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Best International Airlines at Berkeley California Airport: Top Carriers and Services Reviewed
Flying internationally from Berkeley, California, means using nearby major airports—San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK). These airports provide a wide range of international airlines and nonstop flights to destinations across Asia, Europe, Mexico, and beyond.
San Francisco International Airport stands out as the primary gateway for long-haul travel, offering extensive international services and direct connections to major cities worldwide. Oakland International Airport, while smaller, covers select routes to Mexico, Central America, and seasonal destinations in Europe. Both airports are within easy reach of Berkeley, giving travelers plenty of options without the need for long, stressful commutes.
Knowing which international airlines operate from SFO and OAK, along with the best travel strategies, can save time, money, and hassle. Below, we review the top carriers, popular routes, and traveler-friendly services to help you plan your next international trip from the Berkeley area.
Key Takeaways
- SFO offers the most extensive range of international flights, with global connections to Asia, Europe, and beyond.
- OAK provides regional and seasonal international routes, including Mexico and Central America.
- Proximity to both airports allows Berkeley travelers to compare airlines and flight times for the best deals.
Overview of International Airlines Serving Berkeley-Area Airports
While Berkeley does not have its own international airport, SFO and OAK cover a broad selection of international airlines, with SFO being a major hub for transcontinental and transoceanic flights.
5-Step Quick Checklist
- Compare Airports: Decide between SFO and OAK based on destination, convenience, and pricing.
- Use Fare Alerts: Set price alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals.
- Plan Ground Transport: Use BART or book parking early to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Check Lounge Access: Consider lounge memberships or credit card perks for added comfort.
- Review Airline Options: Choose carriers with strong international networks like United, British Airways, or Emirates.
Major International Airlines
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) hosts leading international carriers such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Air France, and Singapore Airlines. These airlines provide direct service to popular global hubs including London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Tokyo, and Paris.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) offers fewer international carriers but remains convenient for regional destinations. Volaris and Avianca are prominent airlines at OAK, with regular service to Mexico, Central America, and seasonal routes to Europe.
Expert Tip: For long-haul travel, SFO’s larger network typically means more competitive pricing, better schedules, and higher service quality compared to OAK.
Destinations and Direct Flights
From SFO, you can enjoy direct flights to global cities like London, Paris, Tokyo, Toronto, and Dubai. OAK’s international service is more limited but includes key destinations such as Mexico City, San Salvador, and Cancun. This dual-airport advantage allows travelers from Berkeley to tailor flights based on price, convenience, and preferred airline.
Terminal Facilities for International Travelers
SFO’s international terminals (mainly Terminal G and Terminal A) feature customs and immigration facilities, premium lounges, duty-free shopping, and extensive dining options. OAK, while smaller, provides a straightforward layout with customs, baggage claim, rental car services, and shuttle access. Both airports are designed to keep international transfers smooth and efficient.
Access to International Airports Near Berkeley
Berkeley’s location makes it easy to access multiple Bay Area airports. Your best choice often depends on your destination and how much time you’re willing to spend in transit.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located approximately 25 miles southwest of Berkeley, SFO is a major U.S. hub with more than 45 international airlines and over 130 nonstop destinations worldwide. Public transit via BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) provides a cost-effective and efficient connection from Berkeley to SFO.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
OAK is about 15 miles from Berkeley and is often the fastest airport to reach. While it lacks the extensive international network of SFO, its smaller size means shorter lines, faster security checks, and a more relaxed experience.
Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Located roughly 45 miles south of Berkeley, SJC is another option for travelers, with flights to select international destinations in Mexico, Europe, and Asia. While less busy than SFO, the commute is longer and can take over an hour during peak traffic.
Traveler Experience and Amenities
Both SFO and OAK are equipped with traveler-friendly services to streamline your journey.
Airline Lounges and Services
SFO offers multiple premium lounges, such as the United Polaris Lounge, Alaska Lounge, and Centurion Lounge by American Express. These lounges feature complimentary Wi-Fi, gourmet dining, private workspaces, and relaxation zones. OAK also has lounges, albeit fewer, but still offers a quiet space with snacks and beverages.
Parking and Rental Car Options
Short-term and long-term parking options are available at both airports, with garages conveniently located near the terminals. Rental car facilities host major providers such as Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis. Pro Tip: Book rental cars online in advance to secure lower rates and ensure availability.
Public Transport Access and BART
BART connects Berkeley directly to both SFO and OAK, offering an affordable and predictable alternative to driving or rideshares. For SFO, the BART station links directly to the airport terminals, while OAK’s BART connection includes a short shuttle ride to the terminals.
Featured International Airlines and Popular Routes
A number of carriers make international travel from Berkeley-area airports convenient, even if most routes require connecting through SFO.
United Airlines
United Airlines, with a major hub at SFO, provides extensive routes to Asia, Australia, and Europe, including cities such as Tokyo, Sydney, and Frankfurt. United’s Star Alliance membership also enables smooth connections with global partners like ANA and Lufthansa.
American Airlines and Alaska Airlines
American Airlines connects Berkeley travelers to international destinations through hubs like Dallas and Miami. Alaska Airlines, while primarily domestic, partners with global carriers (such as British Airways and Singapore Airlines), enabling international connections through its codeshare agreements.
Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and LATAM
Southwest Airlines is primarily domestic but connects to international hubs like Cancun. JetBlue is a strong option for Caribbean and Latin American routes, while LATAM offers direct service to South America from SFO, making it a go-to choice for travelers heading to Santiago or Lima.
Flights to Hawaii and Beyond
Flights to Hawaii are plentiful from SFO and OAK, with carriers like Alaska Airlines, Southwest, and Hawaiian Airlines serving Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai. For travelers eyeing connections to Asia or Oceania, Hawaii can also serve as a convenient stopover.
Sample Comparison Chart: SFO vs. OAK
| Feature | SFO | OAK |
|---|---|---|
| International Airlines | 45+ major carriers | Limited (Volaris, Avianca) |
| Nonstop Destinations | Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada | Mexico, Central America, Europe (seasonal) |
| Distance from Berkeley | ~25 miles | ~15 miles |
| Passenger Traffic | High | Moderate |
FAQs
1. Which airport near Berkeley is best for international flights?
SFO is the best choice for long-haul international flights due to its extensive network and premium services.
2. Does Oakland Airport offer direct international flights?
Yes, OAK offers direct flights to Mexico, Central America, and a few seasonal European destinations.
3. How can I get from Berkeley to SFO or OAK affordably?
BART provides direct access to both airports, offering a cost-effective alternative to rideshares or parking fees.
4. Which airlines offer the best international service from SFO?
British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines are known for their exceptional in-flight service and global connectivity.
