Finding the cheapest time to fly to San Diego can be a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers. San Diego, with its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and sunny weather, is a popular destination, but airfare can vary significantly depending on several factors.
Knowing when to book your flight, the best times of the year to travel, and how to take advantage of deals can help you save money. In this article, we’ll explore key tips and strategies to help you secure the most affordable flights to this Southern California gem.
The Cheapest Time to Book Flights to San Diego in 2024
Generally, the cheapest time to fly to San Diego is during the shoulder seasons, which are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). During these times, there is less demand for flights compared to the peak summer season (June-August) and winter holidays (December-February).
Here’s a more specific breakdown:
- The absolute cheapest flights to San Diego can often be found in late September to October and April to May. This is because these months fall outside of the peak tourist season and school holidays.
- Flights tend to be more expensive during the summer months (June to August), as this is the most popular time to visit San Diego for its beaches and warm weather. Prices can also increase around Christmas and New Year’s.
Cheapest Airlines that Fly to San Diego with Average Prices
Here are 7 of the cheapest airlines that fly to San Diego, along with their average prices:
- Spirit Airlines: Spirit Airlines is known for its budget-friendly fares, and San Diego is no exception. While their frills are few, with extra fees for basic amenities like seat selection and carry-on luggage, their average round-trip price to San Diego is around $180.
- Frontier Airlines: Another budget airline, Frontier, offers similar average prices to San Diego, around $180 for round-trip tickets. Frontier includes one carry-on bag in its base fare but charges extra for seat selection and checked bags.
- Southwest Airlines: Southwest is a popular choice for domestic travel due to its two free checked bags and transparent pricing model. While generally more expensive than Spirit or Frontier, with average fares around $250, you won’t be surprised by hidden fees for basic amenities.
- JetBlue Airways: JetBlue is another airline known for its customer service and amenities included in the base fare, like free Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment on some flights. Average round-trip prices to San Diego are around $280.
- Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers a good balance between price and service, with average fares around $300. Alaska is known for its customer service and generous baggage allowance, making it a good option for travelers who don’t want to pay extra for checked bags.
- United Airlines: A major airline, United offers frequent flights and a variety of routes to San Diego. Average fares are around $350, but you can find cheaper fares if you are flexible with your travel dates.
- American Airlines: Another major airline, American Airlines, offers pricing similar to that of United Airlines, with average fares of around $350 for round-trip tickets to San Diego. They also offer frequent flights and a variety of routes.
Pros of Flying to San Diego During the Cheapest Time
Pros
- Save Money: The biggest advantage is the significantly lower airfare compared to peak seasons. This frees up the budget for other aspects of your trip, like accommodation, activities, or dining.
- Fewer Crowds: Popular attractions, beaches, and restaurants are likely to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
- Pleasant Weather: Spring and Fall in San Diego offer comfortable temperatures, ideal for exploring the outdoors without the scorching summer heat.
Cons
- Limited Hotel Availability: While there may be fewer crowds overall, some popular hotels or events may still be booked up during shoulder seasons.
- Potential for Unpredictable Weather: Spring can experience occasional rain showers, and fall might have cooler evenings compared to summer. Pack accordingly for changeable weather.
- Reduced Operating Hours: Some seasonal businesses or attractions might have shorter operating hours or be closed altogether during shoulder seasons.
Things You Can Do to Save Money on Flights to San Diego
- Be flexible with your travel dates. By being flexible with your travel dates, you are more likely to find a cheaper flight.
- Book your flight in advance. Generally, the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it will be. However, there can be exceptions to this rule, so it is always a good idea to compare prices closer to your departure date.
- Consider flying into a smaller airport. There are a few smaller airports in the San Diego area, such as Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) and McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). These airports may have cheaper flights than San Diego International Airport (SAN).
- Sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel websites. This way, you will be notified when there are sales or special offers on flights to San Diego.
- By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a cheap flight to San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
January, February, and September are usually the least expensive months to fly to San Diego, avoiding peak tourist seasons and holidays.
Yes, flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper compared to weekends when demand is higher.
Use flight comparison websites, set fare alerts, and consider flying during off-peak times. Flexibility with dates and times also helps in finding better deals.
Generally, booking a round-trip flight can be more cost-effective than one-way tickets, as airlines often offer discounts for round-trip purchases.
