Cheap Flights from Raleigh (RDU) to San Diego (SDM)

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Flights from Raleigh (RDU) to San Diego (SDM)
Origin airport
Raleigh - Durham Intl.
Destination airport
Brown Field Municipal
Distance
2180 mi

Raleigh to San Diego Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Raleigh to San Diego

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Raleigh to San Diego are during the month of . You can find some of the cheapest flights from Raleigh to San Diego with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Raleigh to San Diego

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Raleigh to San Diego: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Raleigh to San Diego

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Raleigh to San Diego in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Raleigh to San Diego flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Raleigh to San Diego airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Raleigh - Durham Intl. Airport (RDU) to SDM last minute?
Booking your journey from Raleigh–Durham Airport to SDM at the last minute could save you dollars if you strike it lucky and find a real bargain. However, airfares don’t typically get cheaper as the date of departure nears. If you hold off, flights could also be booked out or the best seats gone (hello, middle seat!). If you don’t want to risk it, book well in advance of your departure date. In fact, Expedia has some of the biggest deals up to a year in advance. If your favorite airline hasn’t released tickets yet, check back regularly as deals are updated on Expedia constantly.
What airports do you fly into for San Diego County from Raleigh?
From Raleigh, you can travel to San Diego County through San Diego, CA (SDM-Brown Field Municipal), San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) and McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). Do some research into which hub is the best option for you before making your decision. If you pick San Diego, CA (SDM-Brown Field Municipal), it’s approximately 14 mi southeast of the downtown area. Use the cash you save when booking your seat with Expedia to uncover the city’s popular sights, such as San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.
Can I change the date of my flight from Raleigh - Durham Intl. Airport (RDU) to SDM?
Easily make changes to your RDU to SDM trip by logging in to the Expedia Trips portal. But before you make any adjustments, review the rules and conditions in your itinerary to see what you’re able to do and if fees apply for changes. Some carriers charge a change fee per person, plus any difference in ticket prices. However, if you booked in the last 24 hours, you may be able to cancel for free and organize new flights. You can also find your way to our Customer Service portal for more info and to connect with our Virtual Agent.

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