Flying from Houston to Los Angeles is a popular route for both business travelers and vacationers alike. Whether you’re exploring the sunny beaches of Southern California or heading to Hollywood for a taste of the glitz and glamor, it’s crucial to find the best flight deals. Luckily, if you’re looking to fly Houston to Los Angeles without breaking the bank, this guide will give you top tips to score a great deal. By using the right strategies and keeping an eye on the trends, you can make sure that your next Houston to Los Angeles flights is not only convenient but also affordable.
1. Book in Advance for Best Prices
Booking early is often one of the most effective ways to secure a low fare for flights from Houston to Los Angeles. Airlines tend to offer their lowest prices around six to eight weeks before departure, with prices typically increasing as the departure date approaches. If your travel dates are flexible, aim to book your Houston to Los Angeles flight during this window to maximize savings.
Pro Tip: Set up alerts with travel search engines and flight comparison websites to notify you when prices drop for flights from Houston to Los Angeles. You can even specify keywords such as “fly Houston to Los Angeles” or “Houston to Los Angeles flights” to get more targeted alerts.
2. Fly Midweek or During Off-Peak Times
One trick that frequent travelers use to get cheaper tickets is to fly during off-peak times. Typically, flights from Houston to Los Angeles on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday tend to be cheaper than those on weekends. Similarly, red-eye flights (overnight) or early morning departures often come with lower prices compared to midday or evening flights.
If you’re flexible with your schedule, use this to your advantage. Adjust your search for flights from Houston to Los Angeles to include these less popular travel times, and you’re likely to see a significant reduction in your airfare.
3. Be Flexible with Airports
Houston and Los Angeles are both served by multiple airports. While George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is Houston’s largest, you may find that flying out of William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) can save you money. Similarly, while Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest in Southern California, you may discover that flying into alternative airports like Long Beach Airport (LGB) or Burbank Airport (BUR) is cheaper.
By including these secondary airports in your search for flights from Houston to Los Angeles, you open up the possibility of finding cheaper routes. It’s important to note, however, that you should factor in any additional transportation costs from these alternative airports to your final destination.
4. Use Points, Miles, or Airline Rewards
If you’re a frequent flyer, now is the time to cash in those miles. Many airlines flying between Houston and Los Angeles, including United, Southwest, and American Airlines, offer loyalty programs that let you accumulate points on your flights. Redeeming your points for flights can result in significant savings or even free tickets. If you don’t have enough points for a round-trip, you may still be able to use them to discount part of your fare.
Additionally, credit card rewards programs often offer points or miles that can be applied toward flights from Houston to Los Angeles. Check to see if any of your cards offer travel rewards or points transfers that can be used with your preferred airline.
5. Compare Multiple Airlines and Flight Aggregators
Never settle for the first price you see when booking Houston to Los Angeles flights. Always take the time to compare fares across different airlines and flight aggregators. Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak can be incredibly useful in finding the best deals by showing you multiple options at once. In many cases, budget airlines like Southwest and Spirit offer competitive prices on this route, so be sure to include them in your search.
By comparing several airlines and flight booking platforms, you might find hidden deals or promotions that aren’t advertised on the airline’s own website. Also, remember to check for any added fees with budget airlines to ensure that you’re truly getting the best deal.
6. Check for Last-Minute Deals
While it’s generally a good idea to book in advance, there are occasions when last-minute deals can be found. Airlines sometimes drop prices shortly before a flight to fill up any remaining seats. If you’re flexible with your departure dates and can afford to be spontaneous, keep an eye out for these last-minute deals.
Using apps and websites that specialize in last-minute flight deals can help you find Houston to Los Angeles flights at a fraction of the normal cost. However, keep in mind that this is a gamble, and there’s no guarantee that prices will drop.
7. Avoid Extra Baggage Fees
Many airlines charge extra for checked luggage, and these fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re flying with a family. To avoid these costs, try to pack light and bring only carry-on luggage when flying from Houston to Los Angeles. Check the baggage policies of each airline before you book, as some budget airlines have stricter guidelines regarding what qualifies as carry-on baggage.
If you must check a bag, consider flying with an airline that offers free checked bags, like Southwest Airlines. By avoiding baggage fees, you can significantly reduce the overall cost of your flight.
8. Consider Package Deals
Another way to save on Houston to Los Angeles flights is by booking them as part of a package deal that includes accommodation, rental cars, or even attraction tickets. Travel agencies and online travel websites frequently offer bundle deals that can save you money when booking multiple travel components together. This strategy is especially useful if you’re planning a vacation and need more than just a flight.
Flying from Houston to Los Angeles doesn’t have to be expensive. By using these tips—whether it’s booking early, being flexible with your travel dates, or comparing multiple airlines—you’ll be well on your way to securing a fantastic deal. Don’t forget to make the most of reward programs and consider all airport options to further maximize your savings.
