Transcontinental Travel: Best Rates for JFK to LAX Flights
Cheapest flight found
$204
Last updated Mar 13, 2026
Prices by Month
Price History
Tracking the May 7, 2026 departure — the cheapest date we found.
Price Behavior: JFK → LAX
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$204
Highest Fare
$344
Median Fare
$209
Price Spread
$140
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: May 2026 (from $204)
Most expensive month: April 2026 (from $344)
Biggest price drop caught: $220 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: American
What This Means for You
Flights from New York to Los Angeles range from $204 to $344, a $140 spread across the months we track. If your dates are flexible, May 2026 tends to have the lowest fares. Because prices on this route change significantly, setting up hourly price alerts gives you the best chance of catching a short-lived drop before it corrects. We have caught drops as large as $220 between hourly checks on this route.
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From
New York (JFK)
To
Los Angeles (LAX)
Airport Information
New York (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) serves as New York City's primary international gateway, featuring six distinct passenger terminals connected by the efficient AirTrain system. Located in Queens, it is a massive hub for major carriers like Delta, American Airlines, and JetBlue, offering world-class amenities including the iconic TWA Hotel, numerous high-end lounges, and a vast array of international dining options that reflect the city's diverse culture.
Los Angeles (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport serving the Greater Los Angeles area, situated right along the scenic Pacific coast. As one of the world's busiest airports, it consists of nine passenger terminals arranged in a U-shape, featuring the stunning Tom Bradley International Terminal. It serves as a major gateway to Asia and Oceania and is currently undergoing multi-billion dollar renovations to improve passenger flow and consolidate car rental facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the average flight from JFK to LAX?
The average flight time is approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes when flying west, though tailwinds can make the return trip to New York about 45 minutes shorter.
Which airlines offer non-stop service between JFK and LAX?
Major carriers including JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines all offer frequent daily non-stop service between these two hubs.
Is there a significant time difference between the two cities?
Yes, Los Angeles is in the Pacific Time Zone, which is three hours behind the Eastern Time Zone used in New York City.
What is the best way to get to JFK from Manhattan?
Travelers can use the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station or Grand Central to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the AirTrain, which is often faster than a taxi during rush hour.
When is the best time to book a flight for the lowest fare?
Fares are typically lowest when booked at least 3 to 6 weeks in advance, particularly for mid-week departures on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
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