With its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, vibrant neighborhoods, and rich cultural heritage, San Francisco is a dream destination for many travelers. Planning a trip to this bustling city often involves finding the best flight deals to maximize your budget.
This article will guide you through the factors that influence airfare prices, including seasonal trends, airline pricing strategies, and tips for booking. Understanding these elements can help you secure the most affordable flights to San Francisco.
Cheapest Time to Book Flights to San Francisco in 2024
There are two main factors to consider to find the cheapest time to book flights to San Francisco:
Time of year: Generally, the cheapest time to fly to San Francisco is during the off-season, which is from fall (September to November) to winter (December to February). There are fewer crowds during this time, and hotel rates are also lower. However, keep in mind that the weather can be cooler and wetter during these months.
Time of booking: According to studies, the cheapest time to book a flight to San Francisco is typically between 1 and 2 months (40 to 60 days) before your departure date. Some resources even say it can be as far out as 124-197 days beforehand, but this isn’t as common. Booking too far in advance or too late can lead to higher prices.
Cheapest Airlines that Fly to San Francisco with Average Prices
Here are some of the cheapest airlines that fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK), along with their average prices based on searches conducted in June 2024:
- Frontier Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly fares, Frontier is a great option for travelers looking for a cheap flight to San Francisco. Average price range: $100 – $300 (round trip)
- Spirit Airlines: Another budget airline, Spirit offers competitive fares on flights to San Francisco. However, be aware that Spirit charges extra fees for many things that are included in the base fare on other airlines, such as checked bags and seat selection. Average price range: $80 – $250 (round trip)
- Southwest Airlines: Southwest is known for its two free checked bags and transparent pricing model, which means you won’t be surprised by hidden fees at checkout. Average price range: $150 – $400 (round trip)
- JetBlue Airways: While not always the absolute cheapest, JetBlue offers a good balance between price and amenities, with features like comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi on some flights. Average price range: $180 – $450 (round trip)
- Sun Country Airlines: This budget-friendly airline mainly focuses on seasonal and leisure routes, so it can be a good option if you are flexible with your travel dates. Average price range: $120 – $350 (round trip)
- Great Lakes Airlines: This regional carrier offers flights to smaller airports near San Francisco, such as Concord (CCR). Great Lakes can be a good option if you fly from a smaller airport. Average price range: $150 – $400 (round trip)
- Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers competitive fares on flights to San Francisco, especially from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Average price range: $200 – $500 (round trip)
- United Airlines: United is a major airline that offers a variety of routes to San Francisco. While not always the cheapest option, United can be a good choice if you are looking for a more traditional airline experience. Average price range: $250 – $600 (round trip)
Pros & Cons of Flying to San Francisco During the Cheapest Time
Pros of Flying to San Francisco During the Cheapest Time
- Lower fares: This is the biggest advantage. Flights and potentially accommodation will be significantly cheaper during the off-season (fall, winter).
- Fewer crowds: Popular tourist attractions won’t be as packed, making getting around and enjoying sights easier without feeling overwhelmed.
- Unique experiences: You might encounter events or activities specific to the off-season, like enjoying holiday decorations in winter or experiencing the city during foggy mornings in summer (which can be quite beautiful).
Cons of Flying to San Francisco During the Cheapest Time
- Weather: San Francisco’s weather is mild year-round, but the off-season can be wetter and cooler. Rainfall is more likely in winter, and temperatures can be quite chilly, especially compared to peak tourist season (spring and summer).
- Limited daylight: Winter days are shorter, so you’ll have less time for outdoor activities.
- Potential closures: Some attractions or tours might have limited hours or be closed altogether during the off-season.
Additional Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to San Francisco
- Be flexible with your travel dates and times.expand_more If you are flexible with your travel dates, you are more likely to find a cheaper flight.
- Consider flying into a smaller airport. There are two main airports in San Francisco: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK). OAK is generally less expensive to fly into than SFO.expand_more
- Sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel websites. This way, you will be notified when there are sales or fare drops on flights to San Francisco.
- Consider using a flight aggregator website or app. Flight aggregator websites and apps can help you compare prices from different airlines and travel websites.expand_more Some popular flight aggregator websites and apps include Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner.
Frequently Asked Questions
To secure the best deals, booking your flight to San Francisco at least 3-4 weeks in advance is recommended. For international flights, consider booking 2-3 months ahead. Monitoring fare comparison websites can also help you identify the optimal booking window.
Yes, midweek flights, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper than weekends. Avoiding travel on Fridays and Sundays can also help you save money, as these days are usually more expensive due to higher demand.
Early morning and late-night flights are generally cheaper than those during peak travel hours. If you are flexible with your schedule, opting for these less popular times can result in significant savings on airfare.
Flight prices to San Francisco can surge during major holidays (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas) and significant local events (e.g., San Francisco Pride, Outside Lands Music Festival). To avoid high costs, try to book well in advance or choose travel dates that bypass these busy periods.
