I know LAX can be a total zoo, but it’s got one massive perk: some seriously cheap flights if you know where to look. After spending way too many hours comparing prices (and taking these trips myself), I’ve found deals that’ll make you forget about that airport traffic. I recently snagged a $198 roundtrip to Cabo, where I spent mornings at Medano Beach watching cruise ships roll in.
Want to know the best places to visit from LAX without destroying your bank account? From slurping incredible ramen in Vancouver’s West End to catching sunset at Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon (both totally doable on a budget), these deals are too good to keep to myself. Here are 9 destinations where you can actually afford to fly in 2026, because amazing trips shouldn’t require a second mortgage.
Southwest Free Bags Are Gone
Heads up if you’re leaning on Southwest for LAX to Denver, Salt Lake City, or Maui: the two free checked bags ended in May 2025, and most passengers now pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. On top of that, Southwest killed open seating on January 27, 2026, so you either pay to pick a Preferred or Extra Legroom seat or take whatever gets assigned at check-in (Southwest’s announcement). Add those fees back in before you decide Southwest beats Alaska or Frontier on price.
Cheapest Places to Fly From LAX in 2026 at a Glance
I get it, sometimes you just want the deals up front. Here are five of my favorite cheap escapes from LAX before we dig into all nine. These are the typical roundtrip fares I keep seeing, and any one of them makes for a great long weekend!
| Destination | Typical Roundtrip | Flight Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City, UT | $98–$140 | 1 hr 50 min | Mountains and quick getaways |
| Denver, CO | $138–$180 | 2 hr 20 min | Red Rocks and craft beer |
| Cabo San Lucas, MX | $234–$280 | 2 hr 30 min | Beaches and nightlife |
| Kahului (Maui), HI | $210–$270 | 5 hr 40 min | Island time on a budget |
| Madrid, Spain | $539–$680 | 11 hr 30 min | Art, tapas, and late nights |
1. LAX to Salt Lake City, Utah ($98–$140 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Southwest, United, Alaska (15+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to May 🌱 and September to October 🍁 for mild weather and fewer crowds
- 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts 🏔️, ski bums ⛷️, history buffs 🏛️
Salt Lake City is basically an outdoor playground disguised as an urban center. The city has tons of hidden gems where you can hike, feast, and soak up stunning mountain views without the insane prices you’d pay in Colorado.
Temple Square is so impressive you can actually spend hours wandering the grounds, while the Utah State Capitol offers Instagram-worthy views of the entire valley. Big Cottonwood Canyon is just 20 minutes from downtown but feels like you’ve driven hours into the wilderness, with alpine lakes and waterfalls that don’t even look real!
May brings perfect hiking weather with wildflowers everywhere, while September delivers golden aspens against blue skies. For the best flight deals, fly mid-week with Southwest or Alaska, or spend a bit extra for Delta which uses Salt Lake City as a major hub.
- Read Next: Cabin Rentals in Utah
2. LAX to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico ($234–$280 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Alaska, Delta, American (12+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to June 🌴 and October to November 🌊 for perfect weather and fewer tourists
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, party people 🎉, luxury seekers 💎
Cabo San Lucas is where desert meets ocean in the most dramatic way possible. This sun-drenched paradise at the tip of Baja California has tons of iconic spots where you can swim, party, and soak up views without the overwhelming crowds you’d find in Cancun.
The famous Arch at Land’s End is as jaw-dropping as the photos, and yes, it’s one of those rare landmarks that actually lives up to the hype. Medano Beach hits the sweet spot between relaxation and activity, with calm waters, jet skis for rent, and beach bars where the margaritas flow all day. Go beyond the main strip and you’ll find quiet snorkeling coves, locally loved taquerias in San José del Cabo, and scenic spots like Chileno Bay that still feel low-key.
For the best deals, fly in May or early June when you’ll get perfect 80-degree days, uncrowded beaches, and hotel rates nearly half of peak season. Alaska Airlines consistently offers the best value with their “Saver” fares often dipping below $250 roundtrip. If you’re flexible with dates, Volaris sometimes drops fares closer to $200, though as a budget carrier they’ll charge extra for nearly everything including water.
- Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly Into in Mexico
3. Los Angeles to Austin, Texas ($177–$220 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: American, Southwest, United, Delta (8+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for ideal temperatures
- 🏆 Perfect for: Music lovers 🎸, foodies 🌮, creative types 🎨
Austin is where hipster meets cowboy in the best possible way. This vibrant oasis in the heart of Texas has tons of iconic spots where you can eat, rock out, and soak up culture without the pretension you’d find in bigger cities.
The famous South Congress avenue is so packed with unique shops, street art, and food trucks you can actually spend a whole day just exploring this single street. Barton Springs Pool is a natural limestone swimming hole right in the middle of downtown where locals escape the heat with crystal-clear 68-degree water year-round. Catch live music on Sixth Street or Rainey Street where historic houses have been transformed into the coolest bars you’ll ever visit!
For flights, Southwest still runs the most nonstops, though bags are no longer free ($35 for the first, $45 for the second unless you hold a Southwest credit card or A-List status). Frontier sometimes runs flash sales as low as $148 roundtrip if you’re willing to fly with just a personal item. March brings perfect weather plus the famous SXSW festival, so expect flight prices to spike if you travel then. October offers the same perfect temps without the crowds or the premium prices.
4. LAX to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada ($195–$250 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, Alaska, United (5+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August 🌞 and December to March ❄️ for seasonal attractions
- 🏆 Perfect for: Nature lovers 🌲, festival goers 🎭, winter adventurers ⛷️
Edmonton is one of those rare Canadian cities that actually shines in both summer and winter. This northern gem is packed with unique attractions where you can hike, eat, and experience authentic Canadian culture without the crowds you’d run into in Vancouver or Toronto.
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North America’s largest mall isn’t just about shopping. West Edmonton Mall doubles as an indoor amusement park with a full-size waterpark, ice rink, and roller coasters. Downtown, the Ice District has become the city’s go-to hangout, anchored by Rogers Place (catch an Edmonton Oilers game if you can) and packed with restaurants, bars, the Grand Villa Casino, and the sleek JW Marriott. Just 35 minutes from the city, Elk Island National Park lets you spot wild bison roaming free in a beautifully preserved prairie setting. In summer, Edmonton lives up to its nickname as Festival City, hosting over 50 events spanning food, music, and culture. Come winter, the famous Ice Castles return (now set up at Fan Park in the Ice District) alongside surprisingly easy northern lights viewing right from the city.
Budget travelers should watch for Flair flash sales, with fares often dipping below $200 roundtrip. Air Canada and WestJet offer the most reliable year-round service, with Tuesday and Wednesday departures usually scoring the best value.
5. LAX to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ($149–$190 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: American, Frontier (7+ daily nonstops)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌼 and September to October 🍁 for pleasant weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, food enthusiasts 🧀, art lovers 🎨
Philadelphia is where history meets killer food scene. This city lets you soak up American history without the insane crowds and prices you’d find in New York or DC.
The city is super walkable, with cobblestone streets leading from iconic landmarks to hipster neighborhoods in minutes. One moment you’re standing where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the next you’re in a converted factory brewery in Fishtown with locals who’ll argue passionately about where to find the best sandwich in town
May is perfect for outdoor activities, while October gives you gorgeous fall colors in Fairmount Park. Flight-wise, Frontier runs crazy sales with fares under $150 roundtrip, but they’ll charge you for breathing if they could. American has the most non-stops, and flying Tuesday or Wednesday saves you like $30-40 compared to weekends.
6. LAX to Madrid, Spain ($539–$680 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 11 hours 30 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Iberia, American, Delta, Air Europa (5+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌺 and September to October 🍂 for ideal weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Art lovers 🎨, foodies 🍷, architecture enthusiasts 🏛️
Madrid is where European elegance meets non-stop energy. This Spanish capital gives you insane access to world-class art, food, and nightlife without the crazy prices of Paris or crowds of Barcelona.
The Golden Triangle of Art lets you hit three world-famous museums within walking distance. Retiro Park is basically the city’s outdoor living room where locals picnic and row boats on sunny days. Plaza Mayor gives you those classic European vibes with outdoor cafes and street performers everywhere. What truly makes Madrid special is its unique rhythm. This city literally doesn’t sleep, with dinner starting at 10pm and clubs going until sunrise.
When it comes to flights, May and early October deliver perfect 70-degree days with way fewer tourists clogging the museums. Iberia offers the most direct flights, with midweek departures saving you up to $100. Budget travelers should watch for deals from TAP Air Portugal and Air France.
✈️ How I keep catching sub-$600 LAX to Madrid fares
Long-haul routes out of LAX like Madrid are exactly where Going’s Premium plan ($49/year) earns its keep, since I’ve watched transatlantic fares from LAX drop 40-60% below the usual rate with almost no warning. Short hops to Cabo and Denver are cheap year-round, but Europe pricing swings hard and the alerts land before the fare disappears. If you’d rather fly Iberia or Delta up front on that 11-hour leg, Elite ($199/year) covers business and premium economy drops too.
Try Going Elite free for 14 days — use code JON25 for 25% off if you keep it.
7. LAX to Kahului, Hawaii ($210–$270 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Hawaiian, United, Alaska, Southwest (10+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to May 🌺 and September to November 🌴 for fewer crowds and better deals
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, adventure seekers 🚗, nature enthusiasts 🌋
Kahului is your gateway to Maui’s paradise. This central hub puts you in the perfect position to explore an island that delivers ridiculous natural beauty from black sand beaches to bamboo forests without feeling like a tourist factory.
Landing in Kahului means you’re just minutes from adventure in every direction. The legendary Road to Hana starts nearby, taking you on a winding coastal drive past waterfalls, jungle hikes, and beaches in every color. Head up to Haleakalā to stand above the clouds at sunrise in a massive volcanic crater that feels like another planet. The brilliance of flying into Kahului is how central it is. One minute you’re picking up your rental car at the airport, the next you’re completely alone on a hidden beach or hiking through ancient lava fields.
For the cheapest flights, look at late April through May when the island is lush from winter rains but summer crowds haven’t arrived. Southwest still has some of the lowest base fares on this route, but budget an extra $35 each way for a checked bag if you’re bringing snorkel gear and beach stuff.. Hawaiian Airlines gives you the most authentic island experience starting the moment you board.
8. LAX to Denver, Colorado ($138–$180 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Frontier, Southwest, United (15+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌱 and September to October 🍁 for ideal weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts 🏔️, craft beer fans 🍺, cultural explorers 🎭
Denver is where mountain vibes meet urban cool. This mile-high city gives you incredible access to outdoor adventures while still delivering killer food, art, and brewery scenes that rival coastal cities.
Red Rocks isn’t just a concert venue. This natural amphitheater carved into massive red stone formations hosts the most epic live shows you’ll ever experience. Union Station transformed from a tired transit hub into the city’s coolest gathering spot with restaurants, bars, and boutiques inside a historic landmark. RiNo (River North Art District) explodes with street art, converted warehouses, and some of the best dining in the city.
Frontier consistently offers the best deals with fares sometimes dipping below $100 roundtrip, though you’ll pay extra for everything including carry-ons. Southwest charges $35 for your first checked bag now, so price it out against United if you’re hauling skis or outdoor gear. Look for May travel when you’ll get perfect spring temperatures, wildflowers blooming, and shoulder season hotel rates.
- Read Next: Best Places to Visit in Colorado in Winter
9. LAX to Grand Cayman Islands ($373–$460 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 8 hours (with connection)
- 🛫 Airlines: American, Delta, United, Cayman Airways (via connections)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌴 for dry season and May 🌞 for fewer crowds
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, divers 🤿, luxury travelers 💎
Grand Cayman is where Caribbean perfection actually exists. This island paradise delivers the clearest turquoise water you’ve ever seen without the party crowds of other tropical destinations.
Seven Mile Beach lives up to its reputation with powder-white sand that literally squeaks under your feet and water so clear you can see fish without even putting your face in. Stingray City lets you swim with dozens of wild stingrays in shallow, crystal clear water. The island’s famous blue iguanas roam freely in the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. The true standout feature of Grand Cayman is its underwater world. The visibility often exceeds 100 feet, and dive sites like the USS Kittiwake wreck and Eden Rock are accessible right from shore, making this a diver’s dream destination.
- Read Next: 9 Best Budget Airlines with Top Reviews
For the best value, target May when high season crowds have left but hurricane season hasn’t started. You’ll find room rates nearly half off peak prices with perfect 80-degree days. Since there are no direct flights from LAX, look for connections through Miami or Atlanta. American Airlines typically offers the most frequent service, but Delta often runs flash sales that can drop fares below $400 roundtrip.
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
