Flying out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) opens up a ton of airline options. Depending on where you’re headed and what you care about most, some airlines are just better picks.
Delta, Alaska Airlines, and United are especially solid for flights from SFO, covering major US cities and international routes with good service and plenty of flight choices.
If affordable flights and easy schedules are what you’re after, Alaska Airlines is a favorite for earning frequent flyer status and getting to places like Hawaii or the East Coast. Delta’s a strong pick if you’re often flying to New York or want reliable connections.
United’s network is huge thanks to its SFO hub, so you’ll rarely be short on options.
What matters most—price, times, or loyalty rewards? That’s really up to you.
Key Takeways
- You have multiple reliable airline choices from SFO.
- Flight options vary based on your travel needs and schedule.
- Picking the right airline can improve your travel experience.
Overview of Airlines Flying from San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) connects you to major cities in the US and worldwide. There’s a mix of big domestic carriers, international airlines, and budget-friendly picks that cover loads of destinations.
Major Domestic Carriers
At SFO, you’ll find several big U.S. airlines covering most domestic routes. United Airlines is the biggest here, using SFO as a main hub.
It offers tons of flights to places like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. American Airlines also runs plenty of flights to East Coast hubs and beyond.
Alaska Airlines stands out with strong service to West Coast cities and popular spots like Hawaii. For short-haul and regional flights, SkyWest Airlines teams up with bigger carriers to offer connections within California and nearby states.
These airlines are known for reliable service, frequent flights, and decent rewards programs if you’re a regular traveler.
Top International Airlines
SFO is a major gateway for international trips. You can fly nonstop to Asia, Europe, Canada, and Mexico.
Air Canada has direct flights to cities like Toronto and Vancouver. For routes across the Pacific, United Airlines covers a lot of important destinations.
Other international options include Aer Lingus and AeroMexico, connecting you to Europe and Mexico. Many flights are timed for both business and leisure travelers who want convenient schedules.
The international terminals here are honestly some of the best—makes long-haul travel less of a headache.
Low-Cost Airlines Serving SFO
Trying to save on airfare? SFO’s got several low-cost airlines.
Southwest Airlines is popular for easy booking and flexible options to many U.S. cities. Frontier Airlines is another budget choice, with cheap fares to places like Denver and Las Vegas.
These airlines focus on domestic routes and might skimp on amenities, but they’re great if price is your top concern.
Best Flight Options and Deals from SFO
Booking flights from SFO? Knowing how to find direct routes, pick the right dates, and use tools like price alerts can save you a surprising amount of money (and sanity).
Direct and Nonstop Flights
Direct and nonstop flights get you there faster—no long layovers to worry about. SFO offers nonstop flights to major cities like New York, London, Tokyo, and Honolulu.
United, Hawaiian, and Frontier are a few airlines with nonstop options. Nonstop flights usually mean less risk of delays and simpler plans.
Direct flights might make a brief stop, but nonstop flights go straight through. If you’re in a hurry, always filter for nonstop when searching. They might cost a bit more, but skipping connections is worth it for many travelers.
Finding the Cheapest Months and Dates to Fly
Flight prices from SFO can swing wildly depending on the season. Late winter or early spring is usually cheapest—fewer people are flying then.
Midweek days, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, often have lower fares. Try to avoid weekends and holidays if you’re hunting for deals.
Flight calendar tools make it easy to spot the cheapest days at a glance. No need to guess—just check the calendar and book.
One-Way vs. Round-Trip Tickets
You can book either one-way or round-trip flights. Round-trip tickets tend to be cheaper, especially for international travel.
But if your plans are flexible, compare both options. Sometimes, low-cost airlines like Frontier have cheaper one-way fares, especially if you’re mixing airlines for a multi-city trip.
Round-trip tickets often come with better baggage deals or perks. If you’re unsure about your return date, a one-way ticket gives you more wiggle room.
Using Price Alerts and Flight Calendars
Price alerts are a lifesaver. Set them up for your route from SFO, and you’ll get notified when fares drop.
Websites like Google Flights or Skyscanner make this super easy. You don’t have to check prices every day—they’ll let you know.
Flight calendars show ticket prices across days or weeks, so you can spot the cheapest times to fly. Using price alerts and calendars together? That’s how you catch the best deals without overpaying.
Travel Planning and Airport Experience at SFO
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has a lot going for it. Facilities are good, boarding is usually straightforward, and there’s no shortage of ways to get to and from the airport.
Navigating the Terminals and Boarding Process
SFO has four terminals: 1, 2, 3, and the International Terminal. Always double-check your airline and destination to know which terminal you need.
The International Terminal handles most flights outside the U.S. You’ll need your boarding pass to get through security and reach your gate.
Getting there early is smart, especially for international flights—security lines can get long. There’s plenty of signage, and the airport staff are usually helpful if you get lost.
If you’re connecting, check whether you’ll need to change terminals. Some transfers mean exiting and re-entering through security, which can eat up time.
Ground Transportation and Hotel Options Near SFO
Getting to and from SFO is pretty painless. Uber and Lyft both have designated pickup and drop-off spots at each terminal.
Public transit is solid—BART connects SFO to downtown San Francisco and other Bay Area cities. Need a car? Rental car centers are nearby, with shuttles from the terminals.
If you’re staying overnight, there are several hotels close by, like the Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront, DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport, and Bay Landing Hotel. Some offer package deals if you book flights and lodging together, especially with airlines like United.
Tips for Smooth Travel at San Francisco International Airport
Arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international ones. Checking in online before you get there saves time at the counters.
SFO is busiest in the early mornings and late afternoons. Use airport apps or the website to track your flight and terminal info.
If your flight gets delayed or canceled, consider nearby airports like Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC) as backup options.
Plan your ride-sharing or public transit ahead of time. Confirm pickup locations or train times so you’re not scrambling last minute.
Essential Factors When Choosing the Best Airline
Picking the best airline from SFO isn’t just about price. There are details that matter—like how often flights leave, how long you’ll be in the air, and even how weather could mess with your plans.
Flight Frequency and Schedule
You’ll want an airline with frequent flights each week for flexibility. Many airlines at SFO offer multiple daily flights to popular spots.
More flights mean it’s easier to find a time that fits your schedule. It also lowers your chances of getting stuck if there’s a delay. If your travel plans are tight, airlines with consistent schedules just make life easier.
Flight Duration and On-Time Performance
Look for airlines with the shortest average flight times for your route. Some flights from SFO factor in airport congestion, so actual times can differ between airlines.
On-time performance matters, too. Airlines with solid records for punctual departures and arrivals help you avoid missed connections—especially if you’ve got a tight layover somewhere.
Weather Considerations and Seasonal Tips
San Francisco’s weather changes a lot by month, and it can affect your flight. January and February often bring fog or rain, which can mean delays.
May and August have clearer skies. If you want a smoother flight (and maybe a view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the air), aim for months with better weather.
Some airlines adjust their schedules for seasonal changes, which can help you dodge weather disruptions.
Connecting to Major San Francisco Attractions
Once you land, you might wonder how easy it is to reach places like Union Square or the Golden Gate Bridge. Some airlines fly into terminals that are actually well-connected by public transport or shuttle services.
A quick airport exit can really add hours back to your day. If your flight arrives on time and close to transport hubs, you’ll have more time to explore the city.
Honestly, it’s worth checking which airlines offer solid ground services—it just makes everything smoother.