$50 Find Cheap Flights from Washington to California

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Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$49
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 12% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 2% increase in price.
Flight from Seattle to Las Vegas

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

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Washington to California 
ChristineFlew with Hawaiian Airlines
SEA
-
PSP
Dec 2025
Arrive early to go through security unless you have TSA pre check and/or CLEAR
MarisaFlew with American Airlines
SEA
-
LAX
Jun 2025
Take Alaska Airlines - Clear was great to have at both airports, especially seattle where there was a large security line
Verified travelerFlew with Hawaiian Airlines
SEA
-
ONT
Jun 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.
ShuraFlew with Alaska Airlines
SEA
-
BUR
Apr 2025
Don’t . Delta has all the gates together for easy transfers and much more food and beverage selection
RobertFlew with United Airlines
SEA
-
SFO
Mar 2025
If you’re picking up a rental car it’s not very clear that you have to take the train. Signage can be improved at SFO.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
SEA
-
PSP
Dec 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.
OksanaFlew with Alaska Airlines
GEG
-
SAN
Feb 2025
Arrive early, the registration kiosks may not work and registration will take more than an hour.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
SEA
-
ONT
Oct 2024
SeaTac lets you make an appointment to get through security. SpotSaver. No cost. Online.
ReidFlew with United Airlines
SEA
-
LAX
Oct 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 Airlines
SEA
-
LAX
Nov 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.
KimberlyFlew with Alaska Airlines
SEA
-
SNA
Jul 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!
DavidFlew with Alaska Airlines
PAE
-
LAX
Jun 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 Airlines
SEA
-
BUR
Aug 2024
Burbank Airport is the best place to start your travels: small airport, short lines, and easy check in.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
SEA
-
SJC
Aug 2024
The airport is busy and a mess with construction. There is a train to take so account for extra time.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
SEA
-
SNA
Aug 2024
Flight was delayed 9-1/2 hours. Make sure you have somewhere to go in you have to check out of your hotel.
LauraFlew with Alaska Airlines
SEA
-
LAX
Jul 2024
LAX is a bit of a mess. Very long walk between terminals.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
SEA
-
FAT
Mar 2024
Enjoy the flight. You can see Yosemite national park half dome and el capitan from left side window seat
LaurenFlew with Delta
SEA
-
LAX
Feb 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.

FAQs for booking flights from Washington to California

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Washington to California?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Washington to California.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Washington to California is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Washington to California?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly from Washington to California with an airline and back with another airline.

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

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from Washington to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • Which airlines fly most frequently to California?

    Washington and California are connected by different airlines. The airlines that fly that route the most regularly are Alaska Airlines (594 flights per week), Hawaiian Airlines (535 flights per week), and Qatar Airways (303 flights per week).

  • How many airports are there in California?

    There are 29 airports in California. The busiest airport is Los Angeles Airport (LAX), with 41% of all flights arriving there.

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

    Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in California is Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), with an average flight price of $128.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to California?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to California is Thursday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $276. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Tuesday, where round-trip prices are $419 on average.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to California?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to California is generally at night, when round-trip flights cost $270 on average. Morning departures are around 9% more expensive than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to California is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $333.

  • What is the cheapest flight to California?

    The cheapest ticket to California from Washington found in the last 72 hours was to Los Angeles, at $86 round-trip. The most popular route is Bellingham (BLI) to Los Angeles (LAX) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $86.

  • What is the cheapest month to fly from Washington to California?

    The cheapest month for flights from Washington to California is August, when tickets cost $197 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are April and September, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $353 and $331 respectively.

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

    To get a below average price on the flight from Washington to California, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 46% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 10 weeks before departure.

  • How many cities have direct flights to California?

    From Washington, there are direct flights to California from 5 cities. The city with the most direct flights is Seattle, with 3,170 direct flights each week.

  • How many direct flights to California are there each day?

    There are around 511 direct flights from within Washington to California every day. Most flights (46%) depart in the morning.

  • How many direct flights to California are there each week?

    Each week there are around 3,571 direct flights from within Washington to California. The most common day for departures is Sunday, with 18% of flights taking off on this day.

  • How long is the flight to California?

    An average nonstop flight from Washington to California takes 2h 29m, covering a distance of 797 miles. The shortest route is Portland (PDX) to Sacramento (SMF) with an average flight time of 1h 25m.

  • How many long-haul flights are there to California each week?

    There are not any long-haul (6-12 hour flight duration) or medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) flights to California. Instead, there are 3,571 short-haul flights (up to 3 hour flight duration), with the most arriving from Seattle.

  • What are the most popular destinations in California?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Las Vegas (24% of total searches to California). The next most popular destinations are Los Angeles (22%) and San Francisco (13%). Searches for flights to San Diego (10%), to Ontario (7%) and to San Jose (5%) are also popular.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Washington to California

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Washington to California? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.0
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 11834 reviews
8.1Boarding
8.5Crew
7.8Comfort
7.1Food
7.0Entertainment
Airline reviews

The ticket I purchased through Kayak did not show up in my Alaska Airlines app, and neither of the codes given to me worked for online check in. I've never had to show up to the airport at 6am wondering if I've been scammed. Cheap flight fare or whatever does not play well with airlines and I will be wary of using Kayak in the future.

2.0 MediocreMorgan, Dec 2025
SEA - OAK
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

The ticket I purchased through Kayak did not show up in my Alaska Airlines app, and neither of the codes given to me worked for online check in. I've never had to show up to the airport at 6am wondering if I've been scammed. Cheap flight fare or whatever does not play well with airlines and I will be wary of using Kayak in the future.

The plane was delayed which was annoying. No seat back screens is a bummer. Staff if great

I wish you would have just canceled the Saturday flight from sea to rdd on Dec 13. the diversion cost me more time and money than if I had just rebooked to Sacramento. It was a huge headache and cost.

1. Denial of Basic Needs (SEA): Upon arrival in Seattle, the wheelchair attendant refused my urgent request to use the restroom, insisting on scanning documents first. She eventually took me to a restroom but then abandoned me and my autistic son at an unstaffed, deserted gate for over four hours. When I called the accommodation line for help, I was told to "get someone's attention," which was impossible. My son, traumatized by the prospect of me yelling for help, was forced to wander the terminal to find assistance. 2. Revocation of Accommodations & Threats: At the gate, an agent stated I had no accommodations on file, despite my previous leg having them. When I showed the app (where my bulkhead seat was erased and replaced with Row 14), he denied the evidence. When I attempted to advocate for my immobilized leg, he threatened to "yank me from the flight" if I said one more word. He coerced me into agreeing that I was "asking for accommodations for the first time" before he would allow assistance, effectively forcing me to falsify the situation under duress. I complied only out of fear of being stranded in a strange city. 3. On-Board Negligence and Injury: Because my bulkhead seat was revoked, I was forced into Row 14. With my leg immobilized and unable to bend, it extended into the aisle. During boarding and the flight: 16 different passengers tripped over my injured leg. 6 rolled luggage bags were pulled over my injured leg. The Flight Attendant (FA) was one of the people who tripped and drove luggage over me. I reported the issue to the FA after 10 trips and 3 luggage impacts. He ignored me. He only addressed me later to ask me to move my immobilized leg for beverage service. I informed him again: "16 people have tripped, 6 luggage runovers, I cannot bend it." He provided no medical aid and no incident report. 4. Resolution and Trauma: Eventually, a different employee noticed my distress and my original paper boarding pass showing the correct bulkhead assignment. He asked me to move up. I broke down in tears, terrified that moving would cause the gate agent to remove me from the plane as threatened. We were eventually moved to the bulkhead, but the damage was done. My autistic son was traumatized by watching his mother be trampled and threatened. 5. Post-Flight: I called to report these injuries, but was disconnected after a 45-minute hold. I require a formal record of this injury and these violations.

We flew economy, it was what I expected. The seats are too upright for me

I would like if it had happened already. I'm still waiting for it.

Almost 3 hr delay in Settle with very little information available to passengers. They boarded the plane and we waited for a long time inside the plane as well.

The flight was fine, but the Kayak app is terrible. I could not input my flight. I couldn’t use it for anything and it would not even let me try to add a seat once you purchased the ticket you might as well. Delete the Kayak app as far as I’m concerned. I’m done with kayak. Com

Food and entertainment not applicable - standard drinks and cinnamon cookies; crew did not do a song and dance for us so no entertainment. I like the slightly better leg room than American Airlines - at least it felt that way. Flight crew and atmosphere seemed more welcoming than American, too.

this was the THIRD time in four Alaska flights that were 2 hours late. Only one was due to weather. The intentionally posted each flight as only 1 hour and 55 minutes late so that they wouldn't have to give out vouchers. And then the flights all ended up more than 2 hours late. Makes United look like a premium carrier.

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.

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.

Departure was delayed resulting in me missing my connection. Delta did not autimatically find me another flight.

I usually get upgraded so my experience is usually amazing. I did not get upgraded this time - which was fine - but the wifi had issues, the monitors were going in & out, & (though not Delta's fault) one of the gentlemen next to me desperately needed a shower.

I really liked the legroom. I am 6’4”.a at For some reason our seats were not together and using the app to fix it didn’t work. Passengers were nice enough to move for us but you should absolutely ensure a parent sits with their child.

Staff were friendly and happy. Delta could make sure passengers that don't have the app know of changes. Without Kayak I would not have known about the change of gate or the delay. Kayak was faster to notify me.

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.

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.

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

the whole trip was smooth, and as comfortable as flying is these days. flight crew was friendly and very courteous and helpful.

First class ticket gets you a choice of chips or nuts. . Just like economy Southwest. Also no screen in the seats. This is first class???!

Flight arrived 30 min early and bag was waiting at the baggage pickup. United Club HNL was one of the nicest in the system

Yet another flight in which beverage and snack service was skipped. Other that that, firmly mediocre. Landed early, to gate late due to congestion at the gates. Airline's fault or airports fault: unknown.

Teeny tiny bathrooms, crew was not realistic about when we'd arrive.

Unbelievably poor service from flight attendants. They didn’t even do water service on a four hour flight. Just disrespectful.

Flight was late - I was downgraded from first class to coach

United needs to step up their game. Delayed flight leaving Seattle, San Francisco. Older aircraft, not very comfortable.

Plane boarded early a quickly, was mostly full. We left close to on time. And landed early.

7 hours delayed due to operational issues on United’s end. Basically laziness.

Very well recently! Frontier is improving and less harrassing customer on luggages! Positive!

Terrible. The canceled my entire flight when I requested a refund for a trip frontier canceled trip one way.

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

I think Frontier was very good at communication. Their app worked very well. Loading was great and the flight was nice and easy.

Seats were new and comfortable. Staff was fine. Missed my connection due to weather -which wasn’t their fault- but got no help at all. Gate staff sent me to customer service, which was and stayed unstaffed. Sign with QR code directed me to call or chat. Chat was useless. Call was returned after an hour. No itinerary offered by Frontier could get me home in less than 30 hours. Rebooked with another airline and got a partial refund that came to about 10 percent of what I paid to get home.

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

As every law enforcement agency I could imagine surrounded the plane and we didn’t disembark for 2 hours and then had to stick around for another hour to go get our personal belongings after leaving them behind and being bused away from the plane, it was scary and inconvenient. We were given no information as to why this was happening. Lack of communication with passengers was disappointing.

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 ticketing agents were rude but then we had a great gate agent very nice we had to ride a buss out to where the plane was parked but it was in some back corner of the airport when we got to the plane the captain who was great btw was cleaning the plane because the same rude ticketing agent told them they we not contracted to vacuum the plane. The ride to las Vegas was fine We had a connecting flight to Dallas. The flight was fine but when we arrived in Dallas everyone who flew on any frontier airlines the picked up bags from baggage claim D15 had to wait over a hour for their bags to start we arrived at 11:30pm ish to the gate we didn't leave the baggage clamed till 12:50 am very not happy and i used to fly frontier 4 times a week for work in Denver i will not be using them again

Everything you need to know for your flight to California

Cabin class types available on flights to Washington

Cabin classes available on flights to Washington. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.