If you’re flying internationally from Sacramento International Airport, you’ve got a handful of reliable airline options that can get you where you need to go—without too much hassle. Sacramento doesn’t have a ton of nonstop international flights, but major airlines like United, American, and Delta make it pretty easy to connect through their hubs.
Knowing which airlines offer the best international routes and services from Sacramento can help you save time and avoid hassles.
These airlines work with Sacramento to open up access to popular global destinations, even if you have to make a stop along the way. Picking the right airline means thinking about stuff like flight schedules, customer service, and baggage policies.
This guide should give you a clearer sense of your best options so you can plan your trip with more confidence.
Key Takeways
- You can reach plenty of international destinations from Sacramento with major airlines, usually with a connection.
- The best airline for you depends on your destination, schedule, and what kind of service you like.
- Knowing the airport’s services and airline options can make your travel day a lot smoother.
Overview of International Airlines at Sacramento International Airport
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) connects you to global destinations through a handful of international airlines. Here’s a quick look at which carriers serve SMF, some of the airport’s features, and how the terminals handle international flights.
Major International Airlines Serving SMF
At SMF, a few big international airlines offer flights—mostly to Mexico and a couple of other spots. Aeromexico and Volaris run regular service to key Mexican cities, focusing on direct flights so you don’t have to deal with endless layovers.
Other airlines offer one-stop flights through their larger hubs, giving you more ways to get where you’re going. SMF isn’t as busy as LAX or SFO, but the airlines here cover a lot of the most popular routes for international travelers.
Unique Features of Sacramento International Airport
SMF is known for being easy to reach and having modern facilities. It’s about 10.5 miles northwest of downtown Sacramento, so getting there isn’t a huge ordeal whether you’re driving or using public transit.
The airport offers free Wi-Fi, a good selection of dining spots, and plenty of parking. Because it’s smaller than those giant hubs, you’ll deal with less crowding and usually breeze through security pretty quickly.
Terminals and Gates for International Flights
Most international flights at SMF leave from Terminal B, which has customs and border protection facilities. There’s a dedicated area for international arrivals and departures, so you won’t get lost.
International gates are clearly marked and close to lounges and restaurants. Terminal A is mostly for domestic flights, but shuttles connect the terminals if you need to transfer fast.
The layout makes it pretty simple to switch between international and domestic flights.
Profiles of Leading International Airlines
You’ll find a mix of airlines at Sacramento International Airport, each with its own approach to routes and service. Some are all about convenience and frequent flights, while others focus on affordability or solid international connections.
United Airlines
United Airlines runs several key international routes from Sacramento. You can catch flights to major hubs like San Francisco (SFO) and Chicago (ORD), which makes it easier to connect almost anywhere.
United offers a range of classes—economy, premium economy, and business. If you’ve got status or a higher-tier ticket, you can use their lounges. The MileagePlus program is a nice perk if you fly often.
If you want flexibility and strong international connections, United is a solid pick at Sacramento.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines mostly flies domestic routes from Sacramento, but their network keeps growing. They do have some flights to Mexico, though international isn’t their main focus.
Southwest is known for simple pricing, free checked bags, and friendly service. There’s not much in the way of business class or fancy extras, but if you care about cost and convenience, especially for short hops, Southwest does the job.
They’re actually the biggest carrier at Sacramento in terms of passenger numbers.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines covers both domestic and a few international routes out of Sacramento. You’ll find flights along the West Coast and to some spots in Mexico and Canada.
People like Alaska for comfy planes, the Mileage Plan loyalty program, and genuinely friendly crews. Free snacks and drinks are a nice touch. If you want decent quality without breaking the bank, Alaska is worth a look.
For trips to nearby countries, Alaska Airlines is a pretty dependable choice.
Volaris
Volaris is a low-cost Mexican airline that connects Sacramento with cities like Guadalajara and Mexico City. It’s a budget-friendly option if you’re heading south.
You’ll get basic service with extras like baggage or seat selection available for a fee. If you want to save cash and fly direct to Mexico, Volaris makes sense.
The flights are straightforward and no-frills, but sometimes that’s all you need.
International Flight Options and Booking Tips
Booking international flights from Sacramento? There are a few things to keep in mind. You can choose direct flights, one-way or round-trip tickets, and different airlines for different routes. Each choice changes your travel time, convenience, and price.
Direct Flights and Destinations
Direct international flights from SMF are still pretty limited. Most of the time, you’ll connect through bigger airports like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Airlines like Southwest and Alaska focus mostly on domestic routes, so expect a layover.
Direct international spots usually include Mexico City and a few Canadian cities. For anything farther, you’ll connect at a major hub.
Direct flights save you time and lower your risk of delays, but they’re often pricier. Check schedules and prices to find what works best for you.
One-Way vs. Round-Trip Flights
Should you book a one-way or round-trip ticket? It depends on your plans. One-way flights give you flexibility if you’re not sure when you’ll be back or if you’re traveling onward.
Round-trip tickets are usually cheaper per segment and make booking simpler. Sometimes you’ll get better customer support, too.
It’s worth comparing both options. Some airlines have competitive round-trip prices, especially if you know you’ll be returning to Sacramento.
Flights to and from Sacramento
Sacramento International serves as a regional hub, with airlines like American, Delta, United, and JetBlue flying to lots of international and U.S. cities.
When you’re flying to Sacramento, double-check your arrival details—some flights involve layovers. For departures, Southwest is big on direct domestic flights, but you’ll probably need a connection for most international trips.
Booking early and using airline or trusted travel sites can help you snag the best routes and prices.
Essential Traveler Information at Sacramento California Airport
Traveling through Sacramento International? A little info about parking, airport services, and current updates can make your trip a lot smoother.
Parking and Ground Transportation
Sacramento International has a few parking options—daily lots close to the terminals and an economy lot for longer stays. The economy lot is the cheapest if you’re leaving your car for a while.
You can pay for parking with cash or card at machines near each lot. There’s valet parking, too, if you want to drop off your car fast.
For ground transportation, Uber and Lyft pick up at designated spots. Airport shuttles connect parking lots to terminals, and rental cars are available onsite at the Rental Car Center.
Amenities and Services for International Travelers
International travelers will find customs and immigration facilities at Sacramento to make entry smoother. It’s smart to arrive at least three hours before your flight to get through all the procedures.
There’s free Wi-Fi everywhere, charging stations, and some quiet spots to relax. Dining options range from cafes to sit-down restaurants.
Need help? Look for airport staff or help desks near the entrances. You’ll also find currency exchange and luggage storage services if you need them.
Latest News and Art Installations
Sacramento International Airport is always rolling out updates about airlines and improvements on its official website. If you want to avoid surprises, it’s worth checking for flight changes or travel advisories before heading out.
Art installations pop up throughout the airport, showing off a bit of California’s culture. You’ll spot rotating exhibits from local artists in different terminal areas.
These pieces add some visual flair and, honestly, capture the spirit of the state’s diverse community. Curious about what’s on display or any special events?
Take a peek at the airport’s news board or website for the latest on art programs happening during your visit.