✈️ Flight Guide: Los Angeles (LAX) → Seattle (SEA)

October in the Seattle region is rich with fall activities: Seattle Seahawks NFL home games (game-day transit can affect SEA arrivals and downtown traffic), Oktoberfest celebrations in neighborhoods like Fremont and Ballard, Halloween festivals and haunted attractions, and prime fall foliage trips to Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park. Whale-watching tours and off-season museum exhibits also become more available. Travelers flying from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) should book event tickets and ground transportation in advance, especially for weekend stays.

For October travel between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the best time to fly is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and early morning (departures before 9 AM) to reduce delays and often secure lower fares. Book about 3–6 weeks before your trip to strike a balance between availability and price. If you need the absolute lowest fare, search flexible-date calendars and consider flying on a Wednesday or late Sunday night. Use fare alerts and compare nonstop options to avoid higher prices on game days or big fall events.

For the short domestic hop between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), nonstop flights are usually the best choice: they save time (about 2.5–3 hours), reduce the risk of missed connections, and often have competitive pricing in October. Connecting itineraries may be marginally cheaper but add risk and total travel time, and are rarely worth it unless nonstop fares are significantly higher. If you need the lowest price or are redeeming award travel, compare one-stop itineraries but prioritize nonstops for reliability and convenience.

Alaska Airlines: Frequent nonstop schedules and strong loyalty program for Pacific Northwest travelers; often best for flexibility and baggage perks. Delta Air Lines: Competitive transcontinental product with premium cabin options and broad connectivity. American and United: Provide multiple daily flights and good alliance connectivity for international connections. Southwest: Offers budget-friendly fares with two free checked bags and flexible change policies — ideal for value-conscious October travelers. Compare total trip cost (including baggage and seat fees) and convenient departure times when choosing your carrier.

Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, shoes with good traction, and a compact umbrella for Seattle's October weather. Expect mild conditions at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) but cool, often rainy conditions at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Allow additional transfer time on game days and check airline and airport advisories the day before travel. For comfort, bring a light scarf, portable charger, and noise-cancelling earbuds for the short domestic flight. Finally, set flight and gate alerts on your phone and verify terminal information the morning of travel to avoid last-minute stress.

Nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) typically take between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on winds and routing; the great-circle distance is about 954 miles (1,535 km). In October, expect multiple daily nonstop departures starting early morning and continuing through the evening, with peak frequency mid-morning and late afternoon. Alaska Airlines often provides high-frequency service, while Delta, American, United, and Southwest supplement nonstops and one-stop connections. Remember both airports operate on Pacific Time (PDT in October), so schedule planning is straightforward without time-zone adjustments for domestic travelers.

To find cheap flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in October, search 3–6 weeks in advance and target midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) for the lowest fares. Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner and set price alerts to catch dips. Consider flying on early morning or late evening nonstops, which often have lower demand; Southwest and Alaska Airlines frequently run promotional fares. If you're flexible on dates, use the calendar view to spot the cheapest day to travel. Book direct with the airline when possible to simplify changes and cancellations.