✈️ Flight Guide: Orlando (MCO) → San Diego (SAN)

Question 1

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is served by major carriers and low-cost airlines offering economy and basic economy seats, including Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Volaris. For the cheapest economy fares, monitor low-cost carriers, sign up for fare alerts, and book 6–8 weeks in advance for domestic travel; international economy sales often appear 2–4 months before peak seasons. Use price-comparison tools and the airport’s official flight schedules to find the best deals.

Question 2

For economy domestic departures from San Diego International Airport (SAN), arrive at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure to allow time for check-in, security screening, and potential TSA PreCheck lines. If you are checking a bag or flying during holiday peaks (December–January, July), add an extra 30 minutes. Always check your airline’s recommended check-in time and consider online check-in to save time.

Question 3

Yes — short-haul flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to nearby major destinations such as Los Angeles (LAX), Las Vegas (LAS) and Phoenix (PHX) frequently feature low-cost economy fares, especially on discount carriers and during off-peak weekdays. Consider early-morning or late-night flights, flexible dates, and multi-airline searches to find the lowest economy prices. Alternative ground transfers (bus or train) can also be cheaper for very short routes like Orange County or Tijuana.

Question 4

Cheapest economy fares often include only a personal item; carry-on bags and checked luggage may incur additional fees depending on the airline. Southwest’s standard economy includes two free checked bags, while carriers like Spirit, Frontier and some basic economy fares from legacy carriers charge extra for both carry-on and checked baggage. Always review the specific airline’s baggage policy before booking to avoid surprise fees.

Question 5

March often features spring travel sales from San Diego International Airport (SAN) with discounted economy fares to Mexico, California beach destinations and limited domestic routes due to spring break promotions. Monitor airline newsletters and set fare alerts for routes to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Las Vegas — many carriers discount economy seats midweek in March. Book early to secure the best economy-class sale fares.

Question 6

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is connected to downtown San Diego by taxi, rideshare, shuttle services, public transit (MTS buses and the forthcoming airport trolley extension planning), and rental cars; the cheapest options are typically public buses and shared shuttle vans. For nearby destinations like Tijuana, parking-and-ride plus cross-border shuttles can save money, while trains/buses to Orange County or Los Angeles may be more budget-friendly than last-minute flights. Compare door-to-door cost and travel time to choose the most economical option.

Question 7

'Cheapest Economy Arrival Options (CHEAP)' refers to a curated set of arrival strategies and airports that maximize affordability for economy-class travelers arriving from San Diego. It emphasizes secondary airports, low-cost carrier hubs, and transit-friendly cities — common destinations include Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Mexico destinations (Tijuana, Cabo San Lucas), and major U.S. hubs like Chicago and New York for budget connections. Use flexible dates and alternate nearby airports to capture the lowest economy arrival fares.

Question 8

Compare nearby airports within a 1–3 hour radius using fare aggregators and check ground transfer costs — sometimes flying into a secondary airport with a cheap economy fare plus an inexpensive bus or shuttle is cheaper overall. For example, landing at John Wayne Airport (SNA) or Long Beach (LGB) can be more affordable than LAX for Southern California travel when factoring low-cost carrier routes. Always include transfer time, baggage fees, and ride-share costs in your comparison.

Question 9

December typically shows elevated arrival fares due to holiday travel demand, but early-December and travel on the holiday itself can sometimes yield cheaper economy arrivals. If you must travel in December, book 8–12 weeks in advance and search multiple nearby airports; consider arriving a day earlier or later than peak holiday days to save on economy tickets. Using flexible-date tools and fare alerts is especially effective in December.

Question 10

Cheapest economy arrival airports often provide access to major cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tijuana, Orange County, San Francisco, and even farther hubs like Chicago or Dallas with connecting economy fares. Ground transport and short domestic connections can extend your reach to cities without direct low-cost flights. Factor in transfer time and cost when choosing the arrival airport for the best overall price.

Question 11

Cheapest economy arrival fares, especially basic economy or ultra-low-cost carrier tickets, typically restrict carry-on size, seat selection and allow only a personal item; checked bags will often carry fees. Check each airline’s policy for arrival airports, as baggage rules can vary by route and fare class. Consider purchasing bundles or paying for bags at booking if you need them — sometimes bundled fares still cost less than separate add-ons.

1.0.2603.22

Best Flights starting from $212

Tue, Jun 9

Roundtrip

Tue, Jun 23

Wed, Jun 10

Roundtrip

Wed, Jun 24

Sat, Jun 6

Roundtrip

Sat, Jun 20

Mon, Jun 8

Roundtrip

Mon, Jun 22

Thu, Jun 11

Roundtrip

Thu, Jun 25

Fri, Jun 12

Roundtrip

Fri, Jun 26

Sun, Jun 7

Roundtrip

Sun, Jun 21

Other Destinations

Flights from Other Cities

Departing from Orlando (MCO) FAQs

What airlines fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) with the cheapest economy fares?

How early should I arrive at San Diego International Airport (SAN) for an economy domestic flight?

Are there cheaper economy routes from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to major destinations like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix?

What baggage rules apply to the cheapest economy fares from San Diego International Airport (SAN)?

Are there month-specific promotions from San Diego International Airport (SAN) in March?

What transportation options connect San Diego International Airport (SAN) to downtown and nearby cities affordably?

Arriving at San Diego (SAN) FAQs

What does 'Cheapest Economy Arrival Options (CHEAP)' mean and which destinations are included?

How do I find the cheapest economy arrival airport near my final destination?

Are there month-specific cheap arrival trends in December for economy travelers?

What nearby major cities can I access from the cheapest economy arrival airports?

What baggage and seat restrictions are common on cheapest economy arrival fares?

Events & Festivals — How They Affect Economy Fares from San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Best Time to Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) — Economy Fare Guide

Direct vs Connecting Flights — San Diego International Airport (SAN) Economy Advice

Airline Comparison for Economy Fares — San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Seasonal Travel Tips — Save on Economy Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Flight Times and Schedules — San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Cheap Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) — Economy Class Tips

Flight Options & Prices:

Cheap economy Flights: MCO to SAN in June - Route 3

Flight Options & Prices:

Cheap economy Flights: MCO to SAN in June - Route 4

Flight Options & Prices:

Cheap economy Flights: MCO to SAN in June - Route 5

Flight Options & Prices:

Cheap economy Flights: MCO to SAN in June - Route 6

Flight Options & Prices:

Cheap economy Flights: MCO to SAN in June - Route 7

Flight Options & Prices:

Why Choose Economy Class Flights from Orlando (MCO) to San Diego (SAN)?