What are the Best Airline To Fly To California?

The diverse neighborhood of Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge, the California State Fair, and sun-kissed beaches are what attract millions of passengers to California. This year is your calling to the Golden State, and the easiest way to travel in the States is by flying. California has more than a dozen airports, but the most popular ones are LAX and SFO. Delta Air Lines has a hub in Los Angeles International Airport, meanwhile, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines serve their hubs at San Francisco International Airport. 

Top 3 Airlines for Your Journey to California

Many renowned and budget friendly carriers operate from California. Selecting one amongst them would be an injustice to the other. However, you can catch a glimpse of the top 3 airlines that fly from California. Depending on the origin of your flight, you can decide which is the Best Airline To Fly To California.

• Delta Air Lines 
• United Airlines
• Alaska Airlines

Delta Air Lines 

This carrier, well-known for its top-notch customer service and satisfaction, brings millions of passengers to taste the glamour of Hollywood, bathe in beaches along over 70 miles of San Diego’s coastline, and stroll through the world-class museums in San Francisco. Delta Airlines offers flight + car packages to those flying to LAX; it even has Delta Sky Club at the airport, where the passengers can relax during their trip. Not only that, there is a dedicated team that directs you through all travel formalities, from check-in, bag drop, and security to boarding. 

In-flight Amenities include:

Whether you are flying economy or Delta Comfort +, you will find your money worth the spend. You can log in to the free Delta Sync Wi-Fi, Savor in-flight delights, and watch movies in the entertainment options. For more space, enhanced dining options, and exciting extra amenities, try out first class and Delta Premium Select. 

Routes:

Delta not only flies to LAX but also to SFO from a few origins. Other destinations that Delta uses for its operations in California are Burbank, Fresno, Long Beach, Oakland, Ontario, Palm Springs, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Ana, and Santa Barbara. Check out the more operational destinations.

Lands At	Origin
Los Angeles International Airport(LAX)	Atlanta, Auckland, Austin, Boston, Cancún, Cincinnati, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Guatemala City, Honolulu, Houston–Intercontinental, Indianapolis, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Liberia (CR), Lihue, Memphis, Mexico City, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, New Orleans, New York–JFK, Orlando, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Portland (OR), Puerto Vallarta, Raleigh/Durham, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Francisco, San José (CR), San José del Cabo, San Salvador, Seattle/Tacoma, Sydney, Tampa, Tokyo–Haneda, Washington–National Seasonal: Brisbane (begins December 4, 2024), Papeete
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)	Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York–JFK, Salt Lake City, and Seattle/Tacoma

United Airlines

United Airlines is another big name for airlines that operate within and to California. It has hubs in LAX and SFO and flies from over 200 places within the states and 100 international airports. United is the third-largest airline in the world, a member of the Start alliance, and is known for its ultra-long-haul flights across six continents. Flights operate all year round from some origins, while other airports serve seasonal itineraries to Cali. 

In-flight Amenities include:

United flights are divided into five cabin categories: United Polaris, United First and United Business, United Premium Plus, Economy Plus, and United Economy. Each of these cabins is value-based, and you will find your money best spent on it. Long-haul international premium cabins, as well as Economy dining options, are available to those who want them. Most flights have Wi-Fi and in-flight power facilities.

Routes:

With comfortable seating options and exciting on-board experience, United stands first in providing top-notch services even in ultra-long haul operations. The carrier will add new destinations to its route maps to California in the days to come. These new destinations include St. Louis and Detroit to SFO and Shanghai–Pudong to LAX. The following are the details you should know to make the reservations. 

Lands At	Origin
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)	Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Cancún, Chicago–O’Hare, Cleveland, Cozumel, Denver, Guatemala City, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Houston–Intercontinental, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Las Vegas, Lihue, London–Heathrow, Melbourne, Newark, Orlando, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Puerto Vallarta, San Diego, San Francisco, San José del Cabo, San Salvador, Seattle/Tacoma, Shanghai–Pudong (resumes August 29, 2024), Sydney, Tampa, Tokyo–Haneda, Tokyo–Narita, Vancouver, Washington–Dulles Seasonal: Belize City, Bozeman, Calgary, Fort Myers, Jackson Hole, Liberia (CR), San José (CR), Tulum
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)	Atlanta, Auckland, Austin, Baltimore, Beijing–Capital, Boise, Boston, Brisbane, Burbank, Calgary, Cancún, Chicago–O’Hare, Cleveland, Columbus–Glenn, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit (resumes August 19, 2024), Fort Lauderdale, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Houston–Intercontinental, Indianapolis, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Lihue, London–Heathrow, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Mexico City, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Munich, Nashville, Newark, New Orleans, Ontario, Orange County, Orlando, Osaka–Kansai, Papeete, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Pittsburgh, Portland (OR), Puerto Vallarta, Raleigh/Durham, Reno/Tahoe, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San José del Cabo, Seattle/Tacoma, Seoul–Incheon, Shanghai–Pudong, Singapore, St. Louis (resumes August 19, 2024), Sydney, Taipei–Taoyuan, Tampa, Tel Aviv (suspended), Tokyo–Haneda, Tokyo–Narita, Toronto–Pearson, Vancouver, Washington–Dulles, Washington–National Seasonal: Albuquerque, Amsterdam, Anchorage, Barcelona, Belize City (begins December 21, 2024), Bozeman, Christchurch, Eugene, Fort Myers, Jackson Hole, Liberia (CR), Medford, Montréal–Trudeau, Omaha, Palm Springs, Redmond/Bend, Rome–Fiumicino, Santa Barbara, Zürich

Alaska Airlines

The most compelling part about flying with Alaska is that it offers a deal monthly fee starting at $49 for those who frequently land at selected destinations and provides flexible flights to and from select locations. Guess what? California is one of those special destinations. 

Revel in the light snacks, delicious meals, and Wi-Fi at the Alaska and Aspire Lounges in LAX, SFO, and SAN. Check out the candy bar at the San Francisco Airport along with a Giants-themed kids’ room. Representatives at the customer service center inside the airport can provide you with the apt and necessary guidance with the travel. 

In-flight Amenities Include:

The lowest rate to access the main cabin amenities is the economic cabin in Alaska, which also has the free carry-on option. Meanwhile, the premium cabins are more than what you can ask for. The award-winning main cabin tickets let you free flight change options and seat selection choices. Premium Class has extra legroom, free beer, wine, cocktails, and early boarding facilities. 

Routes:

Burbank, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Ontario, Orange County, Palm Springs, Redding, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco are the common locations where Alaska flies in California. The carrier has a hub in Los Angeles and San Francisco International Airport. Take a look at the places from where you can fly to California. 

Lands At	Origin
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)	Anchorage, Belize City, Boise, Cancún, Eugene, Everett, Guadalajara, Guatemala City, Honolulu, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Kahului, La Paz (MX) (begins November 20, 2024), Las Vegas, Liberia (CR), Loreto, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Medford, Monterrey (starts February 13, 2025), Nassau, Newark, Portland (OR), Puerto Vallarta, Redmond/Bend, Reno/Tahoe (resumes October 1, 2024), San Francisco, San Jose (CA), San José (CR), San José del Cabo, Santa Rosa, Seattle/Tacoma, Spokane, Tri-Cities (WA) (begins October 1, 2024), Washington–Dulles, Washington–National Seasonal: Fort Lauderdale, Kelowna (begins December 19, 2024), Tampa
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)	Austin, Boise, Boston, Burbank, Cancún, Chicago–O’Hare, Everett, Honolulu, Kahului, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Newark, New York–JFK, Orange County, Orlando, Palm Springs, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Portland (OR), Puerto Vallarta, Redmond/Bend, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San José del Cabo, Seattle/Tacoma, Spokane, Washington–Dulles, Washington–National Seasonal: Anchorage, Bozeman, Fort Lauderdale, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Liberia (CR) (begins December 21, 2024), Loreto, Mazatlán, Tampa

Budget-Friendly Carriers for Your California Adventure

A sound flyer is someone who would want to save on their travels by purchasing flights with a low-cost carrier. Some ultra-low-cost carriers in the US, such as Frontier and Spirit, are the ones you can rely on to take you to the state where LA, Golden Gate Bridge, and Silicon Valley reside. These airlines provide flights cheaper even during the peak seasons. However, you may have to compromise with your comfort and pay additional charges for accessing certain services. 

If you are careful enough, these cheap carriers can be the world’s best airlines for your California journey. So, be wise with your planning when traveling with budget-friendly carriers. Whether you want to fly to Los Angeles or San Francisco, you must confirm whether the airline operates from the point of your departure. Here’s what you must know!

BUDGET-FRIENDLY CARRIERS	Flights to LAX	Flights to SFO
Southwest Airlines	Albuquerque, Austin, Baltimore, Chicago–Midway, Dallas–Love, Denver, El Paso, Honolulu, Houston–Hobby, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Nashville, New Orleans, Oakland, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Portland (OR), Reno/Tahoe, Sacramento, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Francisco, San Jose (CA), Tucson Seasonal: Atlanta, Kailua-Kona, Lihue	Chicago–Midway, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, San Diego, St. Louis Seasonal: Dallas–Love
Frontier Airlines	Atlanta (begins August 13, 2024), Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Sacramento (begins August 13, 2024), San Francisco, San Jose (CA) (begins August 13, 2024)	Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Ontario, Orange County, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Portland (OR), Salt Lake City, San Diego Seasonal: Chicago–Midway, Detroit, Orlando
Jetblue Airlines	Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Nassau, Newark (ends October 27, 2024), New York–JFK, Salt Lake City, San José del Cabo. Seasonal: Hartford, West Palm Beach	Boston, Fort Lauderdale, New York–JFK Seasonal: Cancún
Spirit Airlines	Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago–O’Hare, Columbus–Glenn, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Houston–Intercontinental, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Louisville, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, Newark, New Orleans, Oakland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland (OR), Reno/Tahoe, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Jose (CA), Seattle/Tacoma	–

Major Airports in California 

Indeed, people often visit California to vacay its tranquil beaches amidst the heavenly weather and dazzling cities enriched with entertainment and history. However, there are a million reasons why it is the most populous state in the US and a subnational entity in the entire continent. Depending on your purpose, you should select your arrival airport in California, and the following are your top choices. (PS: make sure to check before booking whether the Best Airline To Fly To California operates in these airports or not!

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
• Oakland International Airport (OAK)

To Sum It Up

Well, the quest to find the best airline in California ends here! The answer lies in your expectations, budget, and urgency. Alaska and Delta Air Lines are your top picks in case you want a luxurious flying experience with the best team helping you navigate your way. Meanwhile, United is the one that has the most routes from the farthest end of the globe, along with the extraordinary lounge facilities at LAX and SFO. Besides, if you are booking last minute and wishing to avoid hefty airfares, Frontier and Southwest, as low-cost carriers, are safe picks for this expedition. 

Frequently Asked Questions