Complete travel information for your September journey
September is a smart month to fly from Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). As fall travel begins, you'll often find lower fares than peak summer with reliable nonstop service on JetBlue, United, and seasonal flights from Alaska or American Airlines. Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) and early-morning flights generally yield the best prices; use fare alerts and flexible-date searches to catch deals. Allow 90–120 minutes at BOS for security and check-in during busy commute hours, and consider Logan Express or MBTA connections if traveling from nearby hubs like Cambridge, Providence, Worcester, or New York City. Book 3–8 weeks in advance for optimal September rates and check airline baggage policies, as fees vary by carrier and fare class.
For nonstop or connecting flights from Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in September, arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic departures and 2 hours for flights with checked bags or during peak morning/evening rush. September is a shoulder-month with steady traffic from Boston to West Coast business and leisure travelers, so factor in TSA lines, rental car returns, and possible Logan Express queues.
Yes — several carriers operate nonstop service between Logan International Airport (BOS) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) throughout September, with frequent departures on JetBlue, United Airlines, and sometimes Alaska Airlines or American Airlines depending on the season. Nonstop flights typically depart during early morning and late afternoon/evening windows, offering the fastest option (about 6 hours).
As of September travel guidance, there are generally no nationwide COVID-19 testing or quarantine requirements for domestic travel between Logan International Airport (BOS) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), but airlines or local jurisdictions may recommend masks and proof of vaccination for certain services. Check updated travel advisories from the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and your airline before departure for any policy changes.
Baggage fees for flights departing Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) vary by airline and fare class: most legacy carriers charge for first checked bags on basic economy fares ($30–$35 domestic), while premium economy and checked-bag–inclusive fares waive the fee. Expect higher or waived fees if you fly JetBlue Mint, United Polaris, or use elite status—check your airline's baggage policy before you book to avoid surprises.
September often falls into the late-summer shoulder season, offering some of the lower fares for the BOS to SFO route, especially midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) and booking 3–8 weeks in advance. Business travel picks up early in the month, so compare flexible dates and set price alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak for the best deals.
Logan International Airport (BOS) offers multiple ground-transport options including the MBTA Blue Line + Silver Line shuttle for a budget-friendly route to South Station, taxis, ride-hailing services (Uber/Lyft), and airport shuttles. If you need long-term parking before your BOS to SFO flight, Massport garages and off-site lots provide shuttle service; allow extra time in September for traffic near downtown and for Patriot Day/event weekends if applicable.
September is one of the Bay Area’s nicest months—often called the Indian summer—making San Francisco International Airport (SFO) a pleasant arrival point for travelers from Logan International Airport (BOS). While coastal fog can still roll in during mornings, afternoons are frequently clear and ideal for exploring nearby destinations such as San Jose, Oakland, Palo Alto and Napa Valley. For efficient ground travel, use BART for downtown access, rent a car for wine country or Silicon Valley trips, and plan for moderate traffic during evening commutes. Sign up for airline notifications and check real-time flight trackers for the most accurate arrival information.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Logan International Airport (BOS) generally take about 5 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes depending on winds and routing. Allow for time-zone changes—San Francisco is on Pacific Time and Boston is on Eastern Time—so you’ll gain three hours when flying eastbound.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers BART rail service to downtown San Francisco and the broader Bay Area, as well as SamTrans buses, shared airport shuttles, taxis, and ride-hailing services. If you're headed to nearby destinations like San Jose, Oakland, Palo Alto, Napa Valley, or Sacramento, consider rental cars or direct shuttle services—September typically has moderate traffic but expect Friday evening congestion northbound and southbound.
September in the Bay Area tends to be one of the driest months with warm days and cooler nights, but coastal fog (marine layer) can still affect early-morning arrivals and airport approaches into San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Major weather disruptions are uncommon; however, always check real-time flight status on airline or FlightAware before heading to the airport.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves as a gateway to downtown San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Palo Alto (Silicon Valley), Berkeley, Sacramento, Napa and Sonoma wine country, and nearby coastal destinations like Santa Cruz. Travelers often use SFO for both leisure trips—visiting Napa Valley or Muir Woods—and business travel to Silicon Valley and the broader Bay Area in September.
SFO experiences moderate traffic in September as summer tourism tapers and business travel remains steady; afternoons and early evenings can be busy with westbound and connecting flights. For faster arrival processing and shorter ground-transport queues, aim for mid-morning or late evening arrivals and enroll in mobile passport or Global Entry to expedite customs when returning to the U.S.
September features several events that may affect route demand on BOS↔SFO. In Boston and nearby areas, the Boston Film Festival typically runs in September and early college football season brings game-day travel for universities such as Boston College and Harvard—expect spikes on game weekends. From San Francisco and the Bay Area, the Folsom Street Fair is usually held in late September, drawing visitors to the city; the SF restaurant and arts scene stays busy with late-summer events and weekend getaways to Napa and Sonoma. These gatherings can increase hotel and airfare demand; book flights and ground transport early and check event calendars when planning travel between Logan International Airport (BOS) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
The best time to fly from Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in September is midweek—Tuesdays and Wednesdays—with early-morning departures often offering the lowest fares and fewer delays. Aim to book 3–8 weeks before departure and use flexible-date searches to spot low fares. Avoid Friday evening and Sunday afternoon/evening flights when both business and leisure demand spike and prices tend to climb. For improved on-time performance, choose flights that depart outside peak airport congestion windows (avoid 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM local times at BOS).
Nonstop flights from Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) save considerable time—roughly 6 hours door-to-door excluding ground transport—and reduce complexity during travel in September. Carriers such as JetBlue, United, and Alaska often offer nonstop options, ideal for business travelers or those prioritizing convenience. Connecting flights via hubs (Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Dallas) can be 1–3 hours cheaper but add travel time and potential delays; they’re a good choice for budget-conscious flyers or loyal-program redemptions. If flexibility and price are key, connecting itineraries booked with long layovers reduce stress; if minimizing travel time is top priority, choose nonstop flights and consider earlier departures to dodge Logan International Airport (BOS) peak crowds.
JetBlue typically competes strongly on BOS→SFO with competitive economy fares, free Wi‑Fi, and an upgraded Mint premium cabin on select transcontinental flights. United offers a broad schedule with multiple daily nonstops and extensive connections, plus Polaris/United First options on select aircraft. Alaska Airlines provides good West Coast connectivity and often has attractive fares with Mileage Plan benefits; availability of a nonstop may be seasonal. American Airlines usually offers one-stop itineraries via its hubs, with premium transcontinental options on select days. For September travel: choose JetBlue or United for nonstop convenience, Alaska if you want West Coast network connections, and American when loyalty and routing benefits outweigh duration. Compare baggage rules and seat pitch when booking, and sign up for loyalty programs to reduce ancillary costs.
Pack layers for September: Boston mornings and evenings start to cool as fall approaches, while San Francisco often experiences warm afternoons and cool, foggy mornings. Include a light jacket and dress in breathable layers for comfort during the ~6-hour flight between Logan International Airport (BOS) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Arrive early at BOS to account for commuting traffic and TSA screening, and download airline apps for gate updates and mobile boarding passes. If visiting wine country after landing at SFO, reserve wineries and car rentals in advance to secure September slots. Finally, check weather and airline alerts within 24 hours of travel—September is generally stable, but occasional storms or regional events can affect schedules.
Average nonstop flight time between Logan International Airport (BOS) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 5 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes, depending on winds and routing. Typical nonstop departure windows in September include early mornings (6:00–8:30 AM), midday, and late afternoon/early evening (3:00–7:00 PM) to align with business and connecting schedules. Connecting itineraries through hubs (Chicago, Denver, Washington D.C.) can add 2–5 hours of travel time. Remember the time-zone difference—San Francisco operates on Pacific Time (PT), Boston on Eastern Time (ET)—so eastbound flights gain approximately three hours on arrival. For the most current schedules, check airline timetables and use flight tracking tools before travel.
To find cheap flights from Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in September, search flexible dates and book 3–8 weeks ahead. Typical round-trip sale fares in shoulder season range from $180–$380 economy, depending on demand and how early you book; nonstop fares trend toward the higher end while connecting itineraries can be $50–$120 cheaper. Use Google Flights and Skyscanner to compare prices and set alerts, check low-cost days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays), and consider early-morning departures for lowest fares. Also monitor airline flash sales, use miles or flexible points for midweek travel, and opt for refundable fares if your schedule is uncertain. CTA: Set a price alert now for BOS to SFO September flights and lock in the best deal.