There’s something uniquely satisfying about booking a cheap flight that doesn’t feel cheap. You know the kind I’m talking about — when you manage to score a ticket that’s easy on the wallet, but still delivers on comfort, efficiency, and maybe even a few surprises along the way. That’s exactly what I set out to do on a recent trip from Los Angeles to San Antonio. I’m based in LA, and San Antonio had been calling my name for a while — with its rich blend of Tex-Mex culture, riverwalk vibes, and just the right amount of Southern charm.
Part of my mission is to help readers make smart, informed, and — most of all — realistic choices. I don’t sugarcoat my reviews, and I certainly don’t pretend every cheap flight is a gem. But I do dig deep, compare routes, analyze costs, and fly the budget skies so you don’t have to get burned. Here’s how I tackled my LA to San Antonio trip — the planning, the platforms, and the top three cheapest airlines I found (and actually flew).
The Itch to Go: Why San Antonio?
San Antonio had been on my mind for months. Maybe it was the stories I’d heard from fellow travelers, raving about the Alamo, the rich colonial history, or that lazy, lovely riverwalk that snakes through the city like a thread through a colorful tapestry. Or maybe I just needed a change of pace from LA’s constant buzz and noise. I wanted somewhere that felt grounded, a little slower, a little warmer (in both weather and people).
So, I pulled out my laptop one morning, made some strong coffee, and started searching for flights. The goal: get from Los Angeles (LAX or BUR, I didn’t care which) to San Antonio International Airport (SAT) for under \$150 roundtrip, ideally with a decent departure time and without needing to sell a kidney for a carry-on bag.
The Search Begins: Where I Look for Flights (and Why)
I’ve used dozens of flight booking sites over the years, and I have some favorites — and some hard passes. Here’s where I started my search:
- Google Flights (https://www.google.com/flights): Always my starting point. It’s fast, visual, and lets you easily compare flexible dates.
- Skyscanner (https://www.skyscanner.com): Great for deals and showing you combinations you wouldn’t think of.
- Hopper (https://www.hopper.com): The app is solid for tracking prices and getting a sense of when to book.
- Kayak (https://www.kayak.com): I love the explore feature and the price alert system.
- Momondo (https://www.momondo.com): Not as mainstream in the U.S., but surprisingly good at pulling obscure budget airline options.
- Southwest.com: Because you won’t find Southwest on any aggregators. You have to go direct.
I also always check the airlines’ websites directly, because sometimes they offer exclusive promos that third-party sites don’t reflect.
Flight #1: Frontier Airlines – The Ultra-Budget Gamble
Let’s start with the airline most people love to hate: Frontier. But let me say this — Frontier has its place. If you know what you’re getting into, and you plan ahead, it can be stupidly cheap.
- Flight Route: LAX to SAT (Direct)
- Price Paid: \$78.96 roundtrip (yes, really)
- Booking Platform: Directly on https://www.flyfrontier.com
- Dates: Outbound: Thursday morning / Return: Monday afternoon
- Total Travel Time: 3h 2m outbound, 3h 9m return
What’s Included? Nothing, really. I paid for the seat, period. No bags, no snacks, no smiles. I knew this. I packed a small personal item (backpack), avoided the carry-on fee (\$59), and wore my heaviest jacket and shoes to make it work.
The Experience: The gate area at LAX Terminal 5 was chaotic, as usual. Boarding was late, the seats were hard, and legroom was a myth — but we got there on time. I talked with a college student next to me who flies Frontier monthly between Denver and LA and “never pays more than \$100.” He shrugged at the no-frills atmosphere. “It’s a bus with wings. That’s all I need.”
Would I Recommend It? If you’re under 6’2″, traveling light, and okay skipping snacks and customer service — yes. Just keep your expectations in check.
Flight #2: Southwest Airlines – The Best Value Overall
Southwest is like that reliable friend who never ghosts you. They’re not fancy, but they show up, they’re kind, and they bring snacks.
- Flight Route: BUR to SAT (1 stop in Phoenix, 45-minute layover)
- Price Paid: \$134.20 roundtrip
- Booking Platform: Directly on https://www.southwest.com (they’re not on Google Flights or Skyscanner)
- Dates: Friday to Tuesday
What’s Included? Two checked bags (yes, two), a carry-on, and a personal item. Free soft drinks and snacks. Open seating policy — which I honestly love when I check in early.
The Experience: Departing from Burbank was a dream compared to LAX. Security was a breeze. The plane was clean, the crew was funny without trying too hard, and I had a window seat both ways with no one next to me on the return. The Phoenix layover was painless — I even had time to grab a burrito and a Topo Chico.
Would I Recommend It? Absolutely. For under \$140 with bags and flexibility, it’s a steal. The free cancellation/change policy also takes a lot of stress out of the equation.
Flight #3: Spirit Airlines – Better Than Its Reputation
I know what you’re thinking. Spirit? Really? But hear me out — the San Antonio route isn’t bad, and it’s cheaper than Amtrak.
- Flight Route: LAX to SAT (Direct)
- Price Paid: \$91.75 roundtrip
- Booking Platform: Booked via https://www.momondo.com which redirected me to JustFly.com
- Dates: Mid-week: Tuesday to Friday
What’s Included? A personal item. That’s it. I didn’t pay for extras, though I was tempted to upgrade my seat (\$22) and get a checked bag (\$39).
The Experience: It wasn’t bad! The plane was surprisingly new, and the flight crew was upbeat. Boarding was orderly, and we landed 10 minutes early. The catch? The seats don’t recline, and you’ll want to bring your own water and snacks.
A Surprise Bonus: I chatted with a woman in her 50s who flies Spirit regularly to see her daughter in Houston. She told me she saves hundreds a year flying this route, and uses the money on hotel upgrades and meals instead. Smart.
Would I Recommend It? Yes, for short flights with minimal luggage. Just be strategic.
A Few Booking Tips That Can Save You Money and Headaches
1. Be Flexible with Dates and Airports:
Flying out of Burbank instead of LAX can sometimes be cheaper, and way less stressful. Same goes for flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Use Google Flights’ calendar tool to see the cheapest dates.
2. Book Direct When Possible:
Once you find a good fare on an aggregator like Skyscanner, go to the airline’s site and book there. It’s safer, often cheaper, and gives you better support if things go sideways.
3. Always Use a VPN or Incognito Mode:
Some platforms definitely track your searches and hike prices. Incognito mode can help you avoid this.
4. Consider Credit Card Rewards or Points:
I used my Chase Sapphire Preferred for these bookings and earned 2x points on all of them. That adds up — especially if you’re flying every month.
5. Set Price Alerts:
Hopper and Google Flights both let you track specific routes. I saved \$28 by waiting a week for my Frontier flight to drop.
6. Download the Airline’s App:
Boarding passes, flight changes, gate updates — it’s all faster through the app. Plus, you often get first dibs on cheap upgrades or standby seats.
Great! Let’s continue where we left off and dive deeper into my full journey — expanding on additional airline options, personal travel moments, and more booking tips, until we reach the full, vivid 5200+ word experience. This part continues directly from the previous section.
Flight #4: Alaska Airlines – Under-the-Radar Comfort for a Modest Price
When I talk about budget flights, most people expect barebones experiences — but Alaska Airlines continues to be one of those rare middle-ground gems. It’s not ultra-budget, but often competitively priced, and the experience is miles ahead of most budget carriers.
- Flight Route: LAX to SAT (via Seattle)
- Price Paid: \$142.80 roundtrip
- Booking Platform: Booked on https://www.kayak.com after comparing deals via Google Flights
- Dates: Sunday to Wednesday, late-night departure
What’s Included? A carry-on and a personal item, free soft drinks, solid onboard Wi-Fi, and the Alaska Beyond™ Entertainment — which is actually legit. You can stream free movies to your device, and the selection isn’t junk.
The Experience: Here’s the honest truth — I didn’t expect to like this flight. A layover in Seattle on the way to Texas? It sounded nuts. But the savings were there, and I wanted to try something different.
And wow. Terminal 6 at LAX (where Alaska flies from) is low-stress. Boarding was smooth, the aircraft was clean, and the crew genuinely kind. I sat in seat 10F, window side, and had a rare quiet flight where I could just read, journal, and daydream. Seattle’s airport (SEA) gave me a stunning early morning view of Mount Rainier on descent, and I had just enough time for a great breakfast burrito at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese.
Arriving in San Antonio mid-morning, I felt refreshed, not frazzled. There’s a calm professionalism to Alaska that’s hard to find in the sub-\$150 price tier.
Would I Recommend It? Absolutely — especially if you’re okay with layovers and prioritize a smoother in-flight experience. This is a strong value play for just a few bucks more than budget options.
Bonus: American Airlines – A Surprisingly Competitive Fare
I’ve had a love-hate relationship with American Airlines for years. Some flights feel like first class (even in economy); others feel like Greyhound in the sky. But for this trip, they surprised me with a great fare.
- Flight Route: LAX to SAT (Direct)
- Price Paid: \$154.50 roundtrip
- Booking Platform: Directly on https://www.aa.com after spotting it on Google Flights
- Dates: Thursday morning to Sunday evening
What’s Included? One carry-on, one personal item, free in-flight entertainment, and decent Wi-Fi for purchase. No checked bags included unless you have elite status or a branded credit card.
The Experience: The flight left from Terminal 4 at LAX, and it was a full flight — not an empty seat in sight. But everything was on time, from check-in to taxi to arrival. I sat next to a man in his 70s who’d been stationed in San Antonio in the ‘70s and was going back for the first time. We talked about how much the city had changed, and he gave me restaurant tips I ended up using.
The seat wasn’t luxurious, but it was fine. The touchscreen worked, I watched an old episode of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, and the complimentary pretzels tasted oddly comforting.
Would I Recommend It? For a legacy carrier, yes — especially if the price is under \$160. It’s worth it for direct flights, reliability, and a more structured airport experience.
The Joys and Challenges of Budget Flying
Let me level with you: traveling cheap doesn’t always mean traveling easy. There were moments of tension — like the Spirit flight where the boarding agent was shouting row numbers like a drill sergeant, or the middle-of-the-night layover in Seattle where I half-slept on an airport chair. But I wouldn’t trade those moments.
They were part of the journey. They grounded me (ironically). And they reminded me that when you’re chasing the magic of travel — the real kind, where you watch cities unfold from 30,000 feet — the discomfort is part of the price. And often, it’s worth paying.
Booking Platforms I Trust (And Why I Use Them)
After testing dozens of sites over the years, here are the ones I consistently trust and why they deserve a spot in your bookmarks:
- Google Flights (https://www.google.com/flights)
Best for speed, visual layout, and flexible date comparison. It’s my #1 tool for trip planning and route discovery. - Skyscanner (https://www.skyscanner.com)
Excellent at finding the lowest fares, especially when your dates or destinations are flexible. The interface is clutter-free, and it’s easy to jump to the actual seller. - Hopper (https://www.hopper.com)
Great for mobile-based users. Its predictive pricing engine has been accurate more often than not — a good tool for procrastinators. - Momondo (https://www.momondo.com)
Surprisingly helpful for surfacing obscure or low-visibility fares. I’ve found deals here that didn’t appear on Google Flights or Kayak. - Kayak (https://www.kayak.com)
A solid all-in-one tool. Kayak’s flexible search filters and price trends are top-notch, and the Explore feature is addictive. - Southwest.com
Because it’s the only way to book Southwest. Their fares are not listed anywhere else.
Tips I’ve Learned From a Decade of Budget Booking
This part comes from trial and error. From delayed flights, missed connections, last-minute wins, and cheap miracles. Take it from me — these tips can make or break your budget trip:
1. Always Read the Fare Rules.
Is that \$79 fare “Basic Economy”? You might be stuck in the middle seat, last to board, and can’t bring a carry-on. Know what you’re buying.
2. Check Alternate Airports.
In LA, don’t forget about BUR (Burbank), LGB (Long Beach), or even ONT (Ontario). You might find better schedules or cheaper fares with less traffic.
3. Double-Check Your Bag Strategy.
One of the most common rookie mistakes is buying a \$49 flight and then paying \$89 in baggage fees. Measure your personal item, know the airline rules, and pack with intention.
4. Use Points When It Makes Sense.
If you’ve got Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, or airline miles, consider whether cash or points makes more sense. Sometimes the best budget option is free.
5. Sign Up for Airline Email Lists.
Frontier, Spirit, and even Alaska send out flash sales — often for 24 to 48 hours — that can cut your fare in half. Don’t ignore those newsletters.
6. Don’t Be Afraid of Red-Eyes or Layovers.
They’re not glamorous, but they can save you big. And sometimes, the quiet midnight airports are oddly peaceful.
Arriving in San Antonio: A Different Pace, A New Light
Landing in San Antonio always feels like stepping into another frequency. The air is thicker, sweeter. The skyline isn’t aggressive — it’s graceful. The way the River Walk threads its way through the city feels like a story being told in water.
I stayed at a small historic inn not far from the Pearl District, and every morning, I’d walk past courtyards shaded by oak trees. One morning, I sat at a café sipping coffee and watching couples glide by in riverboats. It struck me: I paid under \$100 to fly here, and yet the experience felt so rich.
On one of my walks, I met an older gentleman who’d lived in San Antonio all his life. We chatted about the changes over the years, and he told me, “You know, people come here looking for the Alamo, but they end up staying for the food and the light.”
I felt that. This wasn’t just a cheap flight. It was a lens into another world.
