Best Flights starting from $250
from$250economy
Detroit (DTW)
Tue, Aug 18
Roundtrip
San Francisco (SFO)
Wed, Sep 2
from$270economy
Detroit (DTW)
Mon, Aug 17
Roundtrip
San Francisco (SFO)
Tue, Sep 1
from$270economy
Detroit (DTW)
Wed, Aug 19
Roundtrip
San Francisco (SFO)
Thu, Sep 3
from$270economy
Detroit (DTW)
Thu, Aug 20
Roundtrip
San Francisco (SFO)
Fri, Sep 4
from$270economy
Detroit (DTW)
Sat, Aug 22
Roundtrip
San Francisco (SFO)
Sun, Sep 6
from$290economy
Detroit (DTW)
Fri, Aug 21
Roundtrip
San Francisco (SFO)
Sat, Sep 5
from$355economy
Detroit (DTW)
Sun, Aug 23
Roundtrip
San Francisco (SFO)
Mon, Sep 7
Fields updated — click View Prices to search ↑
Other Destinations
Detroit (DTW) to Charlotte (CLT) in August from $118
From $118
Detroit (DTW) to Nashville (BNA) in August from $159
From $159
Detroit (DTW) to Orlando (MCO) in August from $198
From $198
Detroit (DTW) to Dallas (DFW) in August from $209
From $209
Detroit (DTW) to Las Vegas (LAS) in August from $221
From $221
Detroit (DTW) to Santa Ana (SNA) in August from $280
From $280
Flights from Other Cities
San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $77
From $77
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $86
From $86
Miami (MIA) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $125
From $125
Atlanta (ATL) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $200
From $200
El Paso (ELP) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $230
From $230
Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $250
From $250
✈️ Flight Guide: Detroit (DTW) → San Francisco (SFO)
Complete travel information for your August journey
Departing from Detroit (DTW) FAQs
To find the cheapest economy fares from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) this month, monitor flexible dates, set fare alerts, and compare prices across low-cost carriers and legacy airlines. Use incognito search windows or fare-aggregators to spot temporary sales and check midweek departures (Tuesdays–Thursdays) for lower prices. Consider nearby airports and red-eye flights to maximize savings and book 3–8 weeks in advance for domestic routes and 2–5 months for international travel.
For domestic economy departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) during the busy July travel period, arrive 2 to 2.5 hours before scheduled departure to allow time for check-in, security screening, and potential traffic to the airport. July often brings higher passenger volumes and possible longer TSA lines, so factoring in extra time ensures a stress-free start to your trip.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is served by low-cost carriers and legacy airlines that offer budget economy fares, including Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines (seasonal and via nearby airports), Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue. Compare total price including baggage and seat fees because base economy may be cheap but add-ons can raise the final cost. Use fare comparison tools and the airlines' official sale pages for the best deals.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is connected by BART, Caltrain (via shuttle), SamTrans buses, taxis, ride-hailing services, and airport shuttles. During December and holiday peaks, allow extra time for heavier traffic and possible delays; BART remains a reliable option with direct service to downtown San Francisco and connections to East Bay and Peninsula destinations. Consider pre-booking airport shuttles or scheduling rides early to avoid higher surge pricing.
Winter weather can cause delays at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), particularly from storms affecting connections across the U.S. and incoming transpacific flights, though San Francisco itself rarely experiences heavy snow. Expect occasional operational delays from fog (especially early morning), strong coastal winds, and storms in December–February; always check airline advisories and airport status before traveling and enroll in airline notifications.
Economy passengers at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can access lounges through paid day passes, lounge membership programs, credit-card benefits, or by purchasing upgrade access directly. Options include airline-branded lounges (for purchase or elite status), independent lounges accessible with lounge network memberships, and pay-per-use airport lounges; check lounge policies and book in advance during high-traffic months to guarantee entry.
Arriving at San Francisco (SFO) FAQs
When searching for the cheapest economy fare labeled 'Cheapest Economy Fare (ECONOMY)', use flexible-date search tools, set fare alerts, and compare aggregate sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo alongside airline websites. To reduce cost further, be open to red-eye departures, one-stop itineraries, and flying to nearby alternate airports like Oakland or San Jose and checking shuttle or rail connections.
The cheapest economy fares (ECONOMY) often include only a personal item and charge additional fees for carry-on or checked baggage, depending on the airline and fare class. Always review the specific carrier’s baggage policy—for example, low-cost carriers often charge for both carry-on and checked bags, while legacy carriers may include a carry-on. Factor baggage costs into the total trip price to accurately compare true economy value.
The absolute cheapest economy fares (ECONOMY) usually come with strict change and refund restrictions and may be non-refundable or require hefty change fees. To maintain flexibility, consider purchasing a slightly higher fare class that includes free changes or adding travel insurance to your booking. During sale periods, airlines sometimes offer bundle options that add flexibility for an extra fee.
From San Francisco International Airport (SFO), commonly low-cost economy destinations include Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle, Denver, Phoenix, and Mexico City, with occasional seasonal deals to Honolulu, Vancouver, and London. Prices vary by season, so targeting shoulder months and midweek travel often yields the best economy fares to these cities.
Cheapest economy fares often assign seats at check-in and charge extra for advanced seat selection or preferred boarding; some airlines allow free selection for an added fee included in bundled fares. If seat location matters, consider paying for earlier seat assignment or upgrading to a fare with seat selection included, especially for long-haul flights where comfort matters.
September is often a good month to find discounted economy fares from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Europe and parts of Asia because travel demand softens after summer peak season. Airlines may run targeted September sales—watch email newsletters, follow airline social channels, and set Google Flights alerts to capture these limited-time economy-class deals.
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How Events and Festivals Affect Cheap Economy Fares From San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Events and festivals significantly influence airfare demand and the cheapest economy fares from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Major annual events include San Francisco Pride (June), Fleet Week (October), Outside Lands (August), and major Bay Area conferences that drive business travel. Nearby event-driven destinations commonly accessed from SFO include Las Vegas (CES in January), Coachella (April in Palm Springs), and Sundance-adjacent travel to Salt Lake City. Plan travel outside major event dates for the best economy fares and, when attending events, book as early as possible.
Best Time to Fly From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for Cheap Economy Fares
The best time to fly for the cheapest economy fares from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) depends on destination and season. Generally, midweek departures (Tues–Thurs), red-eye flights, and shoulder seasons (September–November, January–March excluding holidays) yield the lowest prices. For transcontinental and international economy travel, booking 2–5 months ahead typically secures the best balance of price and availability. Use flexible date search and local modifiers like "off-peak San Francisco departures" to optimize results.
Direct vs Connecting Flights From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — Economy Considerations
Choosing direct versus connecting flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) impacts price, travel time, and risk of delays. Direct nonstop flights are faster and more convenient but often cost more in economy; connecting itineraries via hubs like Denver, Phoenix, or Seattle can substantially lower ticket prices. For the cheapest economy fares, consider one-stop routings while ensuring ample layover time to minimize missed connections, especially during peak months or when flying internationally.
Airline Comparison for Cheap Economy Fares From San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Compare airlines serving San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for the cheapest economy experience by looking at base fares, baggage policies, seat comfort, and frequent flyer benefits. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines operate many SFO routes with competitive economy fares and extensive networks. Southwest offers simple fares with two free checked bags on applicable routes but flies fewer long-haul routes out of SFO. JetBlue and Spirit may offer attractive base fares; JetBlue typically provides more legroom and free Wi-Fi, while Spirit's low base fares often require adding paid extras. Always compute the total cost including bags and seat fees to compare true economy value.
Seasonal Travel Tips for Finding Cheap Economy Fares From San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Seasonal factors like fog, wildfire smoke, and winter storms can affect flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and influence the availability of the cheapest economy fares. Summer brings higher demand and potential increased fares; spring and fall shoulder seasons often yield the best economy deals. During wildfire season (late summer), expect potential delays and consider refundable fares or travel insurance. For winter holiday travel, book early and aim for midweek flights to lower costs. Always check weather advisories and airline policies before travel.
Flight Times and Schedules From San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Flight times and schedules from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) vary by destination and season. Typical nonstop durations: SFO to Los Angeles (LAX) ~1 hour 20 minutes, SFO to Las Vegas (LAS) ~1 hour 30 minutes, SFO to Seattle (SEA) ~2 hours, SFO to New York City (JFK/EWR) ~5–6 hours, SFO to London (LHR) ~10–11 hours, and SFO to Tokyo (NRT) ~11 hours. Many airlines operate daily nonstop and connecting services; be aware that schedules expand in summer and contract slightly in off-peak months. Check real-time timetables for seasonal frequency changes and prefer morning departures to reduce ripple delays.
Cheap Flights From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — Economy Fare Strategies
Finding cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for economy travel requires a mix of timing, route flexibility, and comparing low-cost and legacy carriers. Primary strategies include searching flexible dates, setting fare alerts, signing up for airline newsletters, and checking alternate airports like Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). LSI keywords to include: "budget airfare San Francisco", "cheap SFO to Las Vegas", "low-cost carriers SFO", and "economy fare hacks". Compare the total ticket cost (base fare + baggage + seat fees) and use red-eye and midweek departures for the deepest savings.
Tips
- Set fare alerts on multiple platforms (Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak).
- Search flexible date calendars and nearby airports (OAK, SJC).
- Book 3–8 weeks ahead for domestic economy and 2–5 months for international travel.
- Compare bundled fares that include baggage to avoid surprise fees.