Los Angeles to New York is the classic American transcontinental route, and it is served nonstop all day long. You can fly coast to coast in about 5½ hours, and because so many airlines compete on it, fares stay some of the best-value in the country. One thing worth knowing before you book: checking every return fare on sale, the cheap ones all land at Newark rather than JFK, and they run $334–$352. This guide covers who really flies it, what a return actually costs in dollars, and when to book.
Route: Los Angeles (LAX) → New York (JFK / EWR)
Distance: approximately 3,970 km (2,470 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 5h 15m – 5h 40m eastbound; roughly 6h coming back against the winds
Direct flights: Yes — American, Delta and JetBlue fly nonstop LAX–JFK, Alaska flies nonstop to both JFK and Newark (EWR), and United runs its premium transcon nonstop to Newark. It is one of the most-served routes in the US. In our fare data every cheap nonstop landed at Newark, led by Alaska at $334–$352 — so if you need JFK specifically, price it separately.
Fares from Los Angeles to New York (USD)
This is a year-round business and leisure route, so fares track holidays and the seasons rather than any single peak. Summer and the December holidays are the priciest and busiest; late winter and early autumn are the cheapest. The figures below are typical economy return fares in dollars — with so many carriers competing, sale prices dip well below them.
| Month | Demand | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | medium |
| February | — | low-medium |
| March | — | medium (spring break) |
| April | — | medium |
| May | — | medium-high |
| June | — | high |
| July | — | high |
| August | — | high |
| September | — | low-medium |
| October | — | medium |
| November | — | high (Thanksgiving) |
| December | — | very high (holidays) |
Checked against every return fare on sale as we write, a typical fair price is roughly $300–$340 — the nonstop median is $337, so that band is right and it is the ordinary price rather than a deal. The nonstop floor is $334 on Alaska into Newark, with JetBlue at $349–$352 and United’s transcon at $497–$498. A nonstop under about $340 is as good as this route gets. The only cheaper fare we found was a Frontier connection at $284 — basic economy, no seat choice or bag, and a stop on a route where everyone else flies direct.
Airlines on this route
Nonstop (about 5½ hours eastbound):
- JetBlue — nonstop LAX–JFK; the most frequent operator, with its lie-flat Mint cabin up front and free Wi-Fi in economy.
- Delta — nonstop LAX–JFK, often on the Boeing 767/777; reliable premium transcon product.
- American — nonstop LAX–JFK, high frequency and a widebody Flagship cabin on many departures.
- Alaska — nonstop to both JFK and Newark (EWR); good value and a strong loyalty program on the West Coast.
- United — nonstop LAX–Newark (EWR) on its premium transcon service.
Because five carriers fight over this corridor, fares stay low without needing a connection. One-stop itineraries (through Phoenix, Charlotte, Chicago or Dallas) occasionally undercut the nonstops, but the time cost rarely makes them worthwhile on a route this competitive.
When to book & how to save
- Book 3–8 weeks ahead for the best balance of price and choice; domestic transcon fares are usually cheapest in that window and creep up in the final fortnight.
- Avoid the peaks — summer, Thanksgiving week and late December are the most expensive; late January, February and September are the cheapest.
- Compare New York airports: JFK has the most nonstops, but a fare into Newark (EWR) or a connection through LaGuardia (LGA) can price lower.
- Watch the fare class: the lowest “basic economy” tickets exclude seat selection and a carry-on on some airlines — compare the all-in price with a bag.
- Fly midweek and avoid Friday and Sunday departures, which carry the biggest business-travel premium.
Arriving in New York
Most nonstops land at John F. Kennedy (JFK) in southeast Queens, about 24 km from Midtown Manhattan. The cheapest way in is the AirTrain to the subway (about $12 all in, roughly an hour to Midtown); a yellow cab runs a flat fare of around $70 plus tolls and tip. If you fly into Newark (EWR) in New Jersey, the AirTrain connects to NJ Transit trains into Penn Station (around $16, 40–50 minutes). Rideshare from either airport typically runs $55–$90 into Manhattan depending on traffic.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to New York?
Nonstop flights take about 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 40 minutes eastbound (LAX to JFK), helped by tailwinds. The return leg to Los Angeles is a little longer, usually around 6 hours, because you fly against the jet stream.
Are there direct flights from Los Angeles to New York?
Yes, plenty. American, Delta and JetBlue fly nonstop from LAX to JFK, Alaska flies nonstop to both JFK and Newark, and United runs a nonstop premium service to Newark. It is one of the most frequently served routes in the United States, with departures throughout the day.
How much does it cost to fly from Los Angeles to New York?
A typical economy return runs about $334–$500 nonstop, with a median of $337 and a connecting Frontier fare at $284 below that. Alaska and JetBlue carry the cheap nonstops into Newark; United’s transcon is close to $500. Summer and the December holidays push fares toward the top of the range.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles to New York?
February and September are usually the cheapest. In the dates we could price, nonstop returns started at $334 and the cheapest connecting fare was $284. Avoid June through August, Thanksgiving week and late December, which are the busiest and most expensive periods on this route.
Which airlines fly from Los Angeles to New York?
Nonstop to JFK: American, Delta and JetBlue. Nonstop to Newark: United and Alaska (Alaska also serves JFK). In our fare data the cheapest nonstops were Alaska into Newark at $334–$352 and JetBlue at $349–$352, with United at $497–$498; American and Delta did not appear among the cheapest fares when we checked. These carriers compete hard, which keeps transcontinental fares among the best value of any long US domestic route.
Which airport do I fly into in New York?
Most nonstops land at John F. Kennedy (JFK) in Queens. Some flights, particularly United and Alaska, use Newark Liberty (EWR) in New Jersey, which is well connected by train into Manhattan. Check which airport your ticket uses, as they are on opposite sides of the city.
How far in advance should I book Los Angeles to New York flights?
Aim to book 3 to 8 weeks ahead for the best price. Domestic transcon fares rarely improve in the final two weeks, and they rise sharply around holidays, so booking early — especially for summer and December travel — almost always wins.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Usually, yes. Midweek departures (Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday) tend to be cheaper than Friday and Sunday, which carry a business-travel premium. Flying out and back midweek can save $40–$100 on a return, and being flexible by a day or two is one of the easiest ways to cut the fare.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
