✈️ Flight Guide: Albuquerque (ABQ) → San Francisco (SFO)

November features culturally rich events on both ends of this route. Albuquerque and nearby Santa Fe host Dia de los Muertos ceremonies and arts events in early November, offering a unique cultural experience before you fly from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). In the Bay Area, San Francisco begins its holiday season late in the month with Union Square tree lighting, holiday markets, and festive nightlife; Napa Valley hosts wine-country harvest events and intimate tastings ideal for fall travel. If traveling around Thanksgiving, book tickets and restaurants early — many popular attractions and tours sell out during holiday weeks.

The best time to fly from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in November is mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and during early morning hours. Early November (first two weeks) offers lower fares and lighter crowds than the Thanksgiving period; avoid flying on peak travel days immediately before and after Thanksgiving to reduce costs and potential delays. Shoulder-season weather makes November attractive for travelers seeking lower hotel rates and easier sightseeing in San Francisco, Napa Valley, and nearby destinations like Santa Fe and Taos.

Nonstop flights from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are ideal for saving time — expect about 2 hours and 10 minutes in the air. Connecting flights can be considerably cheaper outside peak weeks and offer more schedule options, but they often route via Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN), or Dallas (DFW), adding layover time and potential connection risk. For November travel, choose a nonstop if you prioritize convenience and minimizing delay exposure; pick a connecting itinerary if you need a lower fare or a specific travel window, but ensure generous layover times during Thanksgiving travel surges.

Southwest often offers competitive nonstop pricing and two free checked bags, making it attractive for families and budget-conscious travelers on ABQ–SFO routes in November. Alaska Airlines typically provides strong onboard service and good connections to the West Coast, including nonstop options; their Mileage Plan is valued for frequent flyers. United may offer more connecting itineraries with broader hub access (DEN, SFO), useful if your itinerary includes a stop. Compare total trip cost including baggage and seat selection fees, and sign up for airline fare alerts or loyalty programs to capture November sales and earn rewards toward future trips to destinations like Napa Valley, San Jose, and Los Angeles.

Pack layers for ABQ to SFO November trips — Albuquerque mornings can be crisp and dry, while San Francisco tends to be cool and foggy near the bay; a light waterproof jacket and versatile layers are recommended. For Thanksgiving travel, book flights and ground transport well in advance and arrive at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) at least two hours before departure. Use early-morning nonstop flights to minimize delays, enable mobile boarding passes for quicker checkpoint processing, and subscribe to airline alerts for gate or schedule changes. If you plan onward travel to San Jose, Oakland, Napa Valley, or Silicon Valley, pre-book shuttles or rental cars to avoid long waits during holiday weekends.

Nonstop flights between Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) generally take about 2 hours and 10–25 minutes. Multiple carriers operate daily services, with morning departures often less prone to cascading delays; evening flights can be subject to accumulated lateness, especially during holiday periods. Connecting options commonly route through Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN), or Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), adding 2–6 hours of total travel time depending on layover length. For November travel, select early-morning nonstop flights when possible to reduce the risk of weather-related or Thanksgiving-induced delays.

To score cheap flights from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in November, book 3–8 weeks in advance and target midweek travel (Tues–Thurs). Use fare alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner, and compare low-cost carriers like Southwest and Alaska for competitive nonstop pricing. Avoid peak Thanksgiving travel days (the Tuesday before and Sunday after Thanksgiving), and consider nearby airports or flexible dates — flying into Oakland or San Jose sometimes yields significant savings even after factoring ground transit. When searching, include keywords like “cheap ABQ to SFO November” and “Albuquerque to San Francisco deals” to find seasonal promos and flash sales.