New York to Los Angeles flights at a glance
| Distance | about 3,970 km (great-circle) |
|---|---|
| Typical flight time | about 6 hours westbound and 5–5.5 hours eastbound |
| From | JFK, Newark (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA) |
| To | Los Angeles International (LAX), plus Burbank, Long Beach and Ontario |
| Service | One of the busiest US domestic routes, with many nonstop flights. |
Times are typical and vary with winds, routing and schedules; connections add time. The search above shows real options for your dates.
When it gets busy
Thanksgiving, Christmas and summer are busiest. When your trip falls in a busy period, it helps to start watching fares a few months ahead and to stay flexible by a day or two either side.
Tips for flying New York to Los Angeles
- Compare nearby airports on both ends; Burbank or Long Beach can be closer to where you are staying.
- Eastbound overnight “red-eye” flights save a hotel night but can be tiring.
- In the US, many tickets can be cancelled free within 24 hours of booking if booked at least a week before departure; check the rules for your ticket.
Getting to and from the airports
New York: AirTrain links JFK with the subway and LIRR, and Newark with NJ Transit and Amtrak; LaGuardia relies on buses and taxis.
Los Angeles: At LAX, free shuttles link the terminals with the ride-share and taxi area; the FlyAway bus runs to some city areas.
Always confirm transport times on the official airport or transit website, especially for late-night arrivals.
How to compare fares fairly
The first price you see is rarely the whole story. Before you choose, add the extras you actually need, such as a checked bag, a seat together if you are travelling as a family, and any change or cancellation flexibility. A fare that looks lower can end up costing more once those are added, while a slightly higher fare that includes a bag may be the better deal. Compare the total for your whole party, and check the connection time and airport on every itinerary, not just the price.
Flexibility is the most reliable money-saver. If your dates can move by a day or two, use the calendar view in the search results to see how prices change across the week. Flying midweek or at less popular times of day often helps. Setting a price alert and booking once a fare falls inside your budget is calmer, and usually smarter, than checking every few hours.
ID and bags on domestic flights
Even within one country you need valid photo ID that matches the name on your ticket; some airlines and airports have specific rules, so check before you leave home. Domestic “basic” fares are often the most restrictive, sometimes without a full-size carry-on or seat choice, so compare what each fare includes. Arriving 60–90 minutes before departure is a common guideline, and more at busy times. See our baggage rules guide.
Seeing the sights in Los Angeles
Ads/affiliate: we may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
Planning several paid attractions? A sightseeing pass from Go City can bundle entry to many of them. Check that Los Angeles and the attractions you want are included, and compare with single tickets before you buy.
Related: New York to London, Los Angeles to Tokyo. See all international routes, domestic routes, domestic flights in United States and flights by month.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from New York to Los Angeles?
About 6 hours westbound and 5–5.5 hours eastbound. Exact times depend on the airline, routing and winds.
Which airports serve this route?
JFK, Newark (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA), and Los Angeles International (LAX), plus Burbank, Long Beach and Ontario.
When is it busiest?
Thanksgiving, Christmas and summer are busiest.
Where do the prices come from?
Prices come only from our partner’s live search. We do not set or guarantee fares.
Data and credits: Written by ViralScopeHub. Flight times and airport details are approximate and for general planning; schedules, airlines and rules change, so always confirm with the airline, airport or official government sites before you travel. Airline and airport names are used only to describe routes; we are not affiliated with them. See all Live Earth & Space tools and our credits page.