Thinking about a cross-country trip? Los Angeles to New York flights connect Southern California with one of the busiest travel destinations in the United States. Business trip, family visit, vacation or international connection, the right flight can help you save time and money. Travelers can compare nonstop and connecting flights, one-way and round-trip tickets, departure times, baggage policies and arrival airports before booking. Most searches start at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). New York City has several airports of arrival including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. Here’s how to find cheap Flights from Los Angeles to New York, how long it takes, which airlines to compare and what to check before you buy your ticket.
Top answer: Los Angeles to New York flights
| Travel detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Departure city | Los Angeles, California |
| Main departure airport | Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) |
| Destination | New York City, New York area |
| Main arrival airports | JFK, LGA, and EWR |
| Approximate nonstop flight time | Around 5 to 6 hours |
| Approximate distance | About 2,450–2,500 miles, depending on the airports |
| Flight options | Nonstop and connecting |
| Ticket types | One-way, round-trip, and eligible multi-city itineraries |
| Best way to compare fares | Check several dates, airports, airlines, and baggage options |
Flight times, routes and ticket prices depend on your travel dates and the airline operating the flight. Many travelers pass through Newark, NJ on their way to New York City.
How to Find the Cheapest Flights from Los Angeles to New York City
Finding cheap flights from Los Angeles to New York City begins with comparing the total cost of the trip, not the lowest fare advertised.
A seemingly cheap ticket may be more expensive when you consider baggage fees, seat selection, transport from the airport of arrival, and other optional charges. Use these tips when comparing flights Los Angeles to New York
1. Explore alternative travel dates
If you’re flexible about your travel dates, explore nearby departure dates. A Tuesday or Wednesday flight can be more expensive than a Friday evening or Sunday departure, but there is no guaranty of the cheapest day.
Check out a few dates before you make up your mind. Also, see if you can get a better round-trip fare by moving your return flight a day or two.
2. Search for One Way and Return Tickets
Round-trip ticket is convenient if you know when you’re coming back. If, however, you’re flying back on another airline, or want a more flexible itinerary, then separate one-way tickets may be worth comparing.
Compare the cost of the two one-way flights with the total round-trip fare, including any applicable baggage and booking fees.
3. JFK, LGA and EWR: A comparison
There are several airports in New York City, and the cheapest ticket might not get you to the airport nearest your hotel or wherever you’re headed.
- JFK: Sometimes convenient for visitors staying in Queens, Brooklyn or parts of Manhattan, depending on their onward transportation.
- LGA: Handy for many trips within the US to Manhattan and other parts of NYC.
- EWR – Newark, New Jersey: Convenient for travelers to New Jersey, Lower Manhattan or other Newark-connected destinations.
Compare your airfare with getting to your final destination based on cost and time.
4. Check the total fare before you book
When comparing airfare LA to New York, look for the following details:
- Baggage allowances and restrictions
- Seat selection charges
- Terms of change and cancelation
- Eligibility for a refund
- Boarding and departure times
- Airport and terminal info
- Any connection or overnight stopover
If you’re paying a little more for a flight, it might be worth having baggage or better conditions for travel.
5. Book When Your Plans Are Clear
There isn’t a universal rule for getting the lowest price so many days before departure. Fares are based on demand, seats available, season and airline prices.
If possible, start comparing your options earlier and read the fare rules before you pay. When you book in advance, you’ll have more options at the big holidays, school breaks and popular travel times, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get a cheaper fare.
Which Airlines Fly From Los Angeles to New York?
Several airlines operate or have offered nonstop services between Los Angeles and New York-area airports. Availability varies by route and travel date, so confirm the operating airline when searching.
Common carriers to compare include:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- JetBlue
- Alaska Airlines
The available airlines differ by destination airport. For example, nonstop flights from LAX to JFK may have a different selection from flights to Newark.
When comparing flights from LAX to New York, look beyond the airline name. Check departure time, arrival airport, seat type, baggage rules, onboard services, and whether the itinerary is nonstop. If you have frequent-flyer points or airline status, compare the benefits you would receive on each option.
How Long Is a Flight From Los Angeles to New York?
A nonstop flight from Los Angeles to New York typically spends five or six hours in the air, depending on the route, winds, aircraft, and operating conditions.
The actual total travel time is longer than it appears because of the time it takes to get to the airport, check in, go through security, get on the plane, taxi, and then get to your destination once you’ve landed.
The connecting flights can be much longer depending on the connecting airport and layover.
Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights
| Feature | Nonstop flight | Connecting flight |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | Usually shorter | Usually longer |
| Stops | No intermediate landing | One or more stops |
| Convenience | Fewer steps | Requires connection planning |
| Price | Depends on the date and airline | May offer a lower fare on some dates |
| Missed-connection concerns | No intermediate connection to miss | Connection timing and ticket protection matter |
| Best suited for | Travelers prioritizing convenience | Travelers prioritizing price or a particular itinerary |
If you need to arrive at a specific time, compare the scheduled arrival time rather than the departure time alone. A late departure from Los Angeles may arrive in New York the following morning because of the time difference.
Which New York airport should you fly into?
The best airport to fly into depends on where you intend to stay, how you intend to get around once you’re there, and what flights are available.
JFK International Airport (JFK)
JFK is the largest international airport in Queens. It can be a practical choice for travelers visiting parts of Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan or making international connections.
The AirTrain links the airport’s terminals with transportation connections such as the subway and Long Island Rail Road. When you select your route check the latest service information and destination.
LaGuardia (LGA)
Another important airport in New York City is LaGuardia in Queens. It can be handy for domestic travelers going to Manhattan depending on your final destination and traffic.
Ground transportation is available via bus, taxi, and rideshare services. Add in extra time in busy traffic times.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport is in New Jersey. This can come in handy for those going to Newark, Jersey City, parts of Manhattan and other places in the surrounding area.
Rail connections and ground transportation can take travelers to their final destination. Check out the full trip before you choose EWR over JFK or LGA.
Travel Tip: Don’t pick an airport just because it’s cheap. Think about travel costs, how long it will take, what you’ll need to pack and where you’ll be staying.
How to Book Airline Tickets From LAX to New York
Looking for airline tickets from LAX to New York is easier when you have your travel details ready.
Before confirming a reservation, please do the following:
- Pick your dates: Select whether you want a one-way or round trip.
- Input the correct airports: Instead of just searching for New York in general, search LAX to JFK, LGA or EWR.
- View flight options: Check itineraries, connecting flights, departure times and arrival times.
- Check baggage allowance: Check your fare choice to see what’s included.
- Passenger information: Enter each passenger name exactly as required by the identification requirements for the trip.
- Check fare conditions: Look at the change fees, the cancelation policies, the refundability and the limitations.
- Check the final price: Before you pay check the full amount and itinerary.
- Hold your confirmation: Please retain your ticket number, flight details, airline contact details and reservation reference.
If you have a booking, please have your booking reference number and the name of the airline operating your flight ready when you request assistance.
One-Way vs. Round-Trip Flights From LA to NYC
The type of ticket you need depends on your travel plans.
One-way flights: handy if you’re moving, doing an open-ended trip, or coming back through another city. Check the price of a round trip ticket before you decide.
Round-trip flights: Useful if you know when you are going and when you are coming back. Determine if the fare rules apply on a per-direction basis and if changing a leg impacts the other.
Multiple city flights: These may be worthwhile if you’ve got another destination in mind before heading home. Multi-city booking versus separate tickets – what it means for connection protection and luggage
The cheapest ticket isn’t always the best choice for travelers when looking for flights from LA to NYC. If you are unsure what you want to do, think about flexibility, travel time and the cost of changes.
What Is the Best Time to Fly From LA to New York?
When to leave depends on your schedule, how you plan to arrive and what kind of travel experience you want.
Flights In The Morning
Morning flights can be good if you plan to arrive in the afternoon or evening on the East Coast, again, depending on the schedule. Allow time to travel to LAX and complete airport formalities.
Afternoon Flights
Afternoon departures may suit travelers who prefer not to leave home very early. Check the scheduled arrival time and your plans for getting from the New York-area airport to your destination.
Overnight and Evening Flights
For some travelers, the advantage of an evening departure is that they can travel overnight and arrive the next morning. Before you book, think about whether you’ll be able to sleep well on board and whether your hotel or onward transport will be there waiting for you when you arrive.
Schedules differ and not all departure times are available on every date. Real itineraries, check before booking.
What Factors Impact Airfare From LAX to NYC?
There are many reasons that the price of an airfare LAX to NYC can fluctuate.
- Demand for travel: holidays, major events, and peak hours can impact ticket prices.
- Departure/return date: Changing the departure or return date may affect the total fare.
- Seat availability: The price shown for one itinerary may change as seats are booked.
- Arrival airport Prices and schedules for flights to JFK, LGA and EWR may vary.
- Basic economy, regular economy, premium economy, business and first class may have different benefits and restrictions.
- Prices may include additional charges for baggage and seat selection.
- Connections: Some dates may have a cheaper connecting flight, but you have to consider the extra travel time and the risks of a connection.
For an accurate comparison, search with your actual dates and passenger count. Do not rely on an advertised price of the past as a guaranty of today’s price.
Baggage rules on flights from Los Angeles to New York
Baggage allowances are subject to airline, ticket type, route and any relevant loyalty benefits. Check before you fly from LA to New York:
- Does this come with a carry on bag?
- Personal Item Size Limit
- size and weight limits on checked baggage
- Excess or overweight baggage fees
- Rules for oversized items (sports equipment, etc.)
- Security: liquids restrictions and prohibited items
If you are traveling with a connection or on separate tickets, check the baggage process for each leg of your journey. If you have separate tickets you may need to pick up your baggage and check it in again.
Can I modify or cancel my Los Angeles to New York flight?
Many bookings allow changes and cancelations, but the conditions that apply differ by ticket and airline. Before you buy, check if your fare allows changes, if there is a fare difference and if cancelation results in a refund, credit or something else.
So you book a flight from LA to NYC and need to change it.
- Find your reservation confirmation and booking reference.
- See which airline is operating this flight.
- Check conditions of change and cancelation of the ticket.
- Check revised itinerary and any additional charges.
- Check the new booking details are correct before you rely on the change.
If you booked through a travel agency or third-party booking service, check whether that provider must process the request. If the ticket was purchased directly from the airline, the airline’s own booking channels are generally the appropriate starting point.
Name corrections and passenger-name changes are not always treated the same way. Contact the ticket issuer before attempting to change passenger information.
How Early Should You Arrive at LAX?
For a domestic flight out of Los Angeles International Airport, a good rule of thumb is to arrive about two hours before departure. Depending on your flight, luggage, airport conditions and date of travel, your airline may suggest allowing additional time.
Before you go to the airport:
- Check status of your flight.
- Confirm the departure terminal and gate.
- If you can do it online, do it online.
- Check in baggage drop times.
- Check the conditions for road traffic and access to the airport.
- Please bring your ID and reservation with you.
LAX terminal assignments and airport procedures may change. Please confirm current information with your operating airline and the official airport website.
Flights to Los Angeles From New York: Planning Your Return
If If you are taking a round trip, compare flights to Los Angeles from New York at the same time as your departure journey.
Make sure your return is from JFK, LGA, or EWR. Don’t assume that your return flight will depart from the same airport you arrived at unless your booking says otherwise.
When you look at flights between New York and Los Angeles, check departure times, baggage allowances, fare rules and the total round-trip cost. If you are purchasing single one-way tickets, check each one individually and make sure you allow adequate time between unrelated connections.
How Terminal-Hub Can Help With Flight Planning
Terminal-Hub offers independent travel information to help travelers understand airport options, flight routes and booking related questions.
You can call Terminal-Hub on the phone number provided on its website to make an inquiry about your booking, get help with planning a trip or checking the ticket options or next steps for a booking you’ve already made.
The provision of assistance, associated fees, booking procedures and any modifications that can be made are subject to the specific service offered and the ticket conditions. Terminal-Hub is an independent third-party travel information website and is not an official website of an airline or airport.
Always check the identity of the provider, the service offered and the terms that apply to your booking before making any payment or sharing any personal information.
Best Tips on Booking Flights from Los Angeles to New York
The best flight will depend on your budget, schedule, baggage needs and final destination. Compare nonstop vs connecting options. Check JFK, LGA and EWR closely and review the fare rules before you book.
When you’re looking for flights from Los Angeles to New York, LA to NYC flights or airfare tickets from LAX to New York, think about the whole experience, not just the price of the ticket being advertised.
Need more travel planning help? Check out Terminal-Hub’s airport and flight guides. If you need booking assistance then you may contact the USA contact number given on the website and check with the available service before proceeding.
Travel information note: Flight timings, airport services, baggage rules & regulations and fares are subject to change. Please check the current details with the operating airline and the relevant airport before traveling.
If you’re comparing other domestic routes, explore our guide to flights from Miami to Boston for flight times, airline options, airfare tips, and booking advice.
