Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your November journey
November at Midway International Airport (MDW) brings a mix of steady demand and holiday peaks. Early November often offers good midweek fares to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and surrounding Bay Area destinations like San Jose and Oakland; however, expect fares and capacity to tighten during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Weather in Chicago can shift rapidly—carry layerable clothing, check MDW and airline alerts, and plan ground transportation with contingency time. For best fares, search weekdays, set fare alerts for routes MDW–SFO, and consider nearby departure windows from Chicago Midway to reach Napa Valley or Silicon Valley via San Francisco. Book early for Thanksgiving travel, and use CTA Orange Line or pre-booked shuttles to avoid long taxi queues.
November departures from Midway International Airport (MDW) often see colder temperatures and an increased chance of weather-related delays as the Midwest transitions to winter. Expect earlier arrivals to the terminal for security, layers for changing weather, and possible schedule shifts during holiday weekends like Thanksgiving. Check airline alerts and MDW terminal updates before leaving home.
For MDW departures to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in November, arrive at least 90 minutes before scheduled domestic departures during normal weekdays and 2–3 hours ahead on busy travel days like the day before Thanksgiving. Delta, United, Southwest, and American operate MDW services, and TSA lines can swell during holiday periods, so plan extra time for check-in and security.
Direct flights between Midway International Airport (MDW) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are available seasonally and may be offered primarily by carriers such as Southwest and select legacy carriers. Availability increases on key travel dates in November, but schedules vary—check current airline timetables and book early for nonstop seats during Thanksgiving week.
From Midway International Airport (MDW), you can choose CTA Orange Line trains to downtown Chicago, airport shuttles, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), taxis, and car rentals. In November, expect slightly longer pick-up times for rideshares due to heavier holiday demand; pre-book airport shuttles or car rentals if traveling with lots of luggage.
November brings cooler temperatures, occasional snow or freezing rain, and increased potential for de-icing operations that can delay departures at Midway International Airport (MDW). Airlines may prioritize de-icing and re-routing during lake-effect events, so monitor weather forecasts and allow buffer time when traveling to a fixed-schedule flight such as those to San Francisco.
To save on MDW to SFO November flights, book 3–8 weeks in advance for non-Thanksgiving travel and compare midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) for lower fares. Use fare alerts, be flexible with return dates, and consider early-morning or red-eye departures to snag cheaper seats. For Thanksgiving week, set alerts and consider flying two days before Thanksgiving for better pricing.
Arrivals to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in November are typically smooth but influenced by Coastal fog and the start of Bay Area wet season. BART and Caltrain provide reliable connections to downtown San Francisco and Silicon Valley, while rental cars and shuttles serve Napa Valley and Monterey. November features festivals, holiday market openings, and corporate conferences that can affect hotel availability and rideshare waits. For a stress-free arrival, verify baggage and lounge options, monitor weather alerts, and consider traveling midweek to avoid weekend surge pricing. If coming from Midway International Airport (MDW) or other Midwest airports, build extra buffer time to account for possible winter delays on departure.
November at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is typically mild and cool with average daytime highs in the mid-50s to low 60s°F (13–17°C) and cooler, foggy mornings or evenings. Rain becomes more likely as the Bay Area moves into the wet season, so pack a lightweight water-resistant jacket and layers for microclimate changes between SFO and downtown San Francisco or Napa Valley.
From SFO, options include BART to downtown San Francisco, Caltrain connections (via Millbrae), airport shuttles, rideshares, taxis, and rental cars for Silicon Valley or Napa Valley. In November, expect steady demand for rideshares during conferences and holiday weekends—pre-book or allow extra pick-up time if arriving during peak event days.
November brings several events that shape travel demand between Midway International Airport (MDW) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). In Chicago, Veterans Day parades, early holiday markets like Christkindlmarket openings (late November), and Thanksgiving weekend drive higher domestic travel. In the Bay Area, corporate conferences (Salesforce events historically in November), restaurant weeks, and early holiday tree lightings in San Francisco increase hotel and rideshare demand. Travelers should anticipate congestion around Thanksgiving weekend and large conference dates by booking flights and accommodations early and considering arrival a day before major events.
For November travel from Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the best compromise between price and reliability is typically midweek morning flights (Tuesdays–Thursdays, 6–9 AM). Early-morning departures reduce the chance of weather-related knock-on delays, while midweek dates avoid weekend leisure demand and the Thanksgiving surge. If your travel falls during Thanksgiving, aim to travel at least two days before the holiday or on the Sunday after to avoid peak rates and full flights. Use fare alerts and flexible-date searches to identify the most affordable midweek options.
Nonstop flights from Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) save time and reduce the risk of missed connections—ideal during November when weather or Thanksgiving crowds can complicate itineraries. However, direct flights can be more expensive, especially around holiday peaks. Connecting flights often provide cheaper options and more schedule flexibility but increase exposure to delays, particularly if connections occur at weather-prone hubs. In November, weigh the value of a nonstop for time-sensitive travel against potential savings from connecting itineraries; allow generous layover time (90–120 minutes) if your route includes a connection.
Southwest Airlines typically has strong presence at Midway International Airport (MDW) and can offer competitive fares and two free checked bags, which is advantageous for November travelers with luggage. United Airlines and American Airlines offer connections to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with extensive loyalty programs and premium cabin options—United often provides more nonstop/one-stop options into SFO due to hub strength. Legacy carriers may charge for checked bags but provide more flexible change/cancellation options on certain fare classes. For November travel, compare total trip cost including baggage and seat selection fees; use Southwest for simpler baggage policies and legacy carriers for flexible schedules or premium cabins.
Pack layers for November travel from Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO): heavy coat and gloves for Chicago mornings, plus a light jacket for foggy San Francisco evenings. Expect possible de-icing delays at MDW and occasional coastal fog affecting SFO—choose morning flights when possible and allow extra connection time. Bring essential medications and chargers in carry-on luggage, and pre-download airline apps for real-time flight alerts. If traveling for Thanksgiving, confirm flexible change policies and consider travel insurance for last-minute changes.
Nonstop flight time from Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically ranges from about 4 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes depending on routing and winds. Connecting itineraries through hubs (Denver, Phoenix, Dallas) can extend travel time to 6–9+ hours including layovers. In November, early-morning departures often yield higher on-time rates because Midwest winter weather and coastal fog are less likely to interfere than later in the day. Check airline schedules for specific departure windows: Southwest commonly operates MDW flights, while United and American may offer seasonal or connecting services into SFO. For reliable connections during November, allow at least 90–120 minutes between domestic flights to protect against delays.
To find cheap MDW to SFO flights in November, prioritize flexibility and early planning. For non-Thanksgiving travel, the optimal booking window is typically 3–8 weeks before departure; for Thanksgiving week, begin searching 8–12 weeks out. Use flexible date searches and set multiple fare alerts (Google Flights, Skyscanner), and compare midweek departing and returning flights for savings. Consider red-eyes and early-morning departures from Midway International Airport (MDW) to capture lower fares and higher on-time performance. Also compare fares from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) if you can accommodate an extra commute, and watch for Southwest sales from MDW. Use airline credit card points or flexible miles for November bookings to offset peak holiday pricing.
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As of November, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) follows standard federal and local guidelines; routine health checks are uncommon but travelers should verify airline and CDC advisories before travel. For large November events or conferences, airlines may request vaccination or testing documents depending on origin—confirm with your airline and SFO updates prior to departure.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers access to downtown San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Silicon Valley, Napa Valley, and coastal destinations like Santa Cruz and Monterey. In November, rental car and shuttle demand can rise for holiday winery trips—book early for weekend travel to Napa and Sonoma.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) maintains terminals with dining, retail, and airline lounges year-round; however, some seasonal pop-ups and stores may shift hours in November. Check SFO's official website for terminal maps and lounge access rules, and arrive early to explore dining options before heading into the city or on to Napa Valley.
To minimize delays arriving at SFO in November, choose morning flights when crosswinds and coastal fog are less likely, allow extra connection time if your inbound flight could be delayed by Midwest winter storms, and sign up for airline flight alerts. If traveling for Thanksgiving or a major conference, consider arriving a day early to avoid last-minute schedule changes.
