SMF - SNA

$84 Find Cheap Flights from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Sacramento to Santa Ana departing on 8/4. 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

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to John Wayne (Santa Ana)

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana), as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana), as well as popular online travel agencies
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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$189
Typical prices: $217-$475
Frontier
Tue 7/28Tue 8/4
SMF - SNA • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$259
Typical prices: $339-$637
Southwest
Sat 7/18Sat 7/18
SMF - SNA • Non-stop
Top airlines
Cheapest • from $189 (round-trip)
Best reviews • 7.9 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Southwest. Average duration is 1h 29m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $185 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 38m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 52% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 37% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Start a new search
KAYAK searches 100s of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Santa Ana!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Sacramento to Santa Ana (SMF-SNA)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Sacramento to Santa Ana 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 Sacramento to Santa Ana

Tue, Jul 28 - Tue, Aug 4
Frontier Logo
5:07 pm - 3:28 pm
SMF
-
SNA
22h 21m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
4:13 pm - 4:11 pm
SNA
-
SMF
23h 58m
1 stop
$189Frontier
Tue, Aug 4 - Tue, Aug 11
Frontier Logo
5:07 pm - 3:20 pm
SMF
-
SNA
22h 13m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
4:13 pm - 4:11 pm
SNA
-
SMF
23h 58m
1 stop
$199Frontier
Tue, Aug 4 - Tue, Aug 11
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:07 pm - 3:20 pm
SMF
-
SNA
22h 13m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:30 am - 4:11 pm
SNA
-
SMF
8h 41m
1 stop
$209Multiple Airlines
Tue, Jul 28 - Tue, Aug 4
Frontier Logo
8:08 pm - 3:28 pm
SMF
-
SNA
19h 20m
2 stops
Frontier Logo
4:13 pm - 4:11 pm
SNA
-
SMF
23h 58m
1 stop
$214Frontier
Mon, Jul 27 - Tue, Aug 4
Frontier Logo
6:28 pm - 3:28 pm
SMF
-
SNA
21h 00m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
4:13 pm - 4:11 pm
SNA
-
SMF
23h 58m
1 stop
$215Frontier
Wed, Jul 29 - Wed, Aug 5
Frontier Logo
5:07 pm - 12:31 pm
SMF
-
SNA
19h 24m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
4:13 pm - 6:49 pm
SNA
-
SMF
26h 36m
1 stop
$221Frontier
Tue, Aug 4 - Tue, Aug 11
Frontier Logo
5:07 pm - 3:20 pm
SMF
-
SNA
22h 13m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
4:13 pm - 7:23 pm
SNA
-
SMF
27h 10m
2 stops
$224Frontier
Tue, Aug 4 - Tue, Aug 11
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:07 pm - 3:20 pm
SMF
-
SNA
22h 13m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:30 am - 7:23 pm
SNA
-
SMF
35h 53m
2 stops
$233Multiple Airlines
Wed, Aug 5 - Sun, Aug 9
Frontier Logo
5:07 pm - 12:31 pm
SMF
-
SNA
19h 24m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
7:53 pm - 6:49 pm
SNA
-
SMF
22h 56m
1 stop
$234Frontier
Tue, Aug 11 - Mon, Aug 17
United Airlines Logo
2:27 pm - 8:51 pm
SMF
-
SNA
6h 24m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
7:59 pm - 11:57 pm
SNA
-
SMF
3h 58m
1 stop
$237United Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Sacramento to Santa Ana flights

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

How much is a round-trip flight from Sacramento to Santa Ana, California?

This analysis is based on the cheapest round-trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Sacramento to Santa Ana, California departing in July.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

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

When flying from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana), you should consider leaving on a Saturday and avoid Wednesdays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to Sacramento, you’ll find the best rates on Thursdays and the most expensive ones on Wednesdays.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Sacramento to Santa Ana, 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 Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana) is August, where tickets cost $225 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are April and March, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $424 and $398 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

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 $389, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Sacramento to Santa Ana, 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 Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana), you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 52% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 16 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Sacramento to Santa Ana

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Esther Carlstone

Esther Carlstone

Expert on SNA

Esther Carlstone is a travel and food writer based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Tripadvisor, Insider, and more.

Bill Fink

Bill Fink

Expert on SMF

Bill is an award-winning travel writer with extensive credits covering airlines and the aviation industry for publications including AARP, AFAR, The Points Guy and Yahoo. Based in Portland, Oregon, Bill has traveled to more than 75 countries - and been late for his flight in most of them. He once achieved top-level frequent flier status for all of American, Delta and United Airlines during a single year.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$84
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 5% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 18% increase in price.
Flight from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)

When to book flights from Sacramento to Santa Ana

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Sacramento to Santa Ana based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)

  • Are there on-site hotels at SMF?

    There are many hotels at or close to the airport where you can seek accommodation if you have scheduled an early departure from SMF and need a place to stay the night. Four Points by Sheraton Sacramento, Holiday Inn Express & Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites are some of the ideal hotels to choose from, depending on your preferences. As a result, you will avoid the early morning commute and the risk of missing your flight.

  • Can I use public transit from downtown Sacramento to SMF?

    There are numerous modes of transport available from Sacramento's downtown to SMF. You can decide to drive, use a taxi, or use a rideshare app to order Uber, which will take approximately 24min to arrive at the airport. Alternatively, you can opt for the express airport shuttle bus that regularly runs every 20-30min between the airport terminals and downtown Sacramento and takes approximately 35min to get to the airport.

  • How can I fly from SMF to SNA?

    Southwest Airlines is the most common airline offering nonstop flights between SMF and SNA routes. However, if you want to save some dollars, you can opt for a number of one-stop option flights, such as Spirit Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines and United Airlines, usually with stops at LAS and SLC airports. However, this will generally add at least 3h to your overall travel time.

  • Can I sleep at SNA?

    It is not illegal to sleep at SNA airport. However, it is not the most comfortable place where you can spend the night as it features wooden benches. If you want to sleep at the airport in comfort, consider carrying a blanket, travel mattress and a pillow. Nonetheless, you can choose to book a room at one of the many hotels within the airport.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

    In the last 5 days, the lowest price for a flight from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana) was $84 for a one-way ticket and $189 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Sacramento and John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

    A passport is not required to fly from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana).

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

    On your way to John Wayne (Santa Ana), you’ll fly out from Sacramento Intl. You’ll be landing at Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

    Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana) flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

    The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana) flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

    Star Alliance is the only airline alliance operating flights between Sacramento and John Wayne (Santa Ana).

  • On which days can I fly direct from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

    There are nonstop flights from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana) on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana), Southwest or United Airlines?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana) are Southwest and United Airlines. With an average price for the route of $379 and an overall rating of 7.9, Southwest is the most popular choice. United Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $306 and an overall rating of 7.4.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

    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 Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana).

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to John Wayne (Santa Ana) from Sacramento 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 Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

    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 to John Wayne (Santa Ana) with an airline and back to Sacramento with another airline. Booking your flights between Sacramento and SNA can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

    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 to John Wayne (Santa Ana) from Sacramento up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $224 or less one-way and $368 or less round-trip.
  • There is always much to do at both the departure and arrival airports. Connect to the free Wi-Fi that is available throughout the airport terminals to stay in touch with loved ones. You can have a 10min massage at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in Terminal B before boarding your aircraft. On the other hand, there are a variety of lounges at SMF and John Wayne Santa AnaInternational Airport (SNA) where you can relax.
  • Nursing mothers will find exceptional Mamave pods in Terminal A and B at SMF. The nursing suites are furnished with a sink, a baby changing table, comfortable chairs and power outlets suitable for pumping and breastfeeding.
  • If you are arriving at John Wayne Santa Ana International Airport and are looking forward to catching up on unfinished work, SNA features multiple workstations that you can take advantage of without any incremental fee. The stations are located at Terminal C of the airport.
  • There are many food concessions that you can visit if you are feeling hungry at SMF. However, these food booths run on a variety of schedules, with some opening as early as 4 am and most closing by 9 pm. There are no 24h dining alternatives at the airport. You will find 13 eateries at B and 9 in Terminal A. The best part is the two terminals feature vending machines.
  • Passengers can ask for help at the information counter in SNA airport if they have any questions or are looking for particular information. The information desk is located in the baggage claim areas, across from carousels 2 and 3. You can also look for ambassadors with red vests.

Prefer to fly direct from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana)?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Sacramento Intl to Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty.
Find which airlines fly direct from Sacramento Intl Airport to Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Sacramento Intl to Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Monday

Southwest

Southwest

Tuesday

Southwest

Southwest

Wednesday

Southwest

Southwest

Thursday

Southwest

Southwest

Friday

Southwest

Southwest

Saturday

Southwest

Southwest

Sunday

Southwest

Southwest

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty to Sacramento Intl

Monday

Southwest

Southwest

Tuesday

Southwest

Southwest

Wednesday

Southwest

Southwest

Thursday

Southwest

Southwest

Friday

Southwest

Southwest

Saturday

Southwest

Southwest

Sunday

Southwest

Southwest

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 3 airlines serving from Sacramento to Santa Ana

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Sacramento to John Wayne (Santa Ana). 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 Sacramento to Santa Ana? 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.
7.9
SouthwestOverall score based on 4242 reviews
7.5Entertainment
8.0Comfort
8.6Crew
8.1Boarding
7.0Food
Airline reviews

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

2.0 MediocreIrene, Jun 2026
DEN - SFO
Read more Southwest reviews

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

It was just okay, no frills, basic transportation with no luxury. No screens on the seats, no water or drinks on a short flight. Full flight but at least it was on time.

Was fine, delayed and feels like southwest is always late

The first time I flew in the extra legroom section. It was difficult to notice a difference. I had bad luck with my neighbors. The crew was okay. Southwest has reduced the live TV options.

No gluten free snacks. Seats felt worn or bare bones even though it was a new 737 MAX 8.

Plane was clean and comfortable. Flight attendants and gate staff were professional, friendly and efficient. Boarding and deplaning were orderly and efficient. All in all, the typical excellent Southwest experience.

Not having a five hour delay with little notice! The crew was very kind, though, and just as tired as we passengers were. The flight didn't depart until nearly 1 am...and no reason was ever given.

This leg was much better, but we did have to have a 3 hour lay o er after coming from a very exhausting hiccup with our flight from BNA to Den

The Air hostess were very rude on my flight from Houston to Austin . Their regular communication itself felt a they are shouting at people.

Boarding was easy. The seats are small and fairly uncomfortable

This was an overnight flight, and in the morning they did know coffee service. How you can throw passengers in a San Francisco airport at 5:40 a.m. in the morning and not giving them Coffee is a crime.

Our flight was delayed several Times due to mechanical issues. Although I understand this may happen at times, it was very inconvenient and we had to book a hotel for an overnight stay. We were traveling with my 3-yo grandson and waiting at the airport from noon until 6:30pm with no reassurance that our next rescheduled flight would depart, we had to decide what’s best for him. A day later, I found out that I may be able to demand compensation if my flight is delayed more than 4 hours. I will hav to read the fine print next time.

Service was professional and quick. Premium economy seat was comfortable given the class

Like: departed and arrived on time. Unlike: Food options for purchase allways bad, 1 of 2 of the crew members not very friendly at all. Seats and leg room aweful. At this point I am thinking on switching to AA.

The staff was extremely helpful and friendly at all times! They went above and beyond to get us into an earlier flight in San Diego to make our connection in SFO possible, because our original flight did actually not make it! I did so much appreciate the UA team and how they made this possible. We also didn’t have seats together on the long flight to Singapore, but they found us seats together last moment with no additional cost! Nobody sat next to us, so that we were able to sleep! Thanks to UA for improving their service and Underpricer for booking this trip! Please be careful: 1,5 hrs for transfer in San Francisco might not be enough time in the future

Packed flight, which makes it tough on crew and boarding staff (and the customers of course). But this was great boarding, clear instructions, etc. Traveling on the weekends are always fraught with danger as you have families and less frequent flyers thus more confusion. But this flight went as planned.

Destroyed my suitcase. Tired of talking about it. Cancelling my unite mileage plus account.

New plane was lovely. Crew customer service is always lax but expected. Kraft on time and arrived safely.

Seat pitch is horrible especially on the 15 hour flight. Gate crew at SFO was Outstanding. The flight crew was also great.

6 1/2 hours from Tampa to SFO on a Boeing 737. Cramped. No Service. No real food. One pass for coffee at the beginning and a second pass THREE hours later. And check-in in Tampa was nasty even by United standards. And I am at almost TWO million miles on United. It's a non-stop. But terrible service.

They didn’t offer a water, even after I asked

Remind customers of the need to have passport or new ID for boarding.

The flight never took off and we spent 7 hours at the airport

Our flight was canceled. I will never use Kayak nor Frontier for travel again. The entire experience was a headache.

It was ok. It was expensive to check 2 bags ($75.00 per bag), and then it took a long time to wait for shuttle to take us from one terminal to the terminal where the plane was taking off at LAX. And all of this for a flight where we had to pay for any food or drink that was not water.

When I wanted to check in 3 hours prior to boarding time, the employees mentioned “a little over an hour delay” so I waited for an hour then I went to go look for food in the terminal and most people from that flight were in the same area looking for food. Finally I decided after food to check to see if it’s anytime closer and now it’s 2 mins until boarding closes?! What are you kidding me? I didn’t receive anything via sms about boarding now nor via email or on the intercom. I luckily made it through, barely, and then there’s no room for my carry on mind you I’m in the very first row so I had to place my purse in one further row back and my carry on sections down. Not sure who pays for better seats to get your stuff placed all over the plane but that was the worst experience I’ve ever had flying with anyone.

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.

This airline sucks. They offer low rates then charge you for everything, the app does not work well, the seats are the most uncomfortable. Maintenance issues on the flight, and you still have to sit through their credit card commercials. People are nice enough but does not make up for overall poor experience.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Sacramento to Santa Ana

Other airlines flying from Sacramento to Santa Ana

Flights from the other most popular airlines that fly from Sacramento to Santa Ana according to KAYAK users. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability are not guaranteed.