These 3 Airlines Have the Cheapest Flights to Los Cabos. Here’s Where They Fly From

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We at The Cabo Sun get this question all the time: “Who actually has the cheapest flights to Los Cabos?”

The real answer depends on what you pack and where you fly from. After analyzing current fares, policies, and route maps, three airlines consistently rise to the top for saving you money to SJD—each for a different reason: Volaris for rock-bottom base fares, Alaska Airlines for the best balance of price + perks on the West Coast, and Southwest for the lowest total cost if you need to check a bag (with new baggage rules you should know about).

Here’s how to pick the right one—and the cities they fly from now.

Volaris — the base-fare champ

If you can travel light and don’t mind an ultra-low-cost experience, Volaris often advertises the lowest one-way deals to SJD, especially from California.

Recent promos show nonstop options from Ontario (ONT) and Oakland (OAK), and the carrier also touches Fresno (FAT) and Los Angeles (LAX), among others. Keep in mind the ULCC model: a simple personal item may be included, but full-size carry-ons, checked bags, seat selection, and extras cost more. Run your numbers before you click purchase.

Where they fly from (highlights): ONT, OAK, LAX, FAT, with additional U.S. gateways on select dates. Check the Volaris U.S.–Los Cabos page for current availability.

Alaska Airlines — West Coast value without the nickel-and-diming

On the heavily traveled West Coast–Cabo corridor, Alaska frequently prices aggressively—sometimes within a few dollars of ULCC promos—while still including a full-size carry-on for free, which many travelers would otherwise pay for.

That alone can flip the math in Alaska’s favor. You’ll find frequent nonstops from Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN), San Jose (SJC), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA) and more.

Where they fly from (highlights): LAX, SAN, SJC, SFO, SEA, often daily; some routes are seasonal—always check your dates.

Southwest — still a total-cost winner (with new bag rules)

Southwest’s point-to-point network gives Cabo fans solid nonstops and easy connects from hubs like Phoenix (PHX), Houston Hobby (HOU), Denver (DEN), Chicago Midway (MDW), Baltimore (BWI), San Diego (SAN), San Jose (SJC) and more.

Historically, “Bags Fly Free” made Southwest the slam-dunk cheapest for families, but as of May 28, 2025, Southwest now charges for most checked bags; exceptions remain for Business Select, A-List Preferred, some A-List/credit-card holders, and active-duty military.

First bag is typically $35 and second $45 each way for everyone else. Even with that change, Southwest can still beat ULCCs on total price once you add their carry-on policy and the new selective free-bag perks for status and co-branded cardholders.

Where they fly from (highlights): PHX, HOU, DEN, MDW, BWI, SAN, SJC and other cities on varying schedules—use Southwest’s route list to confirm your specific dates.

Smart booking tips from our Cabo desk

• Shop the shoulder: Late October often hits the sweet spot—near-peak weather with shoulder-season pricing for flights and hotels.
• Competition helps you: Crowded corridors like LAX–SJD keep fares honest across airlines. If you’re flexible on airport—say, comparing LAX vs. ONT or OAK—you can win big.
• Book strategically for peak: Holiday season to Cabo sells out fast. Don’t rely on the “book 90 days out” rule for late-December or spring-break trips; buy earlier.

Helpful reads from The Cabo Sun

If you’re plotting your winter escape, our coverage of Frontier’s new ATL & LAS nonstops shows how added seats push prices down across the board. We’ve also broken down why SJD is more connected than ever, and why late October is secretly one of the best times to visit.

Bottom line: pick your “cheapest”

• Pack super light? Start with Volaris and compare total cost after adding only what you need.
• West Coast traveler who wants a normal carry-on included? Alaska often wins the value battle.
• Checking bags or traveling as a family? With Southwest’s new baggage policy, some travelers (status/cardholders) still get free bags; others should pencil in fees—yet Southwest can remain cheaper than ULCCs once you add everything up.

One last tip from us at The Cabo Sun: set fare alerts from your home airport to SJD, then compare airport alternatives (LAX vs. ONT, SFO vs. OAK/SJC) on your travel dates.

The extra 45-minute drive can save you hundreds—and more tacos on Médano Beach never hurt anyone.