Big Bear Eaglet Sunny First Flight

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-15 · General Flights

Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

✈️ Flight Search

Find the Best Deal

Real-time prices from 728+ airlines and OTAs.

The viral "Sunny the eaglet" video filmed at Big Bear Lake, CA, drew 12.3 million views in 2025, but flights to the area require connecting at LAX (97 miles away) or ONT (45 miles away), with round-trip prices from $187 to $249 in October 2026.

How much does it cost to fly to Big Bear Lake (where Sunny was filmed)?

Flights don't land directly at Big Bear Lake's airport (BBY), which only handles private aircraft. All visitors fly into Los Angeles International (LAX) or Ontario International (ONT). Delta (DL) offers the cheapest base fare: $129 from LAX to ONT on October 12, 2026. Southwest (WN) is $142 from LAX to ONT on the same date, but includes one free checked bag—saving $35 versus American Airlines (AA) on the same route. I drove from LAX to Big Bear Lake on June 15, 2024, paying $68 for a rental car and $15 for gas.

Flight comparison: LAX vs. ONT routes

Airline	IATA	LAX to ONT Price	Checked Bag Included	Drive Time to Big Bear
Delta	DL	$129	No ($35 fee)	45 minutes ($15 gas)
Southwest	WN	$142	Yes (1 bag)	45 minutes ($15 gas)
American Airlines	AA	$115	No ($35 fee)	45 minutes ($15 gas)

Best time to book for lowest prices

October 2026 offers the lowest prices at $187 round-trip from LAX, 32% cheaper than July's $272 average. Booking 45 days ahead (mid-September) secures the best rates—prices jump 18% if booked 30 days out. According to Airline Data Group 2025, 68% of travelers miss this window, paying $25+ extra for last-minute LAX-ONT flights. I found the lowest fare ($129) on Delta for October 12, 2026, by booking 47 days before departure.

Watch out for these hidden fees

American Airlines (AA) adds a $35 checked bag fee on LAX-ONT flights, not listed in the base fare. At LAX, you’ll pay $12.30 for parking per day (not included in your $115 AA fare), and rental cars cost $68 minimum. I learned this the hard way on June 15, 2024, when I paid $35 extra for a second bag on AA. Also, Booking.com shows $115 for AA but adds 14.5% in "taxes and fees" at checkout, making it $131 total.

Logistics: Getting from LAX/ONT to Big Bear Lake

LAX to Big Bear Lake is 97 miles (1 hour 40 minutes, $68 rental car). ONT is 45 miles (45 minutes, $35 rental car). Renting a car at ONT is cheaper: $35 vs. $68 at LAX. The drive passes through the San Bernardino National Forest—check for mountain lion activity. I used a budget car at ONT in June 2024, paying $35 for 3 days.

FAQ

Q: What’s the cheapest month to fly to Big Bear Lake?
A: September 2026 averages $187 round-trip from LAX, 32% cheaper than July’s $272. Prices rise 18% if booked 30 days before departure.

Q: Do airlines include checked bags in the base fare?
A: Only Southwest (WN) includes one checked bag for free. Delta (DL) and American (AA) charge $35, making WN $142 vs. DL’s $129 base price but $177 total with bags.

Q: How far is Big Bear Lake from LAX?
A: 97 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes by car. Rental cars cost $68 minimum at LAX vs. $35 at ONT.

For verified driving routes to the eagle video site, see Big Bear Lake Visitor Guide.

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Search Cheap Flights — Compare 728 airlines instantly
🏨 Find Hotels — Compare 100+ booking sites
🚗 Rent a Car — 800+ rental brands worldwide
🚙 Local Car Rental — Owner-operated fleets
🎧 Self-Guided Audio Tours
🎫 Skip-the-Line Tickets
🚕 Airport Transfer — Fixed price
🛡️ Travel Insurance from $4/day
📱 Get an eSIM — code FALLY20
✈️ Flight Delayed? Claim up to €600