California is a fantastic destination in the United States to visit throughout the year, offering various experiences for all kinds of travelers. Knowing the cheapest time to fly to California can make all the difference in securing a great deal, ensuring that your journey is as cost-effective as enjoyable.
Certain times of the year can be better for finding affordable flights, avoiding peak tourist crowds, and enjoying more pleasant weather. Let’s delve into the strategies that make budget journeys to the West Coast a reality.
When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to California in 2024?
Generally, the cheapest time to book flights to California is during the off-season, which falls around January to early spring (March). This is because there’s less demand for flights during this time, which coincides with the rainy season in some parts of California. Prices typically increase around spring break and peak during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is best and tourism is at its highest.
Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest and most expensive times to fly to California:
- Cheapest: January, February, and March
- Most Expensive: June, July, and August
Here are some additional factors that can help you to find the cheapest time to buy flight tickets:
Day of the week: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the cheapest days to fly, while Sundays are often the most expensive.
Time of day: Red-eye flights (departing late at night) and early morning flights are typically cheaper than flights departing during peak hours.
Airline: Budget airlines will generally have the cheapest fares, but they may also have fewer amenities and charge extra fees for things like checked bags and seat selection.
How far in advance you book: Flights are generally more expensive if you book them close to your travel date. To get the best price, it’s usually best to book your flight at least a few weeks in advance and, ideally, a few months in advance.
Cheapest Airlines that Fly to California with Average Prices
Here are 9 of the cheapest airlines that fly to California, along with their average prices and some things to consider when flying with them:
- Spirit Airlines: Spirit is known for its rock-bottom fares, but keep in mind that they also charge extra fees for just about everything, including checked bags, carry-on luggage that doesn’t fit under the seat, seat selection, and even drinks and snacks on board. Average price: $60-$150
- Frontier Airlines: Another budget airline with cheap fares, Frontier is similar to Spirit in that they will charge you extra for most amenities. Frontier does include one free carry-on bag in their base fare, however. Average price: $70-$180
- Swoop Airlines: This Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier offers flights to California from various Canadian airports. Swoop operates with a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Average price: $80-$190
- JetBlue Airways: JetBlue is a major airline that offers some of the lowest fares for flights to California, particularly on the East Coast to West Coast routes. They are known for their assigned seating, free Wi-Fi on most flights, and spacious legroom. Average price: $100-$220
- Sun Country Airlines: This leisure carrier offers seasonal flights to California from various destinations throughout the United States. Sun Country operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Average price: $90-$200
- Air Canada: Canada’s national airline, Air Canada, offers competitive fares on flights to California from various Canadian airports. Air Canada provides a variety of in-flight amenities, including seatback entertainment systems and complimentary meals on some flights. Average price: $120-$250
- Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines is a major airline offering competitive fares on California flights, particularly from the West Coast. They are known for their excellent customer service and generous baggage allowance. Average price: $130-$280
- United Airlines: United Airlines is a major airline that offers a wide variety of flights to California from destinations all over the world. They are a good option for travelers who want to earn miles on a major airline loyalty program. Average price: $150-$300
- American Airlines: American Airlines is another major airline that offers a wide variety of flights to California from destinations all over the world. They are a good option for travelers who want to earn miles on a major airline loyalty program. Average price: $150-$300
Pros & Cons of Flying to California During the Cheapest Time
Pros of the Cheapest Time to Fly to California
1. Save Money: The biggest advantage is significant savings on your flight. Flights during the off-season can be considerably cheaper than during the peak season (June-August). This allows you to stretch your travel budget further and potentially spend more on other aspects of your trip, like accommodation or activities.
2. Fewer Crowds: Popular tourist destinations in California can get very crowded during peak season. Flying during the off-season means you’ll likely encounter smaller crowds at attractions and restaurants and potentially even lower accommodation prices.
3. Unique Experiences: California has a diverse landscape, and some areas offer unique experiences during the off-season. For example:
- Whale watching season along the central coast peaks from December to May.
- Death Valley National Park is much more pleasant to visit during the cooler months (avoiding extreme summer heat).
- Wildflower blooms paint the hillsides in vibrant colors during spring (February-April), depending on the specific location.
Pros of the Cheapest Time to Book Flights to California
1. Weather: California has a generally mild climate, but some areas, particularly in northern and central California, experience more rain during the off-season. This could impact outdoor activities and enjoyment of certain attractions.
2. Limited Activities: Some outdoor activities or tours may not be available during the off-season due to weather conditions or reduced demand.
3. Shorter Days: Daylight hours are shorter during winter (Jan-Feb), so you’ll have less time for sightseeing outdoors.
Additional Tips to Fly to California on a Budget in 2024
- Be flexible with your travel dates: As mentioned, flying during the off-season (January to March) is generally the cheapest time to fly to California. Even within the off-season, flying on weekdays (Tuesday and Wednesday) and red-eye flights will typically be more affordable than weekends and peak travel times.
- Sign up for email alerts and track airfare prices: Many airlines and travel websites offer email alerts that notify you when your desired route prices change. Airfare tracking websites, like Google Flights and Kayak & Skyscanner, will track your prices and tell you when to book flights to California.
- Consider alternative airports: Major airports in big cities tend to be more expensive to fly into. Look for smaller airports located in nearby suburbs or smaller towns. You can then take public transportation, rideshare services, or rent a car to reach your destination.
- Pack light and avoid checked bags: Most budget airlines charge extra fees for checked bags. To save money on baggage fees, try to pack light and bring only carry-on luggage.
- Book your flight in advance (but not too early): Generally, the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it will be. However, there can be exceptions to this rule. Some airlines may offer last-minute deals or flash sales. Tracking prices and booking your flight when you see a good deal is a good idea.
- Consider alternative transportation: Depending on your destination and origin city, flying may not always be the most budget-friendly option. Bus or train can sometimes be cheaper, especially for shorter distances.
- Look for deals on accommodation and activities: Once you’ve scored a cheap flight, look for deals on accommodation and activities to save even more money on your trip. Many hotels and attractions offer discounts during the off-season.
- Take advantage of free things to do: California has a wealth of free activities and attractions to enjoy. Visit state parks, explore hiking trails, relax on cheap beaches, or window shop on famous streets like Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles or Pier 39 in San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest time to fly from New York City to California is typically during the off-peak travel months of January, February, and September. Booking flights mid-week, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, often yields the best deals. Avoid major holidays and summer vacations for lower prices.
Yes, generally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have lower airfares compared to weekends. Airlines often release discounted fares midweek, so booking flights departing on these days can save you money.
For optimal prices, aim to book your flight to California around 1 to 3 months in advance. Booking too early or too late can result in higher fares, so timing is crucial for securing the best deals.
Yes, exploring nearby airports beyond major hubs like LAX or SFO can lead to significant savings. Airports like Burbank (BUR) or Oakland (OAK) may offer cheaper fares and less congestion, especially if you're flexible with your travel plans.
