How to Get Cheap Flights into Long Beach Airport

Long Beach Airport (LGB), nestled along the Southern California coast, is more than just a convenient gateway to the beaches of the South Bay—it’s a strategic hub for travelers seeking a streamlined, stress-free flying experience. Unlike its larger neighbor, Los Angeles International (LAX), Long Beach Airport offers fewer crowds, shorter security lines, and a more relaxed atmosphere, all while serving major airlines and a growing list of domestic destinations. But for many, the biggest barrier to choosing LGB isn’t convenience—it’s cost. Many assume that proximity to a major metro area means higher fares, but that’s not always true. With the right strategies, you can secure significantly cheaper flights into Long Beach Airport than you would into LAX or even San Diego (SAN). This guide reveals exactly how to do it—step by step, with proven tactics, expert tools, and real-world examples that have saved travelers hundreds of dollars.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand Why Long Beach Airport Can Be Cheaper

Before you start searching, it’s essential to understand why LGB often offers lower fares. Unlike LAX, which is a global hub with high operational costs and heavy congestion, Long Beach Airport is a smaller, municipally owned facility with lower landing fees and fewer airlines competing for gate space. This translates into lower overhead, which airlines sometimes pass on to consumers in the form of reduced ticket prices. Additionally, because LGB has fewer flights, airlines often use it as a secondary market to test new routes or fill gaps left by larger airports. This creates windows of opportunity where fares are artificially low to stimulate demand.

Another factor: LGB is a favorite among low-cost carriers like Alaska Airlines, Southwest, and Frontier, who prioritize efficiency and lower fares. These airlines don’t operate hub-and-spoke models here—they fly point-to-point, cutting out expensive connections and reducing costs. When you fly into LGB, you’re often flying direct, avoiding layovers and the hidden fees associated with multi-leg journeys.

2. Set Up Fare Alerts for LGB

The most powerful tool in your arsenal is a fare alert system. Instead of manually checking prices daily, use flight search engines that monitor fare changes and notify you when prices drop. Start by setting alerts for your desired route into Long Beach Airport.

For example, if you live in Chicago and want to fly to LGB, go to Google Flights, enter “Chicago (ORD)” as your origin and “Long Beach (LGB)” as your destination. Toggle the “Track prices” button. You’ll receive weekly email updates showing price trends, historical lows, and recommended booking times. Set alerts for multiple departure airports—even nearby ones like Burbank (BUR) or Ontario (ONT)—because sometimes flying into a neighboring airport and taking a short ground transfer can be cheaper than flying directly into LGB.

Use multiple platforms: Google Flights, Hopper, and Skyscanner each use different algorithms. Hopper, for instance, predicts whether prices will rise or fall with 95% accuracy based on historical data. Set alerts on all three to maximize your chances of catching the lowest fare.

3. Be Flexible with Travel Dates

Flexibility is the single most effective way to slash flight costs. Flights into Long Beach Airport follow predictable pricing patterns based on demand cycles. Typically, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Avoid weekends, especially Friday departures and Sunday returns, when business and leisure travelers flood the system.

Use the “Date Grid” feature on Google Flights to visualize price differences across an entire month. You’ll often see $200–$400 swings between adjacent dates. For example, flying out on a Wednesday and returning on a Tuesday might cost $189, while the same trip on a Friday–Sunday could cost $520. That’s more than a 60% savings.

Also consider flying during shoulder seasons. The peak season for LGB is late spring through early fall, especially during summer holidays. The cheapest months are typically January (after New Year’s), early February, and mid-September to early November. If your schedule allows, avoid holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. Even shifting your trip by one week can make a dramatic difference.

4. Search for Nearby Airports and Combine with Ground Transportation

Don’t limit your search to LGB alone. Expand your search radius to include airports within 45–60 minutes of Long Beach:

• Burbank (BUR) – Often has competitive fares, especially on Southwest and Alaska. A 30-minute drive or $20 shuttle to Long Beach.
• Ontario (ONT) – Serves budget airlines like Frontier and Allegiant. About 45 minutes away via I-10. Rideshares cost $35–$50.
• LAX – Surprisingly, sometimes LAX has cheaper fares to the same destination. If you find a $120 flight to LAX vs. $210 to LGB, factor in the $35–$50 shuttle or Metro Rail to Long Beach. You could still save $35–$60.
• Irvine (SNA) – A bit farther (about 50 minutes), but often has great deals on Alaska and Southwest.

Use a mapping tool like Google Maps to calculate drive times and ride-share costs from each airport to your final destination in Long Beach. Then compare total cost: flight + ground transport. You may find that flying into ONT and taking a rideshare is cheaper than flying direct into LGB.

5. Book Directly with Airlines After Finding a Deal

While third-party sites like Expedia or Kayak are great for comparison, always book directly with the airline once you’ve found the best fare. Why? If your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked, the airline’s customer service team can resolve issues faster when you booked directly. Third-party sites often route your request through layers of support, delaying solutions.

Additionally, booking directly gives you access to exclusive member discounts, loyalty points, and free changes—especially with airlines like Southwest, which offers free changes and no baggage fees. Even if you don’t have elite status, signing up for a free airline loyalty program can unlock fare discounts you won’t find elsewhere.

Also, airlines sometimes offer “web-only” fares that don’t appear on third-party aggregators. These are often the lowest prices available. Always visit the airline’s official website after finding a deal on a meta-search engine.

6. Use Incognito Mode and Clear Cookies

While the myth that airlines track your searches and raise prices based on your browsing history has been largely debunked, clearing your cookies and using incognito mode still matters. Why? Because some third-party booking sites and metasearch engines use dynamic pricing based on your location, device, and past behavior. If you’ve been searching for LGB flights repeatedly, you might start seeing inflated prices.

To avoid this:

• Use Chrome’s Incognito mode (Ctrl+Shift+N) or Firefox’s Private Window.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies before each search.
• Use a different device if possible—such as your phone vs. laptop—to avoid behavioral tracking.
• Log out of all airline and travel accounts before searching.

This ensures you’re seeing the baseline price—not a personalized, potentially inflated rate.

7. Leverage Airline Sales and Promotional Codes

Airlines running promotions into Long Beach Airport often announce them via email, social media, or their mobile apps. Sign up for newsletters from Alaska Airlines, Southwest, Frontier, and Delta—these carriers dominate LGB routes. You’ll receive early access to flash sales, often 24–72 hours before the public.

Look for:

• “$49 One-Way” deals on Frontier to LGB from cities like Las Vegas or Phoenix.
• “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” on Alaska Airlines during off-seasons.
• “Free Checked Bag” promotions with Southwest, which can save you $30–$60 per person.

Also, search for promo codes. Sites like RetailMeNot, Honey, or even Reddit’s r/airlines often have user-shared codes for discounted fares. For example, a code like “LGB2024” might give you $50 off a round-trip booked within the next 48 hours. Don’t assume they’re expired—many are still active.

8. Consider Red-Eye and Early Morning Flights

Flights that depart late at night or very early in the morning are often the cheapest. These are less desirable for most travelers, so airlines lower prices to fill seats. A 10 p.m. flight from Denver to LGB might cost $149, while the 7 a.m. flight the next day costs $310. If you’re comfortable with unconventional hours, you can save hundreds.

Long Beach Airport has minimal overnight noise restrictions compared to LAX, so red-eyes are more common and reliable. Plus, if you’re staying in a hotel near the airport, you can arrive late, sleep, and start your day fresh the next morning.

9. Bundle Flights with Hotels or Car Rentals (But Only If It Saves Money)

Many travelers assume bundling flights with hotels or rentals saves money. Sometimes it does—but often, it’s a trap. Bundled packages lock you into specific dates and providers, eliminating flexibility. Always compare the bundle price against booking separately.

Use a tool like Kayak’s “Explore” feature to search for flight + hotel combos. If the total is $50 less than booking separately, and the hotel is within 5 miles of your destination, go for it. Otherwise, book separately. You’ll have more control, better cancellation policies, and often better prices.

10. Book Early—or Wait Until the Last Minute

This seems contradictory, but both strategies work depending on your route and timing.

Book early (3–6 months ahead) if you’re traveling during peak season (June–August) or to a popular destination like Las Vegas or Seattle. LGB has limited capacity, and demand spikes quickly. Early booking locks in the lowest fare before airlines start raising prices.

Wait until 1–3 weeks before departure if you’re flying during off-peak times or on a less popular route. Airlines often slash prices 10–14 days out to fill empty seats. Use Hopper’s “Watch This Trip” feature to get alerts when prices drop in this window.

There’s a sweet spot: for most domestic routes into LGB, the optimal booking window is 45–60 days out. But always monitor prices—you might catch a surprise sale before then.

Best Practices

1. Avoid Peak Travel Days and Holidays

Every airline knows when demand spikes. Avoid flying on:

• Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings
• Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and the day after Thanksgiving
• Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends
• Spring Break weeks (mid-March to early April)

If you must travel during these times, book at least 90 days in advance and be prepared to pay a premium. Otherwise, reschedule. The savings from avoiding these dates can easily exceed $300 per person.

2. Pack Light to Avoid Baggage Fees

Many low-cost carriers flying into LGB charge for checked bags. Southwest is the exception—they allow two free checked bags. But Frontier, Allegiant, and even some Delta flights charge $35–$60 per bag. If you’re flying on a budget airline, pack a carry-on only.

Use a 22-inch suitcase that fits under the seat or in the overhead bin. Wear bulky items like jackets and boots on the plane. Bring a foldable duffel for souvenirs. This simple habit can save you $70–$120 on a round-trip for two.

3. Use Airport Transportation Wisely

Long Beach Airport has a free shuttle service to the Long Beach Transit Center, where you can catch the Metro C Line or local buses. If you’re staying in downtown Long Beach, this is a $1.75 ride. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are reliable and cost $15–$25 to most parts of the city.

Never rent a car from the airport unless you need it. Rental car counters charge premium rates and add mandatory fees. Instead, book a rental from a downtown location using a site like Turo or Discover Cars, which often have lower rates and no airport surcharges.

4. Monitor Flight Status and Be Ready to Act

When you see a low fare, don’t delay. LGB has limited flight options, and the cheapest seats sell out fast. Set up a calendar reminder to check prices every 48 hours. If you see a price drop of 20% or more, book immediately.

Also, sign up for flight status alerts via the airline’s app. If your flight is canceled or delayed, you may be eligible for a voucher or rebooking credit—especially if you booked directly.

5. Use Airline Credit Cards Strategically

If you frequently fly into LGB, consider applying for a co-branded airline credit card. For example:

• Alaska Airlines Visa – Offers 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. Those miles can cover a round-trip to LGB.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card – Offers 40,000 bonus points (worth $500 in free flights) and two free checked bags.

Even if you don’t spend heavily, the sign-up bonus alone can cover your entire trip. Just make sure you pay off the balance monthly to avoid interest.

6. Avoid Hidden Fees

Watch out for:

• Seat selection fees (Frontier charges $5–$50 per seat)
• Boarding pass printing fees (rare, but some airlines charge at kiosks)
• Change fees (avoid airlines that charge unless you’re confident your plans are firm)
• Travel insurance upsells at checkout (buy through third-party sites like Allianz for better rates)

Always read the fine print before clicking “Confirm.”

Tools and Resources

1. Google Flights

Best for: Price tracking, date grids, and flexible date searches. Its “Explore” map shows the cheapest destinations from LGB, and its “Price Graph” reveals historical trends.

2. Hopper

Best for: Price prediction. Hopper tells you whether to “Buy Now,” “Wait,” or “Book Soon” based on AI-driven data. It’s especially accurate for LGB routes.

3. Skyscanner

Best for: Comparing all airlines, including obscure carriers. Its “Whole Month” view lets you see the cheapest dates across 30 days.

4. AirNav

Best for: Understanding LGB’s flight patterns. AirNav provides real-time data on which airlines are flying into LGB, how often, and which routes are expanding.

5. Reddit: r/FlightDeals and r/LongBeach

Best for: Crowdsourced deals. Users regularly post LGB-specific sales. Search “LGB” or “Long Beach” in r/FlightDeals to find recent offers.

6. Scott’s Cheap Flights (Now Going.com)

Best for: Curated error fares and mistake fares. Their Premium membership ($49/year) sends alerts for deeply discounted LGB routes—sometimes under $100 round-trip.

7. Kayak Explore

Best for: Finding alternative airports. Enter “LGB” as your destination and see which nearby airports have cheaper fares.

8. GasBuddy and Waze

Best for: Planning ground transport. If you’re flying into ONT or BUR, use these apps to find the cheapest gas and fastest routes to Long Beach.

Real Examples

Example 1: Chicago to Long Beach – $189 Round-Trip

A traveler in Chicago wanted to visit family in Long Beach during October. Using Google Flights, they noticed a $520 fare on a Friday–Sunday trip. They switched to a Tuesday–Wednesday departure and found a $289 fare. Then they checked Hopper, which predicted prices would drop further. They waited three days and received a notification: the fare dropped to $189. They booked directly with Alaska Airlines and saved $331. They also used their Alaska Airlines credit card to get a free checked bag and priority boarding.

Example 2: Denver to Long Beach via Ontario – $145 Total

A student in Denver needed to fly to Long Beach for a weekend internship. A direct flight to LGB was $310. They searched for flights to ONT and found a $99 Frontier flight. They took an Uber from ONT to Long Beach for $46. Total: $145. Saved $165 compared to flying direct.

Example 3: Las Vegas to Long Beach – $49 One-Way

A traveler saw a Frontier Airlines flash sale: $49 one-way from Las Vegas to Long Beach. They booked immediately, even though they had no plans yet. Two weeks later, they used the ticket for a surprise weekend getaway. The return flight was $69 on Southwest. Total round-trip: $118. Regular fare: $420. Saved $302.

Example 4: Seattle to Long Beach – $127 Using Loyalty Points

A frequent flyer had 15,000 Alaska Airlines miles. They searched for award flights and found a $127 round-trip (plus $18 in taxes) from Seattle to Long Beach. The cash price was $480. They used miles for the base fare and paid only the minimal fees. Total savings: $353.

FAQs

Is Long Beach Airport cheaper than LAX?

Often, yes. While LAX has more flight options, LGB frequently offers lower fares due to lower operating costs and competition from budget airlines. When you factor in ground transportation, flying into LGB can be $50–$200 cheaper than flying into LAX and taking a shuttle or rideshare.

Which airlines fly into Long Beach Airport?

Major airlines serving LGB include Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Occasionally, American Airlines and United operate seasonal routes. Always check the airline’s official website for the most current route map.

What’s the cheapest month to fly into Long Beach Airport?

January and February are typically the cheapest months, followed by September and early November. Avoid June through August for the lowest prices.

Can I find $99 flights to Long Beach?

Yes—especially on Frontier or Alaska Airlines during promotional sales. These deals usually last 24–72 hours and are available on select routes like Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Denver. Set up fare alerts and check Reddit’s r/FlightDeals daily.

Do I need a car if I fly into Long Beach Airport?

No. Long Beach has a reliable public transit system, including the Metro C Line, local buses, and rideshares. Downtown, the beach, and major attractions are walkable or bikeable. Renting a car adds unnecessary cost unless you plan to explore beyond the city.

How far in advance should I book a flight to Long Beach?

For peak season (May–September), book 3–6 months ahead. For off-season, book 45–60 days ahead. For last-minute deals, check 1–2 weeks before departure.

Are there any direct flights from the East Coast to Long Beach?

Direct flights from the East Coast are rare. Most travelers connect through hubs like Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas. However, Alaska Airlines occasionally offers seasonal direct flights from Seattle or Portland, which can be more efficient than multiple connections.

What should I do if my flight is canceled?

If you booked directly with the airline, contact them immediately through their app or website. You’ll typically be rebooked on the next available flight at no cost. If you booked through a third party, you may need to coordinate with both the airline and the booking site.

Conclusion

Getting cheap flights into Long Beach Airport isn’t luck—it’s strategy. By understanding the unique economics of LGB, leveraging technology, being flexible with dates and airports, and avoiding common pitfalls like baggage fees and last-minute bookings, you can consistently secure fares that are 40–70% lower than the average. Whether you’re visiting the beach, attending a business meeting, or exploring Southern California, flying into Long Beach isn’t just convenient—it’s cost-effective when done right.

Start by setting up fare alerts today. Compare LGB with nearby airports. Book directly. Pack light. And don’t be afraid to travel on a Tuesday. The savings add up quickly—sometimes enough to fund an extra night in a beachfront hotel or a gourmet dinner at the Long Beach Waterfront. With the tools and tactics outlined in this guide, you’re no longer at the mercy of airline pricing. You’re in control. And that’s the real value of flying smart into Long Beach Airport.