Major events that spike economy fares at SAN include San Diego Comic-Con (July), Holiday Bowl and other sports events (December), and large conventions at the San Diego Convention Center. Nearby destination events — Coachella (Indio, April), major Las Vegas conventions, and Mexican festivals (Day of the Dead in November) — also affect fares because they increase demand on nearby routes. If traveling during a big event, book months in advance or shift travel dates to avoid premium pricing.
The best times to fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) for the cheapest economy fares are typically January, February, September, and early November — shoulder seasons when demand is lower. Avoid peak holiday weeks (mid-December and Thanksgiving week) and major local events like Comic-Con in July if you want the lowest fares. For domestic travel, book economy seats 1–3 months ahead; for Mexico and Central America, aim for 2–4 months advance booking.
Direct nonstop flights offer convenience and lower risk of missed connections but can be more expensive than connecting routes. Budget travelers often save money by booking connecting flights through hubs such as Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), Las Vegas (LAS), or Denver (DEN). When choosing connecting itineraries for the cheapest economy fare, leave at least 90–120 minutes for connections and avoid tight single-airline-to-low-cost-carrier mixes that lack baggage protection.
Southwest frequently offers competitive economy fares with two free checked bags, making it a strong value for families. Alaska Airlines provides solid route coverage on the West Coast and generally good onboard service for economy travelers. Spirit and Frontier advertise ultra-low base fares with many ancillary fees, which can be cheapest for travelers who travel light. Legacy carriers (Delta, American, United) often have more schedule options and better interline support but may charge more for checked bags. Compare total trip cost (fare + bags + seat selection) before booking.
Winter: Travel in January–February for the best economy fares; pack layers for coastal chill and carry essential winter weather gear if heading inland. Spring: Shoulder-season bargains are common; check festival dates that may raise prices. Summer: Expect higher prices in June–August and during events like Comic-Con; book early and consider midweek travel. Fall: September–October is ideal for lower fares and milder weather — perfect for cheap economy travelers seeking off-peak savings.
Typical nonstop flight durations from San Diego International Airport (SAN) vary by destination: Los Angeles (LAX) ~ 40–50 minutes, Las Vegas (LAS) ~ 1 hour 10 minutes, Phoenix (PHX) ~ 1 hour 15 minutes, San Francisco (SFO) ~ 1 hour 30 minutes, Cabo San Lucas (SJD) ~ 2 hours 15 minutes, Mexico City (MEX) ~ 3 hours 30 minutes. Low-cost carriers often operate multiple daily economy flights to nearby hubs with early morning and late evening red-eye options that can lower fares. Connection hubs for cheapest itineraries usually include LAX, PHX, LAS, and DEN; factor in minimum connection times (typically 45–90 minutes domestic-to-domestic).
To find cheap economy flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN), use flexible date searches, set fare alerts, and compare both low-cost carriers (Spirit, Frontier) and legacy airlines during seat sales. Consider alternate nearby airports (Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Tijuana) and midweek departures for cheaper pricing. Use location-rich search terms like 'cheap SAN to Las Vegas economy' and 'San Diego economy fare deals' to surface targeted promotions. CTA: Sign up for price alerts and check low-cost carriers weekly to lock in the cheapest economy fares.