If you’re flying out of Sacramento International Airport, you probably want to know which airlines actually make travel easier. JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines all fly out of Sacramento and each one’s got its own perks, quirks, and routes.
Sacramento International Airport connects travelers to tons of popular cities, offering both nonstop and direct flights. Picking the right airline can save you time—or at least a bit of stress.
Whether you’re after cheap tickets, reliable schedules, or just a friendly crew, there’s more than one solid choice.
Key Takeways
- Sacramento International has plenty of nonstop and direct flights.
- Multiple airlines means choices for comfort and price.
- Knowing your airline options really does help you plan better.
Overview of Sacramento International Airport
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the main airport serving the Sacramento area. Facilities are modern enough for both domestic and a handful of international flights.
Its location and steady upgrades make it a pretty convenient spot for most travelers.
Location and Facilities
The airport sits about 10 miles northwest of downtown Sacramento. You can get there by car or hop on public transit, including the Sacramento Regional Transit (ART) system.
Parking’s available in several lots and garages, so you’ve got options.
There’s one main terminal split into Terminal A and Terminal B. Most airlines use Terminal B.
Inside, you’ll find rental car counters, food, shops, and charging stations. Security and check-in lines are usually reasonable, and the signs actually make sense.
Airport Expansion and News
SMF’s been expanding to handle more passengers and add new services. Recent work includes runway improvements and spruced-up terminals.
There are plans for more nonstop routes and some tech upgrades for passengers. You might spot local art installations, too—they add a little Sacramento flavor to the place.
Top Airlines Operating from Sacramento
Several major airlines operate out of Sacramento International, offering a bunch of destinations. It doesn’t matter if you’re flying for work or escaping for fun—you’ve got options.
Southwest Airlines Services
Southwest Airlines is one of the busiest carriers at SMF. You can fly nonstop to cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, and Las Vegas.
Southwest is known for affordable fares and no change fees, which actually takes some of the sting out of last-minute changes.
They offer frequent flights every day, so finding a time that works isn’t usually a problem. Two free checked bags? Still a nice bonus.
The boarding process is casual, and their flexible tickets make Southwest a crowd favorite.
Alaska Airlines Destinations
Alaska Airlines connects Sacramento to a good chunk of the West Coast and a bit beyond. Think Seattle, Portland, San Diego, and Anchorage.
They’re also a solid pick if you’re connecting to bigger hubs for longer trips.
Alaska Airlines is known for reliability and comfy planes. The staff are usually friendly, both at the gate and in the air.
If you’re heading north—or just want a smooth ride—Alaska’s worth a look.
American Airlines Routes
American Airlines flies from Sacramento mostly to its big hubs, like Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix. These hubs let you connect to a huge range of places in the U.S. and overseas.
American runs several flights a day, with early morning and evening departures. If you’re heading out on a long or international trip, American’s reach and loyalty perks could come in handy.
Popular Destinations and Direct Flights
Sacramento International gives you lots of direct flight options. You can get to major cities across the U.S. and even a handful of international spots—no layovers required.
Several airlines serve these routes, so you can usually find something that fits your schedule and budget.
Domestic Flight Options
You can fly nonstop from Sacramento to places like Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Boston, and Los Angeles. Delta, Southwest, and Frontier cover most of these routes.
Flights to Denver and Los Angeles are short—about two to two and a half hours—making them easy for weekend trips.
Direct flights to Austin and Charlotte are also available if you’re looking to explore the East Coast or central U.S.
International Flights to Mexico
Sacramento has direct flights to Mexico, including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. These flights usually take three to four hours.
Puerto Vallarta is a favorite for beach vacations without the headache of long travel days. Airlines on these routes keep it simple with nonstop options, so you skip the layovers.
Flights to Vail and Other Notable Locations
If you’re chasing snow, Vail is accessible through nearby airports with connecting flights. There aren’t direct flights to Vail itself, but you can get nonstop service to places like Boise and Honolulu.
The Honolulu flight is one of the longest direct routes from Sacramento. Boise’s great for quick trips or outdoor escapes.
These direct flights give you more than just big city options.
Booking and Travel Planning Tips
When you’re planning a trip through Sacramento, it helps to know the difference between one-way and round-trip flights, how to get to and from Sacramento State, and what to expect when booking at SMF.
One-Way vs. Round-Trip Flights
Deciding between one-way and round-trip flights comes down to your plans. One-way tickets are flexible if you’re not sure when you’ll be back or want to fly into one city and out of another.
Round-trip flights usually cost less than two separate one-way tickets. Booking round-trip can save you money and the hassle of piecing together your return.
Airlines at Sacramento often have good round-trip deals, especially if you book early. If you’re staying a while or making multiple stops, one-way might make sense—but always compare prices.
Traveling to and from Sacramento State
Sacramento State is about 15 miles from SMF. If you’re traveling between the two, it’s worth planning your route.
You can take a taxi, rideshare, or drive yourself. Parking at Sacramento State fills up, especially during busy times.
Public transit is possible, but it might require a transfer or two and some extra time.
Give yourself a buffer if you’re traveling during rush hour or holidays. The airport recommends arriving at least two and a half hours before your flight, so make sure your ground travel lines up.
Advice on Flights to Sacramento
Sacramento International (SMF) has flights to over 30 cities. You’ll find major hubs like Chicago, Dallas, and Denver on the list.
When you’re booking, double-check if the airline offers a direct flight to your destination. That extra stopover can be a real hassle.
Pay attention to arrival and departure times—especially if Sacramento is just a layover. Early booking usually means better prices and more seat choices, but honestly, it’s tough to snag a deal during holiday weekends.
Think about the airlines’ reputations and what other travelers have said. Southwest, Spirit, and JetBlue all operate around Sacramento, but their service and pricing can be all over the place, so it’s worth a closer look.