San Francisco Cheap Flights
To enjoy cheap flights departing from San Francisco, fly on weekdays or during off-peak seasons. Booking across a range of dates and nearby airports, such as Oakland or San Jose, can yield discounts. Red-eye or early morning flights offer additional savings. Visit flytravelboard.com to compare prices.
When to Visit San Francisco
There’s no wrong time to visit San Francisco, but the best months are September to November and March to May. These periods provide the best weather, fewer tourists, and an opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking and park exploration.
When to Get Cheap Flights from San Francisco
Book San Francisco flights 6-8 weeks in advance for the best prices. Avoid booking last-minute, as fares rise closer to departure. Midweek flights, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, typically offer the best deals.
Airports in San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the city’s primary gateway, located 13 miles south of downtown. Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) are nearby alternatives, offering cheaper flights and shorter wait times, especially for domestic routes.
About San Francisco
San Francisco is a vibrant city in Northern California, known for the Golden Gate Bridge, rolling hills, and scenic bay views. With neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Mission District, visitors enjoy a rich cultural experience, from diverse cuisine to arts and music. Famous landmarks such as Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Golden Gate Park attract millions of visitors each year. San Francisco is also a hub for tech innovation, creativity, and diversity, making it one of the most visited and influential cities in the United States.
Direct Flights from San Francisco
Top five airlines offering direct flights from San Francisco
Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights from San Francisco
- Avoid weekends: Fly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, as these days typically have less demand and cheaper prices.
- Book in advance: Book flights 6-8 weeks before departure for the best deals.
- Use alternate airports: Compare flights from SFO, Oakland (OAK), and San Jose (SJC) for the lowest prices.
- Monitor fare alerts: Set price alerts on flytravelboard.com to catch fare drops.
Airline Comparison Table
| Airline | Avg. Reviews | Avg. Ticket Price |
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Airlines | 4.5/5 | $300-$500 | Reliable, Large network, Good service |
Higher cost, Crowded, Delays |
| United Airlines | 4.2/5 | $280-$480 | Connectivity, Rewards, Service |
Pricey, Delays, Overbooking |
| American Airlines | 4.3/5 | $250-$450 | Frequent flights, Comfortable, Multiple routes |
Fees, Delays, Overbooking |
| Southwest Airlines | 4.4/5 | $150-$350 | Free bags, Low fares, Flexible |
No Seat Selection, Domestic focus |
| Alaska Airlines | 4.5/5 | $250-$450 | Affordable, Good service, Rewards |
Limited international routes, Delays |
Detailed Airline Overviews
1. Delta Air Lines from San Francisco
Delta operates extensive domestic and international flights from San Francisco. Known for its reliability and good customer service, Delta offers a solid in-flight experience with great entertainment, though ticket prices tend to be on the higher side.
- Extensive global network
- Reliable customer service
- Strong in-flight entertainment
2. United Airlines from San Francisco
United Airlines has a major hub in SFO, offering both domestic and international flights. Popular for its extensive long-haul services, United’s rewards program is a top draw, although overbooking and pricing issues are sometimes problematic.
- Strong rewards program
- Wide-reaching global routes
- Frequent long-haul options
3. American Airlines from San Francisco
American Airlines offers flights from San Francisco to many U.S. and international destinations. The airline provides comfortable cabins and frequent departures, but the extra fees for services like baggage and seat selection can add up.
- Extensive route network
- Comfortable flight experience
- Frequent flight availability
4. Southwest Airlines from San Francisco
Southwest is a favorite for budget-conscious travelers. With no baggage fees and flexible booking options, it’s ideal for domestic flights. However, Southwest doesn’t offer assigned seating, which can be a downside for some passengers.
- No baggage fees
- Low fares
- Flexible booking policies
5. Alaska Airlines from San Francisco
Alaska Airlines is known for its affordability and excellent customer service. While it primarily serves domestic destinations, its rewards program is highly rated, and the airline is a favorite for West Coast travelers.
- Affordable pricing
- Excellent rewards program
- Great customer service
6. JetBlue Airways from San Francisco
JetBlue offers budget-friendly flights with excellent in-flight entertainment and extra legroom. Although it serves fewer destinations than larger carriers, JetBlue is a great option for travelers seeking comfort without breaking the bank.
- Comfortable seating with legroom
- Affordable pricing
- Free in-flight entertainment
7. Hawaiian Airlines from San Francisco
Hawaiian Airlines offers direct flights from San Francisco to various Hawaiian destinations. Known for its exceptional in-flight service and comfort, Hawaiian Airlines is a top choice for travelers heading to the islands, though fares may be higher.
- Great service
- Direct flights to Hawaii
- Comfortable in-flight experience
8. British Airways from San Francisco
British Airways offers direct flights from San Francisco to London and other European cities. Renowned for its premium services, British Airways offers excellent business class options, although economy tickets tend to be pricier.
- Premium international service
- Frequent flights to Europe
- Higher fares in economy class
9. Air Canada from San Francisco
Air Canada offers direct flights to Canadian destinations from SFO. Known for its comfortable seating and reliable service, Air Canada is a solid choice for travelers flying within North America, though prices can vary greatly.
- Comfortable seating
- Reliable service
- Variable pricing
10. Spirit Airlines from San Francisco
Spirit Airlines is known for its ultra-low-cost fares, though passengers should expect to pay extra for basic services like baggage and seat selection. Spirit is ideal for budget travelers willing to forego some comforts for cheaper fares.
- Extremely low fares
- Pay-as-you-go extras
- No-frills flying experience
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which airports serve San Francisco?
San Francisco is served by San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and San Jose International Airport (SJC).
When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
The best time to visit is during fall (September to November) and spring (March to May).
Which airlines offer direct flights from San Francisco?
Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines all offer direct flights.
When should I book flights from San Francisco for the best prices?
Book flights 6-8 weeks in advance for the best fares.
Are flights from Oakland or San Jose cheaper than SFO?
Yes, flights from Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) are often cheaper and have shorter wait times than SFO.
Is it cheaper to fly midweek from San Francisco?
Yes, flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays is typically cheaper due to lower demand.
Do red-eye flights from San Francisco cost less?
Red-eye flights departing late at night tend to be cheaper.
What are the best airlines for budget travelers from San Francisco?
Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines are popular choices for budget-conscious travelers.
Do all San Francisco airports offer international flights?
SFO is the primary hub for international flights, while Oakland and San Jose focus more on domestic routes.
Which airlines have the best rewards programs from San Francisco?
Delta and Alaska Airlines are known for having strong loyalty programs for frequent travelers.