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If you’re hoping to keep your flight costs down when leaving San Francisco, you’ve got a handful of budget airlines to consider.
Southwest, Frontier, and Alaska are among those with wallet-friendly fares on a bunch of popular routes. Southwest is often the go-to for cheap tickets, especially if you’re flying from Oakland or heading to places like Los Angeles.
United and Delta sometimes throw in competitive prices on certain routes, so they’re worth a peek too.
Knowing which airlines serve the Bay Area and where they fly can really help you plan a trip without breaking the bank.
This guide covers which budget airlines operate in San Francisco and how you might snag the lowest ticket prices.
Key Takeways
- Several budget airlines offer affordable flights from San Francisco.
- Some airlines focus on popular routes that save you money.
- Knowing airline options helps you get the best deals on tickets.
Key Budget Airlines Operating in San Francisco
You’ll find a good mix of budget airlines flying out of San Francisco, each with their own perks and quirks.
They cover a range of domestic and regional routes, so whether you’re staying close or heading across the country, you’ll have options.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is all about ultra-low base fares.
You pay for the seat and the basics—extras like checked bags, picking your seat, or snacks cost more. If you travel light and don’t mind skipping the frills, you could save a bunch.
Frontier mostly flies to big U.S. spots like Denver, Las Vegas, and Phoenix from San Francisco.
If you’re flexible and plan ahead, there are often deals way below the usual ticket prices.
JetBlue
JetBlue gives you competitive prices but doesn’t skimp on comfort.
You’ll get free Wi-Fi, snacks, and a little more legroom than you’d expect from a typical budget carrier. It’s a solid pick if you care about value but don’t want to rough it.
From San Francisco, JetBlue heads to cities like New York, Boston, and Fort Lauderdale.
You might pay a touch more than with some other budget airlines, but honestly, the extra comfort can be worth it, especially for longer flights.
Horizon Air
Horizon Air is a regional partner of Alaska Airlines.
It focuses on shorter West Coast and Pacific Northwest routes. Prices are generally reasonable, and schedules are pretty reliable.
If you’re looking at nearby cities like Portland or Seattle, Horizon Air runs frequent flights.
Since it works closely with Alaska Airlines, you usually rack up frequent flyer miles with both.
Alaska
Alaska Airlines isn’t exactly a bare-bones budget airline, but it does offer some sharp pricing and solid service out of San Francisco.
They compete with low-cost carriers by letting you pay for just what you need.
Alaska serves a lot of West Coast cities, plus some cross-country and international routes.
You get a decent loyalty program and, on many tickets, free checked bags—nice perks if you like having a little more included.
Routes, Hubs, and Popular Destinations
San Francisco’s budget airlines offer a mix of direct and one-way flights that can save you both money and time.
They run through big hubs and cover key domestic and international spots.
You’ll find flights to nearby cities and longer routes too.
Direct Flights and One-Way Options
You can book direct flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to a bunch of cities, often at pretty low prices.
Budget airlines like Southwest and Alaska Airlines have one-way options if you want more flexibility.
Direct flights get you quickly to places like San Diego or Sacramento—great for short trips.
Sometimes, you’ll find round trips for under $250, handy if you only need one-way travel.
Direct flights cut your travel time and skip layovers, so you get there faster and usually for less.
Top Domestic Destinations
Budget airlines from SFO fly to a lot of top domestic cities.
Big routes include Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento.
These spots are served often, sometimes with several flights a day.
They’re popular for both business and leisure, and flights to San Diego and Sacramento are usually cheaper.
Book early if you want the best deals.
If you’re thinking about a quick trip or weekend away, these cities are easy and budget-friendly from San Francisco.
International Connections
Budget airlines at SFO have a few popular international routes too.
You might reach cities like Tokyo or even South Africa on direct or one-stop flights, sometimes for less than $700.
International flights might connect through hubs like Seattle, Houston, or Denver, depending on the airline.
Look for deals with United or Delta for decent prices on long-haul trips.
Flying direct or with only one stop helps you avoid expensive, drawn-out journeys.
Tips for Booking Cheap Tickets From San Francisco
You can save a surprising amount by knowing when to book, how to compare, and staying a bit flexible.
These tips can help you score the best deals out of SFO and even nearby airports.
Best Times to Book
Timing is everything.
Try booking at least 3 to 6 weeks before you travel.
Flights from SFO are usually cheaper on weekdays—Tuesdays and Wednesdays are sweet spots.
Last-minute tickets almost always cost more, so avoid booking super close to your departure.
Early morning and late-night flights tend to be cheaper since fewer folks want to fly then.
Watch for sales from budget airlines out of San Francisco.
Sign up for alerts so you don’t miss limited-time discounts.
Comparing Fares and Travel Apps
Don’t just check one site—compare fares on multiple websites and travel apps.
Some apps let you mix and match airlines for cheaper combos.
Keep in mind that Southwest and some other budget airlines don’t always show up on big search engines, so check their sites directly.
Think about flying into Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC) too—sometimes you’ll find better deals.
Use fare calendars and price tracking tools to watch for drops.
And yeah, clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode—some sites do seem to bump up prices if they know you’re searching.
Flexible Travel Tips
If you can be flexible with your dates and times, you’ll open up more cheap flight options.
Flying earlier or later in the day usually costs less.
If your schedule’s loose, try shifting your trip by a day or two.
Weekend flights from SFO are usually pricier than midweek.
Consider flights with a layover; they’re often cheaper than direct.
Flying in or out of Oakland and taking public transit into San Francisco can save you cash too.
Use flexible date searches to see the lowest fares across a few days.
It gives you a better shot at snagging a deal.
San Francisco Airport Travel Information
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a big hub, with several terminals set up for different airlines and types of flights.
Knowing your way around and what’s on offer can make your travel day a lot less stressful.
Navigating Terminals at SFO
SFO has four terminals: Terminal 1, 2, 3, and the International Terminal.
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 mostly handle domestic flights, including those from budget airlines like Southwest and Alaska Airlines.
The International Terminal is, well, for international flights.
You can walk between terminals or hop on the AirTrain, a free automated tram that runs 24/7.
It connects all terminals, parking garages, and the rental car center.
Always double-check your airline and flight details so you end up at the right terminal.
Each terminal has its own security lines, so give yourself enough time to get through screening.
The signage is pretty clear, but if you get turned around, don’t hesitate to ask staff for help.
Accessibility and Amenities
SFO’s designed with all sorts of travelers in mind, including folks with disabilities. Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms pop up just about everywhere.
Need extra help? You can ask your airline ahead of time, or just swing by one of SFO’s help desks.
There’s free Wi-Fi all over the terminals. Charging stations are everywhere, and there’s a decent mix of comfy seating and workspaces if you’re trying to get things done.
Hungry? SFO’s got you covered with everything from quick snacks to proper sit-down meals.
Shopping ranges from local boutiques to big international brands. If you want to ditch your bags for a bit, luggage storage and baggage wrapping services are handy.
You’ll also spot medical services, baby care rooms, and even pet relief areas tucked around the airport.