Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
For domestic flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) we recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before departure for checked luggage and 2 hours if you need to check bags during peak times. October sees moderate crowds — especially early October weekends — so allow extra time for security lines and traffic to the airport. Check TSA wait times and consider online check-in to speed your departure process.
October typically brings shoulder-season fares on flights Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with airlines offering discounts after summer. Use fare alerts and compare prices on Google Flights, Skyscanner or airline sites for midweek travel to secure lower prices. Booking 3–6 weeks in advance for October departures often yields the best balance between price and flexibility.
Flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) commonly operate out of Terminals B and C depending on the carrier. Check your airline’s terminal information before heading to the airport and verify gate assignments on the day of departure, as gate changes are common. Allow extra time for shuttle or walkway transfers between terminals if your itinerary requires it.
Baggage allowances for Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) flights depend on your airline and fare class rather than the month. In October, airlines may run promotions that include free checked bags on select fares, so always confirm baggage rules on the carrier’s website or your booking confirmation. For lowest fares, consider carrying a personal item and a small carry-on to avoid fees.
From Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) you can take the MBTA Silver Line bus to South Station, ride the Blue Line to central subway connections, use airport shuttles, taxis, or rideshare services. October traffic is usually moderate; allow extra time in morning and evening peak hours. Pre-booked shuttle or rideshare pickup zones are clearly marked at Terminals A, B, C, and E for convenient departures to SFO-bound flights.
October in Boston can bring variable weather including rain and the occasional early nor'easter, which may cause delays at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Airlines and passengers should monitor weather forecasts and flight status the day before and day of travel. Consider travel protection or flexible fares when booking BOS to SFO flights during fall to mitigate schedule changes.
A nonstop flight from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically takes about 6 to 6.5 hours east-to-west, depending on winds and routing. Connecting itineraries can take 8–12+ hours including layovers. Use Google Flights or the airline schedule to check specific flight durations for your October dates.
From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) you have several reliable ground transport options: BART trains to downtown San Francisco, airport shuttles, taxis, and rideshares. October weather is typically mild with minimal fog in the afternoon, making surface travel predictable; plan 30–60 minutes to reach downtown depending on traffic and time of day. For visits to nearby destinations like Oakland, San Jose, and Palo Alto, consider Caltrain or regional shuttles.
October in San Francisco is generally part of the warmest and clearest time of year, often called 'Indian Summer,' with less frequent heavy fog than summer months. While low-lying fog and marine layer can appear in certain neighborhoods, significant flight delays at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) due to fog are less common in October. Still, monitor flight status as weather can change and occasional delays may occur during early morning hours.
Arrivals from Boston typically arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Terminal 1, Terminal 2, or the International Terminal depending on the carrier and whether the flight is domestic nonstop or connecting. Check your airline’s arrival terminal before landing and follow airport signage to baggage claim and ground transport areas. October schedules are stable but always verify real-time gate and terminal info on the SFO official website or airline app.
From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) you can easily access Oakland, San Jose, Palo Alto, Napa Valley, Monterey, and Santa Cruz for day trips. October is ideal for visiting Napa and Sonoma during harvest season, and the cooler, clearer days make coastal drives to Monterey and Carmel highly enjoyable. Plan your transportation ahead—rent a car for wine country and scenic highways or use regional shuttles and trains for city-focused itineraries.
Airline schedules to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can be adjusted in October due to operational needs, holidays, or special events, though major disruptions are not typical. Sign up for airline notifications, check SFO’s official alerts, and monitor the FAA for air traffic advisories. Booking flexible or refundable fares gives additional peace of mind for fall travel.
October is harvest time in Napa and Sonoma, attracting visitors flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). San Francisco typically hosts cultural events, food festivals, and occasional sports matchups that increase demand for flights. On the Boston side, October brings fall foliage and local festivals which may affect outbound traffic from Logan. Check event dates and book flights early if attending popular October events to secure better fares and preferred flight times.
For October travel between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often offer the best combination of lower fares and manageable airport crowds. Early morning flights can avoid local traffic and often have fewer delays, while red-eye options are useful if you want to maximize time in San Francisco. If your priority is weather, late-morning arrivals into SFO tend to benefit from clearer skies during the 'Indian Summer' period.
Nonstop flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) save time (about 6–6.5 hours) and reduce the risk of missed connections, but they can be more expensive than one-stop itineraries. Connecting flights via hubs like Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), or Washington D.C. (IAD) sometimes offer substantial savings and increased schedule options, especially in October shoulder season. If minimizing travel time and luggage handling is critical, choose nonstop; if price is the priority and you have flexibility, consider one-stop options.
Major carriers operating between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in October include United, Delta, JetBlue, and Alaska. United and JetBlue often offer multiple daily nonstops with competitive pricing and frequent flyer benefits, Delta provides premium connectivity via its hubs, and Alaska can be a strong choice for West Coast connections and loyalty perks. Compare in-flight amenities (Wi-Fi, seat pitch, food service) and total trip cost including baggage fees to determine the best airline for your October itinerary.
Pack layers for October travel: leaveroom for cool, breezy evenings in San Francisco and potentially damp, unpredictable weather in Boston. Bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes for city walks and wine country excursions. Book refundable or flexible fares if your schedule is uncertain, and reserve rental cars early for Napa/Sonoma trips. For smoother airport experience at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), use mobile boarding passes and arrive earlier on busy October weekends.
Typical nonstop flight time from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 6 to 6.5 hours. Schedules in October tend to include several daily nonstop options (morning, afternoon, and red-eye) plus multiple one-stop connections via hubs like Chicago, Denver, or Washington D.C. Red-eye flights can maximize daytime in San Francisco but may be subject to slightly faster westbound routing; choose based on your preferences for arrival time and sleep patterns.
To snag cheap flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in October, be flexible with travel dates and prioritize Tuesdays through Thursdays when fares are typically lower. Use fare alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner, compare one-stop vs nonstop pricing, and consider early-morning or red-eye departures which can be cheaper. Check budget-friendly carriers and watch for flash sales; also consider nearby departure or return airports like Providence (PVD) or Manchester (MHT) for additional savings. Always factor baggage fees and seat selection costs into the total price.