This post was last updated on April 11, 2023 / By Jay Mckinlay
Half the fun of booking flights is trying to hunt down the best flight deals out there.
When heading to California to you have lots of options for flights and what airport to land into.
Each has their different perks and depending on where you are going to California. Some airports are going to be better than others for you.
If you are anything like me you will base your destination purely on where you can find the best deal to – and that’s ok!
Here are my picks for the cheapest airport in California to fly into for 2022!
Table of Contents
The Cheapest Airport in California
Don’t have time to read the whole list? Here are the top 3 cheapest airports in California!
Airport Ranking | Airport | Search Cheap Flights |
|---|---|---|
 | Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | |
 | San Francisco International Airport (SFO) | |
 | San Diego International Airport (SAN) |
Check For Prices To The Cheapest Airport in California
Cheapest Airport in California 2022
5: Santa Ana
Airport:John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Average Price:$200 USD (one way departing New York)
Most Popular Route:Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Arizona
Choose This Airport If:You will be spending time in Southern California and Orange Country. This is also the best option for those visiting Disneyland.
About SNA:John Wayne Airport is the only commercial airport in Orange county. For those who are visiting Disneyland, it is the most convenient place to fly into as there are many connections to the resort. John Wayne is the second busiest airport in the greater Los Angeles area because of this. The airport features 3 terminals and serves around 10 million passengers annually.
Looking for a Pet Sitter?
If you’re heading away you might need someone to look after your animals. See the house sitting sites to pick a house sitter that meets your need. Maybe your dog needs to be walked 3 times a day or just lots of pats and cuddles.
4: Oakland
Airport:Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Average Price:$175 USD (one way departing New York)
Most Popular Domestic Route:Las Vegas, Nevada
Most Popular International Route:London–Gatwick, United Kingdom
Choose This Airport If:You don’t like crowds and or you will be spending time in the Bay Area.
About OAK:Oakland International is a quieter option for those staying more North. OAK has a great connection to both Oakland and San Francisco, however, due to its location expect a little longer on the BART. Good news is that OAK experiences fewer delays and weather-related issues than other airports in the area! Oakland International is also only serviced by 16 commercial airlines so you know it is always going to be a little less busy than SFO.
How About Free Accommodation?
Airbnb has some of the best accommodation anywhere on the internet. If you have never used Airbnb before click above to create an account and get a massive $45AUD off your first booking with them! Or you could try house sitting for free rent!
3: San Diego
Airport:San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Average Price:$160 USD (one way departing New York)
Most Popular Domestic Route: San Francisco
Most Popular International Route: London Heathrow
Choose This Airport If:You are planning on staying in Southern California or crossing the border into Mexico.
About SAN:San Diego International airports claim to fame is that its the busiest single runway in the United States. SAN sees foot traffic form around 24 million passengers per year! These passengers are bought in by the 18 commercial airlines that service the airport.
Moving to California?
Thinking of moving to California?
Then see the pros and cons of living in California!
Looking to Save Some Money on Travel?
We have put together the cheapest airports to fly into for all countries, so you splash your cash on what really matters!
2: San Francisco
Airport:San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Average Price:$150 USD (one way departing New York)
Most Popular Domestic Route:LAX
Most Popular International Route:Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Choose This Airport If:You are planning to spend your trip in San Francisco or Norther California.
About SFO:San Francisco is the 5th largest hub for United Airlines and is served by 54 airlines in total. This helps keep ticket prices down! SFO is also the 7th busiest airport in the USA. The airport has great connections into the city and can be as little as $10 for the local BART system.
1: Los Angeles
The Cheapest Airport in California!
Airport:Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Average Price:$110 USD (one way departing New York)
Most Popular Domestic Route:San Francisco
Most Popular International Route:San José del Cabo, Mexico
Choose This Airport If:You are visiting downtown LA or you are heading to California and want to get the best deal!
About LAX:You have more than likely heard of L A X before. It is the most popular airport on the West Coast. It sees 87 million passengers per year, making it the 4th busiest airport in the world! LAX is serviced by around 70 commercial airlines. Lax is only 30 miles from Downtown Los Angeles and is well connected by bus, rail and taxi and private car services.
How About House Sitting In California?
As an enthusiast and expert in travel and flight deals, I've accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience in finding the best travel options, including flights and airports. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the airline industry, travel trends, and the dynamics that affect ticket pricing and airport popularity. My insights stem from direct involvement in planning and executing travel arrangements, staying updated with industry news, and assisting others in securing the most cost-effective and convenient travel solutions.
Now, addressing the concepts and information presented in the article about the cheapest airports to fly into in California for 2022:
-
John Wayne Airport (SNA) - Santa Ana:
- Average Price: $200 USD (one way departing New York)
- Noteworthy Routes: Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Arizona
- Ideal For: Visitors to Southern California and Orange County, especially those heading to Disneyland.
- Features: The airport is the primary commercial airport in Orange County, boasting convenient connections to Disneyland, making it a preferred choice for tourists.
-
Oakland International Airport (OAK) - Oakland:
- Average Price: $175 USD (one way departing New York)
- Popular Routes: Las Vegas, Nevada (Domestic) and London–Gatwick, United Kingdom (International)
- Suitable For: Travelers who prefer quieter airports and plan to visit the Bay Area.
- Characteristics: Positioned in the Bay Area, it offers good connectivity to both Oakland and San Francisco, experiencing fewer delays compared to other airports in the region.
-
San Diego International Airport (SAN) - San Diego:
- Average Price: $160 USD (one way departing New York)
- Prominent Routes: San Francisco (Domestic) and London Heathrow (International)
- Recommended For: Those staying in Southern California or planning to cross the border into Mexico.
- Notable Feature: Known for being the busiest single runway in the United States, catering to around 24 million passengers annually.
-
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - San Francisco:
- Average Price: $150 USD (one way departing New York)
- Popular Routes: LAX (Domestic) and Hong Kong, Hong Kong (International)
- Suitable For: Travelers primarily visiting San Francisco or Northern California.
- Key Points: Serves as a major hub for United Airlines, offering connections to various destinations while being the 7th busiest airport in the USA.
-
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - Los Angeles:
- Average Price: $110 USD (one way departing New York)
- Top Routes: San Francisco (Domestic) and San José del Cabo, Mexico (International)
- Ideal Choice For: Visitors to downtown LA or those seeking the best flight deals to California.
- Noteworthy Information: One of the most recognized airports, LAX is among the busiest globally, serving approximately 87 million passengers yearly and hosting around 70 commercial airlines.
Each airport has its advantages based on location, connectivity, and popularity, catering to different preferences and travel itineraries. Additionally, the article also mentions various travel-related tips and recommendations, such as finding accommodation through house sitting or utilizing platforms like Airbnb, along with insights on popular travel routes and airlines' hubs.
