Are you looking for the cheapest time to fly to Los Angeles in 2024? You’re in the right place. Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for budget travelers, known for its sunny beaches, iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign, and vibrant entertainment scene.
However, airfare can fluctuate based on several factors, such as the season, demand, and booking times. Keep reading to discover the best strategies and insights to find the cheapest time to fly to Los Angeles and make the most of your trip!
What is the Cheapest Time to Book Flights to Los Angeles in 2024?
After extensive research on airfare trends, we found that the cheapest time to fly to Los Angeles is typically during the off-peak seasons. Flights are most affordable from January to March and September to early November.
These periods see a dip in demand, which drives prices down, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Booking 3 to 4 months in advance for international flights and 1 to 2 months ahead for domestic travel also significantly increases the chances of securing cheaper tickets.
The Cheapest Day of the Week to Fly to Los Angeles
If you’re trying to get the best deal on a flight to Los Angeles, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days. These midweek days tend to have less demand, which keeps prices lower than weekends when most people prefer to fly.
In addition, the cheapest time of day to fly is often early in the morning, typically around 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. Those early flights might not be the most convenient, but they can save you some serious cash since they’re less popular. If you get up a little earlier, you can maximize your savings!
Cheapest Airlines that Flying to Los Angeles with Average Prices
Finding the cheapest airline to Los Angeles depends on several factors, including your departure city, travel dates, and preferred cabin class. Here are eight airlines known for offering budget-friendly fares to Los Angeles, along with average prices you might expect (based on searches for various routes and times):
- Spirit Airlines: Known for their bare-bones service and a la carte fees for everything from seat selection to carry-on luggage, Spirit offers some of the cheapest fares to Los Angeles. Expect to pay around $130-$200 for a round-trip flight, though be mindful of additional baggage fe
- Frontier Airlines: Another budget-friendly option, Frontier offers similar pricing to Spirit, with round-trip flights averaging around $150-$250. Frontier includes one carry-on bag in its base fare, which can be a plus compared to Spirit.
- Southwest Airlines: Southwest is known for its two free checked bags and transparent pricing model, with round-trip tickets averaging $200-$300. Remember that Southwest doesn’t assign seats until check-in, so be prepared to board early for your preferred spot.
- JetBlue Airways: While not always the cheapest, JetBlue offers comfortable seating, inflight entertainment, and generally hassle-free travel experiences. Round-trip flights to Los Angeles typically range from $250-$400.
- United Airlines: A significant carrier, United offers a variety of fare classes to suit your budget. Basic economy fares can sometimes be found for around $300-$400 round trip, while standard economy with more flexibility will cost more.
- American Airlines: Similar to United, American offers a range of fare options. Primary economy tickets for round-trip flights to Los Angeles might cost between $300 and $400, but be sure to factor in potential fees for checked bags and seat selection.
- Delta Airlines: Another primary carrier, Delta, tends to have slightly higher fares than some budget airlines, averaging around $350-$500 for round-trip flights to Los Angeles. However, Delta is known for its in-flight service and amenities.
- Alaska Airlines: While Alaska Airlines might not be the first airline that comes to mind for Los Angeles flights, it offers service to LAX from some West Coast cities, with round-trip fares generally in the $250-$400 range.
Pros & Cons of Flying to Los Angeles During the Cheapest Time
Pros:
- Save Money: The most significant advantage of the cheapest time to fly to Los Angeles is substantial savings on airfare and potentially on accommodation as well.
- Fewer Crowds: Popular destinations and areas might be less crowded, making them more enjoyable.
- Pleasant Weather: Los Angeles’s shoulder seasons (Spring and fall) offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the city.
Cons:
- Limited Activities: Some outdoor attractions or tours might have limited hours or be closed during the off-season.
- Unpredictable Weather: Although Los Angeles is known for its generally mild winters, winter can bring occasional rain showers.
- Potential Flight Options: Few non-stop flights might be available at cheaper times, potentially leading to longer travel times with layovers.
Additional Tips to Book the Cheapest Flights to Los Angeles in 2024
- Utilize Flight Comparison Websites: To find the cheapest time to fly, consolidate your search by using websites like Kayak, Google Flights, or Skyscanner to compare prices across multiple airlines simultaneously. These sites often have handy features like price alerts and calendar views to track fluctuations.
- Consider Nearby Airports: Expand your search to include smaller airports around Los Angeles, like Burbank or Ontario. While the travel time to your final destination might increase slightly, you might find significant savings on airfare.
- Explore Alternative Travel Days: Be flexible! Flying on weekdays (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays) or red-eye flights departing late at night can be considerably cheaper than weekends or peak travel times.
- Track Historical Prices: Get a sense of price trends for your desired route. Tools like Google Flights’ “price history” feature can show you how prices have fluctuated for that route. This can help you determine if the current price is a good deal or if you should wait for a potential drop.
- Leverage Incognito Mode: Airlines use cookies to track your searches and potentially raise prices if you show repeated interest in a particular route. Use incognito mode or clear your browsing history frequently to avoid this tactic.
- Become a Points Pro: Consider signing up for credit cards or loyalty programs that offer travel rewards points. These points can be redeemed for free flights or flight upgrades, saving you money in the long run.
- Explore Multi-City Flights: If you have time for a more extended trip, consider booking a multi-city flight with a different return city. This can sometimes be cheaper than a standard round-trip flight.
- Subscribe to Error Fare Alerts: Websites like Secret Flying [Secret Flying] track instances where airlines publish fares with mistakes, leading to incredibly cheap deals. However, be aware that these fares might not always be honored.
- Consider Budget Airlines with Caution: Budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier often have enticing base fares but factor in potential fees for checked bags, seat selection, and carry-on luggage. Calculate the total cost to ensure it aligns with your budget.
In conclusion, finding the cheapest time to fly to Los Angeles requires booking during off-peak months like January through March or September to November. Combine this with midweek, early morning flights for maximum savings. Finally, thank you for reading the full article; your feedback is important to us, so feel free to leave your thoughts and suggestions!
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