Falling Airfare Prices Are Changing How Californians Travel

California travelers in 2025 are paying closer attention to flight prices than at any point in recent years. After several years of post-pandemic volatility, fares have entered a new phase marked by modest national declines and selective discounts on major routes.

The impact is not uniform, but the perception of more affordable flying is already reshaping how residents of Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento approach their travel choices.

Short weekend getaways, family visits, and regional business trips are increasingly reconsidered through the lens of air travel rather than the long drive that once seemed unavoidable.

Domestic Airfare in 2025 Reaches Lowest Levels Since 2021

The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that the average domestic itinerary fare in the first quarter of 2025 was about $397. That figure represents a 1.2 % decline (inflation adjusted) compared with the previous quarter. The calculation includes base fares and mandatory fees but excludes optional add-ons such as checked bags or seat upgrades.

While that decline is small, it is meaningful in an environment where consumers had seen airfares rise steadily between 2022 and 2023 due to fuel price spikes and capacity shortages. Even with the early-2025 dip, fares remain significantly above their pre-2019 averages. Historical context matters: domestic roundtrip fares adjusted for inflation were closer to $300 in the early 2010s, so today’s “lower” numbers are still relatively expensive.

Other mid-2025 sources highlight volatility. Reports show that in May, average gross fares on some U.S. routes actually rose month-over-month, climbing from $216 to $221. This suggests that the downward trend is not linear and that airlines continue to adjust pricing based on demand and operating costs. Industry analysts note that many carriers are trimming capacity on select routes to keep load factors high, which tends to put upward pressure on fares even as promotional discounts grab headlines.

California Routes Offering Noticeably Lower Prices

Some of California’s busiest corridors are seeing discounted fares, but mostly as limited promotions rather than across-the-board reductions. The San Francisco ? Los Angeles route, one of the busiest short-haul flights in the U.S., continues to feature occasional one-way promotional fares in the $40–$60 range. These fares are usually tied to low-demand days or special sales. Travelers who search flexibly on booking platforms may find such bargains, but they remain exceptions rather than the rule.

Sacramento ? San Diego is another corridor where competitive dynamics between carriers have produced occasional lower-than-average fares. Airlines like Southwest and Alaska use flash sales and targeted promotions to stimulate bookings, but those fares sell out quickly. For travelers unable to book at the right time, average ticket costs often remain higher.

Airport traffic reflects these patterns. Ontario International Airport (ONT), located east of Los Angeles, reported over 659,000 passengers in June 2025, its busiest month on record. While this growth coincides with fare promotions and expanded schedules, attributing the surge solely to “cheaper flights” oversimplifies the picture. Population growth in the Inland Empire, shifting airline strategy, and new route announcements are also key drivers.

Statewide, California’s top ten airports handled nearly 20 million passengers in June 2025, with about 80 % of those trips classified as domestic. Regional airports like Santa Barbara, Monterey, and Palm Springs benefit from these trends when airlines choose to add capacity, but the data do not show widespread, permanent fare reductions across every city pair.

How Air Travel Costs Compare to Driving Expenses

Falling fares change the conversation, but they do not eliminate the cost advantage of driving for families and groups. The average price of gasoline in California in mid-2025 has hovered around $4.15 per gallon, according to AAA. A Los Angeles to San Francisco roundtrip in a fuel-efficient sedan costs about $80–$90 in gas. For a family of four, that remains cheaper than buying four roundtrip plane tickets, especially once baggage fees, airport transfers, and parking are added.

Solo travelers and couples, however, find more competitive comparisons. A single traveler may pay roughly the same amount to fly between San Diego and Sacramento as to cover the fuel for the nearly 500-mile drive. Air travel also saves seven to eight hours of road time. Electric vehicle drivers face different calculations again, with charging costs averaging 30–40 % less than gasoline, though public fast-charging prices on intercity routes have risen in 2025.

These comparisons highlight how airfare changes affect different groups unevenly. For some households, driving remains the rational choice; for others, particularly those traveling alone, flying is becoming a more appealing alternative when discounted tickets are available.

Why Lower Fares Could Boost In-State Tourism

Tourism professionals in California watch airfare trends closely. Lower fares, even temporary ones, can influence weekend tourism, particularly when they make destinations accessible for quick getaways. For example, the Santa Rosa airport has noted an uptick in Napa and Sonoma visitors arriving from Southern California. Travelers who once hesitated at a six-hour drive now consider a short flight a reasonable alternative for a two-night trip.

Smaller and more remote regions stand to gain if competitive airfare persists. Communities in Northern California, including Eureka and Crescent City, have reported interest from larger carriers looking at service expansion. These connections could reduce geographic barriers that long kept redwood country relatively isolated from major population centers.

However, it is premature to claim that lower fares are redistributing tourism on a large scale. Passenger data across California airports show mixed results: while ONT and Santa Rosa report record highs, other airports such as Oakland and San Jose have seen stagnant or slightly declining numbers compared with prior years. This suggests that broader patterns are influenced by multiple forces; airline strategy, population shifts, and competitive pricing; rather than by fare reductions alone.

Environmental considerations add further complexity. While more affordable air travel might encourage people to fly instead of drive, reducing highway congestion, it also increases aviation emissions. California’s tourism agencies are weighing how to balance access with sustainability, exploring partnerships that encourage travelers to spread their visits across a wider range of destinations rather than concentrating in just a few hot spots.