Although
Chris is, how do you Brits say? Spot on (as usual), may I suggest that you check Southwest Airlines?
http://www.southwest.com/?src=SRCHGOOGENERALCA MPAIGN_FLIGHTS
Thing is, they don't have a lot of the "hidden" charges found on Delta, American or United. The charges the other carriers use for checked baggage, for example, can add another $25 to $50 to a round trip fare. Additionally, if your travel would be more conveninet in and out of Los Angeles for other than LAX. you'll find Southwest serves Orange County and Burbank airports as well.
It is true they don't have any non-stop flights, but connections are good as you'll see on the link included.
At any rate, welcome to the U.S.!