$504 Cheap Flights from Orange County (SNA) to Carlsbad (CNM)

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Find available prices by choosing your travel dates.

Cheap Flights from Orange County to Carlsbad (SNA-CNM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $504 for one-way flights and $856 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

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Flights from Orange County (SNA) to Carlsbad (CNM)
Origin airport
John Wayne
Destination airport
Cavern City Air Terminal
Roundtrip price
$855
Distance
793 mi

Orange County to Carlsbad Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Orange County to Carlsbad

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 Orange County to Carlsbad are during the month of June. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Orange County to Carlsbad with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Orange County to Carlsbad

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Orange County to Carlsbad: 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 Orange County to Carlsbad

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 Orange County to Carlsbad in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $504 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 Orange County to Carlsbad 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 Orange County to Carlsbad 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 SNA to CNM last minute?
Booking your journey from John Wayne Airport to CNM at the last minute could save you money if you get lucky and find an amazing deal. However, airfares don’t typically get cheaper closer to the departure date. If you hold out, flights could also be booked out or the best seats taken (don’t get stuck in the middle!). If you’d prefer to play it safe, book well in advance of your departure date. Remember that some of the most awesome deals can be found up to 12 months in advance. If your favorite carrier hasn’t released tickets yet, check back regularly as offers are updated on Expedia all the time.
What airports do you fly into for Carlsbad from Santa Ana?
There are two — Cavern City Air Terminal Airport (CNM) and Artesia Municipal Airport (ATS). Both are great options for those journeying from Santa Ana to Carlsbad. If you opt for Cavern City Air Terminal Airport (CNM), you’ll land about 5 mi south of Carlsbad. After you’ve settled in to your new digs, it’s time to sample some of the city’s best sights. Pecos River Flume and Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area are two must-sees.
Can I change the date of my flight from John Wayne Airport to Cavern City Air Terminal?
Easily make changes to your John Wayne Airport to Cavern City Air Terminal ticket via the Expedia Trips portal. But before doing so, check out the fare conditions in your itinerary to see what the airline will let you do and what fees apply for changes. Some airlines charge a change fee per person, on top of any difference in fares. However, if you booked in the last 24 hours, you may be able to cancel for free and organize new flights. You can also stop by our Customer Service portal to find the answers to your questions and to chat with our Virtual Agent.

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*Available to One Key members.