$20 Flights In CA As Budget Airlines Ramp Up Summer Deals

CALIFORNIA — As summer vacation season nears its peak and travelers crowd the nation’s airports, discount airlines are offering ultra-cheap rates that rival the cost of a takeout meal or a rideshare fare.

Frontier as of Thursday evening was touting flights starting at $11, including offerings from both San Francisco and Ontario to Las Vegas for $19, as well as a flight from Denver to San Diego for $29.

Spirit’s fares were listed as starting at $20, and a flight from Oakland to Las Vegas could be had for $21.

At Southwest, one-way flights were as low as $59 as part of a summer sale, according to the airline, which is also running its Summer of Go sweepstakes, offering customers weekly chances to win a trip. The initiative started this week with a prize of round-trip travel for two to Colorado Springs plus a three-night hotel stay, $550 in Visa gift cards and more.