Cheap Flights to San Francisco Compare & Book Affordable Airfare
About San Francisco
There is no two ways about it — San Francisco, known colloquially as SFO, is one of the most unique cities in America. Nestled at the tip of a peninsula in Northern California, San Francisco is the only American city that combines the historical Gold Rush era, cutting-edge tech-world innovations, Victorian-style architecture, and landmark attractions like no other in a span of just 49 square miles. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge with its fog-shrouded towers to the vibrant stalls of the Ferry Building Farmers Market, from the vibrant Castro to historic North Beach, San Francisco has something for everyone. The city acts as the cultural and economic hub of the Bay Area, drawing more than 24 million tourists per year while serving as a gateway to Silicon Valley, Napa Valley wineries, and Pacific Coast drives.
- Cheapest Month to Fly: November (with January right behind)
- Best Time to Book a Flight: 21 to 45 days before travel
- Cheapest Day to Fly: Tuesday or Wednesday
- Best Value Airline: Southwest Airlines; Alaska Airlines (West Coast flights)
Airports Serving San Francisco
San Francisco is accessible via its main airports, offering passengers various choices regarding cost, network, and airlines.
When Should Travelers Book Flights To San Francisco?
According to indexed pricing figures, the lowest rates for flights to San Francisco (SFO) are likely to occur in November and January, following the high point of the Thanksgiving holiday and preceding the beginning of the spring rush. Secondary drops in airfare are generally witnessed in late January until early February, as demand recedes and airlines vie for leisure travelers.
Passengers are advised not to book during periods when San Francisco experiences an influx of tourists, such as the San Francisco Marathon in July, the Salesforce Dreamforce convention in September, or San Francisco's Pride Month in June. Flights booked between June and August experience increased costs due to the peak period of tourism in San Francisco, especially when traveling from places like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, where airfares might be 35%–65% higher than average.
Comparing San Francisco Airlines, Policy, and Option
San Francisco International Airport is an important gateway to the US and serves more than 50 million passengers per year. It provides connectivity with 125 international cities through flights operated by airlines at SFO. The following table represents the certification price points for various airline types operating out of SFO.
United Airlines:
- Includes carry-on and personal bag (Economy); personal bag only (Basic Economy).
- The biggest operator with an extensive transcon and international route network, including many Asia-Pacific destinations.
Southwest Airlines:
- Includes two free checked bags (all fares); no change/cancellation fee.
- Provides the best value for those flying domestically, particularly from the southern and midwestern parts of the country.
Alaska Airlines:
- Includes carry-on and personal bag (Saver fares) on some routes.
- Offers better connectivity and more attractive miles through their loyalty program - Mileage Plan.
Delta Air Lines:
- Includes carry-on and personal bag (Main Cabin); personal bag only (Basic Economy).
- Good service with Comfort+ options, offers SkyMiles, and in-flight Wi-Fi facility.
American Airlines:
- Includes carry-on and personal bag (Main Cabin); personal bag only (Basic Economy).
- Offers good transcon services from East Coast airport hubs such as JFK and MIA.
Hidden Fees: Things You Need to Check Before Booking
Domestic San Francisco (SFO) flights are one of the riskiest in terms of hidden fees in America when booking Basic Economy fares with major carriers or traveling with ultra-low-cost airlines. The United Airlines Basic Economy class of service does not allow travelers to bring a full-sized piece of overhead baggage on board, but just a personal item that fits under the passenger seat. Non-compliance with this regulation will incur charges to check your carry-on baggage that can be up to $100.
Before clicking the book button, consider checking:
- Your qualification to bring an overhead bag depends on the type of fare booked
- Any gate-checked bag fees if your personal item is beyond the airline's dimensions
- Terms and conditions of changing or cancelling flights - more applicable to Basic Economy fares that are non-refundable in almost all major airlines
- Whether the seat choice, trip insurance, or fare protection is already included in the package
Please note: It would be best if you compared your ticket prices on CompareMost with other trustworthy airlines and then booked your flight at the most affordable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions visitors commonly ask before travelling:
