Greater New York City and Greater Los Angeles connect the two most populous metropolitan areas. Booking data indicates that around 5.5 million passengers (15,000 per day) flew between them in the fiscal year ending October 2024.
Obviously, the majority of individuals flew between New York JFK and Los Angeles International, the country’s most popular and lucrative US airport combination. When adding Newark to Los Angeles, the pair accounted for an estimated 87% of traffic.
Frontier will begin flights from New York JFK to Los Angeles in May 2025, marking the carrier’s new longest route. It will now use the A321neo instead of the originally anticipated A320neo. Other improvements are in the works, including JetBlue’s return to JFK-Burbank, which builds on the airline’s already announced return to JFK-Ontario.
Greater NYC to Greater LA: 2025
Using Cirium Diio data to assess the entire market, seven airlines will operate—up from six in 2024—on 11 nonstop routes. The following table summarizes the findings. The metro pair last had seven carriers in 2023, when Breeze flew from Westchester to Los Angeles.
NOTE :- If you prefer to exclude that short-term Westchester operation, New York JFK and Newark have never had seven operators to Greater LA.
Westchester’s last flights to Los Angeles were in April 2023. LaGuardia Airport, which has a perimeter rule restriction, will cease operations in December 2023. Delta operated on Saturdays, the only days approved for such operations. It replaced Spirit, which had served the airport pair on Saturdays during the pandemic until May 2022.
JetBlue’s last flight from New York City to Long Beach was in September 2020, when it departed to consolidate at Los Angeles International Airport. The route began operations in August 2001 and has carried nearly 6.5 million passengers, according to the US Department of Transportation.
WARNING:- As always, things could change, especially later in the year, but the following table summarizes what is known on January 17. The table contains minimal dates, such as frequency or equipment changes, to keep things readable.
| Airline | Route | Comments (for all of 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | Newark to Los Angeles | Up to three daily; mainly 737-900ER and 737 MAX 9 |
| American | New York JFK to Los Angeles | Nine daily A321Transcontinental |
| American | New York JFK to John Wayne/Orange County | Daily A321Transcontinental |
| Delta | New York JFK to Los Angeles | Up to 11 daily 767-300ER, 767-400ER, A330neo (from March 30) |
| Frontier | New York JFK to Los Angeles | New; begins May 1. Daily A321neo |
| JetBlue | New York JFK to Burbank | Returns on April 30. Last flown until October 2024. Daily A220-300 |
| JetBlue | New York JFK to Los Angeles | Up to 12 daily A321ceo and A321neo |
| JetBlue | New York JFK to Ontario | Returns on April 30. Last flown until October 2024. Daily A321ceo |
| Spirit | Newark to Los Angeles | Up to double daily (daily from February 11) A320neo and A321neo |
| United | Newark to Los Angeles | Up to 10 daily 757-200, 777-200 (mainly non-ER), 787-9, and 787-10 |
| United | Newark to John Wayne/Orange County | Triple daily 737-700 and 737 MAX 8 |
Up to 53 daily flights
Once Frontier begins and JetBlue’s two routes resume, up to 53 daily flights from Greater NYC to Greater LA will be available (double for both directions).
Analyzing the whole timetable reveals that this number will only appear on May 15, 16, and 19. On 27 more dates, there will be 52 daily departures. The record was 65 everyday, set on two days in 2018.
Let’s consider May 19
Consider Monday, May 19, as the busiest day for JetBlue (14 takeoffs), as indicated below. It will comprise a quarter of the total.
- JetBlue: 14 one-way flights
- United: 13
- Delta: 11
- American: 10
- Alaska Airlines: three
- Frontier: one
- Spirit: one
United has the second-highest frequency (13), with four widebodies—three 777s and one 787-9. As a result, it’s not unexpected that it has the most seats available for purchase (2,735 one-way tickets).
FAQ
Why is the NYC-LA route one of the busiest in the US?
The NYC-LA route connects two of the largest cities in the United States, serving as a hub for business, entertainment, and tourism, attracting around 15,000 passengers daily.
How many flights operate daily between NYC and LA?
There are dozens of daily flights operated by major airlines such as Delta, United, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines on the NYC-LA route.
What are the busiest airports for the NYC-LA route?
Flights typically operate between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), or LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in NYC, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in LA.
What is the average flight time between NYC and LA?
The average flight time is approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on wind conditions and specific flight paths.
Are there luxury options for NYC-LA travelers?
Yes, airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United offer premium services, including first-class and business-class options, catering to high-end travelers on the route.
How has the NYC-LA route evolved post-pandemic?
The route has seen a surge in demand due to increased leisure travel and hybrid work models, with airlines adding more capacity to meet passenger needs.
Are there budget-friendly options for NYC-LA flights?
Yes, budget carriers like JetBlue and Alaska Airlines frequently offer competitive fares, making coast-to-coast travel more affordable.
