bag was said to be too large, yet once onboard there was no available overhead bin space, and I was required to place the bag under the seat in front of me anyway. This made the charge feel unnecessary and unfair. Additionally, before the flight even took off, I was asked to move from the seat I paid for into a middle seat so another passenger and her cat could have my seat to themselves. I was not offered compensation or an explanation for being moved from a paid seat. Between the unexpected bag fee and being forced to give up my seat, this experience fell well below acceptable customer service standards. I would appreciate a review of this situation and appropriate compensation.

Terrible. Flight cancelled with no reasoning and no flights to rebook. Employees were useless and did nothing to help. Did not even know where to retrieve luggage from the cancelled flight. Flyers beware.

Terrible. The canceled my entire flight when I requested a refund for a trip frontier canceled trip one way.

i was unable to check in the flight. refund requested

I think Frontier was very good at communication. Their app worked very well. Loading was great and the flight was nice and easy.

Great for the price. No wifi or entertainment, but gate agents and crew were fantastic and we boarded quickly and left on time.

sluggish boarding and arrival procedures, fake nice flight attendants, and lots of delays.

Decent clean onboard experience. Okay discount airline experience. Unfortunately, any customer service interactions are difficult and unhelpful. There is no service. Also, a premium seat only gets you premium boarding if you line up first. Once they start general boarding you must go to the back of the line. Not very premium

The crew was mostly okay. The flight attendant who answered our questions was curt and unhelpful unfortunately. He seemed upset and I understand having off days.

Very bad! No good service delayed my second connection flight

Everything you need to know for your flight from Philadelphia to California

Information on your arrival and departure airports