Cheapest Flights from Los Angeles: LAX, BUR & LGB Guide

Los Angeles has five commercial airports spread across the basin. LAX is the obvious choice for most international travel, but for domestic routes and short-haul flights, the other four are often cheaper and always less painful to use.

LAX is the hub for American, Delta, United, Alaska, and multiple international carriers. All long-haul routes — Hawaii, Asia, Europe, Latin America — go through LAX. It's also the most congested airport in the Western US: budget 90 minutes minimum from most LA neighbourhoods, 2+ hours if driving during peak hours.

Burbank (BUR) is the best alternative for domestic travel. Southwest has a strong presence here — fares to Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Phoenix are often identical to LAX but with a 30-minute drive from Hollywood or the Valley instead of 60–90 minutes to LAX. No international flights.

Long Beach (LGB) is served primarily by Southwest and has limited routes, but fares to Bay Area, Denver, and Phoenix are regularly competitive. Much easier airport to use than LAX. Ontario (ONT) serves the Inland Empire and is worth checking if you live east of downtown — Southwest, Alaska, and American all operate here at fares that often match LAX.

Las Vegas (LAS) from LAX or BUR: One of the most competitive air routes in the US. Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, and Alaska all compete. One-way fares from $39–$69 are common on off-peak dates. The 45-minute flight vs. a 4-hour drive makes it a genuine choice — fly when fares are below $79 one-way, drive otherwise.

Mexico (Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta) from LAX: Alaska Airlines dominates West Coast–Mexico and prices it well. Cancun (CUN) from LAX: off-peak one-way fares from around $199–$249. Los Cabos (SJD): from around $169–$219 one-way. Puerto Vallarta (PVR) with Alaska or Volaris: from around $129–$179 one-way on off-peak dates. Mexico from LA is genuinely good value — 3–4 hour flights, warm year-round, and fares that reward booking 4–8 weeks ahead.

Tokyo (NRT / HND) from LAX: Japan Airlines, ANA, and United all compete on LAX–Tokyo. Off-peak one-way fares from around $449–$599. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) see the best prices. Summer is expensive — $700–$900+ one-way. JAL and ANA's product quality makes them worth paying a small premium over United on this route.

New York (JFK) from LAX: The most competed transcontinental route in the US. JetBlue, Delta, American, and United all fly it. Off-peak one-way fares from $129–$179 are achievable. JetBlue's Mint (lie-flat business class) regularly goes on sale at $299–$399 one-way — genuinely one of the best value premium products in US aviation.

Hawaii (HNL, OGG, KOA) from LAX: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines compete most aggressively. Off-peak Honolulu fares from around $229–$299 one-way — September and October are the sweet spot for price and weather. Summer (June–August) pushes fares to $399–$500+. Maui (OGG) and Kona (KOA) run slightly higher than Honolulu. Book Hawaii from LAX 6–8 weeks ahead for best prices; last-minute fares are rarely good.

London (LHR) from LAX: Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, American, and Delta all compete. Off-peak one-way fares from around $399–$549. Virgin Atlantic's product quality is consistently praised — their economy includes a reasonable seat pitch and entertainment system. Look for Virgin sales in January–March and September–October when transatlantic fares are at their softest.

Europe generally: LAX has surprisingly good European connectivity for a West Coast airport — non-stop flights to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zurich, Rome, and Madrid. Off-peak European fares from LAX run about 10–15% higher than from East Coast hubs on average, but the saving in connection time for West Coast residents more than compensates. LAX–Amsterdam on KLM or LAX–Paris on Air France from around $429–$569 one-way off-peak.

Check Burbank first for Southwest domestic routes. If your destination is served by Southwest from BUR — Las Vegas, Oakland, San Jose, Phoenix, Denver, Portland — check BUR first. No baggage fees, flexible rebooking, and often comparable fares to LAX with a much shorter drive and simpler terminal experience.

Alaska Airlines is the best domestic carrier from LAX for West Coast and Mexico. Alaska's mileage program, the ability to earn miles on partner carriers, and their consistently competitive West Coast–Mexico pricing make them the default first check for those routes. Their status match program is also worth considering if you hold status on another airline.

LAX's international terminal (TBIT) is separate — allow extra time. International departures from LAX require passing through the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which is separate from domestic terminals. Add 30 minutes to your LAX arrival time versus domestic flights. Pre-check and Clear are both available and worth it at LAX specifically.

Spirit and Frontier at LAX: total price check essential. Both operate from LAX on domestic routes and advertise low base fares. Spirit's carry-on bag fee ($42–$69 at booking) and seat selection fees mean a two-person trip with bags often costs more than Southwest or Alaska all-in. Always compare the total, not the headline fare.