13 Affordable Places to Fly From California for Your Next Trip

Real talk: flight prices from California airports are all over the place. After spending days comparing routes from LAX, SFO, and San Diego, I found some serious deals that’ll make you want to book a trip right now. When I saw tickets to Hawaii going for less than my monthly gym membership, I knew I had to share these finds.

I’ve dug deep to uncover the best places in California to fly from without destroying your bank account. Want to lounge on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu or explore the food markets in Mexico City? From quick flights to Las Vegas (often under $100) to surprisingly affordable routes to Costa Rica, these 13 destinations prove you don’t need a tech salary to travel from the Golden State. Trust me, your wallet will thank you for reading this list.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from California

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. LAX) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $215 roundtrip fare from Boston to San Francisco. On average, I save about $200 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Best Destinations with Cheap Flights from California

Looking for flights from California? Fly to Salt Lake City for stunning mountain views, outdoor adventures, and a vibrant downtown. Visit San Antonio to explore the historic Alamo, scenic River Walk, and rich Tex-Mex cuisine. Head to Albuquerque for hot air balloon festivals, desert landscapes, and Southwestern charm. Travel to Mexico City for world-class museums, historic sites, and a thriving food scene. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, these are top destinations from California.

Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

1. California to Salt Lake City ($105-$300 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours (depending on departure city)
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Southwest, Alaska, United (25+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to October 🍂 for fall colors or December to March ❄️ for world-class skiing
• 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts 🏔️, ski fanatics 🎿, foodie explorers 🍽️

Salt Lake City sits where urban cool meets mountain majesty – a place where you can snowboard world-class powder in the morning, explore a vibrant downtown food scene by afternoon, and catch an indie concert in a converted warehouse by night, all within 30 minutes of your landing gate.

Park City offers the greatest snow on earth just a quick 40-minute drive from the airport, while the striking Temple Square showcases impressive Mormon architecture surrounding the massive Salt Lake Temple. The food scene here is surprisingly innovative – from the bustling Downtown Farmers Market to the trendy restaurants in the 9th & 9th district serving everything from artisanal donuts to authentic Tibetan cuisine. 

California travelers are spoiled for choice with direct flights from nearly every major airport in the state. Southwest typically offers the best value from SoCal airports with two free checked bags (perfect for ski gear), while Delta dominates with the most daily frequencies through their SLC hub. Midweek flights from LAX or SFO can dip below $100 roundtrip during sale periods, especially in shoulder seasons like April/May or October/November.

2. California to San Antonio ($123-$350 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American Airlines, United (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 for festivals and pleasant weather before summer heat
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, foodies 🌮, culture lovers 🎭

San Antonio is where Tex-Mex cuisine, Spanish colonial history, and genuine Texas hospitality come together in a vibrant river city that feels worlds apart from California’s coastal energy.

The iconic River Walk winds through downtown with its stone pathways, arching bridges, and cypress trees creating a magical atmosphere where waterfront restaurants and mariachi music set the scene for evening strolls. The historic Alamo may be smaller than you expect but delivers powerful Texas history in the heart of downtown, while the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park offers four additional Spanish colonial missions along a scenic trail system (and completely free entry, unlike most UNESCO sites). 

Spring brings perfect weather along with the massive Fiesta San Antonio celebration – ten days of parades, cultural events, and street parties that showcase the city’s vibrant spirit.

For California travelers, Southwest dominates this route with the most non-stop options from multiple California airports. Set fare alerts for their seasonal sales when roundtrip prices can drop below $200, especially if you book 4-6 weeks ahead and travel Tuesday through Thursday. 

3. California to Albuquerque ($117-340 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Delta, American Airlines (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to October 🎈 for balloon festival and perfect desert weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Culture lovers 🏺, hot air balloon enthusiasts 🎈, desert explorers 🌵

Albuquerque is basically a city that refuses to be overlooked – it sits at the intersection of Native American, Spanish, and frontier American cultures creating a vibe that’s distinctly New Mexican rather than typical Southwest. This place is perfect if you’re after incredible landscapes but still want actual city amenities.

The International Balloon Fiesta is actually worth planning your whole trip around (not overhyped like most festivals) with hundreds of hot air balloons filling the dawn sky in synchronized “mass ascensions” that look like something from a fantasy movie. When you need a break, the Sandia Peak Tramway takes you 10,000 feet up the mountainside where you can chill at the restaurant with panoramic views stretching across four states.

Albuquerque is seriously affordable compared to California cities – direct flights from LAX or San Diego often dip below $150 roundtrip on Southwest, hotels near Old Town run about $80-120, and you can feast on authentic New Mexican cuisine smothered in green chile for under $10. 

If you visit in September or October, you’ll score perfect 70-degree days with cool evenings and the desert in peak bloom without summer’s brutal heat. 

4. California to Mexico ($248-$500 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (from LAX/SFO)
• 🛫 Airlines: Aeromexico, United, Alaska, Volaris (20+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌺 and October to November 🍂 for perfect weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food enthusiasts 🌮, culture lovers 🎭, budget explorers 💰

Mexico City is basically Latin America’s cultural powerhouse where ancient pyramids, colonial architecture, and cutting-edge art exist in one affordable metropolis. This place is perfect if you want international adventure without the jet lag or currency exchange headaches.

The historic Zócalo plaza is one of the world’s largest public squares with the massive Metropolitan Cathedral on one side and literal Aztec temple ruins of Templo Mayor on the other – like having the Vatican next to Roman ruins but way fewer tourists. When you need a break from urban exploration, Chapultepec Park is twice the size of Central Park with a legit castle on a hill, world-class museums, and vendors selling elotes (street corn) that will ruin regular corn for you forever.

Mexico City is ridiculously affordable compared to California – direct flights from LAX often drop below $250 roundtrip on Volaris or Viva Aerobus. And if you visit in spring or fall, you’ll hit the weather sweet spot between the rainy season and peak tourist crowds. 

5. California to Calgary ($255-$550 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours (from LAX/SFO)
• 🛫 Airlines: WestJet, Air Canada, United (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🏔️ for outdoor activities or January to March ❄️ for winter sports
• 🏆 Perfect for: Mountain enthusiasts 🏔️, outdoor adventurers 🥾, rodeo fans 🤠

Calgary is basically Canada‘s gateway to the Rockies where cowboy culture meets big-city amenities against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains visible from downtown skyscrapers. This place is perfect if you want Banff and Lake Louise Instagram shots without the tourist prices of staying directly in the national parks.

The annual Calgary Stampede transforms the city each July into the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” with 10 days of rodeos, chuckwagon races, and street parties where even bankers wear cowboy boots to work. When you need a break from urban exploring, the stunning Bow River Pathway offers 48km of riverside trails right through downtown where you can bike, run, or stroll with the Rockies visible in the distance.

Calgary is surprisingly reasonable compared to flying directly to Canadian mountain destinations – WestJet frequently runs sales with LAX/SFO routes dropping below $300 roundtrip. If you visit in summer, you’ll get 16+ hours of daylight for mountain adventures in Banff National Park just 90 minutes away, while winter delivers world-class skiing at nearby resorts.

6. California to Cancun ($236-$600 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 4-5 hours (from LAX/SFO)
• 🛫 Airlines: JetBlue, Delta, United, Southwest, Mexican carriers (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to early December 🏝️ or April to May 🌴 for perfect weather and fewer crowds
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, party people 🍹, ancient history buffs 🏛️

Cancun is basically Mexico’s beachy escape hatch where turquoise Caribbean waters meet powder-white sand and all-inclusive resorts, but with surprising Mayan history nearby. This place is perfect if you want to trade California’s Pacific waves for warmer, clearer waters without the long-haul flight to the Caribbean.

The Hotel Zone is that iconic strip of beaches and resorts where the water genuinely looks Photoshopped in real life, while just offshore the Great Mesoamerican Reef (second largest in the world) offers incredible snorkeling with tropical fish and sea turtles. When you need a break from beach lounging, the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum perched on seaside cliffs and the massive pyramid at Chichen Itza provide mind-blowing glimpses into pre-Columbian civilization.

November and early December are the ideal times to visit – hurricane season has ended, the weather is perfect, and you’re ahead of the holiday price surge that begins mid-December. For killer flight deals, JetBlue and Southwest often battle with Mexican carriers like Volaris on this popular route, with LAX departures sometimes dropping below $300 roundtrip during flash sales typically released on Tuesdays.

7. California to Atlanta ($199-$450 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (from LAX/SFO)
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Southwest, United, American, JetBlue (25+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for mild Georgia weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, food enthusiasts 🍗, film location hunters 🎬

Atlanta rises from Georgia’s red clay with skyscrapers flanked by lush tree canopy, creating the “city in a forest” where Southern hospitality meets cosmopolitan energy and hip-hop culture. This metropolis delivers completely different vibes from California cities, with its unique blend of Civil Rights history, booming film industry, and food that’ll make you rethink everything you know about Southern cuisine.

Centennial Olympic Park anchors a downtown packed with attractions like the mesmerizing Georgia Aquarium (largest in the Western Hemisphere) and the interactive World of Coca-Cola where you can sample bizarre Coke products from around the globe. Venture beyond downtown to discover Atlanta’s soul in neighborhoods like Little Five Points with its bohemian shops and theaters, or the historic Sweet Auburn district where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home and final resting place create powerful moments of reflection.

For rock-bottom fares from California, watch for Delta’s flash sales from their massive ATL hub, with LAX routes sometimes dropping below $250 roundtrip during off-season promotions. Fly Tuesday or Wednesday to save $50-80 over weekend departures. Spring brings dogwood and azalea blooms that transform the city, while fall offers perfect temperatures without summer’s infamous humidity. 

8. California to Austin ($152-$400 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours (from LAX/SFO)
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American, United, Alaska (20+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for perfect Texas weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Music fanatics 🎸, food adventurers 🌮, outdoor enthusiasts 🏊‍♀️

Austin stands proudly in the heart of Texas where cowboy boots meet tech bros, live music spills from seemingly every doorway, and food trucks serve life-changing tacos at 2am. This creative oasis delivers a completely different vibe – more affordable, less pretentious, equally innovative.

South Congress Avenue embodies Austin’s quirky spirit with its vintage shops, boot stores, and the iconic “I Love You So Much” mural that’s practically required for Instagram points. The legendary 6th Street transforms into a pedestrian party zone at night, while nearby Rainey Street offers a more grown-up scene with historic houses converted into unique bars with sprawling patios. Nature thrives within city limits – Barton Springs Pool is a massive natural limestone swimming hole maintaining a refreshing 68°F year-round where locals escape the Texas heat alongside the occasional celebrity.

For flight deals, Southwest dominates this route with the most nonstop options from California airports. Their sales typically drop on Tuesdays, with fares sometimes falling below $200 roundtrip during off-peak seasons. March brings the massive SXSW festival (book way ahead or avoid this time entirely), while October delivers the legendary Austin City Limits music festival spanning two weekends. 

9. California to San Salvador ($228-$550 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours (from LAX)
• 🛫 Airlines: Avianca, Volaris, Delta (connecting) (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April ☀️ for dry season with minimal rain
• 🏆 Perfect for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers 🧭, volcano hikers 🌋, culture seekers 🎭

San Salvador remains Central America’s best-kept secret where coffee plantations climb volcanic slopes, colonial architecture hides in plain sight, and locals welcome visitors with genuine surprise. This underrated gem delivers authentic Central American experiences without the tourist crowds of Costa Rica or the inflated prices of Panama.

El Boquerón crater sits atop the San Salvador volcano offering mind-blowing views into an 1,800-foot-deep crater with a mini volcano growing inside it – like volcano inception just 15 minutes from downtown. The historic Iglesia El Rosario looks like a plain concrete bunker outside but transforms into a kaleidoscope of colored light when sunbeams hit its stained-glass ceiling. Don’t miss exploring the archaeological ruins of Joya de Cerén (Central America’s Pompeii), diving into the vibrant street food scene at Mercado Central, or taking day trips to black sand beaches and coffee farms that produce some of the world’s most sought-after beans.

For direct flights from California, Avianca operates the most reliable service from LAX, with occasional sales dropping prices below $450 roundtrip during the dry season. Volaris sometimes offers even cheaper connections if you’re willing to stop briefly in Mexico City or Guatemala. 

The ideal time for visiting is January through March when perfect 75-85°F days let you explore without the seasonal downpours that can interrupt adventures during the rainy months.

10. California to Bogotá ($176-$600 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 7 hours (from LAX)
• 🛫 Airlines: Avianca, LATAM, Copa (connecting) (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March ☀️ for dry season or July to August ☀️ for second dry period
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, coffee fanatics ☕, altitude adventurers 🏔️

Bogotá sits high in the Andes where cloud-touching mountains surround a sprawling metropolis of 8 million, creating South America’s rising star destination where colonial Spanish architecture meets street art and coffee culture at 8,660 feet above sea level.

La Candelaria neighborhood forms the historic heart with cobblestone streets winding past 400-year-old churches, vibrant street murals, and tiny cafés serving single-origin Colombian coffee that will ruin Starbucks for you forever. The Gold Museum houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts with over 55,000 pieces that literally glitter throughout 50+ exhibition rooms. For the ultimate Bogotá experience, take the cable car up Monserrate mountain for panoramic city views stretching across the entire valley, or hit the Paloquemao Market where you’ll encounter exotic fruits you’ve never even heard of, let alone tasted.

For flight deals from California, Avianca offers the most direct options through their Bogotá hub, though connections through Panama City (Copa) or Lima (LATAM) often run $100-150 cheaper. Set fare alerts for sales that sometimes drop prices below $500 roundtrip, especially for travel during California’s winter when you’ll escape to Bogotá’s dry season. 

The altitude requires adjustment – spend your first day taking it easy with plenty of water before tackling the city’s hills.

11. California to Anchorage ($299-$700 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours (from LAX/SFO)
• 🛫 Airlines: Alaska Airlines, United, Delta (seasonal direct flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌞 for endless daylight and wildlife or February to March ❄️ for Northern Lights
• 🏆 Perfect for: Wilderness seekers 🏔️, wildlife photographers 🐻, adventure junkies 🚣‍♀️

Anchorage exists where civilization meets true wilderness – a city where moose casually stroll through neighborhoods, glaciers loom on the horizon, and summer brings 22 hours of daylight for epic outdoor adventures that make California’s nature spots seem tame by comparison.

Chugach State Park begins literally at the city’s edge, delivering acres of mountain playground with trails leading to pristine alpine lakes and glacier viewpoints just minutes from downtown coffee shops. The stunning Coastal Trail hugs the shoreline of Cook Inlet where you can bike while spotting wild bald eagles and occasional beluga whales against a backdrop of six different mountain ranges. 

Summer is prime time with comfortable 60-75°F days and those legendary long daylight hours, though February/March offers the magical combination of sufficient daylight for activities plus dark nights for spectacular Northern Lights viewing. Alaska Airlines dominates this route with the most direct options from California, offering seasonal sales that sometimes drop fares below $400 roundtrip if you book 2-3 months ahead for shoulder season travel (May or September).

• Read Next: Must-See Places in Alaska

12. California to Bangkok ($489-$900 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 17-20 hours (from LAX/SFO with one connection)
• 🛫 Airlines: EVA Air, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air (multiple daily options)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February 🌞 for dry season with lower humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Temple explorers 🏯, food adventurers 🍜, budget luxury seekers 💆‍♀️

Bangkok isn’t just another far-off destination – it’s your gateway to Southeast Asian adventure where your California dollars transform into royal treatment. This sensory explosion of a city delivers ancient temples beside neon nightlife, $1 street food that outclasses fancy restaurants, and smiling locals who redefine hospitality.

Forget everything you think you know about temples until you’ve stood beneath the massive reclining Buddha at Wat Pho or gazed up at the dazzling spires of the Grand Palace complex where Thailand‘s royal history comes alive through architecture that makes European cathedrals look restrained. The chaos of Chatuchak Weekend Market spans 35 acres with 15,000+ stalls selling literally everything imaginable, while the peaceful Lumpini Park offers morning tai chi sessions alongside monitor lizards casually sunbathing like prehistoric park mascots.

November through February delivers Bangkok’s best weather window – comfortably warm days without the suffocating humidity and monsoon downpours that characterize other months. 

For flight deals, watch for EVA Air and China Airlines sales that occasionally drop prices below $650 roundtrip from LAX/SFO, especially for departures Monday through Wednesday during shoulder seasons.

13. California to Lima ($281-$700 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 8-9 hours (from LAX/SFO)
• 🛫 Airlines: LATAM, Avianca, United, Copa Airlines (multiple daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October ☀️ for dry season and ideal exploring weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food pilgrims 🍴, history enthusiasts 🏛️, Machu Picchu planners 🏔️

Lima sits on dramatic Pacific cliffs where desert meets ocean – a city that’s transformed from a stopover to Peru’s culinary capital where ancient Incan history, Spanish colonial architecture, and the world’s most exciting food scene converge just a single flight south from California.

The historic Plaza de Armas dazzles with ornate colonial buildings including a cathedral housing Pizarro’s tomb, while the pre-Columbian Huaca Pucllana pyramid rises improbably from the middle of the upscale Miraflores district like an ancient skyscraper. Don’t miss exploring the bohemian Barranco district with its street art and clifftop views, watching surfers tackle the Pacific breaks below the Miraflores Malecón boardwalk, or diving into the sensory overload of Mercado Surquillo where exotic Amazonian fruits and Andean potatoes in hundreds of varieties showcase Peru’s agricultural riches.

May through October delivers Lima’s most reliable weather – though it rarely rains in this desert city, winter brings a persistent gray fog locals call “la garúa” that blankets the coast. For flight deals, LATAM and Avianca frequently battle with fare sales, occasionally dropping prices below $500 roundtrip from LAX during promotional periods, especially for Tuesday/Wednesday departures booked 2-3 months ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from California

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from CA? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from California to anywhere.

Which airports in California offer the cheapest international flights?

The airports in California known to offer some of the cheapest international flights include Los Angeles International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and San Diego International Airport. Their size and high traffic volumes lead to competitive prices and a wider range of flight options.

Are there specific days or times that are cheaper to fly from California?

Generally, midweek flights, especially those departing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be cheaper than flights on weekends. Additionally, flights during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings, often offer more affordable rates from California.

How far in advance should I book to get the cheapest flights from California?

To secure the cheapest flights from California, it’s typically recommended to book your ticket at least 2-3 months in advance. However, during peak travel seasons, even earlier bookings might be beneficial to ensure the best prices.

Which airlines usually offer the cheapest flights from California?

In the Golden State’s vast skies, budget-savvy travelers often lean towards airlines like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier when hunting for the cheapest flights from California. These carriers, with their no-frills approach, have carved a niche in offering affordable west-coast getaways.

Are there any nearby alternative airports I should consider for cheaper flights?

Venturing just beyond California’s borders can sometimes unearth hidden travel deals. Consider expanding your horizon to airports like Reno-Tahoe International in Nevada or Phoenix Sky Harbor in Arizona. These gems occasionally sport prices that outshine even California’s major hubs.

Do flight search engines always show the cheapest flights from California?

While flight search engines do a splendid job of assembling an array of options, they don’t always capture every golden ticket. Some low-cost carriers opt out of these platforms, making it wise to check their direct sites for exclusive deals when seeking the cheapest flights from California.

Are round-trip flights always cheaper than two one-way tickets from California?

The romance of round-trip flights often whispers promises of savings, but in today’s dynamic travel landscape, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, cobbling together two one-way tickets, possibly even from different airlines, can lead to unexpected savings, offering travelers from California a novel adventure in both journey and savings.

How can I stay updated on the cheapest destinations from California?

Keeping your finger on the pulse of the cheapest destinations from California is an art form in itself. Consider subscribing to premium flight deal newsletters or joining savvy travel communities online. These platforms often buzz with whispers of airfare sales, hidden offers, and fare glitches long before they hit the mainstream.

Do I always have to fly from major airports to get the best deals?

While California’s grander airports often boast an array of flight options, don’t be too hasty to overlook its smaller siblings. Sometimes, these less-frequented gateways, off the beaten track, surprise with unbeatable deals, providing both charm and savings in a single package.

Can last-minute flights from California be cheaper?

Ah, the allure of the last-minute flight! While there’s a thrilling unpredictability about snagging a spontaneous deal, it’s not always a guaranteed win. However, on occasion, airlines looking to fill up unsold seats may offer irresistible discounts, making that eleventh-hour decision from California a serendipitous adventure.