$59 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 1/7. 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
$117
Overall average: $151
Alaska Airlines
Tue 1/6Tue 1/13
SAN - SMF • Non-stop
Cheapest non-stop
$117
Typical prices: $159-$324
Alaska Airlines
Wed 2/18Sat 2/21
SAN - SMF • Non-stop
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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

Tue, Jan 6 - Tue, Jan 13
Alaska Airlines Logo
12:24 pm - 2:24 pm
SAN
-
SMF
2h 00mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
3:00 pm - 4:38 pm
SMF
-
SAN
1h 38mnonstop
$117Alaska Airlines
Sat, Jan 10 - Sun, Jan 11
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
9:13 pm - 10:58 pm
SAN
-
SMF
1h 45mnonstop
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
6:29 pm - 8:02 pm
SMF
-
SAN
1h 33mnonstop
$122Hawaiian Airlines
Wed, Jan 7 - Wed, Jan 14
Southwest Logo
4:00 pm - 5:45 pm
SAN
-
SMF
1h 45mnonstop
Southwest Logo
5:30 pm - 8:50 pm
SMF
-
SAN
3h 20m1 stop
$127Southwest
Thu, Feb 5 - Sun, Feb 8
Frontier Logo
6:30 am - 11:18 am
SAN
-
SMF
28h 48m1 stop
Frontier Logo
1:48 pm - 8:51 am
SMF
-
SAN
19h 03m1 stop
$129Frontier
Wed, Dec 31 - Fri, Jan 2
Alaska Airlines Logo
10:07 pm - 11:59 pm
SAN
-
SMF
1h 52mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 8:39 am
SMF
-
SAN
1h 39mnonstop
$131Alaska Airlines
Wed, Dec 31 - Thu, Jan 1
Alaska Airlines Logo
10:07 pm - 11:59 pm
SAN
-
SMF
1h 52mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
3:01 pm - 4:46 pm
SMF
-
SAN
1h 45mnonstop
$132Alaska Airlines
Wed, Dec 31 - Thu, Jan 1
Alaska Airlines Logo
10:07 pm - 11:59 pm
SAN
-
SMF
1h 52mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 8:39 am
SMF
-
SAN
1h 39mnonstop
$133Alaska Airlines
Tue, Jan 13 - Tue, Jan 13
Southwest Logo
7:10 am - 11:55 am
SAN
-
SMF
4h 45m1 stop
Southwest Logo
2:35 pm - 7:10 pm
SMF
-
SAN
4h 35m1 stop
$136Southwest
Thu, Feb 12 - Thu, Feb 12
Alaska Airlines Logo
12:36 pm - 2:30 pm
SAN
-
SMF
1h 54mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:15 pm - 7:55 pm
SMF
-
SAN
1h 40mnonstop
$141Alaska Airlines
Wed, Jan 7 - Wed, Jan 14
Southwest Logo
1:00 pm - 4:50 pm
SAN
-
SMF
3h 50m1 stop
Southwest Logo
6:35 am - 12:25 pm
SMF
-
SAN
5h 50m2 stops
$142Southwest
Useful Info

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$59
Most popular time to fly with an average 7% 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?

    48 direct flights run between San Diego and Chico on a daily basis. On average, there are about 339 departures each week.

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

    Consider leaving on a Monday and avoid Sundays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to San Diego, you’ll find the best rates on Mondays 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 Frontier for $16. Frontier offered a round-trip connection from $53 and Hawaiian Airlines from $68.

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 60 days before departure, on average.
  • Book at least 1 week before departure in order to get a below-average price.
  • High season is considered to be January, February and March. The cheapest month to fly is January.

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
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 11426 reviews
7.1Food
8.5Crew
7.8Comfort
8.1Boarding
7.0Entertainment
Airline reviews

I truly appreciated the kindness and attentiveness of the staff and flight attendants. They did their best to be prompt with departure times to San Diego and back to New York! Alaska Airlines ... you are awesome!!

10.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Nov 2025
SAN - JFK
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

I truly appreciated the kindness and attentiveness of the staff and flight attendants. They did their best to be prompt with departure times to San Diego and back to New York! Alaska Airlines ... you are awesome!!

I've never flied them before but liked them. Weather was bad so a little scarey but they did a great job landing.

I recently traveled with my service animal, and before boarding, a gate agent kindly arranged for me to have an empty seat next to me to give my dog more space. However, once on board, a male crew member spoke to me in a rude and loud tone, insisting my dog stay on the floor or my lap—even after I explained what the gate agent had approved. His tone and behavior were unprofessional and made me feel uncomfortable in front of other passengers. I understand and respect airline policies, but I would appreciate if this could be reviewed to ensure better awareness and sensitivity toward passengers traveling with service animals. Thank you for your understanding.

Check in online didn't accept my confirmation number so i could only check in with assistance at the airport and ended up with s creepy middle seat.

It was the most expensive Alaska Airlines ticket I’ve ever purchased. I had a middle seat with no legroom or space compared to any other middle seat I’ve hadThere was a silver box under the seat that took up 70% of my legroom on the most narrow 737 max the crew flat out would not help they would not help with bags they would not help with garbage there was no coffee,It was definitely not one of my better experiences on Alaska.

Sitting on the ground for 2 hours waiting for a gate wasn't fun.

It was a great experience, friendly staff and good snacks

Very mediocre, and disappointing for the price of the ticket

My flight wait is 3 hours delayed due to Unknown reason. We waited a very long time in the tarmac. Our flight 24 was scheduled @ 7, therefore we left my house at 330 to park our car. We were at the gate @ 530, then we were told at 6a that it will be late , we boarded at 930 but did not take off until 1015. Therefore my arranged pick up in JFK was cancelled because of no show. Before all these I got an email offers of changing my flight to a different date which I took a day earlier. I will never again take Alaska Airlines, very Inefficient and Disappointing.

Such great crew, from checkin to the plane. So friendly and helpful, I was genuinely impressed.

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.

No trays in our seats, we sat in first row, purchased a business class fare. Had to hold our drinks and snack in our hands. No plugs for our cell phones. Had to pay for it a drink cocktail each. Seats so uncomfortable.

First time traveling on Southwest since bag fees were implemented. Usual good service. Just more expensive now.

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

3 hour wait on customer service after flight was cancelled. Was bumped to a flight where I wouldnt have gotten to my destination for another 2 days. Had to fully refund flight and book a new one the following morning. Paid twice the amount for the flight than I had originally booked. Very disappointed I was not offered any sort of discount or points for all of the frustration, in fact the airline profited twice as much off of me by cancelling my flight and and changing my entire trip.

Flying with Hawaiian Airlines is a treat! They have the best crew, food and drinks! I’ve always enjoyed flying with Hawaiian Airlines and will continue to use them!

Amazing all female crew, including the pilot. Great flight attendants and smooth trip. Food was good. Boarding the plane from back to front would have made things significantly smoother. Took forever to wait for people to clear the alley. A little extra leg room would be nice also. Please thank your flight crew!

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.

My luggage didn’t arrive at LAX, so that wasn’t a good experience.

I was never aware that I had to pay $100 per luggage to them on the plane that are simply carry-ons. This is discriminatory and I’m going to be alerting my entire family and friends and my Instagram following up over 75,000 of this issue and misunderstanding, including mismanaging.

Cancelled my flight last minute and did not help me rebook. It was a horrible experience.

The staff was very very rude in Las Vegas when boarding the flight. When presenting the boarding ticket. Las Vegas flight, it was hot and stuffy, it smelled really bad.

Late departure by 1:45min. No explanation why. During boarding inconsistent policing of their baggage rules. Before takeoff and lamdimg strange obsession with window shade and armrest positions. Don't know why they care. 15 min tarmac delay on arrival, they blamed airport congestion but we were the o lh flight waiting, it was clear it was due to poor staff planning (only one ground crew to receive airplanes and multiple arrivals) Got there but was rrally lame the whole trip.

I liked how cheap it was but both my flights were delayed heavily

It was okay delay was long but I made it

Boarding was a breeze, however, two of the flights that I boarded with Spirit did not have Wi-Fi available.

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.

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

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

They canceled flight. Hard to believe there was even a plane incoming for us to get on

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

Complete your trip to Chico with a hotel stay or car rental