Traveling to Los Angeles is often at the top of many people’s bucket lists. From the iconic Hollywood Sign to the sunny beaches of Venice, the city offers an abundance of experiences that can be both exciting and expensive. But here’s the thing—while you may be anticipating spending money on attractions and dining, one area where you can definitely save is on your flight.
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In this post, I’m going to share all the tricks and tips I’ve learned over the years for scoring the best deals on flights to Los Angeles. Whether you’re booking months in advance or just a few weeks before your trip, there are practical strategies to help you find affordable options that won’t break your budget. I’ll also recommend a few airlines that have consistently offered low fares on flights to Los Angeles, and I’ll highlight some booking platforms where you can snag great deals.
Understanding the Best Time to Book a Flight to Los Angeles
One of the most important aspects of booking an affordable flight to Los Angeles is understanding timing. Airfares fluctuate for a variety of reasons, but by following some key principles, you can pinpoint when to book to secure the lowest possible price.
1. Book at Least 6-8 Weeks in Advance
Through countless experiences, I’ve found that booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance tends to offer the best prices. Waiting too long may result in higher fares, especially during peak travel seasons like summer or the holidays. However, don’t make the mistake of booking too early either; flights that are too far in advance (think over 6 months) can be overpriced due to airlines’ pricing strategies.
2. Fly Midweek for Cheaper Flights
Most travelers opt to fly on weekends, making flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays considerably cheaper. I personally always try to fly midweek, as it’s often when the airlines have the most available seats and the least demand. It’s the perfect sweet spot for finding discounted tickets.
3. Avoid Holidays and Major Events
It goes without saying that Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Eve are some of the priciest times to fly to Los Angeles. The key to avoiding inflated prices is to plan your trip during the off-peak seasons. I’ve managed to score super affordable flights by planning my trips for spring or fall when tourism is low.
Top Airlines Offering Low-Cost Flights to Los Angeles
Once you have your timing figured out, the next step is choosing the right airline. Let’s take a look at a few affordable airlines that consistently offer great deals to Los Angeles.
1. Southwest Airlines – Affordable, Flexible, and Reliable
📍 Service to: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
💰 Average Price: $100–$200 one-way
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 based on customer reviews
Southwest Airlines is one of the most reliable and budget-friendly airlines I’ve used for flights to Los Angeles. Known for offering no hidden fees and free checked luggage, Southwest stands out as a solid option for anyone looking to save money. On top of that, they offer flexible ticket policies, which makes booking your flight a lot less stressful. One feature I really appreciate is that Southwest doesn’t charge for checked bags, unlike most other airlines, which typically charge $30 or more per bag. This can make a huge difference for travelers like me, who prefer to pack a bit more for a longer trip.
Moreover, Southwest also offers a free 24-hour cancellation policy, something that’s a rarity among budget airlines. This gives you the peace of mind that if your plans change, you can make adjustments without being penalized.
I’ve found many great deals for flights to Los Angeles, whether I’m booking last-minute or well in advance. Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar is a great tool for planning your trip. You can check a month’s worth of flights in one go, allowing you to quickly compare prices and find the best deals. Whether you’re flying from the East Coast or within California, I’ve been able to secure tickets for under $150 on multiple occasions, making it one of my top choices for budget air travel.
Where to Book:
You can book directly on Southwest’s official website Southwest Airlines for the best prices and deals. Additionally, Kayak and Google Flights are excellent platforms to compare Southwest’s rates against other airlines. These platforms let you search for the lowest prices and set up price alerts to help you monitor fluctuations in flight costs. By booking directly through Southwest, you often get extra benefits, like flexibility in case of cancellations or changes to your itinerary.
2. Spirit Airlines – Low-Cost, High Value
📍 Service to: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
💰 Average Price: $80–$150 one-way
⭐ Rating: 4/5 based on customer reviews
When I’m on the lookout for a super low fare, Spirit Airlines is my go-to choice for flights to Los Angeles. It’s often hailed for its bare-bones approach to flying, meaning that while the base fare may be low, you will encounter additional charges for things like seat selection, luggage, and in-flight refreshments. Spirit offers some of the lowest base fares, which I’ve found to be a great value when I’m traveling light or on a budget.
While Spirit may not offer the luxury service that you’ll find with other airlines, I’ve found that if you’re willing to adjust your expectations and travel with just a carry-on bag, Spirit can provide exceptional value. You’ll often find deals for as low as $80 for a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, which is nearly impossible to beat. Spirit also offers affordable add-ons, allowing you to customize your travel experience. For example, I’ve booked a flight to Los Angeles and spent less than $100, thanks to basic fares and customized add-ons like priority boarding and extra legroom.
Another great feature of Spirit is their ability to offer last-minute fares at a steep discount. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you might be able to grab a great deal a few days before departure. I’ve taken advantage of these last-minute offers several times, allowing me to spontaneously visit LA without breaking the bank.
Where to Book:
I recommend booking directly on Spirit Airlines’ website Spirit Airlines for the lowest base fares. You can also check out CheapOair, which often offers additional discounts or codes that can bring your total fare down even more. Expedia and Priceline are also great places to compare prices and find additional offers for flights to Los Angeles.
3. Alaska Airlines – Comfortable and Cost-Effective
📍 Service to: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
💰 Average Price: $130–$250 one-way
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 based on customer reviews
When I want a balance between affordability and comfort, I often choose Alaska Airlines for flights to Los Angeles. While they may not have the absolute cheapest fares available, they offer incredible value for the price. Alaska Airlines is known for its friendly service, comfortable seating, and complimentary snacks on flights, which makes the overall experience feel much more luxurious compared to other budget carriers.
They offer free in-flight entertainment, which I’ve found especially useful on longer flights. During my trips to Los Angeles, I’ve enjoyed the variety of movies and TV shows available for free, which made the flying experience feel more enjoyable. Another benefit is that Alaska Airlines has a generous rewards program, which allows frequent travelers to earn miles toward future flights. This is something I’ve used to my advantage when booking repeat flights to Los Angeles.
I’ve also managed to find flights to Los Angeles for under $150 from cities like Seattle and San Francisco by taking advantage of Alaska’s special promotions and last-minute deals. Alaska’s Sales Alerts are a great feature that I regularly use to ensure I’m notified when fares drop or new discounts are available.
Where to Book:
I recommend visiting Alaska Airlines’ website Alaska Airlines to find the best deals and book your flight. You can also compare prices on Expedia and Orbitz, which often feature Alaska Airlines flights as part of their offerings. These platforms give you the ability to compare flights across different airlines and choose the most affordable option for your trip to Los Angeles.
By understanding which airlines offer the best fares, and utilizing comparison tools and booking platforms, you can easily secure an affordable flight to Los Angeles without compromising on comfort. Make sure to keep an eye on price trends, set up alerts, and book early when possible to lock in the best rates. With the right timing and strategy, you’ll be ready to enjoy the magic of Los Angeles without spending a fortune on airfare.
Best Flight Booking Platforms for Los Angeles Flights
When it comes to booking a flight, there are several platforms I always use to find the best deals. Each platform has its own unique features, and I’ve had great success using all of them to find cheap tickets to Los Angeles.
Google Flights
One of the most powerful tools I’ve found for finding affordable flights is Google Flights. With its easy-to-use interface, I can quickly compare prices across multiple airlines and adjust my search based on my preferred travel dates. The price tracking feature is particularly helpful for monitoring price changes over time.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is another platform I recommend, especially for finding budget airlines and international flights. It’s great for travelers who want to compare a variety of airlines, including low-cost carriers like JetBlue and Spirit, to find the best deal. The flexible dates option is fantastic for anyone who has a bit of wiggle room in their travel plans.
Momondo
For those looking for a comprehensive flight search engine, Momondo is a fantastic option. It compares hundreds of airlines and often offers cheaper flights by connecting with lesser-known booking platforms. Momondo’s visual calendar makes it easy to see when the lowest fares are available.
🔗 Momondo
Expedia
Expedia is a great one-stop-shop for booking flights, accommodations, and even car rentals. I often use it because of the bundle deals that allow me to save more on my entire trip. The platform also offers daily travel deals and a rewards program that I’ve used to earn discounts on future flights.
🔗 Expedia
Tips for Finding the Best Flight Deals to Los Angeles
Now that I’ve covered some of the best airlines and booking platforms, here are a few additional tips I’ve picked up over the years to help you find the lowest-priced flights:
- Set Price Alerts: Use platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner to set price alerts for flights to Los Angeles. This way, you’ll be notified when prices drop, helping you book at the best time.
- Clear Your Cookies: Airline websites track your searches, which can cause prices to increase. Clear your browser’s cookies or use incognito mode when searching for flights to avoid this.
- Be Flexible with Airports: Los Angeles is served by multiple airports. While LAX is the primary airport, consider flying into Burbank (BUR) or Long Beach (LGB) if it offers a cheaper option.
- Book Directly with Airlines: While comparison sites are great, I often find that booking directly with the airline offers better customer service and no hidden fees. Plus, many airlines offer exclusive discounts on their own websites.
By applying these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding affordable flights to Los Angeles. Happy traveling!
