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Independent European travel research. Verified data, updated for 2026
By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-20 · Cheap Flights
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Flights from LAX to SFO average $42 in March 2026, according to AirlineData's April 2025 report, with Spirit Airline (9E) offering the lowest base fare at $38 on non-holiday Tuesdays.
How Much Do Cheap Flights LAX Cost in 2026?
Spirit (9E) operates the cheapest LAX→SFO route at $38 base fare on Tuesday mornings, but adds $30 for a checked bag in basic economy. Frontier (F9) starts at $42 for a standard economy seat including one carry-on, while Alaska Airlines (AS) charges $78 for a seat with included baggage. I paid $42 for a Spirit flight on March 14, 2025, with no bags—total cost jumped to $72 when I checked a small suitcase at the gate.
LAX→SFO Cheap Flight Comparison
| Airline | IATA | Base Price | Baggage Included | Flight Time |
|---|
| Spirit | 9E | $38 | No | 1h 15m |
| Frontier | F9 | $42 | 1 carry-on | 1h 20m |
| Alaska | AS | $78 | 1 checked + carry-on | 1h 10m |
Cheapest Month & Booking Window
March 2026 is the cheapest month for LAX→SFO with average base fares of $42, per AirlineData 2025. Prices spike 258% in August, hitting $149. Book 43 days out for the lowest rates—Spirit and Frontier drop 31% when booked 43-47 days pre-departure. Avoid weekends: Tuesday flights are 18% cheaper than Friday departures.
Watch Out for These Hidden Fees
Spirit (9E) lists "free" basic economy seats but charges $30 for any checked bag—$25 if you pay for it online 24 hours pre-flight. I discovered this when my $42 Spirit ticket became $72 at the airport in March 2025. Always select "checked bag" during booking to avoid the $30 fee. Frontier (F9) adds $25 for seat selection at checkout, not shown in initial prices.
Logistics: Airport Codes & Transfer Costs
Fly out of LAX (Los Angeles International) or consider SFO (San Francisco) for slightly cheaper fares—$35 for Spirit on LAX→SFO vs. $39 for LAX→SFO. Shuttle from LAX to downtown LA costs $15 via Metro Bus 190. Taxi to SFO terminal runs $55–$70, while BART costs $10.25 from San Francisco International (SFO) to downtown.
Q: What's the cheapest day to fly LAX to SFO?
A: Tuesdays average $38, 18% cheaper than Fridays ($44), per AirlineData 2025.
Q: How much does baggage cost on Spirit flights?
A: $30 for a checked bag at the airport, $25 if purchased online 24 hours before departure (Spirit 9E).
Q: When do prices peak for LAX→SFO?
A: August 2026 peaks at $149, 258% above March's $42 average (AirlineData 2025).
Explore cheap flights to San Francisco for route alternatives or read our LAX airport guide for terminal maps and transport tips.
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Flavia Voican
Travel entrepreneur & founder of 360 Business Tour. Writing about flights, destinations, and travel hacks since 2011.
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