I never expected to fall so hard for Spokane. Nestled in the eastern corner of Washington State, far from the coastal bustle of Seattle or the Hollywood glitter of Los Angeles, Spokane felt like a quiet whisper that turned into a full song once I stepped off the plane. But first, I had to get there—and that journey, believe it or not, is a whole story of its own.
Flying from Los Angeles to Spokane isn’t like catching a quick hop from LAX to Las Vegas or San Francisco. There are nuances. There are choices. And let me tell you—not all flights are created equal.
So if you’re like me—trying to trade palm trees and traffic for pines, rivers, and wine tastings—here’s what you need to know about flying from LA to Spokane. I’ve taken this route multiple times now, experimenting with different airlines, flight times, and booking platforms. Let me take you through the whole process—the good, the not-so-great, and the unexpectedly delightful.
Why I Chose Spokane Over More Popular Pacific Northwest Destinations
Before we even dive into flights, let me share a little backstory. I had originally planned a trip to Portland or maybe Seattle, but something about Spokane kept showing up in my search results. Quaint downtown, waterfall hikes right in the middle of the city, wineries just a 30-minute drive away? I was hooked.
Once I locked in my decision to go, I thought the travel part would be simple. It’s just a domestic flight, right? But as I started looking, I realized there were several different routes, various stopovers, and more price differences than I expected. That’s when I began my research—and eventually this story.
The Basics: How Far Is Spokane from LA and How Long Is the Flight?
Los Angeles (LAX) to Spokane (GEG – Spokane International Airport) is about 950 miles as the crow flies. A direct flight takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, sometimes less if you’re lucky with tailwinds.
But here’s the kicker—there aren’t as many direct flights as you’d think. Some airlines run them daily, others only on specific days, and some will take you on an aerial tour of Denver or Salt Lake City before dropping you off in Spokane.
Flight Search Deep Dive: What I Look For as a Frequent Traveler
When I search for flights, I’m not just looking at cost. I look for:
- Flight duration (shorter is always better)
- Departure and arrival times (I hate arriving after dark in new cities)
- Airline reliability and service
- In-flight amenities (Wi-Fi is a must, especially if I’m working on the go)
- Traveler reviews
- Booking flexibility and platform reputation
And finally, price. Because yes, we all want that magical \$79 deal that doesn’t involve layovers in Phoenix and overnight naps at Denver International.
Top 3 Most Convenient Flights from Los Angeles to Spokane
After a lot of trial, error, and some truly grueling connections, here are my top three most convenient flights from Los Angeles to Spokane, based on personal experience, reviews from fellow travelers, and performance reliability.
1. Alaska Airlines Flight 2352 (Direct)
The Experience:
I flew this exact flight last fall, and to this day, it remains my favorite way to get from LA to Spokane. Alaska Airlines Flight 2352 is a non-stop flight that departs from LAX and lands at Spokane International Airport (GEG) in just about 2 hours and 25 minutes. That’s barely enough time to watch a full movie, which was perfect for someone like me who prefers quick, no-fuss travel.
From the moment I checked in, the experience was seamless. The Alaska Airlines crew struck that rare balance of being both professional and genuinely friendly. I was welcomed on board with a smile, and the flight attendants checked in throughout the flight without being intrusive. The aircraft itself was modern and clean, with more legroom than I anticipated. I’m a tall traveler, so that little extra space makes a huge difference in comfort.
Alaska offers free texting, in-flight Wi-Fi, and charging outlets at each seat, which made it easy for me to finish up a blog post draft while soaring over the Sierra Nevadas. They also had a curated selection of snacks and drinks, including a surprisingly decent Northwest IPA, which I sipped while listening to my travel playlist and watching the sun rise above the clouds.
Departure time is around 8:40 AM, which meant I avoided the morning LAX chaos. We landed just after 11:00 AM, and I was off the plane and in my rental car within 20 minutes. I had the whole afternoon to myself—I grabbed a latte from Indaba Coffee, wandered through Riverfront Park, and even caught golden hour over Spokane Falls. That flight didn’t just take me somewhere—it gave me a whole extra day to enjoy.
2. Delta Airlines via Salt Lake City (Flight DL1881 + DL4179)
The Experience:
On one of my winter trips, I couldn’t get a direct flight and opted for Delta through Salt Lake City. While it’s not as fast as a nonstop, the layover was just about 50 minutes, and both flights were punctual.
Flying Delta always feels like a small step up. There’s a comfort in how they operate. From LAX to Salt Lake (DL1881), I had a bulkhead seat (thanks, Medallion status!) and stretched out. The second leg (DL4179) from Salt Lake to Spokane was a smaller jet, but it was clean, quiet, and cozy.
Delta’s app is another huge plus. It updates gate info, boarding alerts, and even gives you real-time luggage tracking.
Departure from LAX: 9:20 AM
Layover in SLC: 10:45 AM – 11:35 AM
Arrival in Spokane: 12:45 PM
Cost: I snagged this one for \$168 roundtrip using Priceline, but prices vary based on the season.
Travelers Say: Fellow flyers rave about Delta’s reliability and upgraded snack options (give me those Biscoff cookies any day). I also like how they often offer free upgrades to Main Cabin Comfort if you book early enough.
Recommended for: Travelers who value consistency and aren’t in a huge rush. Also great for people collecting SkyMiles.
3. Southwest Airlines – One-Stop via Oakland (Flight 3403 + 4678)
The Experience:
Now, I know what you’re thinking—Southwest? One-stop? But hear me out. Southwest might not have first-class seating, but it’s a people’s airline. Two free checked bags? Yes, please. And if you’re traveling with outdoor gear or staying longer, this alone is worth it.
This route takes you from LAX to Oakland, then onward to Spokane. But—and this is important—you stay on the same plane during the stop, meaning no dashing across terminals or frantic gate changes. It’s a glorified direct flight, really.
Departure from LAX: 10:15 AM
Stop in Oakland: 11:45 AM (20-30 min stop)
Arrival in Spokane: 2:00 PM
Cost: I’ve seen this route as low as \$99 on Southwest.com, especially during their big flash sales. I booked mine using Travelocity because they offered points through a rewards card partnership.
Perks:
- Free checked bags (yes, two!)
- Open seating (so check-in early for better seats)
- Friendly staff and generous change policies
If you don’t mind the quirky boarding system, this flight is a laid-back and budget-friendly way to get to Spokane.
Booking Tips and Tricks That Saved Me Hundreds
I’m a travel nerd, so I can’t not share my flight-hunting secrets:
1. Use Flight Aggregators First
Sites like Skyscanner and Kayak give a broad view of available routes and carriers. I usually start there to identify the best times and days to fly.
2. Set Fare Alerts
Use Hopper, Google Flights, or Skyscanner to track flight prices. Hopper even recommends whether to book now or wait.
3. Travel Midweek
Flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is usually cheaper. Avoid Sundays and Fridays if you can help it.
4. Consider Nearby Airports
If you live in SoCal, also check Burbank (BUR) and Long Beach (LGB). Sometimes they offer cheaper, less crowded alternatives to LAX, with flights to Spokane via Seattle or Portland.
5. Book on a Tuesday Morning
It’s still often true: airlines release fare deals early in the week. I’ve scored my best flights before 10 a.m. PT on Tuesdays.
A Note on Spokane International Airport (GEG)
Spokane’s airport is small, efficient, and surprisingly welcoming. On arrival, I was through baggage claim and into a rental car in less than 15 minutes. TSA lines on the way out were manageable, and staff were friendly.
Pro tip: there’s a great coffee shop inside the terminal called Thomas Hammer—grab a cup before your return flight.
Closing Reflections from 30,000 Feet
The trip from LA to Spokane may not be as flashy as a coast-to-coast route, but it carries its own kind of charm. Whether you’re flying direct or hopping through Salt Lake or Oakland, the journey can be smooth, affordable, and even enjoyable—if you know what to look for.
Spokane has quickly become one of my favorite underrated getaways, and every time I touch down there, I feel a little more like I’m coming home. Whether you’re a hiker, wine-lover, foodie, or just need a break from LA’s relentless hustle, Spokane might just be the kind of slower-paced magic you’re craving.
And it all starts with the right flight.
