$39 Find Cheap Flights to Southern 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 the United States to Southern California departing on 12/9. 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 Southern California

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to Southern California
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to Southern California
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Cheap Flights to Southern California

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Los Angeles
Los Angelesnonstop$74
San Diego
San Diegononstop$77
Palm Springs
Palm Springsnonstop$114
Tijuana
Tijuana1 stop$225
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispononstop$117
Bakersfield
Bakersfieldnonstop$169
Yuma
Yuma1 stop$367
Mexicali
Mexicali1 stop$375
Santa Maria
Santa Maria1 stop$355
Imperial
Imperialnonstop$158
Las Vegas
Las Vegasnonstop$57
Santa Ana
Santa Ananonstop$90
Los Angeles
Los Angelesnonstop$74
San Diego
San Diegononstop$77
Palm Springs
Palm Springsnonstop$114
Tijuana
Tijuana1 stop$225
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispononstop$117
Bakersfield
Bakersfieldnonstop$169
Yuma
Yuma1 stop$367
Mexicali
Mexicali1 stop$375
Santa Maria
Santa Maria1 stop$355
Imperial
Imperialnonstop$158
Las Vegas
Las Vegasnonstop$57
Santa Ana
Santa Ananonstop$90

Book Cheap Southern California Plane Tickets

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

Sat, Jan 10 - Tue, Jan 13
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:03 pm - 5:37 pmSFO-LAX
1h 34mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:48 pm - 3:20 pmLAX-SFO
1h 32mnonstop
$74Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, Dec 6 - Mon, Dec 8
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:10 pm - 11:41 pmSFO-LAX
1h 31mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:18 pm - 9:44 pmLAX-SFO
1h 26mnonstop
$75Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Wed, Nov 19 - Mon, Nov 24
Frontier Logo
5:28 pm - 6:59 pmSFO-LAX
1h 31mnonstop
Frontier Logo
7:18 pm - 8:47 pmLAX-SFO
1h 29mnonstop
$76Frontier
Find Deal
Thu, Dec 4 - Mon, Dec 8
Frontier Logo
10:10 pm - 11:41 pmSFO-LAX
1h 31mnonstop
Frontier Logo
6:21 pm - 7:53 pmLAX-SFO
1h 32mnonstop
$77Frontier
Find Deal
Fri, Dec 5 - Mon, Dec 8
United Airlines Logo
10:59 pm - 12:29 amSFO-LAX
1h 30mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
4:15 pm - 5:42 pmLAX-SFO
1h 27mnonstop
$99United Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, Dec 13 - Sun, Dec 14
Delta Logo
5:55 am - 7:25 amSFO-LAX
1h 30mnonstop
Delta Logo
6:00 am - 7:30 amLAX-SFO
1h 30mnonstop
$112Delta
Find Deal
Fri, Dec 5 - Sun, Dec 7
Delta Logo
9:05 pm - 10:39 pmSFO-LAX
1h 34mnonstop
Delta Logo
6:00 am - 7:30 amLAX-SFO
1h 30mnonstop
$117Delta
Find Deal
Tue, Nov 11 - Tue, Nov 18
United Airlines Logo
9:30 pm - 10:51 pmSFO-ONT
1h 21mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
1:40 pm - 3:04 pmONT-SFO
1h 24mnonstop
$137United Airlines
Find Deal
Fri, Jan 23 - Mon, Jan 26
American Airlines Logo
8:40 am - 10:12 amDFW-LAX
3h 32mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
12:38 am - 5:30 amLAX-DFW
2h 52mnonstop
$139American Airlines
Find Deal
Fri, Jan 30 - Wed, Feb 4
American Airlines Logo
5:25 pm - 6:52 pmDFW-LAX
3h 27mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
12:38 am - 5:30 amLAX-DFW
2h 52mnonstop
$142American Airlines
Find Deal
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for flights to Southern California

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

What is the cheapest flight to Southern California?

These are the best round-trip prices found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.

The cheapest ticket to Southern California from the United States found in the last 72 hours was to Burbank, at $26 round-trip. The most popular route is Atlanta (ATL) to Los Angeles (LAX) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $58.

How much is a flight to Southern California?

The average and cheapest price for all round-trip flights to Southern California from each origin found by users searching on KAYAK in the last month.

A flight to Southern California costs $312 on average. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $26 for the route Las Vegas (LAS) to Burbank (BUR). The most popular routes on KAYAK are Phoenix to Bakersfield which costs $359 on average, and San Francisco to Bakersfield, which costs $271 on average.

See prices from:

What is the cheapest month to fly from the United States to Southern California?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for flights from the United States to Southern 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 the United States to Southern California is October, when tickets cost $229 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and March, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $369 and $339 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from the United States to Southern California?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights to Southern 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 the United States to Southern California, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 43% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 17 weeks before departure.

Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in Southern California?

Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in Southern California is Imperial County Airport (IPL), with an average flight price of $106.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$39
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 10% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 17% increase in price.
Flight from San Francisco to Ontario

Flights to Southern California: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew to Southern California 
MarisaFlew with American AirlinesSEA-LAXJun 2025
Take Alaska Airlines - Clear was great to have at both airports, especially seattle where there was a large security line
KeithFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesOGG-LAXJul 2025
Check your seating assignment thoroughly when you check in to ensure it's the seat you paid for. Flights number, planes, seat assignment, departure times can change at moment's notice, so make sure your confirmed flight assignment in 100% correct!!!
Verified travelerFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesSEA-ONTJun 2025
Make sure to be there on time because the bag drop off can be a little complicated and it takes quite some time to get to the gate.
LeoFlew with American AirlinesHNL-LAXJul 2025
Avoid LAX if you can fly into other CA airport. LAX is very confusing. Our gate was adjacent to another that was boarding at the same time. We could not hear our boarding announcements. Almost missed our boarding group. Terminal 4 has multiple floors, the signs were okay, but a 3-D map is needed to fully comprehend your path. Very limited food options and super expensive restaurants with mediocre food (CrownLAX). Avoid LAX if your want a pleasant layover/transfer process.
CatlinFlew with Alaska AirlinesPDX-LAXJun 2025
New terminal at PDX is gorgeous & very easy. LAX is a horrible, stressful mess & worse than when I grew up there. Waited with confirmed reservation at Dollar rentals for 90 minutes with 3 clerks. ALLOW EXTRA TIME.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesPDX-SBPApr 2025
Super easy airport, TSA is organized and efficient. Lots of food choices once at the gates. There is a piano player on a grand piano!
EricFlew with Alaska AirlinesSBP-SANMay 2025
SBP gets busy in the early morning with several flights departing between 6am and 7am. Arriving early will avoid stress.
ShuraFlew with Alaska AirlinesSEA-BURApr 2025
Don’t . Delta has all the gates together for easy transfers and much more food and beverage selection
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesPDX-BURMay 2025
Good to get to PDX early because it is a great airport to hang out in.
CaseyFlew with Scandinavian AirlinesLAX-SANMay 2025
Better concession options on other terminals than 3, if you’re flying Delta. Explore if you have time.
CHARLESFlew with American AirlinesOGG-LAXMar 2025
Allow plenty of time to pass through agriculture and TSA security screening.
HowardFlew with Alaska AirlinesJFK-SANMay 2025
Must have a tablet to watch videos. Bring a seat cushion.
Verified travelerFlew with American AirlinesPHX-LAXJan 2025
Southwest seems to board and unload about as smooth as any airline - carry on items seem to work as smooth as any airline I have used. Southwest also does not charge to check bags which seems to encourage people to check bags instead of bring an enormous carry on item that does not fit well in the cabin.
SarahFlew with Alaska AirlinesSFO-BURFeb 2025
Go early in the day so if your flight is canceled, you might have better alternatives than I did when my 12:30 flight was canceled.
PiperFlew with American AirlinesDFW-PSPDec 2024
Dress according to comfort on plane rather than either destination! Know that Palm Springs airport is outdoors (and NOT cold) so prepare for that too
AracelyFlew with Spirit AirlinesEWR-LAXDec 2024
Bring snacks and your own water bottle to stay hydrated.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesEWR-SANFeb 2025
My flight was not delayed, but my family had a flight earlier in the week that was, by 5 hours. My daughter says she'll never book a late afternoon flight as they seem most likely to be delayed. I personally like the timing and usually they cost less. Also, get on the plan with fully charged devices or a non-electronic form on entertainment.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesSEA-PSPDec 2024
Be courteous of your fellow travelers. Remember the carry on baggage rules. Keep your jackets out of the storage bin on full flights. Don't move other people's luggage from one bin to another. Step out of the isle as quickly as you can. Be sure you're in the seat(s) assigned to you.
MichaelFlew with SouthwestLAS-SANJan 2025
It’s a quick flight and sometimes turbulent leaving the desert. You may not get drinks service due to the brief flight time and safety measures.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesHNL-SANDec 2024
Get there a couple hours early. TSA is not the best organized. The security line took us about 50 minutes to an hour.
Verified travelerFlew with American AirlinesDFW-SANDec 2024
Bring a neck pillow and if your over 6 ft tall spend the money for exit row. Other customers are not curteous
Verified travelerFlew with American AirlinesJFK-LAXJan 2025
Be there on time it really need two hours for security checkups
Verified travelerFlew with American AirlinesMIA-LAXJan 2025
Be ready to walk a long way through the terminal.
OksanaFlew with Alaska AirlinesGEG-SANFeb 2025
Arrive early, the registration kiosks may not work and registration will take more than an hour.
Verified travelerFlew with Spirit AirlinesSJC-LAXNov 2024
Make sure to arrive at the airport early. On my recent flight from LAX to San Jose, the plane departed 20 minutes ahead of schedule. It seemed like all passengers were on board, and the aircraft was ready for takeoff.
BrentFlew with Alaska AirlinesPDX-BUROct 2024
At PDX, you can go to either security checkpoint upon entering. Even if the checkpoint with the shorter line is not sided with your concourse, it's all connected & knowing this can save you 30 minutes or more in line.
MikeFlew with American AirlinesORD-LAXSep 2024
Arrive early, grab a bottle of soda before getting on the plane and open it in the terminal. If you wait until flying the pressure will decarbonize the drink.
MohammadFlew with Spirit AirlinesSJC-BURSep 2024
The TSA process is very short and quick. No need to come 2 hours ahead.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesSEA-ONTOct 2024
SeaTac lets you make an appointment to get through security. SpotSaver. No cost. Online.
Verified travelerFlew with Qantas AirwaysJFK-LAXNov 2024
there was an instance where a non speaking couple didnt know when to board. people cut in front of them and the crew didnt respond. it would be nice if there were translators available to assist when needed. i get that you want people on board as quickly as possible. sometimes, it's like herding cats. but do assist the people who dont understand the language.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesSTS-SANOct 2024
An hour before flight was enough time for departing from Santa Rosa. (I doubt anyone is at the airport and working at 4:30am).
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesTPA-SANSep 2024
Alaska airline has great food but small portions and sometimes isn’t aware of your pre-order, so bring your own just in case!
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesJFK-SANOct 2024
Landing in La Guardia or Newark (New Jersey) is more convenient for commuting to Manhattan.
RebeccaFlew with Alaska AirlinesIAD-SANSep 2024
Get something to eat in the airport, just in case there is no food onboard.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesPDX-LAXOct 2024
LAX is a large airport with long walking distances to exit in terminal 6.
Verified travelerFlew with Qantas AirwaysDEN-LAXSep 2024
You don’t have to arrive two hours early since it is a domestic flight
ReidFlew with United AirlinesSEA-LAXOct 2024
SeaTac does not have a very good or equitable system for security lines. First class passengers don’t have a TSA precheck option, while there are only 2 TSA precheck lines on opposite sides of the terminal. Highly recommend getting TSA plus Clear, as the airport heavily favors this combination, with each section of the terminal having one of these options. I almost missed my flight because the only TSA precheck line was about 45 minutes long.
BruceFlew with Alaska AirlinesSEA-LAXNov 2024
Tight interline connection at LAX - barely made the flight. Directions from AS arrival gate to separate AA commuter terminal for AS codeshare flight connecting to TUS would have been nice.
JamesFlew with Alaska AirlinesSJC-SANJun 2024
It’s pretty simple there. It’s one of the better airports.TSA has never been a problem for me there it moves and is mostly efficient… I was happy that we didn’t have to takeoff our shoes, which surprised me. They’re always seems to be long walk to the gates coming and going not sure why that is
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesOGG-SANJun 2024
The exiting gates and boarding connecting flights are very close, always bring an empty water container that you can fill in the airport filtered water dispensers bring your own favorite food
LisaFlew with Alaska AirlinesBOI-BURJul 2024
If they ask you to check your bag at the gate because the flight is full, you get to board sooner even if you don't check ALL of your bags.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesPDX-BURJun 2024
PDX can be slow getting through TSA but the car rental return is super easy. Still might need to add a little more time than you usually would.
KimberlyFlew with Alaska AirlinesSEA-SNAJul 2024
When going to Disneyland fly to this airport. Only 8 miles from Disneyland and super quick to check in and check out. Highly recommend this airport!
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesDCA-LAXJul 2024
Easy access via metro, and by car with parking available walking distance from the terminal. Lots of seating and dining options near the flight boarding gates.
DavidFlew with Alaska AirlinesPAE-LAXJun 2024
Well I arrived 2 hours early, but everything was very empty and fast so maybe try to be there an hour early better.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesPDX-SANJul 2024
Definitely arrive the 2 hours before your flight or you will have no extra time before boarding. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesEWR-LAXJun 2024
Make sure to get food before you get to the airport. Bring chargers for ur phone or your technological device.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesSEA-BURAug 2024
Burbank Airport is the best place to start your travels: small airport, short lines, and easy check in.
HeatherFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesHNL-LGBAug 2024
Easy entry and exit. Easy to get to rental car. Extremely fast exit from airport itself.
IreneFlew with SouthwestSFO-LAXJun 2024
Arrive a least 1 hour before boarding if you’re checking bags. Light layers due weather variation
CarolFlew with Alaska AirlinesBOS-SANJul 2024
Bring your own entertainment (book, puzzles, devices). T mobile offers free internet with Alaska!
RaquelFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesOGG-LAXJun 2024
Sit last row so no one is behind you and buy cancel noise headphones!
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesPDX-LAXJun 2024
Los Angeles airport has convenient entry & exit without long walks to & from the gates.
JohnjimyFlew with ANASFO-LAXAug 2024
Layover from NRT(JPN), to SFO (US), to LAX(US) Easy if you are a United States Citizen, when you go to US Border & Customs, bring your Passport if you arrive Internationally. Remember to pick up your check baggage before moving into domestic flights, as they will check the tag for the plane you are boarding in. (They will check your baggage again). Bring your ID/DL (Real-ID COMPLIANT) with you to pass security/TSA, passport works too. SFO is pretty strict as well as LAX.
FelipeFlew with DeltaDTW-SANJun 2024
Make sure you know where you are going it’s a big airport… if you fly delta you can ride the tram inside to get to your gate if it is far away.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesMFR-LAXJul 2024
Medford is a small airport, so it’s easy to get in and out. Checking bags with Alaska can get pricy, so plan accordingly.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesSFO-PSPJun 2024
SFO ~ most convenient People should prepare themselves for cold temperature inside the cabin, bring coat/jacket and food in case flight is delayed.
BillFlew with Alaska AirlinesIAD-LAXJun 2024
At Dulles, you can spend 30 minutes getting to your AFTER clearing TSA
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesPDX-SNAJul 2024
Bring your own food and coffee. No hot bevarages available.
FatimaFlew with FrontierSFO-LAXJun 2024
Frontier requires 3hr preflight check in even on domestic flights
BerniceFlew with Alaska AirlinesEWR-SANJun 2024
Give yourself plenty of time to get through security.
Joo YoungFlew with Alaska AirlinesSMF-SANJul 2024
Make sure your seat can recline when you board!
Verified travelerFlew with British AirwaysSMF-LAXJul 2024
Understand that you were going to land in the middle of the airport somewhere way far away from the terminal then you walk down a ramp then you walk to a terminal you get on a bus what you have to wait in the line for the bus to come and get you the bus goes very slowly to the terminal you get out and then you walk 2700 steps I walked to get to where I was supposed to go And then find it because I didn’t have a boarding pass was not easy so don’t try to go there and make a quick connection you can’t do it
JulieFlew with SouthwestSFO-LAXJun 2024
Avoid flying into LAX. It’s a nightmare. Baggage claim took 40 minutes. And then the shuttle to the car rental place took an hour because there are two shuttles. The first is a local bus that makes a stop at every seven terminals and then it takes you to another place where you have to wait for your smaller shuttle to the car rental place.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesSEA-SNAAug 2024
Flight was delayed 9-1/2 hours. Make sure you have somewhere to go in you have to check out of your hotel.
Verified travelerFlew with American AirlinesLAS-LAXAug 2024
Do not check a bag if you can help it. Will set you back $40
LauraFlew with Alaska AirlinesSEA-LAXJul 2024
LAX is a bit of a mess. Very long walk between terminals.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesJFK-PSPMar 2024
Bring an iPad with lots of shows downloaded. The terminal at jfk is nice and small, easy to go thru security. Palm Springs airport is amazing. You step out and feel like you’re on vacation.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesHNL-SANMay 2024
Don't use a small water bottle. Get a big one and fill it prior to boarding so you can keep hydrated better.
LorraineFlew with Alaska AirlinesMCO-SANMar 2024
Do get there 2 hrs. ahead as security lines can be long.
Verified travelerFlew with United AirlinesAUS-LAXApr 2024
Use the apps so you know gates before you transfer.
KFlew with SouthwestPHX-LAXMay 2024
Book with a long gap if you have a connection on another airline. My flight from Phoenix was only 1 hr long but there was an over 2 hr delay in boarding. Luckily I allowed a 6 hour gap between flights for my other flight leaving overseas or I would have missed it. Many people like me fly one flight to LA which has a lot more international departures because it’s a lot cheaper to break the flights up than to book them together . So it’s important that flights are somewhat on time especially between different flights not connected with one booking.
BobFlew with Alaska AirlinesPDX-BURApr 2024
We usually fly on Southwest, which allows entering and exiting the plane in both the front and the rear of the plane. I was hoping for the same options on Alaska Airlines, but discovered that they do not use that approach at Burbank. I don''t know whether this is specific to Alaska Air, or maybe specific to the fact that it is in a different terminal at Burbank than Southwest uses. Had I known ahead of time that they did not allow deplaning from the rear exit, I would not have chosen seats in the rear of the plane.
JoelFlew with American AirlinesDFW-ONTMay 2024
Dallas is a very spread out airport, jus make sure that you have enough time to transfer during layovers. Also all the restaurants close fairly early
LisaFlew with Alaska AirlinesEUG-SANMay 2024
Be sure your carry on fits in the bins before getting on- big rollers are difficult to get into small Horizon Air bins
JoonwonFlew with Alaska AirlinesSJC-SANApr 2024
The airplane is a quite small one, compared to the regular size, so pls be ready for some restrictions on carry on bags.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesEWR-LAXApr 2024
There are buses from Time Square Bus Terminal to Newark for $18 direct no stops you are there in 30 minutes.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesAUS-SANApr 2024
Austin check in is long, make sure to come early to allow for the crowded lines.
Dr. SherrieFlew with United AirlinesHNL-LAXApr 2024
Pack your own snacks and download your movies and shows in case the WiFi doesn’t work.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesBOS-SANMar 2024
Be prepared to wait in long line for shuttle to car rental complex.
FranciscoFlew with Alaska AirlinesMCO-SANMay 2024
Make sure to read all the disclaimer disclosures before booking.
MichaelFlew with Alaska AirlinesOGG-SANMar 2024
Get to the airport extra early for a Hawaii flight.
KateFlew with Alaska AirlinesSFO-PSPApr 2024
Fly in the morning when it’s not windy.
MasakoFlew with Alaska AirlinesEWR-LAXApr 2024
Newark has few food options so pack something if you can. It’s not worth getting food at Newark.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesEWR-SANFeb 2024
Allow time for TSA (I had) or figure out the priority boarding (I didn't but will look into it for future flights), I thought they were pretty inefficient. A guy behind me was freaking out because he was going to miss his flight and a bunch of us let him cut the line in hopes he could make it.
LaurenFlew with DeltaSEA-LAXFeb 2024
If you have kids, bring your own screens. We were counting on the inflight entertainment and it was a definite letdown. Also, TSA Pre-check is only available at station 2, but wait times are posted at each station so you can see if it’s worth the walk.
JosephFlew with DeltaLAS-SANFeb 2024
Your seat selection may be changed at check-in and you may not be able to change your seat to what you originally selected while booking so be aware of this possible issue.
Verified travelerFlew with United AirlinesHNL-LAXJan 2024
Not many places to eat at LAX after 9 pm, sandwiches are 11.99 at the convenience store. Everything else was good at both airports.
RalphFlew with SouthwestDEN-PSPFeb 2024
If you really want a better seat make sure you upgrade.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesSTS-SNAFeb 2024
Book directly from the airline and/or get refundable tickets.
Verified travelerFlew with Spirit AirlinesFLL-LAXFeb 2024
The shuttles from the rental car drop off to the various terminals was an insanely long wait. The guy working the shuttle lines told everyone we could walk, that it would only take "4 minutes" to get to our terminal, but it ended up taking about 30 minutes. So hoards of people slugging their luggage to various terminals on the sidewalk was painful. The security lines were LONG, probably would've taken 1 hour to get through, but we paid for the Clear and it ended up being maybe 45 minutes instead. The TSA process was not super efficient and they only had a 3 lanes open out of the maybe 10 possible. Not too many nice shops or eating places near our gate. Will do everything to avoid flying to/from Ft Lauderdale in the future.
LaurenFlew with JetBlueJFK-LAXDec 2023
Be very careful that you don’t misplace anything. If you have to go through TSA multiple times, be sure to retrieve ALL your things even if it means you have to hold up the line unfortunately. Otherwise, there will be zero help to retrieve your things afterwards even though there are so many cameras.

FAQs - booking Southern California flights

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from the United States to Southern 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 the United States to Southern California.

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

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

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to Southern California?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to Southern California is Friday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $341. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Sunday, where round-trip prices are $492 on average.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Southern California

  • Looking for cheap airfare to Southern California? 25% of our users found round-trip tickets to Southern California for the following prices or less: From Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl $391, from San Diego $470, from Chicago O'Hare Intl $533
  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Southern California flight deals.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying to Southern California

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying to Southern California. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline from the United States to Southern California. 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 the United States to Southern 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 4237 reviews
7.0Food
8.0Comfort
8.6Crew
8.1Boarding
7.5Entertainment
Airline reviews

Delays delays delays. Late taking off, late landing, wait for a gate, etc.

4.0 OkayJeff, Oct 2025MCI - SAN
Read more Southwest reviews

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

It was a perfect flight in all aspects! Both legs!

Boarding process, crew were good. But the seats were so uncomfortable that was all I could focus on. I literally had to sit forward so that all 3 of us could fit in row. I will try to avoid Southwest in the future for any flights over 60 minutes.

Great flight, 47 passengers on a 180 seat plane. Stewardess was pleasant and cheerful.

Great experience flying Southwest. The crew was really kind and helpful, and very friendly with our toddler.

Plane late from DC to Austin 30 minutes. Crew made up much of the time enroute to San Diego.

Fine, but how to board on SW versus othrr airlines, is just lame. Goood staff though and all was solid otherwise.

They changed planes and the new plane couldn’t carry enough fuel to fly across the country so we had to stop in Kansas City to refuel. Flight was delayed .

Flight was too crowded and seats are too small, especially since passengrs are getting larger. Having a middle seat is ALWAYS tough! Woman on my left was large & kept creeping in to my space. Flight personnel were great! Have more savory rather than sweet snacks please.

The crew took good care of us. The flight from ATL to SFO is a longer one, and there were multiple beverage offerings. I like the 757's that Delta uses. Good airplane that is comfortable. I do wish Delta would separate Priority boarding from the better seats. I would gladly take a smaller seat in an open row than be jammed into Comfort just to get priority boarding, just to make sure I don't have to check a bag.

The crew was not very visible. This might be a good thing for people who wanted to sleep but seemed odd when compared to the Atlantic crossing where they are more present in the cabin. The Food (beef) was not good. Tough and tasteless. Would love to see more choices on a long flight like that.

Gate agent rushed to fill hot jetway with crowd so it took over 12 minutes to go from gate to plane. Just like a discount airline Pooly prepared cabin and third time that claim of rough air prevented any cabin service. Friends on a Southwest flight at similar time had service.

The flight crew was friendly. I tried to adjust my seat online ahead of time but no option existed without additional fees. My friend asked at the gate about a seat change and was able to make it happen. That was great! The flight crew moved a very tall gentleman and his companion which allowed us to have more space which was nice. Overall, good experience. Appreciated the blanket and pillow.

I was uncomfortably cold on the plane. Other than that it was uneventful and therefore as enjoyable as a plane ride can be.

Food was surprisingly good but the WiFi was not great

My flight was extremely cold. I had a jacket and a cover was left in each seat. The cover was extremely thin and I have a disability, fibromyalgia and arthrithis and AC air is the worst. I closed my vent and my husbands vent and it still was frigid. I asked the attendant if I could get another cover and she quickly almost dismissively and totally unconcerned stating, (I quote) (one per chair) and walked off so quickly that I didn't get a chance to explain to her that I literally have adisability. I didnt want to make a seen so I set on that flight for over 5 hours in pain, joints locking up and extremely uncomfortable. When my fibromyalgia flares up my joints not only ache but they will lock up also and it takes me days to get back to my regular self even though I take medication for it. I felt like it would not have hurt anyone at all for her to just give me an extra cover because I'm sure they have all types of medical issues in people that fly every day.

Not a "Delta" issue, but a JFK issue: We booked a connecting flight with 3 1/2 hours between to clearn immigration and customs. Our inbound flight (BCN to JFK) was on the taxiway 45 minutes which ate into our layover time. Immigtration was insanely quick with the CBP MPC app; however, clearing TSA (again, after we were ALREADY cleared in Spain on the inbound international flight) took over 95 minutes. This left us with 10 minutes before boarding the connecting flight (JFK to SAN) to walk to the far end of Terminal 4 and try to find food. We didn't find any food that could promise to serve us in under 10 minutes so we boarded the Delta flight after coming off a plance and an 8-hour flight knowing that we wouldn't be served any food on the next 5 1/2 hour flight. I feel like Delta needs to put pressure on the JFK TSA to open more screening stations (by our count, we saw only 5 scanners open and a line of - as we said - over 90 minutes. The insult is that we WERE ALREADY SCREENED through TSA, but as you come off one flight into the USA, you have to go through the whole process again. It seems like if you have a connecting flight, there should be a way to pass through immigration and customs without needing to return through TSA.

Flight was timely, relatively comfortable, with decent entertainment and food served. Only problem encountered was with the free messaging which I highly appreciate, but it did not work from iphone to non-iphones.

The internet service I paid for didn’t work at all and the flight crew was not very friendly.

Subject: Formal Complaint: Discriminatory and Unprofessional Conduct – Request for Immediate Action & Compensation Dear [Airline Customer Relations Team], I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding my recent travel experience with [Airline], which was by far the worst I have ever encountered. What occurred was not only unprofessional, but in several instances discriminatory, unsafe, and unacceptable. On the first leg of my trip, I arrived only four minutes past check-in. Instead of making any attempt to resolve the matter, your representative flatly denied me boarding and made me wait while she attended to passengers who arrived after me. By the time a manager intervened, it was too late to board, costing me time, money, and unnecessary frustration. The second leg of my trip (Chicago–San Francisco) raised even more serious concerns. From the outset, it was apparent that the staff—particularly two attendants—prioritized Caucasian passengers while dismissing African American and minority passengers. • When a Caucasian passenger in the exit row refused to comply with federal safety requirements, I, as a first responder, immediately offered to switch seats and assume the responsibility. My offer was blatantly ignored, and instead, a Caucasian passenger seated further up was chosen. This was discriminatory and deeply insulting, especially as I was actively de-escalating the situation that could have delayed the flight further. • During a lengthy tarmac delay of over 90 minutes, passengers were given conflicting and unreasonable instructions that created unnecessary distress and tension. • Throughout the flight, a visibly intoxicated passenger directly in front of me was disruptive, rude to others, failed to comply with seatbelt and electronic device rules, and yet faced no enforcement from the crew. In stark contrast, I was singled out for repeated compliance checks even though I was following every rule. This unequal treatment was so obvious that multiple passengers around me spoke up in my defense. This pattern of behavior demonstrated a clear lack of professionalism, disregard for passenger safety, and discriminatory treatment. I expect far better from an airline of your stature. As a paying customer subjected to this unacceptable treatment, I am formally requesting: 1. A full investigation into the conduct of the staff on both flights. 2. A written apology acknowledging the discriminatory and unprofessional behavior I endured. 3. Appropriate compensation for the distress, inconvenience, and mishandling of my travel. If this matter is not addressed promptly and thoroughly, I will have no choice but to escalate my complaint further, including filing with the U.S. Department of Transportation and sharing my experience through other channels. I trust [Airline] will take this complaint seriously and provide a timely resolution.

Check in was quick and easy during early hours. Flight was on time, and customer services was a plus.

The flight was comfortable with the exit row and great service

Plane was crowded and even when we hit altitude, the plane was hot, not enough air flow.

1. when we went to check in, our 2 first class seats had been CANCELED and the flight was sold out. This was done without our prior knowledge. It was all we could do to restore one first class seat for my wife and I flew economy. 2, Our flight home was scheduled to leave at 10:30 pm. Due to tsunami warnings, the roads were closed and our flight status was uncertain as to whether it would leave as scheduled. It was announced that it would now leave at 11:20 pm and the roads were now open since the tsunami had come and gone. We made a mad dash to the airport and checked in. Delays were announced at 12:30 pm, 1:30 am, 2:30 am and at 3:30 am it was canceled. Since this was a flight due to natural (tsunami) causes, there was no compensation. We were told to return at 1:00 pm the next day and our baggage would be kept on the plane since the same plane was going to leave at 1:00 pm. We had to return to our hotel for the rest of the night. The same plane did not leave at 1:00 pm and our baggage was gone! All in all, it was a miserable performance by UA. Information was hard to obtain and no one knew what was going on and what was going to happen. Hundreds of passengers slept on the floor, chairs, etc. No food and no water was made available to the passengers. It was a situation where UA could care less what was going on. As a one million mile flyer, I had not experienced anything like this before and it was hugely disappointing!

Boarded plane and then delayed 1.5 hours while on the plane

Horrific. They missed my connecting flight to San Diego. I didn’t get there until Monday at 9am when I had a mandatory court settlement conference scheduled at 6am since we had parties on the east coast. This caused many issues. All because United apparently forgot to hold the doors open until my flight landed that only had a 10 minute delay. This was the last flight to Southern California. So I couldn’t even rent a car to finish the trip. United cannot be trusted when traveling on specific days and times since weather didn’t have anything to do with the delays.

My flight was delayed a very short period of time but they did not hold my connecting flight to San Diego, also through United. So they closed the doors before we got off our plane. They would only have to help the door open for another five to ten minutes. So I missed a court deadline for a manditory mediation settlement conference for my client. I had to get an associate to be there in person and be on the phone with him relaying what he needs to do the entire time. The court was very upset with me and so was my client. United cannot be trusted.

The flight crew was rude. We were in first class and no one even offered water until an hour after we were in the air. Horrible experience

Great. Quick and quiet and east. The breakfast choices were a welcome surprise!

The stewardess hit me with the food kart twice on the head and didn't say I'm sorry once. The same stewardess gave me a warm Apple Juice with No ice. The Flight was delayed for Departure 6 times, starting from 2:36pm, finally taking off 7:50pm. I was late picking up my child from the sitter by 3 hours.

Did not get the seat I selected and paid for.

My flight was delayed for several hours. Sitting at gate 16 for several hours, I got a text from Kayak the gate changed to 9 before it was announced. Very bad communication at each gate from American Airlines employees. I received 10 notifications of delay from Kayak. My vacation started off horrible! I will write to American Airlines corporate office also.

Delayed flight that lead to a missed connection and a 5-hour trip became a 12-hour flight 🙄

There is no room, no gluten free options, or any free internet/entertainment. You have to bring your own tablet or smartphone because there are no screens.

Amazing food, great staff, with one noticable detail missing ...but no seat entertainment in any of aircraft ...I am not a fan

Boarding gate in Honolulu was staffed with a great clerk with a soothing voice despite the flight delay of over an hour. Flight attendants in the plane were all grumpy, not pleasant looking bunch. Their sour attitude showed throughout the flight. Inly able to get a select few movies started. Most of the movie links in the “free entertainment” did not work.

This was a horrible experience. For a first class experience, my chair was held together by 3M tape - and I have a photo. The crew weren’t very attentive, somewhat dismissive and forgot my drink and snack, the chair reclined about 3 inches on a 6-hour cross country flight. I was also not informed that there was no lounge available in Newark airport because of renovations, so all around this was one of the worst experiences and I would actively avoid both American and Alaska Air going forward.

Boarding was on time and plane departed as scheduled. There are obviously no amenities (food, drink, entertainment) on Frontier, but there also didn't seem to be any issues with luggage space either.

Inbound plane was on time and flight departed on time with no issues while boarding.

I knew going into this that Frontier, being a low cost carrier, would be pretty bare bones and charge for most extras but this was made up for by the fact that the airplane was a reasonably new Airbus, every employee was great and best of all, Everett Washington is an amazing airport - thanks Frontier for flying there!!!

i was unable to check in the flight. refund requested

It was well done. It was my first time flying with them and I was nervous b/c I have heard of many cancelled and/or delray flights. Everything went smoothly.

Just know that everything, and I mean everything is “ala cart”. 60$ just to put something in the overhead bin. I will never fly Frontier again nor do I recommend them to anyone else.

The single worst check in experience I could imagine. I’ll never do any business with Frontier or any affiliated company

Too many extra fees, uncomfortable, little leg room. Will not recommend this airline.

Everyone seemed to be in zone 1 for boarding. Maybe break it up a little. Otherwise, smooth flight.

Frontier is the Walmart of airlines. Frontier has removed adjustability and comfort from their seats to make the flight lighter and save gas. This makes it impossible to sleep on their flights. Their customer service is abysmal. Once, I bought a drink on the plane, and they swiped my credit card on the plane to pay for it. Then I got three weeks of daily notices from my bank telling me they tried to charge the wrong card number over and over again. I tried to call them, but they removed the ability to actually talk to someone that can resolve such a problem from their company to cut corners. The only way to talk to someone in person is to go to the check-in counter at the airport (40 minutes drive from my house). Eventually their system gave up on trying to charge the card, after 21 days of repeated tries. They don't pad their prices even a little to handle customer service issues like missed flights. They also have a blanket policy preventing helping you reschedule a missed flight if their system says you "cancelled" your own flight online. This is a major problem because their website is broken on mobile devices, the only web browser you have at the airport when their gate staff tell you that you have to reschedule your own missed flight online because they can't help you. I tried to reschedule my flight on my android device and instead, their website crashed and "cancelled" my missed flight. When I got to the counter, the agent argued with me for 5 minutes insisting that I intentionally cancelled my own flight (implying I had to buy another flight). She missed the point: the problem was that I could not buy another flight because their website is broken. I left to avoid more conflict with the "customer service" agent. I tried to redress my issue with their only other "customer service" chanel available: the contact form on their website. The response I got was more of the same: you cancelled your own flight, according to our website / computer records, therefore we won't help you. I was trying to explain the problem with their broken website that cost me hundreds of dollars by crashing / malfunctioning and resulting in a cancelled flight, but they only had deaf ears for this problem. Worst customer service I have ever experienced. I will never buy another Frontier flight again, because it is a risky, painful move that I will likely regret often.

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