£86 Find Cheap Flights from New York to California

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from New York to California departing on 16/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to California

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from New York to California, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from New York to California, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Cheap Flights from New York to California

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop£150
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop£189
San Diego
San Diego1 stop£168
Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop£150
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop£189
San Diego
San Diego1 stop£168

Book Cheap New York to California Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from New York to California that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from New York to California

Mon, 4 May - Sat, 9 May
Frontier Logo
13:54 - 18:27
EWR
-
LAX
31h 33m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
19:10 - 12:30
LAX
-
EWR
14h 20m
1 stop
£150Frontier
Mon, 4 May - Sat, 9 May
Multiple Airlines Logo
18:59 - 22:05
EWR
-
LAX
6h 06mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
19:10 - 12:30
LAX
-
EWR
14h 20m
1 stop
£153Multiple Airlines
Sun, 10 May - Sat, 16 May
Spirit Airlines Logo
18:59 - 22:05
EWR
-
LAX
6h 06mdirect
Spirit Airlines Logo
18:18 - 06:30
LAX
-
EWR
9h 12m
1 stop
£155Spirit Airlines
Sat, 9 May - Sat, 16 May
Spirit Airlines Logo
19:30 - 22:36
EWR
-
LAX
6h 06mdirect
Spirit Airlines Logo
18:18 - 06:30
LAX
-
EWR
9h 12m
1 stop
£159Spirit Airlines
Tue, 28 Apr - Wed, 29 Apr
JetBlue Logo
07:50 - 10:40
EWR
-
LAS
5h 50mdirect
JetBlue Logo
22:10 - 06:01
LAS
-
EWR
4h 51mdirect
£174JetBlue
Sat, 2 May - Tue, 5 May
Delta Logo
16:59 - 19:53
JFK
-
LAS
5h 54mdirect
Delta Logo
07:00 - 14:59
LAS
-
JFK
4h 59mdirect
£174Delta
Sat, 9 May - Sat, 16 May
JetBlue Logo
08:00 - 10:39
EWR
-
LAS
5h 39mdirect
JetBlue Logo
11:25 - 19:19
LAS
-
EWR
4h 54mdirect
£174JetBlue
Sat, 9 May - Sat, 16 May
Delta Logo
11:30 - 14:04
JFK
-
LAS
5h 34mdirect
Delta Logo
23:59 - 07:53
LAS
-
JFK
4h 54mdirect
£174Delta
Thu, 16 Apr - Sat, 2 May
Alaska Airlines Logo
13:00 - 16:43
JFK
-
SFO
6h 43mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
06:40 - 15:24
SFO
-
JFK
5h 44mdirect
£210Alaska Airlines
Fri, 8 May - Mon, 11 May
Alaska Airlines Logo
20:11 - 23:54
JFK
-
SFO
6h 43mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
23:11 - 07:59
SFO
-
JFK
5h 48mdirect
£216Alaska Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for New York to California flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from New York to California to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a return flight from New York to California?

This analysis is based on the cheapest return trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from New York to California departing in May.

What is the cheapest New York to California flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The cheapest ticket to California from New York found in the last 72 hours was to Los Angeles, at £73 return. The most popular route is from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport (JFK) to San Francisco (SFO), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was £246.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to California?

The average price for all round-trip flights from New York to California depending on the time of departure, clicked by users on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

The cheapest time of day to fly to California is generally in the morning, when retur flights cost £234 on average. Morning departures are around 74% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to California is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is £904.

Can I save money by flying with a stopover from New York to California?

The average return price for all direct flights, flights with one stopover, and flights with two stopovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of £325, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

What is the cheapest month to fly from New York to California?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from New York to California, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from New York to California is January, when tickets cost £216 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and March, when the average cost of return tickets is £328 and £290 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from New York to California?

The average price of all round-trip flights from New York to California clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to California on a Saturday and more expensive on a Tuesday. On your return trip to New York, you should consider flying back on a Thursday, and avoid Wednesdays for better deals.

How far in advance should I book a flight from New York to California?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from New York to California, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below-average price on a flight from New York to California, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 42% compared to booking last-minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 12 weeks before departure.

Good to know - Cheap tickets from New York to California

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight£86
Best time to beat the crowds (18% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (11% more expensive on average)
Flight from New York John F Kennedy Airport to Las Vegas

Flights from New York to California: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who flew the route from New York to California 
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
EWR
-
LAX
Mar 2026
This flight is very convenient, it should be noted that the security at Newark seems quite understaffed and not the most efficient so passing through it will always take at least half an hour.
KathleenFlew with Alaska Airlines
JFK
-
SAN
Feb 2026
allow plenty of time to get to the airport and through security. Take the plane train if you can. Terminal eight has good food options
BeverlyFlew with JetBlue
JFK
-
SFO
Dec 2025
Wear support socks which helps when you sit for a long time.
AnjaliFlew with Spirit Airlines
EWR
-
LAX
Dec 2025
look out for landing in the new terminal that is then a bus ride away from your luggage
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
EWR
-
SFO
Dec 2025
Bring your own food and in flight activity since they don’t supply any.
LuisFlew with Delta
JFK
-
SFO
Mar 2025
It’s a long flight, come prepared to either watch movies, read or sleep.
HowardFlew with Alaska Airlines
JFK
-
SAN
May 2025
Must have a tablet to watch videos. Bring a seat cushion.
AracelyFlew with Spirit Airlines
EWR
-
LAX
Dec 2024
Bring snacks and your own water bottle to stay hydrated.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
EWR
-
SAN
Feb 2025
My flight was not delayed, but my family had a flight earlier in the week that was, by 5 hours. My daughter says she'll never book a late afternoon flight as they seem most likely to be delayed. I personally like the timing and usually they cost less. Also, get on the plan with fully charged devices or a non-electronic form on entertainment.
Verified travelerFlew with American Airlines
JFK
-
LAX
Jan 2025
Be there on time it really need two hours for security checkups
Verified travelerFlew with Qantas Airways
JFK
-
LAX
Nov 2024
there was an instance where a non speaking couple didnt know when to board. people cut in front of them and the crew didnt respond. it would be nice if there were translators available to assist when needed. i get that you want people on board as quickly as possible. sometimes, it's like herding cats. but do assist the people who dont understand the language.
JulieFlew with Alaska Airlines
JFK
-
SFO
Oct 2024
Leave early. JFK can be messy. I couldn’t find healthy food choices so eat before you arrive.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
JFK
-
SAN
Oct 2024
Landing in La Guardia or Newark (New Jersey) is more convenient for commuting to Manhattan.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
EWR
-
LAX
Jun 2024
Make sure to get food before you get to the airport. Bring chargers for ur phone or your technological device.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
JFK
-
SFO
Jun 2024
SFO is one of the most convenient and pleasant airports. When flying Alaska Air make sure to bring your food and a larger water bottle that usual (you get only two drink services (one small cup each) for a 6 hour flight.
BerniceFlew with Alaska Airlines
EWR
-
SAN
Jun 2024
Give yourself plenty of time to get through security.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
JFK
-
PSP
Mar 2024
Bring an iPad with lots of shows downloaded. The terminal at jfk is nice and small, easy to go thru security. Palm Springs airport is amazing. You step out and feel like you’re on vacation.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
EWR
-
LAX
Apr 2024
There are buses from Time Square Bus Terminal to Newark for $18 direct no stops you are there in 30 minutes.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
JFK
-
SFO
May 2024
The airport food was limited and expensive. Best to bring a sandwich from outside…
MasakoFlew with Alaska Airlines
EWR
-
LAX
Apr 2024
Newark has few food options so pack something if you can. It’s not worth getting food at Newark.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
EWR
-
SAN
Feb 2024
Allow time for TSA (I had) or figure out the priority boarding (I didn't but will look into it for future flights), I thought they were pretty inefficient. A guy behind me was freaking out because he was going to miss his flight and a bunch of us let him cut the line in hopes he could make it.
SridharFlew with Spirit Airlines
EWR
-
OAK
Dec 2023
Fly light. Get seats in front. Make sure you get here before 10 - rental car place closes prior.
LaurenFlew with JetBlue
JFK
-
LAX
Dec 2023
Be very careful that you don’t misplace anything. If you have to go through TSA multiple times, be sure to retrieve ALL your things even if it means you have to hold up the line unfortunately. Otherwise, there will be zero help to retrieve your things afterwards even though there are so many cameras.

FAQs - booking California flights

  • Which California airport is closest to Catalina Island?

    If you’d like to land at an airport close to Catalina Island, book a flight that lands a Long Beach Municipal Airport (LBG). Landing at this airport also referred to as Daugherty Field, is in your best interest since it is 53 km (33 miles) away from the island. All New York airports serve flights to LGB. The airlines that provide these flights include Delta, Spirit, Linear Air Taxi, and American Airlines.

  • Is it possible to fly directly from New York to Los Angeles, California?

    If you want to travel directly from New York to Los Angeles, you’ll be spoilt for choice regarding what airline to travel with, as several air travel companies offer direct flights on this route. The airlines are JetBlue, Delta, Spirit, Alaska, American, and United Airlines. The demand for direct flight tickets for this route is usually high. Hence, to avoid missing one, you should book your ticket on KAYAK as early as possible.

  • How can people with hidden disabilities get help at La Guardia International Airport (LGA)?

    If you have a hidden disability, you’ll be happy to hear that LGA offers Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards and wristbands to persons with hidden disabilities. These Sunflower lanyards and wristbands help airport staff discreetly identify passengers who need extra help. Thus, if you wear one, you can count on being spotted and assisted throughout your airport stay.

  • How can I travel cheaply from New York to California?

    Connecting flight tickets from New York to California tend to be cheaper than direct flight tickets. This being the case, if you want to travel cheaply from New York to California, you should check out the connecting flight tickets available on KAYAK. Airlines such as Spirit, United, Alaska, and Delta offer connecting flights from New York to various parts of California.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from New York to California?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from New York to California.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from New York to California?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from New York to California is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from New York to California?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly from New York to California with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from New York to California?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from New York to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from New York to California

  • In New York, you can board your flight to California at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), or La Guardia International Airport (LGA). When booking your flight to California, book one that departs at LGA since this airport has the smoothest boarding experience. This can be attributed to the fact that it faces the least passenger traffic.
  • In California, the airport you land at should be influenced by the region you’d like to visit. If you want to visit Northern California, you should land at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), while if you want to visit Southern California, you should land at San Diego International Airport (SAN).
  • If you need assistance or have questions at JFK, visit one of its Information Centers. These centers are outside the Arrivals Areas of Terminals 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8 and in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 4.
  • Most small airports in California serve flights from New York. This being the case, if you’re headed to a destination served by a small airport, use Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), SFO, or SAN as your base of travel. This is because they all offer flights to most small airports in California.
  • If you want to travel to JFK from Midtown Manhattan cheaply, catch the local trains to Jamaica Station. At this station, board the AirTrain, which will transport you to JFK. On the other hand, if you’d like to travel directly, you should use a taxi.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying from New York to California

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from New York to California. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from New York to California? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.9
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 12133 reviews
7.8Comfort
7.0Entertainment
8.1Boarding
8.5Crew
7.0Food
Airline reviews

The front desk attendant was rude to everyone in an absolutely careless way.

6.0 GoodAnonymous, Mar 2026
EWR - LAX
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

The front desk attendant was rude to everyone in an absolutely careless way.

The boarding process could be clearer, there's never a call for group f

We left late; had to land in Minneapolis unscheduled to refuel and then landed in interior instead of lax at 2am......

good, no complaints but nothing to rave about. It was fine

I paid $168 each for myself and my daughter for an upgrade and we didn’t get any of the things mentioned by you/ site that comes with an upgrade. It was all just the same. One snack and one beverage. Nothing else. I don’t understand what the upgrade was.

Every thing is on time, boarding, landing nice and smooth. But No tv? No food for 6 hours flight?

I don’t think Alaska coordinates with Kayak. I did not get a “check-in” email inviting me to check in 24 hours in advance. Had to wait 20+ minutes to get a wheel chair.

First Class seats had no more legroom then Premium Economy. There was no working WiFi or entertainment. I would have rather paid $400 more and flown on United for the 6 hours from EWR to SFO.

Overall the flight was on-time and plane ride very comfortable. The free snacks not so good - only a small bag of pretzels and no milk. I wanted milk. There was not entertainment on the plane unless I wanted to download their APP. But I would consider flying with them again and be more prepared on my part with food and entertainment.

This time it is good, no delay and right on time

This was the worse experience. They delayed our flight twice and we still had to find another flight to get home sooner which was alos delayed. Also, the flight attendant named Ginny on DL9890 leaving at 4:13pm on 3/23/26 was extremely rude.

I love Delta the flight attendants were personable and the flight arrived 1/2 earlier thanks expected. All a plus. The gate agent was a bit flustered but even with that I still had a good experience. Her supervisor assisted me.

I am still at the Airport! Delayed Delayed and Delyaed

Love delta smaller commuter plane so no entertainment and paid wifi on MKE-LGA leg was extremely unreliable and slow

Delayed. Hot. Passenger next to me was so large I couldn’t move.

The flight went very well, but the flight attendants didn't serve and food or drinks other than 1st class due to rough air but to be honest it wasn't that bumpy and I felt that they could've at least offered water and coffee perhaps. Also serving 1st class only is a bad look. I've been in 1st class many times and I would've felt that if the turbulence was too rough for the main cabin, it would be too rough for 1st class too.

There was an unruly family behind us that made the short flight miserable!!! The cabin crew did nothing to contain it.

My seatback screen didn’t work so that sucked because that’s what I was going to do on the plane.

The whole experience was excellent. As it most often is with Delta

There’s not much to say about a one hour flight. This is a connection from LA to RNO that I missed the previous night due to a mechanical check delay on my originating flight from JFK to LAX. The short flight itself was fine. Instructions from the pilot and crew were per usual. The coffee was barely lukewarm, which possibly was purposeful so we would down it quickly. Bags were already on carousel upon reaching baggage claim, which was excellent.

Automated scanning was slow and somewhat haphazard. Too many people were unfamiliar with the tech and were forced to learn on the fly. The hands off approach of the gate staff made it more uncomfortable. This needs work. Overall the flight and cabin crew were excellent.

Crew were fantastic and so catering and wonderful! Full score for the entire crew!

Terrible. They canceled our early morning flight after midnight on the day of and had no available flights to rebook my family on for the next 72 hours. Yet they still had other flights that were not cancelled from JFK so it couldn’t be based on the weather. It felt like they canceled the flight based on it not being profitable enough for them. I am not interested in traveling with the again. The absolute worse customer service and lack of accountability.

First time flying with JetBlue and never again. I went to the counter to request meet and assist because I'm 74 and my wife is 79. I walk with a cane and my wife is handicapped and has her own wheel chair. I told the agent that my wife and luggage was at the entrance door. The ticketing agent said to me that they don't offer meet and assist. I need to bring them our luggage and then go back and get my wife in order to get my boarding pass. As I went back to get my luggage a Southwest agent along with a TSA agent recognized the situation and came over and took my wife and luggage to the JetBlue ticketing counter alongside the line and told the JetBlue agent to issue to take our luggage as soon as they could.

Flight was fine, price was good but food onboard was abysmal. I was on there for breakfast and lunch and dinner 845am EST to 845pm GMT and all I got was a yoghurt parfait, fruit and a piece of cake. Later snacks included an ice-cream brownie and a pizza twist. I was hungry by the time I landed and the airport amenities were closed. Not happy.

Not a pleasant experience, service was poor. Didn't like it

Everything was great. I liked the text updates so that I never miss a gate change & I have all the latest info.

No internet on a flight over three hours in this age is criminal. Staff inattentive and dismissive

Worst flight experience ever flights canceled. JetBlue told us just did not even bother standing in line to come back in one and a half hours then without any information we had to go pick up all of our luggage and spend over $2000 in accommodation just to get home. JetBlue said that the next flight available for us to get home would be three days later. Absolutely absurd hasn’t offered to give us any compensation do not fly JetBlue horrible company. They said it was based on the weather and the weather is great in all locations that we would’ve been flying to total hoax. I think it’s a conspiracy theory.

flight was delayed for hours with no explanation. The plane was a very old aircraft.

Flight attendant was all so sweet and pilot got us to our destination safely and on time

No WiFi, no outlets to charge phones, no complimentary beverages on a 6 hour flight

Sadly the flight was delayed by 4 hours due to the weather snd sir traffic control staffing. Otherwise the crew was amazing and the flight was perfect.

Delayed both in takeoff and landing, trash plane no amenities, I've said it before but I'll never fly Spirit again.

Checking in and getting to gate fast and leasy at Laguardia airport. There is no entertainment on the plane and food was for purchase. Great experience flying with spirit

The flight was delayed over an hour which got us into DFW at approximately 2:20 am

Kayak and Spirit could not meaningfully share itinerary data, leading to many hours of remediation.

Do not fly with Spirit. They will leave you canceled if their flight is not 110% booked.

They cancelled my flight last minute, forcing me to rebook with another airline.

A bottled or canned drink, whether water or soda would have been appreciated upon settling in and flying, without being charged for it.

The crew acted like they had never done this and kept barking passive aggressive orders at people. + the security line + the delay + sitting on the tarmac for 2 hours + none of the apps or signage updating with correct times

More inflight connection. And leg space is horrible. And the paying for baggage I'd ridiculous!!!

My flight was originally from SAT to MCO connecting from MCO to ORD. We got diverted to ATL and than Frontier staff there was sooo un helpful first they said they couldn’t give us any accommodation since our flight first got delayed that cancelled and now it’s 221am and I am still in ATL since they said they need to create a new flight my final destination is ORD and I have been delayed twice and cancelled. With no real help the frontier app didn’t work no email updates over all such a horrible experience

Our flight was canceled. I will never use Kayak nor Frontier for travel again. The entire experience was a headache.

Terrible. The canceled my entire flight when I requested a refund for a trip frontier canceled trip one way.

i was unable to check in the flight. refund requested

I think Frontier was very good at communication. Their app worked very well. Loading was great and the flight was nice and easy.

Great for the price. No wifi or entertainment, but gate agents and crew were fantastic and we boarded quickly and left on time.

The worst. They don’t follow procedure for boarding per group. Flight got delayed for no understandably reasons, they changed our destination from PR to Miami, left us inside a plane for more than 8 hours, then cancelled flight in Miami leaving us stranded. Poorly managed re-accommodation for a new flight and overnight stay so I have to spend in a new ticket and my own hotel room to been able to get to my office next day. Lost 2 days of work and as a doctor, patients loosing their appointments. to other flights and besides

Decent clean onboard experience. Okay discount airline experience. Unfortunately, any customer service interactions are difficult and unhelpful. There is no service. Also, a premium seat only gets you premium boarding if you line up first. Once they start general boarding you must go to the back of the line. Not very premium

Everything you need to know for your flight from New York to California

Cabin class types available on flights to California

Cabin classes available on flights to California. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.