domestic · 5h 25m · 4,170 km
Boston to San Diego
5 airlines · 5 aircraft ranked
JetBlue is the only carrier offering business class on this route, scoring 7.7/10.In economy, JetBlue's Core (A321LR) leads the field with a 5.7/10.
Quick pick
Fly JetBlue. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.
If prices are similar, go with this one.
Fly Delta. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.
If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.
Select two airlines to compare head-to-head
Data verified June 2026
Find your flight
New routes and airlines added regularly. One short email when we do.
Airlines on this route
Flying with family
- Seatback screens on JetBlue, Delta, Alaska. Southwest, American: bring your own device.
- Most legroom: JetBlue (32"). Least: American (30"). That 2" difference matters with kids.
Route insights
- JetBlue is the only carrier offering business class on this route, scoring 7.7/10.
- In economy, JetBlue's Core (A321LR) leads the field with a 5.7/10.
- In first class, Delta's Delta First Class (A321neo) edges out the field with a 2.8/10.
Frequently asked
Which is better in economy: JetBlue or Delta on BOS-SAN?
Core (JetBlue Airways, A321LR) beats Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A321neo) in economy, scoring 5.7/10 vs 4.6. The deciding factor: AC + USB-C vs USB-C only.
Which is better in economy: JetBlue or Alaska on BOS-SAN?
Core (JetBlue Airways, A321LR) beats Main Cabin (Alaska Airlines, 737-900ER) in economy, scoring 5.7/10 vs 4.4. The deciding factor: AC + USB-C vs USB-C only.
Which is better in economy: JetBlue or Southwest on BOS-SAN?
Core (JetBlue Airways, A321LR) beats Economy (open seating) (Southwest Airlines, 737-800) in economy, scoring 5.7/10 vs 3.9. The deciding factor: AC + USB-C vs USB-A only.
Which is better in economy: JetBlue or American on BOS-SAN?
Core (JetBlue Airways, A321LR) dominates Main Cabin (American Airlines, A321neo) in economy, scoring 5.7/10 vs 3.7. The deciding factor: 32" of pitch vs 30".
Which is better in first: Delta or Alaska on BOS-SAN?
Delta First Class (Delta Air Lines, A321neo) and First Class (Alaska Airlines, 737-900ER) score virtually the same in first: 2.8 vs 2.8/10. The biggest gap is seat type — recliner vs recliner — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
Which is better in economy: Delta or Alaska on BOS-SAN?
Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A321neo) and Main Cabin (Alaska Airlines, 737-900ER) score virtually the same in economy: 4.6 vs 4.4/10. The biggest gap is seat width — 18"-wide seats vs 17.5" — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
Which is better in economy: Delta or Southwest on BOS-SAN?
Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A321neo) edges out Economy (open seating) (Southwest Airlines, 737-800) in economy, scoring 4.6/10 vs 3.9. The deciding factor: a 10" screen vs app_only. Southwest Airlines fights back on legroom.
Which is better in first: Delta or American on BOS-SAN?
Delta First Class (Delta Air Lines, A321neo) and First Class (American Airlines, A321neo) score virtually the same in first: 2.8 vs 2.5/10. The biggest gap is entertainment — a 13.3" screen vs app_only — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
Which is better in economy: Delta or American on BOS-SAN?
Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A321neo) edges out Main Cabin (American Airlines, A321neo) in economy, scoring 4.6/10 vs 3.7. The deciding factor: a 10" screen vs app_only.
Which is better in economy: Alaska or Southwest on BOS-SAN?
Main Cabin (Alaska Airlines, 737-900ER) edges out Economy (open seating) (Southwest Airlines, 737-800) in economy, scoring 4.4/10 vs 3.9. The deciding factor: a 10" screen vs app_only. Southwest Airlines fights back on legroom.
Which is better in first: Alaska or American on BOS-SAN?
First Class (Alaska Airlines, 737-900ER) and First Class (American Airlines, A321neo) score virtually the same in first: 2.8 vs 2.5/10. The biggest gap is entertainment — a 11" screen vs app_only — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
Which is better in economy: Alaska or American on BOS-SAN?
Main Cabin (Alaska Airlines, 737-900ER) edges out Main Cabin (American Airlines, A321neo) in economy, scoring 4.4/10 vs 3.7. The deciding factor: a 10" screen vs app_only. American Airlines fights back on seat width.
Which is better in economy: Southwest or American on BOS-SAN?
Economy (open seating) (Southwest Airlines, 737-800) and Main Cabin (American Airlines, A321neo) score virtually the same in economy: 3.9 vs 3.7/10. The biggest gap is legroom — 32" of pitch vs 30" — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
What are the best seats in JetBlue Mint on BOS-SAN?
Best: 1A and 1F are both Mint Studios with extra shoulder width, a secondary buddy seat that extends the bed area, and the largest screen in the cabin at 22 inches Avoid: Neither Studio seat has meaningful disadvantages; both are the premium pick Mint Studios cost an upcharge over standard Mint Suites. The buddy seat folds out to extend the sleeping surface and can seat a companion during meal service. Studio passengers get the same meal service as Suites.
What are the best seats in JetBlue Core on BOS-SAN?
Best: Even More Space rows 14-17 offer 35-37 inches of pitch for an upcharge. Exit rows provide up to 41 inches. Avoid: Last rows (30-31) near the rear galley and lavatory. Middle seats (B, E) in any row. JetBlue economy on transatlantic flights includes complimentary snacks, drinks, and a meal. All passengers get free unlimited WiFi and seatback IFE with 10.1-inch screens. Even More Space seats are a separate purchase with extra legroom. Power includes AC outlet and USB-A at every seat. Exit row seats on the A320/A321 family offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.
What are the best seats in Delta Delta First Class on BOS-SAN?
Best: Row 1 has the most legroom as a bulkhead. 1A and 1D are window seats with the most privacy. All first class seats have memory foam cushioning. Avoid: Row 5 is closest to the Delta Comfort+ cabin and the forward galley/lavatory. Seat 5B and 5C are more exposed to foot traffic. Recaro CL4710 recliner seats with winged headrests for privacy. 13-inch HD touchscreen seatback IFE at every seat. USB and AC power at every seat. Exclusive forward lavatory for first class. Complimentary drinks and snacks, upgraded meal service on longer flights.
What are the best seats in Delta Main Cabin on BOS-SAN?
Best: Delta Comfort+ rows (approximately 10-19, 60 seats) offer 33-34 inches of pitch with priority boarding, dedicated overhead bins, and complimentary premium snacks/drinks. Row 10 bulkhead has the most legroom. Avoid: Rows near the mid-cabin lavatory area (around rows 10-12) may experience traffic and noise. Last 2 rows near rear lavatories. Middle seats (B and E) throughout. 60 of the 174 economy seats are Delta Comfort+ with 33-34 inches of pitch. Remaining 114 Main Cabin seats have 31 inches of pitch. 10-inch seatback IFE at every seat. Collins Aerospace Meridian slimline seats. Delta Sync free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members. Exit row seats on the A320/A321 family offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.
What are the best seats in Alaska First Class on BOS-SAN?
Best: Row 1 for maximum legroom. Window seats in rows 1-2 are quiet and private. Avoid: Row 4 (last row of first) may have limited meal choices due to service order. 41-inch pitch is among the best domestic first class products in the US. No seatback IFE screens; stream to personal devices via Gogo 2Ku Wi-Fi. USB-A and AC outlet under center armrest. Free for T-Mobile customers. Pre-order meals system with limited choices.
What are the best seats in Alaska Main Cabin on BOS-SAN?
Best: Exit row seats (row 15/16) offer extra legroom. Avoid: Last row (34) has limited recline and is near the lavatory. Middle seats throughout. Standard domestic economy with 31-inch pitch. USB-A and AC power at every seat. No seatback screens; entertainment streams to personal devices. Boeing Sky Interior with larger overhead bins. Exit row seats on the 737 offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.
What are the best seats in Southwest Economy (open seating) on BOS-SAN?
Best: 16A and 16F have the most legroom (no seat in front, behind exit row). Row 12 exit row seats also have extra legroom. Avoid: Last row (row 29) is narrower, restricted recline, near galley/lavatory noise. Seats 10A, 11A, 11F lack windows. Single-class cabin. Assigned seating launched Jan 2026. Extra legroom rows at front have ~34 inch pitch. Older 737-800s lack power outlets; newer retrofits have USB-A and USB-C in seatbacks. Streaming entertainment via personal devices only. Exit row seats on the 737 offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.
What are the best seats in American First Class on BOS-SAN?
Best: Row 1A and 1L are farthest from the galley and offer the most privacy. All seats have direct aisle access in the 1-1 layout. Avoid: Row 5 is closest to the business class cabin and may experience some noise from the galley area between cabins. Only 10 suites total on this narrowbody. The 1-1 configuration is unique for a single-aisle aircraft. Sliding doors on all suites. This fleet is being phased out as the A321XLR enters service.
What are the best seats in American Main Cabin on BOS-SAN?
Best: Rows 11-16 are designated Main Cabin Extra with 35 inches of pitch. Row 11 bulkhead has the most legroom. Exit row offers additional space. Avoid: Last row (22) has limited recline and is near the rear lavatory. Middle seats (B and E) are least desirable. Half of the economy cabin (36 seats) is Main Cabin Extra with additional pitch. Seatback IFE screens with live TV in all economy seats. Only 72 economy seats total, making this a very premium-heavy narrowbody configuration. Exit row seats on the A320/A321 family offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.