You’re standing in the Salt Lake City International Airport, looking at the departures board. You see LAX. It’s the big name, the shiny destination everyone defaults to when they think "Southern California." But if you’re actually trying to get to Hollywood, Universal Studios, or basically anywhere in the San Fernando Valley, you’re making a mistake.
Flights from SLC to Burbank are the "if you know, you know" secret of the Mountain West.
Seriously. Why deal with the 405 freeway or a terminal that feels like a small city when you can land at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and be in a Lyft within ten minutes? People think because it’s a smaller airport, it’s going to be more expensive or impossible to find a direct flight.
That’s just not the case anymore.
The Airlines Actually Flying This Route
Most people assume Delta is the only game in town for anything leaving SLC. While it’s true that Delta owns the hub and runs a massive operation there, they aren't your only choice for getting to Burbank.
Currently, you’ve basically got a few main players:
- Delta Air Lines: They run multiple daily nonstops. These are usually on Embraer 175s or Airbus A220s. It’s reliable, but you pay the "hub premium" most of the time.
- Southwest Airlines: This is the game-changer. They offer direct flights that often beat Delta on price, especially since you get two checked bags for free. No change fees either, which is nice when your plans inevitably shift.
- JSX: If you want to feel like a celebrity without owning a Gulfstream, check out JSX. They fly out of private terminals. No TSA lines. You show up 20 minutes before takeoff. It's pricier, but if your time is worth $200 an hour, it pays for itself.
- Breeze Airways: Keep an eye on the schedule here. Breeze has been aggressively expanding their West Coast "BreezeThru" and nonstop service. Starting in March 2026, they’ve added more frequent touches between Utah and Burbank, often with base fares that look like a typo—think $39 to $49 one way.
Why Nobody Mentions the "Burbank Advantage"
Distance-wise, you’re looking at about 570 miles. In the air, that’s roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes. It's a quick hop.
The real magic happens on the ground.
At LAX, you land, taxi for 20 minutes, walk for 15, wait for bags for 30, and then fight for your life in the ride-share loop. At Burbank? You walk off the plane via a ramp (no jet bridges here, it’s very retro), and you’re at the curb before you’ve even finished your first podcast episode.
Honestly, it’s the closest thing to time travel.
If your destination is Pasadena, Glendale, or the Magic Castle, flying into BUR saves you about two hours of pure frustration. I’ve seen people save $50 on a flight to LAX only to spend $90 on an Uber because the traffic was at a standstill. Do the math. It doesn't add up.
Timing Your Booking for 2026
Prices for flights from SLC to Burbank fluctuate wildly depending on the season. If you’re looking at a summer trip—say July—expect to pay a premium. Everyone is headed to Universal Studios.
September is actually the "sweet spot."
Data from the last year shows that September and February are consistently the cheapest months to make this run. You can often snag a round-trip for under $160 if you’re flexible. Thursdays and Tuesdays are generally your best bet for departure days.
Avoid Sundays if you can. Everyone is trying to get home for work on Monday, and the prices reflect that desperation.
Stopovers: Are They Worth It?
Sometimes you’ll see a flight on Frontier or United that has a stop in Las Vegas or Denver for like $80.
Don't do it.
Unless you are absolutely strapped for cash, a 1-hour-and-50-minute direct flight is always superior to a 6-hour odyssey through Harry Reid International. You’re losing a whole day of your trip to save the cost of a mediocre dinner. Just buy the nonstop. Your sanity will thank you.
The "Pro" Way to Handle Burbank Airport
When you arrive, don't just follow the crowd. If you’re taking the train, Burbank is the only LA-area airport with a station right on-site. You can hop on the Metrolink or Amtrak and be downtown or in Ventura without touching a steering wheel.
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Also, keep in mind that BUR has a strict noise curfew.
Flights generally don’t land or take off late at night. If your SLC flight is delayed past 10:00 PM, there is a small chance you might get diverted to LAX. It’s rare, but it happens. That’s the trade-off for such a convenient, neighborhood-centric airport.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
If you're ready to book, here is exactly how to play it:
- Check Southwest First: Their flights don't show up on Google Flights or Expedia. Go directly to their site. If they have a "Wanna Get Away" fare, grab it.
- Set a Price Alert: Use Google Flights for the Delta and Breeze options. Set an alert for "Any Airline" on the SLC-BUR route.
- Validate the "Breeze" Schedule: Breeze Airways often flies on specific days (like Thursdays and Sundays). If your dates are flexible, you can save a fortune by shifting your trip by 24 hours.
- Confirm Your Transport: If you're staying in West Hollywood or Beverly Hills, Burbank is actually closer than LAX in terms of drive time. Check your hotel address on a map before you assume LAX is the "right" airport.
The era of thinking LAX is the only gateway to Southern California is over. Grab a seat on one of the many flights from SLC to Burbank and enjoy the easiest travel day you've had in years.