Cheap Flights To Los Angeles: Best Strategies for 2026

The short answer is: you can find flights to Los Angeles for as little as $79 one-way if you book strategically, with the cheapest months being February and September, and airlines like Spirit and Frontier offering the lowest base fares.

Book your flight at least 3 weeks in advance to secure the best rates, as prices tend to spike 7-10 days before departure. For example, a round-trip flight from Chicago to Los Angeles in February typically averages $250, while the same route in July can cost $450 or more. Spirit Airlines often has $59 one-way deals during off-peak seasons, but remember to factor in baggage fees, which can add $35-$65 per trip.

One common mistake is assuming that the cheapest fare includes checked luggage or seat selection. Many budget airlines list base fares that exclude these extras, so always check the total cost before booking. A recent study by Airfarewatchdog showed that travelers who overlooked baggage fees paid 25% more on average than those who accounted for them upfront.

Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track price trends, but don’t rely solely on them. Instead, sign up for fare alerts from airlines like Southwest, which sometimes offers $99 round-trip deals during their “Wanna Get Away” sales. For instance, Southwest’s last-minute sales in early October have saved travelers up to $200 compared to standard pricing.

When searching for flights, consider flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) instead of nearby airports like Burbank (BUR) or Long Beach (LGB), as LAX has the most flight options and often the lowest prices. A quick comparison of prices from New York to LAX versus BUR shows that LAX is typically $30-$50 cheaper for the same travel dates.

For the most cost-effective booking experience, find cheap flights using a combination of flexible dates, budget airlines, and strategic timing. Avoid booking on weekends, as flights are usually more expensive due to higher demand from leisure travelers.

Finally, the single best recommendation is to book your flight on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Data from Hopper shows that these days consistently have the lowest average prices, with potential savings of up to $150 compared to weekend bookings. For example, a flight booked on a Tuesday in March could cost $180, while the same flight booked on a Saturday might run $330.