$69 Find Cheap Flights from San Diego to Chico

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from San Diego to Chico departing on 4/15. 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

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$137
Overall average: $203
Alaska Airlines
Sat 4/25Tue 4/28
SAN - SMF • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$69
Typical prices: $97-$204
Southwest
Wed 4/15
SAN - SMF • 1 stop
Arrival airport
You can't fly directly to Chico. It is served by Sacramento (SMF), located 72.5 miles from Chico.
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Flight Deals
Useful Info
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Diego to Chico (SAN-SMF)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from San Diego to Chico 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 San Diego to Chico

Sat, Apr 25 - Tue, Apr 28
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:03 am - 9:59 am
SAN
-
SMF
1h 56mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
2:22 pm - 3:55 pm
SMF
-
SAN
1h 33mnonstop
$137Alaska Airlines
Tue, Apr 14 - Wed, Apr 15
Southwest Logo
9:40 am - 1:25 pm
SAN
-
SMF
3h 45m
1 stop
Southwest Logo
2:30 pm - 7:55 pm
SMF
-
SAN
5h 25m
2 stops
$142Southwest
Tue, Apr 14 - Wed, Apr 15
Southwest Logo
7:25 am - 1:15 pm
SAN
-
SMF
5h 50m
2 stops
Southwest Logo
2:30 pm - 7:55 pm
SMF
-
SAN
5h 25m
2 stops
$147Southwest
Wed, May 20 - Wed, May 20
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:55 am - 9:47 am
SAN
-
SMF
1h 52mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
11:54 am - 1:34 pm
SMF
-
SAN
1h 40mnonstop
$152Alaska Airlines
Tue, Apr 21 - Tue, Apr 28
Delta Logo
5:00 pm - 11:30 pm
SAN
-
SMF
6h 30m
1 stop
Delta Logo
11:29 am - 2:50 pm
SMF
-
SAN
3h 21m
1 stop
$157Delta
Wed, May 20 - Thu, May 21
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:40 am - 11:32 am
SAN
-
SMF
1h 52mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:22 pm - 9:12 pm
SMF
-
SAN
3h 50m
1 stop
$159Multiple Airlines
Wed, Apr 8 - Thu, Apr 9
Southwest Logo
12:30 pm - 6:15 pm
SAN
-
SMF
5h 45m
2 stops
Southwest Logo
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
SMF
-
SAN
1h 30mnonstop
$162Southwest
Thu, Apr 9 - Sat, Apr 11
Alaska Airlines Logo
11:27 am - 1:22 pm
SAN
-
SMF
1h 55mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:17 am - 8:55 am
SMF
-
SAN
1h 38mnonstop
$167Alaska Airlines
Wed, May 6 - Wed, May 13
Southwest Logo
6:20 am - 11:40 am
SAN
-
SMF
5h 20m
1 stop
Southwest Logo
7:30 am - 9:00 am
SMF
-
SAN
1h 30mnonstop
$170Southwest
Thu, Apr 30 - Sun, May 3
Frontier Logo
6:25 am - 11:23 am
SAN
-
SMF
28h 58m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
11:03 am - 8:34 am
SMF
-
SAN
21h 31m
1 stop
$171Frontier
Useful Info

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$69
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 16% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 18% increase in price.
Flight from San Diego to Sacramento

When to book flights from San Diego to Chico

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

FAQs for booking flights from San Diego to Chico

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from San Diego to Chico?

    When flying out of San Diego you’ll be using San Diego. Chico does not have its own airport so you’ll be flying into nearby Sacramento Intl airport, which is 72.5 mi away.

  • How long does a flight from San Diego to Chico take?

    Direct flights cover the 480 miles separating San Diego and Chico in about 1h 40m.

  • How many flights are there between San Diego and Chico?

    43 direct flights run between San Diego and Chico on a daily basis. On average, there are about 304 departures each week.

  • What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly between San Diego and Chico?

    Consider leaving on a Friday and avoid Saturdays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to San Diego, you’ll find the best rates on Tuesdays and the most expensive ones on Thursdays.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San Diego to Chico?

    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 San Diego to Chico.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Chico from San Diego 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 San Diego to Chico?

    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 Chico with an airline and back to San Diego with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from San Diego to Chico?

    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 Chico from San Diego up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • Which airlines provide the cheapest flights from San Diego to Chico?

    In the last 72 hours, the cheapest one-way ticket between San Diego and Chico found on KAYAK was with Alaska Airlines for $48. Hawaiian Airlines offered a round-trip connection from $86 and Spirit Airlines from $89.

Top tips for finding cheap flights from San Diego to Chico

  • There is no airport in Chico. Instead, you’ll be flying into Sacramento Airport when flying between San Diego and Chico.
  • The cheapest flight from San Diego to Chico was found 65 days before departure, on average.
  • Book at least 3 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price.
  • High season is considered to be November, December and January. The cheapest month to fly is October.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving San Diego to Chico

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from San Diego to Chico? 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 4324 reviews
8.0Comfort
7.0Food
8.6Crew
7.5Entertainment
8.1Boarding
Airline reviews

Boarding was easy. The seats are small and fairly uncomfortable

8.0 ExcellentNicole, Mar 2026
LGB - OAK
Read more Southwest reviews

Boarding was easy. The seats are small and fairly uncomfortable

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

No food or entertainment, just a quick 40 minute flight. A little bumpy due to Santa Ana winds but pilot has no control over that. Good flight and landing!

Good but I prefer choose your own seat. With the new assigned seats they should board from the back I see no advantage to this new boarding. Just like every other airline

Mediocre. Boarding is now unpleasant. The employees, once friendly and nice, are now regularly speaking sternly to passengers, badgering them to do things right so they can take off on time and gate check bags because they don't have enough overhead bin space. The pretzel snack was crushed flat and broken into even smaller pieces, which happens frequently lately. Drink service was suspended before they reached my row.

The charges were ridiculous for an hour flight and the turbulence was very scary.

The seats are now more narrow. I paid for front row the seats in the front are even more narrow than before.

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.

I had a problem with my reservation and no one could help me understand what happened. I booked my flight months ago and received a confirmation email. In the confirmation email, it said that the flight would depart at 3:15 p.m. A few hours before the flight, I tried to go online and check in, and suddenly it said that the flight was leaving an hour earlier. I had to rush to get to the airport and almost didn't make it. No one could help me understand why this happened, and I'm really concerned that it might happen in the future. I would appreciate some support in this matter.

It was a super old plane so the first class experience was just not luxurious

Good as usual. Just wished my seat was assigned at online check in. Thanks anyways

This was my first trip with Alaska Airlines (round trip DCA to San Diego). Despite a slight delay on the return flight, I feel compelled to post a RAVE review! I cannot praise the airline and the crew enough! Everyone was kind, professional, and courteous, every step of the way- excellent service, snacks, and entertainment! On both legs of the trip I inquired whether there were any free seating upgrades and my request were granted BOTH times! I’ve flown on other airlines where they won’t do that, even when those premium seats are empty. As a customer service professional myself, I can say I left my experience feeling like a valued customer and not just a number. I NEVER expected to praise an airline lol I’ll definitely go out of my way to fly with Alaska on future trips. Thank you for such an awesome experience!

I bought tickets MONTHS ago for a flight that left SAN at 14:30. That is what it says on our tickets. I was never notified of any time changes. During online check-in. I discovered the flight time had been changed to 15:45. This was unacceptable and had I been notified, I would have changed flights, or airlines. That departure time was unworkable with our plans. We called Alaska and asked for an explanation. They said flight time was changed 11/08/25. No proof of notification could be offered. We asked to be moved to an earlier flight. After much pleading, the rep said she would allow a “one time exception..” While I appreciate being moved, this was YOUR fault Alaska Airlines.

The room for legs is adequate for a 6’ tall man and the flight was comfortable. The cabin is clean and the crew is very friendly and pleasant.

Worst first/business class I have ever flown after 75 years on planes. Barely acceptable seats, terrible food, uninterested attendants, unavailable WiFi. I’ll never fly this airline again.

Again, very smooth and all of the Alaska folks were great. They continue to meet all my needs.

The whole experience went smoothly with no hitches along the way.

My Alaska Airlines return flight, although worked out in the end, didn't start off well. The initial plane that my family and I boarded was grounded because of a mishap that happened to one of the engines and everyone on board had to disembark the plane. Thankfully we were accommodated with a another plane but our initial flight was supposed to have departed at 11 pm San Diego time for Orlando but instead we ended up leaving at 1:40 am San Diego time. All Passengers were informed that part of the delay was that the plane had to be inspected by the captain, the food had to be stocked and the individuals responsible for fueling the plane left for the evening and had to be summoned to return to fill up our. The Alaska Airlines crew at the airport and on the plane were awesome and apologetic. I know that the crew wasn't responsible for the mishap of the engine but I think in the future the airline should offer a complimentary drink or (1) item of food other than pretzels, nuts or chips to all passengers since we're not to blame for the extreme set backs. The airline in general is good and I recommend to all flyers.

The checking was disaster, the crew wasn't behave well. It took us two hours to check in, after that thr line at the TSA was long, we barely make the flight. Bad airline

I like that if they asked you to checked in a bag at the gate they give you priority to board

I liked the Starlink WiFi but didn't like how they said they were the only airline to offer a free meal and it turns out to be just a standalone sandwich and then charge for snacks to go with it. Rather have the free snacks like Southwest, but have the option to purchase a decent meal for a 5+ hour flight.

I like Hawaiian, it was great that they had good internet connection across the Pacific Ocean, thanks to Star Link satellites. The seating was comfortable, ( I was in economy ). Maybe I missed it, but I only got offered a beverage once. It was a nonstop flight KOA to SMF. I would take it again next time I go that way.

Previously flown Hawaiian Airlines on similar routes, I found Alaska Airlines to be noticeably more comfortable. The seats on Alaska Airlines provided better support and cushioning, which made a significant difference on the long flight to the islands. When you’re spending 5-6 hours in the air, seat comfort really matters, and Alaska Airlines delivered where it counts. After comparing both carriers, I’ve decided to book with Alaska Airlines for all my future Hawaii trips. The superior seat comfort alone makes it worth choosing Alaska over Hawaiian Airlines. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and prioritizing comfort, I’d recommend giving Alaska Airlines a try. You won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended for Hawaii travel!

I received several emails about my 3:10 flight. When I showed up to the airport at 12:30 to check my bags I was told the flight was actually at 1 pm. They grudgingly rebooked me for a flight at 5:22 to Vegas to get a connecting to LAX. I did find the gate for my original 3:10 flight but they were booked. I proceeded to receive status updates and gate change information for the 3:10 flight, even though I was apparently never supposed to be on that flight

The crew was EXTREMELY helpful And sweet and the flight was smooth!

The Kayak confirmation number did not work for checking in the day before. I checked in at 8.30 using my ticket number. When I arrived at the airport, I was informed that the flight was overbooked, and since I had checked in late, I did not have a seat. The Next flight was not until ten PM. I called my wife, who had been taking care of our kids all weekend, and she was upset, calling me a liar and telling me to stay in SD. It turned my weekend getaway into a nightmare! I blame the Kayak website and will not book flights using your app in the future.

comfortable but the food is horrible. I have flown Hawaiian several times now and no matter what they say the food is its the same squashed bread with melted goop inside. Tastes fake and isnt what they represent, its quite nasty. What happend to real food? And there is NO entertainment!! so not sure why they are asking for a review on that.

One hour waiting time after boarding, but arrived in time. I am satisfied

Smooth flight. From the early boarding and all were on board before departure time and arrived early in ONT. Great crew. Thank you!!!!

The flight was significantly delayed for 6.5 hours because of snow. There was no communication once the plane returned to the gate regarding when the flight would resume. Other flights were departing while our flight was being unloaded for reasons unknown. Our flight also seemed out of the queue regarding further deicing, refueling, and waiting to Taxi to the runway.

They are always late and seats was also not having working charger

did not have enough meal for first class passengers so offer us snack

Amazing I love American. I’ll never fly anyone else if I can help it.

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.

After the door had been closed, the cockpit makes an announcement that catering is running late and it is not the airline's fault. It is their fault in the sense that we had to sit for 2 hours or more when we could have stayed in the terminal. Poor communications between catering and airline. This caused a young man to lose his temper and he went storming out hitting objects. He had complained to the gate agent that he had already waited at the gate 7 hours and when can the airplane leave? Airilnes do a poor job of explaining delays, maintenance issues, etc. whereas being truthful may gain more sympathy or understanding.

We were told the flight was delayed 5 times, then it was moved to the next day.

The experience with American Airlines was good, although the Philippines Airlines flight was much better (better seats, better food, better entertainment options, overall better). Again, the MIA to LAX flight was fine, but nothing in comparison to the comfort and accommodations of the Philippines Airlines flight from LAX to MNL.

Loved the crew . Absolutely no complaints. Except for luggage lost

No WiFi, no outlets to charge phones, no complimentary beverages on a 6 hour flight

Flight was delayed more than 3 hours, and the metro had stopped running by the time we got to the terminal well past midnight, so I was stranded, alone, with no way to get home until the metro started up the next morning.

My flight was cancelled I missed time at work and got a parking ticket

Crew was very nice. Take off and landing were great. Economy seats are not comfortable. Extra cost for snacks.

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

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 .

Everything you need to know for your flight from San Diego to Chico

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