San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a huge hub for international travel on the West Coast. If you’re looking for the best airlines at SFO, it makes sense to focus on carriers with a big global reach, steady service, and flight schedules that actually work for you.
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and several major international carriers are generally considered top picks for international flights from San Francisco.
These airlines cover tons of destinations across Asia, Europe, and beyond. It’s usually pretty easy to find a flight that lines up with your plans.
SFO’s efficient facilities and strong airline partnerships can really help, whether you’re flying for work or just getting away.
Key Takeways
- Major airlines at SFO offer a ton of international connections.
- Flight options depend on where you’re going and the kind of service you want.
- Picking the right airline can make your trip a whole lot better.
Overview of International Airlines at SFO
San Francisco International Airport is a major gateway for international flights. You’ll find a mix of big-name global carriers and well-known U.S. airlines flying internationally from here.
Several foreign airlines also operate at SFO, connecting you to Asia, Europe, and the South Pacific.
Major International Carriers
United Airlines is the big player at SFO, holding close to half the market share for both domestic and international flights. It runs a ton of nonstop flights to Asia, Europe, and other far-off places.
United’s hub at SFO is massive, and it’s also a key maintenance center for them.
Air New Zealand offers flights between SFO and New Zealand. Aer Lingus connects San Francisco to Ireland.
These airlines provide direct flights across the Pacific and Atlantic, which is a relief if you’re trying to avoid long layovers.
Noteworthy Domestic Airlines Serving International Routes
Some U.S.-based airlines at SFO also fly internationally. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines are the main ones with routes outside the U.S. mainland.
Alaska Airlines flies to Canada and a few places in Mexico. American Airlines links San Francisco to major cities in Europe and Latin America.
Hawaiian Airlines takes you straight to the Hawaiian Islands and some South Pacific destinations.
Select Foreign Airlines Operating from San Francisco
SFO also hosts a good number of foreign airlines. AeroMexico offers flights to Mexico and Latin America.
Air Canada connects you to several Canadian cities with frequent service.
You’ll spot other international carriers flying to Asia, Europe, and more. This variety means you’ve got options—no matter where you’re headed.
Comparing Flight Offerings and Destinations
There are plenty of flight choices from San Francisco International Airport if you’re headed abroad. You can pick from direct flights, round-trip or one-way tickets, and set up price alerts for deals.
Direct Flight Options and Top International Destinations
SFO offers direct flights to over 30 countries. Some of the most popular spots are Tokyo, London, Paris, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt.
You can fly nonstop with airlines like United, Japan Airlines, British Airways, and Air France.
Direct flights are a real time-saver and cut down on layovers. If convenience matters to you, these are the routes to look for.
It’s worth checking which airlines serve your destination directly. That way, you can dodge long connections and the headaches that come with them.
Round-Trip and One-Way Flight Availability
You can book both round-trip and one-way flights from SFO. Round-trip tickets usually come out cheaper if you know your return dates.
One-way flights are handy if you’re not sure about your plans or want to visit several countries.
Most airlines and booking sites let you search for both. It’s smart to compare prices for round-trip and one-way tickets before you buy.
Some travel sites even offer special deals on one-way international flights from San Francisco.
Cheapest Flight Tickets and Price Alerts
Scoring cheap flights from SFO means keeping an eye on prices ahead of time. Fares can swing a lot depending on when you book.
Setting up price alerts with travel sites can help—you’ll get notified when prices drop. For international trips, alerts a couple of months out can make a difference.
Using a flight calendar tool lets you see which days have the lowest fares. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you’ll probably save money.
Booking early or during sales is usually your best bet for the cheapest tickets. Always compare offers from different sites before you commit.
Travel Planning and Passenger Experience at San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport offers a bunch of services to keep your trip smooth. From getting around after you land to finding a hotel or even checking out other nearby airports, there’s a lot to work with.
Car Rental and Ground Transportation
When you land at SFO, you’ll find all the big car rental companies right at the airport. Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis are at the Rental Car Center, which you can reach by AirTrain.
There’s a wide range of vehicles—economy, SUVs, luxury, you name it.
For ground transportation, you’ve got shuttles, taxis, Uber, Lyft, and public transit. BART trains get you to downtown San Francisco and nearby areas pretty quickly.
Just keep in mind, traffic can be rough during peak hours, so plan your trip time accordingly.
Hotel Deals and Airport Amenities
There are plenty of hotels near SFO, many with shuttle service to the airport. The Aloft San Francisco Airport and the Grand Hyatt at SFO are popular picks.
Booking early can save you some cash, especially if you need a room before an early flight.
Inside the terminals, you’ll find lounges, free Wi-Fi, shopping, and lots of food options. If you want to get through security faster, CLEAR can help speed things up.
There are quiet zones if you need to rest or get some work done. Not bad for an airport, honestly.
Nearby Airports and Alternative Routes
If you’re looking for options beyond SFO, Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) are worth a look. They’re both roughly an hour away by car—give or take, depending on Bay Area traffic.
These airports sometimes have airlines or flights that SFO just doesn’t offer. Using a different airport might save you some cash or even get you a smoother connection.
You can get to OAK or SJC by rental car, shuttle, or public transit. It’s smart to check flight options in advance and see how prices and schedules stack up. If SFO flights are packed or pricey, having a backup plan can make all the difference.