Cheap Flights to Sacramento Compare & Book Affordable Airfares
About Sacramento
The laid-back vibe of Sacramento, the capital city of California, contrasts nicely with the more flashy, fast-paced nature of San Francisco and Los Angeles. In a city that houses the State Capitol and was heavily impacted by the Gold Rush, it's no surprise to find the iconic dome of the State Capitol soaring over leafy boulevards, Old Sacramento’s wooden walkways and cobblestone streets calling to mind its heyday when river boats and wagons made the place what it was, and Sacramento's nationally recognized farm-to-fork culture, made possible by the fertile farmland of California's Central Valley. At around 525,000 people, Sacramento is a true cultural and food destination city that has managed to retain the small-town friendliness of a mid-sized city. No matter whether you’re walking through the grounds of the Capitol, watching a Sacramento Kings basketball game in the Golden 1 Center, or exploring the farmer’s markets that earned Sacramento the nickname “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” you’ll experience all the charm of Northern California at reasonable prices.
- Cheapest Month to Travel: January (along with September being relatively inexpensive)
- Optimal Booking Time Period: 30 to 60 days before travel date
- Cheapest Day to Travel: Tuesday or Wednesday
- Most Recommended Airline: Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines (on the inexpensive route)
Airports Serving Sacramento
The airport for Sacramento is just a few minutes away from the downtown area, and it is convenient for people on a business trip, as well as people on vacation to visit the Central Valley or Sierra Nevada.
When To Find Discount Flights To Sacramento
January and February are the best months to get cheap airfare to Sacramento, as there will be fewer flights to the region once the holiday period ends, and people go back home after enjoying their vacations in California.
September could also work as an option, as the tourists have come back from their vacations, while the Central Valley continues its warm weather until fall.
Booking a flight is particularly important in Sacramento, especially because one of the largest events of the year takes place in July, which is the California State Fair. Prices for flights could increase by 20-40% during this time.
Major seasonal events, including the California State Fair in July and the annual Farm-to-Fork Festival in September, contribute to increased travel demand, especially on popular domestic routes. Because of its proximity to San Francisco and Oakland, Sacramento International Airport may experience increased demand when travelers choose SMF as an alternative to the busier Bay Area airports.
During the winter ski season (December-February), connections to Lake Tahoe will come with slightly increased prices during the weekends; the cheapest and most flexible option would be booking tickets 30-45 days in advance, on a Tuesday or Wednesday flight.
Comparison between Airlines that Operate out of Sacramento (SMF)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is a major commercial airport serving Northern California that offers non-stop flights to over 30 destinations within the USA and to some Mexican destinations. Below is a comparison between airlines that operate out of this airport:
Southwest Airlines:
- Baggage allowances and fare flexibility vary depending on the fare purchased. Southwest offers extensive domestic service from Sacramento to destinations across the West Coast and beyond.
- Being the largest airline at SMF, the airline covers extensive coverage of the West Coast and cross-country routes, particularly to the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest.
American Airlines:
- The fare for the Main Cabin includes 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item.
- The connections are reliable because of the hubs in Phoenix (PHX) and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), making it a good option for travelers originating from the South and East Coast.
United Airlines:
- The standard economy fares include 1 carry-on and 1 personal item.
- Connection options through the airline’s San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DEN) hubs give the airline an advantage over others for both domestic and international connectivity.
Alaska Airlines:
- Basic economy includes 1 carry-on and 1 personal item.
- A powerhouse of the West Coast, Alaska provides many non-stop flights up and down California and into the Pacific Northwest, as well as a dedicated Mileage Plan customer base.
Spirit Airlines:
- Base fares include a personal item; the carry-on and checked bags incur additional charges.
- The extremely low ticket prices are an appeal to bargain customers, but when bags and seats are considered, the total amount increases quickly.
The Hidden Charges: What Should You Take Into Account Before Booking
Sacramento gets its share of Basic Economy and ultralow-cost carrier passengers; if travelers fail to study all details carefully, they will face some unpleasant surprises. Often, the budget airlines such as Spirit offer a promotional price, which increases by $50-$100 after adding bags and seats to the bill.
Before hitting the “book” option, it’s recommended to make sure:
- That your fare code is validated as being eligible for overhead bagging and not as a personal item only allowed to go under the seat.
- Fees for choosing a particular seat on budget airlines can be almost as expensive as the ticket price itself.
- Cancellation/Change policy: Basic Economy tickets with the full-service airlines are usually non-refundable.
- Whether travel insurance is included in the quoted price or charged separately.
When trying to find out how much a flight costs, it may be worthwhile to compare several different booking websites for those that provide all the needed amenities already.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions visitors commonly ask before travelling:
