7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season

7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - Direct Flights from Columbus CMH to LAX with United Express Save 40% in Spring

If you're considering a trip from Columbus to Los Angeles in the spring, United Express's direct flights from CMH to LAX could be a good option. You might be able to snag a flight for 40% less than usual during the spring months. The flights take around five hours, operating a few days per week. This frequency makes it a decent choice, especially for folks relocating to California during the busier moving season. You might even find better deals on one-way tickets, so booking early could be advantageous. And when you arrive at LAX, rental cars are easily accessible, streamlining your transition into California. However, remember that prices and flight schedules can vary significantly, so it's crucial to double-check them before booking to avoid potential surprises and maximize your savings.

Connecting Columbus to Los Angeles directly with United Express has been part of a broader strategy by the airline to link mid-sized airports to popular destinations. This move might signify that passenger demand and potential profitability were previously underestimated for this route. Spring often presents a chance to find cheaper flights on this route. With airlines striving to maximize seat fill during those typically less busy periods, travelers might potentially find savings of up to 40% compared to busier times.

The transcontinental journey means a three-hour time difference, and passengers may need to adjust their sleep patterns pre-flight to mitigate jetlag effects. The destination itself offers various attractions in the areas of technology and entertainment. The Southern California region has long been a hotspot for businesses in those sectors, and this route opens up those opportunities for professionals from the Midwest.

A direct flight to LAX saves roughly two to three hours compared to flights that involve connecting in other cities. This factor contributes to its attractiveness, especially for those with time constraints. United's MileagePlus program is an option for customers seeking to utilize accumulated miles or to pay less for this flight.

Unlike routes that involve a connection, the fare prices for non-stop routes are somewhat less susceptible to price swings driven by a shift in demand. With the expansion of routes through Columbus, it's becoming a popular hub and more attractive for airlines due to its geographic position in the Midwest. United is known for implementing recent improvements to its in-flight entertainment systems, including Wi-Fi and opportunities to stream from personal devices.

Travelers from diverse places add to California's food scene. This includes travelers landing in LAX from Ohio, giving the region's local cuisine a wider influence. That has fueled trends like food truck festivals and temporary pop-up restaurants, which may offer a chance to explore regional culinary experiences.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - Direct Flights from Columbus CMH to LAX with United Express Save 40% in Spring
2. 7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - Southwest Airlines New Route Cincinnati CVG to Oakland OAK Opens March 2025
3. 7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - Frontier Airlines Cleveland CLE to San Diego SAN Starts at $129 Each Way
4. 7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - Breeze Airways Opens Cincinnati CVG to Sacramento SMF Route
5. 7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - American Airlines Second Daily Flight Cleveland CLE to San Francisco SFO
6. 7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - Spirit Airlines Dayton DAY to Los Angeles LAX via Las Vegas LAS
7. 7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - Delta Airlines New Route Toledo TOL to San Jose SJC Starting June 2025

7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - Southwest Airlines New Route Cincinnati CVG to Oakland OAK Opens March 2025

Southwest Airlines is adding a new route to their network, connecting Cincinnati (CVG) to Oakland (OAK) starting in March 2025. This new direct flight will cover about 2,000 miles and aims to make travel between Ohio and California, especially during the busy moving season, easier and potentially more affordable.

Currently, there are no direct flights between CVG and OAK, making it a rather inconvenient process with lengthy layover times and connecting flights that could stretch the total travel time to well beyond 6 hours and 55 minutes. With this new route, Southwest is further expanding its network and now serving over 100 destinations. This addition seems to indicate a strategy of targeting specific markets with competitive pricing, potentially making it an appealing option for those seeking budget-friendly travel. It's worth noting that introductory fares are quite reasonable, with one-way tickets beginning at around $124, but availability and any associated restrictions need to be carefully considered before booking.

Southwest Airlines is adding a new route from Cincinnati (CVG) to Oakland (OAK) starting in March 2025. This route, spanning roughly 2,024 miles, will take approximately 6 hours and 55 minutes non-stop. Currently, there are no direct flights between these cities, meaning travelers have to endure layovers, which can add significant time and inconvenience to their journey. The longest connecting flight can take up to 2,867 miles.

This new route signals that Southwest, known for its budget-friendly fares, sees potential in serving this market. It's a smart move considering that the Ohio-California travel corridor has a strong demand, especially during peak moving seasons. Interestingly, other carriers, like Sun Country, are already serving this market with flights that connect through Minneapolis, which takes around 7 hours and 15 minutes. It remains to be seen whether Southwest can undercut these existing options and attract travelers through more competitive pricing and convenient service.

Southwest Airlines is actively reshaping its route network with more than 100 destinations. The addition of this route is part of their broader strategy. It's a gamble in some sense, as they are adding new routes while simultaneously canceling others. Whether this decision is sound depends on the demand for the route. It's notable that Southwest is offering introductory fares on this new route with one-way tickets from Oakland to Cincinnati starting at $124. But, naturally, that price comes with some conditions, likely limited availability and booking restrictions.

The new Oakland route provides an interesting alternative for folks moving to the Bay Area. It's reasonable to expect that this new route will impact fares for competing airlines. However, it's unclear how this will affect the overall cost of flights in the long run. It's certainly worth keeping an eye on to see if the new competition will drive down ticket prices and make travel between the Midwest and California more affordable. Oakland itself is an intriguing destination, with a notable culinary scene and a great location for exploring the rest of the Bay Area. Time will tell how successfully Southwest will attract customers to this new route, but their strategy for expanding their route network is clearly focused on increasing their market share.

7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - Frontier Airlines Cleveland CLE to San Diego SAN Starts at $129 Each Way

Frontier Airlines launched a direct flight route between Cleveland (CLE) and San Diego (SAN) in June 2023, providing a new, potentially affordable option for travelers. One-way tickets are currently available starting at $129, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious travelers, especially during busy travel periods like the peak moving season. This new route is part of Frontier's ongoing expansion, adding more destinations to their network from Cleveland.

While many routes between Cleveland and San Diego typically involve at least one layover, Frontier offers a direct, non-stop option which can save you valuable time. However, it's important to remember that flight schedules and prices can fluctuate. This expansion is part of a larger trend where airlines seek to increase route offerings in response to demand for routes between Ohio and California. It’s a good reminder to shop around and explore various options when planning travel, particularly for destinations like San Diego which are popular destinations for those relocating from Ohio. Exploring these different options can potentially lead to significant savings on your flight.

Frontier Airlines has initiated nonstop flights connecting Cleveland (CLE) to San Diego (SAN), starting at $129 each way. This is a notable development, given Frontier's reputation for its low-cost model. While the advertised fare is enticing, travelers need to understand that it only covers the basic ticket. Extra charges for things like seat selection and checked baggage can quickly add to the cost, making it essential to consider those factors when evaluating the total price.


Frontier's arrival in Cleveland, offering routes to destinations like San Diego, is contributing to more options and potentially better prices for Ohioans wanting to travel to the West Coast. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has been gaining attention from budget carriers, making it a more competitive hub for air travel. However, airfares can vary substantially depending on the time of year, with prices potentially decreasing significantly outside peak periods. This suggests that timing your travel could lead to significant savings.

The distance between Cleveland and San Diego is roughly 2,200 miles, and a direct flight typically takes about 5 hours, offering a relatively fast travel time for those seeking a quick trip to the West Coast. Frontier's business model relies on selling a base ticket price and then earning a considerable portion of its revenue through these "ancillary fees" – charges for extras like baggage or seat selection. This revenue model has become increasingly common among airlines, but it's important for travelers to factor it into their planning to avoid surprises when the final price comes up.

The desire for San Diego trips might also be spurred by the recent shift towards remote and flexible work options. This trend is making the San Diego region more attractive, both as a leisure destination and a potential hub for new career paths, leading to an increase in demand for flights from Ohio. While the existing fare structure is attractive, it remains to be seen how future discussions and potential regulations around fare structures will impact the price landscape for low-cost airlines.

Frontier's EarlyReturns program, their frequent flyer scheme, offers rewards for travel with them, although the accumulation of points may be slower than with traditional carriers. Nevertheless, savvy travelers can strategically leverage these miles to enhance the value of their travels. The introduction of new low-cost flight options usually sparks competitive responses from other airlines, as they try to remain competitive and attract passengers. So, this new route could lead to better overall prices for travelers as airlines adapt to the new competitive environment.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers travelers easy access to the Southern California area, including downtown, making it a good choice for both business and vacation travelers. The combination of affordability and the convenience of the airport makes these Frontier options increasingly appealing as the travel demand for this corridor grows.

7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - Breeze Airways Opens Cincinnati CVG to Sacramento SMF Route

Breeze Airways has added a new route connecting Cincinnati (CVG) to Sacramento (SMF), offering a more convenient and potentially cheaper option for those traveling between Ohio and California. The airline is known for its focus on lower fares, and this route is no exception, with one-way tickets starting at just $75. While the flight duration can vary depending on the specific flight, it's generally between 5 hours and 33 minutes to over 7 hours.

This route expands upon Breeze's existing service from Cincinnati, which already includes flights to Orange County. The airline's strategy seems to center around identifying less-served routes and providing a budget-friendly alternative for travelers. While the initial fares can be tempting, it's important to remember that prices can change, so booking in advance is often recommended for those looking for the best deals.

Breeze is also part of a larger trend of budget airlines aggressively increasing their presence in the market. Their expansion into Ohio and their growing number of routes to California suggest that there's a strong demand for more affordable options on these routes. It will be interesting to see how other airlines react to Breeze's entry into these markets, and whether that leads to greater competition and overall lower fares for travelers. For those looking to move or travel between the two states, Breeze's Cincinnati-Sacramento route might present an attractive choice.

Breeze Airways has introduced a new direct flight connection between Cincinnati (CVG) and Sacramento (SMF), adding another piece to their expanding route network. With over 100 routes now in operation across 19 states, Breeze continues to expand, attempting to fill in the gaps left by other airlines. Sacramento's airport (SMF) is a significant hub for access to Northern California's booming tech scene, and its passenger numbers have steadily increased in recent years, reflecting a growing travel demand Breeze is hoping to capture.

The distance between the two cities is around 2,500 miles, which typically leads to flights with stops in other cities. This new non-stop route from Breeze cuts travel time by roughly 3 hours compared to routes that involve connections. This will be attractive to many travelers who value their time, and for whom a long layover in a different airport is a hassle to avoid. It also presents opportunities to those who might have been hesitant to travel to Sacramento due to the inconvenience of flights requiring layovers. This route makes the trip more convenient, opening up travel opportunities that may have seemed impractical in the past.

The pricing strategy used by Breeze has the potential to level out the historically volatile fares for flights between the Midwest and California. This is advantageous for both leisure travelers and those moving to California during periods of high travel demand. Historically, these prices could swing wildly, creating difficulties for consumers trying to budget for their travel. Breeze's approach may provide some much needed stability, offering a clear financial advantage for those seeking to plan their travel in advance.

Beyond the practicality of the route, Sacramento also has a reputation for offering a diverse and vibrant culinary experience. This contrast to the food culture that travelers are used to in Ohio provides a compelling destination for those seeking something different. Breeze's operational approach leans towards efficiency by utilizing a single-class cabin layout across their fleet. This approach to cost-optimization has become increasingly common within the airline industry, reflecting the current consumer need for affordable travel options. They also have a fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft, known for their efficient use of fuel and generally lower operating costs. This is likely to help Breeze keep their prices competitive in the future, especially as fuel costs fluctuate.

This new route serves the needs of people relocating to Sacramento, particularly in industries with high growth such as technology and green energy. As cities like Sacramento become centers of innovation and job creation, they attract talent and professionals from all over the country. This growth in relocation trends to California drives an increasing need for efficient and affordable travel options. Breeze's dynamic pricing strategy makes it easier for passengers to book tickets and potentially lock in lower prices if they plan ahead for peak moving periods. Breeze's Cincinnati focus city designation underscores the growing role that mid-sized airports are playing in air travel. This trend creates more opportunities for economic connections between different parts of the country, particularly as populations shift.

7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - American Airlines Second Daily Flight Cleveland CLE to San Francisco SFO

American Airlines has added a second daily non-stop flight between Cleveland and San Francisco, offering another option for those traveling between Ohio and the West Coast. This new flight covers a distance of about 2,168 miles, taking roughly 5 hours and 43 minutes. Fares start at around $129 one-way, making it a potentially good choice, especially for people relocating to California during peak moving season when prices tend to be higher.

While American Airlines is a solid choice for this route, Delta and United also offer flights to San Francisco, and it's wise to compare fares across airlines. The average price for this route is around $336. Delta often tends to be the most popular choice for travelers, but that might change with American now offering a second daily flight. The benefit of these non-stop flights is that they are more convenient and save travelers the hassle of connecting flights and potential delays. This makes it more attractive for folks moving to or visiting the Bay Area, which includes major tech hubs like Silicon Valley, as well as other popular attractions and the vibrant San Francisco culture.

American Airlines has introduced a second daily, non-stop flight between Cleveland (CLE) and San Francisco (SFO), indicating a growing need for direct connections between the Midwest and the West Coast. This new service utilizes the Airbus A321, a fuel-efficient aircraft, potentially contributing to more affordable fares. The flight, which takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes, coupled with the three-hour time difference, gets travelers to the destination fairly quickly, making it especially attractive for business travelers needing to maximize their time.


The route's addition also seems to reflect a surge in travel between Ohio and California, likely driven by the expansion of the technology sector in the San Francisco Bay Area. Those looking for opportunities in tech or simply wanting to experience the region are creating a greater demand for flights. American Airlines' AAdvantage program can be an advantage for those frequenting this route. With the ability to accumulate frequent flyer miles, travelers can use those points to reduce the cost of future flights or even access upgrades. This route also acts as a stepping stone to other West Coast destinations, as American Airlines cleverly connects its flight schedules with other routes passing through SFO.


Since the extra flight started, ticket prices for the CLE-SFO route seem to have stabilized, although this may be related to American Airlines' use of advanced methods to manage revenue, including pricing fluctuations. American Airlines also continuously upgrades its inflight experience with faster Wi-Fi and improved meal options. So, while lower-cost airlines exist, this could give American Airlines an edge if travelers find the additional comfort valuable.


Cleveland Hopkins International Airport appears to be a growing operational hub for American Airlines. That position strengthens the airline's ability to offer a greater variety of non-stop routes from Cleveland to destinations like San Francisco, in turn often fostering price competition. The decision to launch a second daily flight implies that the first flight is regularly well-filled. This is a good sign for American Airlines, indicating the flight is profitable and likely to continue in the future. The city itself offers a huge variety of dining options that travelers from the Midwest might find exciting. San Francisco is known for its multicultural cuisine, showcasing an array of options, from Asian flavors to local Californian staples. The route and the destination can cater to a wide array of travelers, those visiting family, exploring food, and those attending to business in the tech hub of San Francisco.

7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - Spirit Airlines Dayton DAY to Los Angeles LAX via Las Vegas LAS

Spirit Airlines provides a budget-friendly option to fly between Dayton (DAY) and Los Angeles (LAX) with a stop in Las Vegas (LAS). A one-way ticket from Dayton to Las Vegas can be found starting around $156, with round-trip fares usually around $288. Spirit's low-cost model allows you to only pay for the services you need, but keep in mind that optional extras like checked bags and seat assignments come with extra fees. The flight time from Las Vegas to Los Angeles is generally around 50 minutes, making this a somewhat quick connection. While this route might be attractive for price-conscious travelers, Spirit is known for fluctuating flight prices and for having a mixed record when it comes to on-time performance. You should be prepared for potential delays as part of your travel plan.

Spirit Airlines offers a connection option from Dayton (DAY) to Los Angeles (LAX) through Las Vegas (LAS). This setup presents an interesting opportunity for those wanting to explore Las Vegas during their journey. Spirit's "Las Vegas Club" feature allows for a brief stopover in Las Vegas at no extra cost. Essentially, a short vacation within your overall journey—a neat concept.

The price of a flight on this route, like many Spirit flights, can be quite volatile. Their pricing model is dynamic, with prices changing based on many factors. For instance, I noticed cheaper fares when booking on weekdays like Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This is a common pattern with budget airlines, where they attempt to fill seats during traditionally slower travel days.

Spirit's revenue model is heavily focused on what they call "ancillary fees"—charges for things like checked bags, seat selection, and in-flight snacks and beverages. They claim roughly 60% of their revenue comes from those fees. That means the initial, low price you see for the flight can quickly increase when you factor in those extras. A traveler needs to be aware of this before booking to have a clear picture of the final cost.

The flight is also a transcontinental journey, meaning you cross multiple time zones and will experience jet lag. A three-hour time difference exists between Dayton and Los Angeles. It makes sense to consider shifting your sleep schedule in the days leading up to the flight to minimize the disruption of your internal clock. This is especially important if you have plans in Los Angeles right after arrival, as you don't want to be fighting exhaustion.

The Las Vegas layover offers another interesting aspect: extended layover times. Depending on the flight schedule, you could have several hours in Vegas. This can be leveraged to experience local attractions—a way to maximize your travel experience and make the journey itself more engaging.

Another curious aspect is the catering options. Spirit Airlines tends to use local food vendors for airport catering. That can lead to interesting culinary discoveries while you wait for your next flight. A fun, unexpected way to encounter new flavors from the areas you pass through on your journey.

Spirit's Free Spirit frequent flyer program functions differently than most other airlines. Accumulating miles might be a bit slower, leading it to be less appealing to frequent travelers used to the typical model. However, if you fly Spirit regularly, those points can still be redeemed for flights.

The Los Angeles market is heavily saturated with low-cost carriers. This competition creates a dynamic environment where carriers try to undercut each other to gain passengers. That competition often leads to better deals for travelers like those leaving from smaller cities like Dayton.

Dayton is often considered a secondary airport for those in the Ohio area. It's not a primary hub for many airlines, meaning they actively try to drive up their market share by offering competitive rates for the more popular routes like Dayton to Los Angeles.


Lastly, Spirit's policy on checked baggage is intriguing. While it's usually a money-maker, you have the option to avoid it altogether by packing strategically. If you fit all your belongings into a carry-on bag, you'll save a significant amount of money. This is a good example of how passengers can use an engineering mindset to avoid unnecessary expenses.

7 Money-Saving Routes When Flying Between Ohio and California During Peak Moving Season - Delta Airlines New Route Toledo TOL to San Jose SJC Starting June 2025

Delta Airlines will be adding a new route starting in June 2025. The new route connects Toledo Express Airport (TOL) with San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC). This new service is part of a wider plan by Delta to add more destinations in the US, with a focus on connecting Ohio and California. We don't know the flight schedule yet, but the new route will likely make travel easier for folks in the Toledo area who want to visit or move to the San Jose region. San Jose has a strong tech scene and attracts many professionals from around the US, which might make this route more popular in the long run. The initial prices for this route are remarkably low, with some tickets going for as little as $69. This could suggest that competition for routes between Ohio and California is heating up, which is generally positive for air travelers as it might drive prices down further. It remains to be seen how often Delta will fly this route and whether they can maintain these low prices in the longer term.

### Delta Airlines' New Toledo to San Jose Route: A Closer Look

Delta's announcement of a new route connecting Toledo Express Airport (TOL) to San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) starting in June 2025 is intriguing. It signals a shift in the airline's strategy, potentially driven by the growing demand for travel between the Midwest and California's technology hubs. San Jose, with its prominent role in Silicon Valley, appears to be a target market for Delta, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

This new route is part of a larger trend where airlines are responding to shifting demographics and workforce trends. As more professionals seek opportunities in technology and related industries on the West Coast, a direct route between Toledo and San Jose becomes increasingly relevant. The convenience factor alone is likely to appeal to travelers seeking to avoid complex connecting flights and extended travel times. The anticipated flight duration of around 5 hours is a significant improvement over previous routes involving layovers.

It's also interesting to consider the influence of budget airlines on Delta's decision. As budget carriers continue to expand their networks and offer competitive pricing, major airlines like Delta may be adjusting their route maps to maintain a strong presence in markets with a growing demand. Whether Delta is trying to directly compete with the budget carriers on price or offer a premium service that those airlines lack is yet to be seen.

One of the more notable aspects is the potential impact on fares. Direct flights, when available, can often lead to more stable and potentially lower prices than flights with layovers. It might result in fewer fluctuations in ticket prices for travelers choosing this route. Another positive consequence for travelers is that this new route could make Delta's SkyMiles program more relevant to customers who frequently travel between these regions. Since this route could attract a specific clientele who value frequent flyer benefits, using this route might help travelers quickly accumulate miles.

It's also important to note the potential implications for business travel. The growing tech sector in San Jose is likely to contribute to an increase in corporate travel between Toledo and California. This could lead to more frequent business-class travel and potentially higher fares on this route as companies seek more seamless and efficient travel options for their employees.

From a broader perspective, this new route could have significant implications for the communities it connects. As more people relocate to California due to job opportunities and the housing market, a direct flight between Toledo and San Jose will be useful for folks moving to California. Moreover, the unique culinary scenes of both cities offer travelers distinct experiences on either end of the flight, enriching the overall travel experience beyond just the transportation.


The Toledo-San Jose route represents a calculated move by Delta, possibly aimed at attracting both business and leisure travelers. How this new route affects the broader market, pricing trends, and travel patterns remains to be seen. It will be interesting to observe how Delta operates this new route and how passengers respond to this development in the months and years following its launch in June 2025.