$103 Find Cheap Flights from Raleigh to California - Compare and Save

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Cheap Flights from Raleigh to California

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop$324
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop$334
San Diego
San Diego1 stop$193
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$303
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$382
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$319
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo1 stop$401
Bakersfield
Bakersfield1 stop$336
Reno
Reno1 stop$363
Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop$324
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop$334
San Diego
San Diego1 stop$193
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$303
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$382
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$319
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo1 stop$401
Bakersfield
Bakersfield1 stop$336
Reno
Reno1 stop$363
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Raleigh to California flights

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

How much is a round-trip flight from Raleigh to California?

Flight prices are typical for this route right now.

Flights to California from Raleigh usually cost between $304 and $461 in September.
The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $324 on Frontier (Sep 13-Sep 17).

What is the cheapest Raleigh to California flight route?

The cheapest ticket to California from Raleigh found in the last 5 days was to San Diego, at $178 round-trip. The most popular route is from Raleigh (RDU) to San Francisco (SFO), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 5 days was $359.

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 $474 on average. Morning departures are around 11% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to California is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $557.

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

No, with an average price for the route of $449, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

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

The cheapest month for flights from Raleigh to California is January, when tickets cost $388 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are March and June, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $464 and $455 respectively.

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

Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to California on a Wednesday and more expensive on a Sunday. On your return trip to Raleigh, you should consider flying back on a Wednesday, and avoid Sundays for better deals.

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

To get a below average price on the flight from Raleigh to California, you should book around 5 weeks before departure, which saves you about 18% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 17 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$103
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 2% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 12% increase in price.
Flight from Raleigh to San Diego

Flights from Raleigh to California: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Raleigh to California 
ManishFlew with Air New Zealand-Apr 2026
Long haul so make sure to get up and move around a bit.
HartajFlew with United Airlines-Dec 2024
RDU long-term parking can add 30-70 mins to your departure time. At terminal 2 in RDU, getting a taxi can take 2-5 mins, vs. waiting 10-30 mins for a car app pickup. :)

FAQs - booking California flights

  • Where are the most common layovers between Raleigh and California?

    Most flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to California will have at least one layover, but layovers on this route could be almost anywhere in the country. Some of the most common layovers on this path are at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

  • Does Raleigh-Durham International Airport have any lounges for passengers?

    Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has a handful of lounges that passengers can use while waiting for flights to California. The American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta SkyClub, and United Club are all good options.

  • Which airlines welcome pets on flights from Raleigh to California?

    Several airlines will allow you to bring pets on board when you’re flying from Raleigh to California. American Airlines is one of the best in the business when it comes to accommodating pets. Your pet just needs to be small enough to fit into a soft-sided 18 x 11 x 11-inch kennel, and you must have a health certificate for your pet from your veterinarian issued within 10 days of your travel date.

  • What steps can I take to make a flight from Raleigh to California more sustainable?

    To make a flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to California more sustainable, look into flying with an airline like American Airlines or Delta. They’ve both committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 and have strong sustainability plans in place.

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

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to California

  • Before you even think about trying to book a flight from Raleigh, NC, to California, you should decide which airport in California you want to fly to. You’ll have to ability to take off from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and head to a number of airports in California, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and San Diego International Airport (SAN). Smaller airports like Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) will also be options.
  • You’ll be able to fly from Raleigh to quite a few airports in California, but unfortunately, you won’t be able to fly direct in most cases. Many airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, and United Airlines, will make at least one stop between North Carolina and California. Some will also make two or even three stops. Make it your mission to find a flight plan that only includes one stop whenever possible.
  • No matter how many stops a flight makes between Raleigh and one of the airports in California, you will likely spend at least 8 or 9 hours on a plane when you’re on your way to the West Coast. Because of this, you should look into the possibility of securing a first-class ticket for your flight. Some airlines like Frontier won't offer true first-class tickets, but others, like American Airlines and Delta, will be more than happy to extend first-class options.
  • Most of the airlines that travel from Raleigh to California will charge you baggage fees if you choose to check bags at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. American Airlines, for example, will charge you for each bag you check. You might be able to trim your travel costs by leaving your luggage at home and only bringing a carry-on bag that doesn't exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport isn’t a hub for Delta, but it is considered a “focus city” for the airline. It’s why Delta tends to have more flights taking off from RDU and heading to California than other airlines. You may want to take advantage of this since it could help you find more convenient flight times.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Raleigh to California

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Raleigh 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 4194 reviews
8.0Comfort
8.6Crew
7.5Entertainment
7.0Food
8.1Boarding
Airline reviews

Seated at front bulkhead for a smidge extra leg room away from home and on flight back home. Away crew was very proactive about assuring our carryons had space close behind us (because no seat in front of us our personal items had to be in a small bin overhead). They actively required passengers place overhead luggage on its side so more items could fit in bins. Home crew made no such efforts. I had to struggle back rows to get overhead bags upon landing, no crew help then either, and some disgruntled passengers as I and others retrieved our bags. There was a system that worked pretty well. The home bound crew just didn't feel like working.

4.0 OkayMather, Aug 2026
Read more Southwest reviews

Seated at front bulkhead for a smidge extra leg room away from home and on flight back home. Away crew was very proactive about assuring our carryons had space close behind us (because no seat in front of us our personal items had to be in a small bin overhead). They actively required passengers place overhead luggage on its side so more items could fit in bins. Home crew made no such efforts. I had to struggle back rows to get overhead bags upon landing, no crew help then either, and some disgruntled passengers as I and others retrieved our bags. There was a system that worked pretty well. The home bound crew just didn't feel like working.

Flight left on time and was early landing. Seats not comfortable and not enough space…

It would have been better if the flight was on time

No wifi, seems to be very common with Southwest currently. Everything else was normal.

Poor customer service, no accommodation for passengers when the flight was delayed over 5 hours.

The flight was late. The crew was rude. There was no food. Cramped and uncomfortable. Nothing about this flight was good.

It was cancelled at the last minute. Left us scrambling. Totally unacceptable

Seats are tight. You pay extra to get to board early so you can sit with your companion. If not, you possibly will end up sitting in a middle seat if you are boarding group C.

Lost cabin pressure and had go back to the originating airport. We were left sitting on the plane for more than 30 minutes with no directions from Southwest on what was going on, other than the app telling us there would be a flight at 12:30 AM. I finally got off and went directly to a SW desk and rebooked for the next day. I understand that malfunctions happen, but SW was totally unprepared to manage the situation and did not serve the passengers. To make matters worse, they took one hour to find my checked bag.

Appreciate that when flight was delayed, our next connection waited for us.

It was a terrible flight! We were delayed 2 hours just sitting on the plane on the way from San Diego to Raleigh. Coming back, we were delayed again in Raleigh for about 40 minutes, when we got to San Francisco, we got delayed again due to no gate available. We missed our flight to Fresno due to all the delays!!! We had to wait in a long line to get compensated to stay in a hotel and this was about mid-night! The staff that talked to us did not even apologize for the inconvenience that happened! We were already tired from traveling and we had to deal with all the delays! The company has no consideration of their customer's time. We completely wasted one whole day just dealing with this delay and had to get another sitter for our dog because we couldn't get home that night. This experience was very bad and I would not want to fly Alaska airlines again and would not recommend it to anybody!

For a 5hrs flight a simple meal should provided instead of snacks only

Our flight from Raleigh to Seattle delayed by hour plus. We missed connection as we couldn’t get to next gate in time Then we waited till 2:30 plane and then sat on tarmac loaded for half hour then our luggage couldn’t be found finally found where it was 2 employees sent us in wrong direction

Great …check-in was a little messy but went by quick.

Middle seat, elbow wars. I cannot understand why they load the front of the plane first. You would think it would be more efficient to load the back to the front. I believe it is. And it needs to be changed.

I paid for a window seat and on both flights I was put in the middle seat. Then on my flight to seattle I had to sit next to a passenger with a cat. I'm allergic to cats. So I sneezed, and had a running nose all flight.

My screen was hard to change channels….seemed it was worn out….i just gave up and read a book I brought

The confusion from Alaskan Airlines to American, no one at the front desk of Alaskan told me I didn't have a flight, which made me miss my flight that was transferred over to American TERRIBLE customer service at Alaskan!! American Airlines was a great experience. Alaskan TERRIBLE!

It was okay. Gate crew could be better organized. Wheelchair service for my mother was late as we deplaned. Flight crew was alright. I’ve seen better and worse.

The cabin was uncomfortably warm throughout the five hour flight.

Awful. There was an unexpected delay of nearly three hours because there were not enough flight attendants. I understand this is likely due to FAA regulations; but in that case, Delta should coordinate with smaller airports such as RDU to have extra flight attendants on the ground and "on call". In addition, this was the second 2-hour+ delay to Boston on this route in one week.

No food or drink, Not much conversation with crew. They didn't come through to check on people. There were no charging stations or wifi to watch movies. It was like being on a bus in the air.

This flight was originally delayed by ~45 minutes; which is fine. However, there were additional delays due to late offboarding of the prior flight, unclear issues with the boarding process, delays on the tarmac, and exceptionally long taxiing. None of these issues were communicated proactively. Additionally, the flight had exceptionally rough turbulence, which led to a very uncomfortable flight and no traditional beverage service. Again, this is understandable, but it was not communicated up-front by the flight team.

Gate agent showed up 20 minutes before boarding and was not at all friendly. Had to take this flight due to the one on the day before being cancelled and any later options were already full with long standby lists. Despite having paid for Delta Comfort seats, Delta did not allow me (or anyone) to choose their seat. The agent assigned them for everyone just prior to boarding. Self seat selection was allowed on the original flight. Flight staff was great - very friendly.

Two delays on two separate planes with parts they could not easily find and replace.

The agent at check in and at the gate were less than thrilled to be at work. I'm not a fan of Kayak's placement on the plane. I got put in the middle seat and none of my preferences were used.

Everything was good except wifi and a leaking drink chiller. The floor was all wet and my bag was soaked. Did not notice until debarking. Have not heard back from Delta. Even though this was leg one of an international flight in first class, they denied access to their Sky Club - very disappointing!

Flight was delayed, 30+ bags had to be gate checked. Crew were very friendly!

Flight was 3 hours late so only had an OK experience

I had a wonderful experience flying with delta. The gentleman taking care of us on our flight was so nice, accommodating, and attentive. He always was smiling and giving pins to the kids which made me smile. The flight was quick too and without turbulence. Thank you for the great flying experience.

Staff and flight attendants were very polite. Flight was smooth. My seat on the plane was a bit broken so it would not stay in upright position but it was fine for the most part.

I didn’t have a seat assignment and my seat was very dirty on the flight from Frankfurt to Budapest.

Turbulent taking off & landing to Dulles from Raleigh. Flight from Dulles to Tokyo very good!!

Food is terrible. Flight is outdated and seats are not comfy.

Good flight. On time. Boarding and seating was easy. Crew were really friendly, yet professional. Bathroom (by cockpit) was small but serviceable. Some the seats were showing some notable wear & tear, but were comfy. Very happy UA customer. TY! 🤛🏽💗

Boarding was easy. RDU gates can get crowded, be prepared to be patient. Flight was smooth, with excellent service. Pilots really provided a lot of visibility into flight details. Plane and seats were clean and serviceable. TY!

All flights were on time and boarding was issue free

Water service would be great. The way they board is terrible. Slow passengers first😂😂 They need to smart up a bit

Got automatically assigned middle seats unless you fork out extra money for a seat assignment, not impressed.

Late by nearly 2 hours due to taking that long to change a tire on the plane.

It’s love good long way travel!! I always want more give me price down i want ever month travel I miss travel only North Carolina to Thailand in my love her !!

I found the seats ergonomically uncomfortable forcing the body to seat slightly hunched. For a short flight I worked on adjustments but for a longer flight, it would be difficult.

For some unknown reason, my checked bag didn't arrive at the same time. I got to my destination about 30 minutes late (5pm) and my bag was delivered to my hotel at 2:06am.... in the past 4 flights with AA, they been delayed and I've missed connections and my bags. Poor service.

Check in for 5am flight at RDU was hampered by American check in counters being seriously understaffed , was told even supervisor called out. Took so long in line for special services check in that we missed our 5am departure even after arriving at 3:30am. Had to be rescheduled to later flight from Charlotte to St Thomas.

Awfully rude American worker at door when we started boarding flight. Then, walk into a blazing hot airplane with no air conditioning until twenty minutes into the flight. Free entertainment was non existent! My husband, along with the fellow passenger in our row, and I could not get entertainment to work, no WIFI! Really?? Been flying American a long time. Was very disappointed.

Flight delayed and missed connection. Rescheduled flight cancelled after 6 hrs wait. Rerouted thru ORD, flight cancelled, overnight stay in ORD. Still in the air on new flight!

Very below average , plane from Dallas to Toyko was very poor designed plane. I had to sit for 13 hours next to fat man. Really bad seat and entertainment screen sucked

This flight never occurred because AA couldn’t get their act together.

Everything was great except boarding for the flight from Charlotte to Raleigh and seating from New Orleans to Charlotte.

For an over three hour long flight one pack of cookies was not enough.

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports