✈️ Flight Guide: Atlanta (ATL) → San Diego (SAN)

Key events that create price spikes for flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) include San Diego Comic-Con (July), major Padres games and large conventions (throughout the year), the Del Mar Races (summer), and holiday-season travel surges in December. Nearby destination events, like Las Vegas conventions or Phoenix sporting events, can also drive up fares on shared corridors. For cheap economy travel, avoid major local event dates or book very early.

The best time to fly economy from San Diego International Airport (SAN) is often in September and October, and in January/February when demand is lower. For weekly savings, Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally have lower fares, while Fridays and Sundays are most expensive. Use fare calendars and flexible-date searches to identify the cheapest travel windows and avoid holiday peaks.

Connecting flights often offer the lowest base fares for economy travelers departing San Diego International Airport (SAN), especially on longer routes or to international destinations. However, direct flights save time and reduce the risk of missed connections — weigh the fare savings against added travel time and total cost of baggage or overnight layovers. For cheap economy travel, search both direct and one-stop itineraries and compare total trip price.

Budget carriers like Spirit and Southwest often list the lowest headline fares from San Diego International Airport (SAN), but check baggage and seat fees which can raise the total cost. Legacy carriers (Delta, American, United, Alaska) frequently include more perks in base fares and have broader networks for convenient connections. Compare total out-the-door price — including carry-on/checked bag fees and seat selection — when selecting the cheapest economy option.

Winter (Jan–Feb): Book flexible midweek economy travel and monitor post-holiday sales for cheapest fares from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Spring (Mar–May): Avoid peak spring-break weeks unless booked early; consider early-month travel for savings. Summer (Jun–Aug): Expect peak pricing; use alternate airports and connecting itineraries for cheaper economy options. Fall (Sep–Nov): Best season for bargains — September and October often have lowest economy prices. Always account for baggage, seat, and change fees when evaluating the cheapest options.

Common short-haul economy routes from San Diego International Airport (SAN) include San Diego to Las Vegas (~1h15), Phoenix (~1h20), Los Angeles (~0h45), San Francisco (~1h30), and Denver (~2h30). Early morning and late-night flights can be cheaper, and many carriers increase frequency midday on popular routes. For the cheapest economy fares, compare nonstop and one-stop schedules and select off-peak departure times.

To find the cheapest economy flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN), use fare aggregator tools, set alerts, and be flexible on dates and airports. Consider mid-week departures, red-eye flights, and budget carriers, while always factoring in baggage and seat fees to compare total trip cost. Search nearby arrival airports (Los Angeles, Tijuana, Orange County) and major budget destinations (Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Francisco) to maximize savings.