Other Options for This Route
Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) in October from $83
From $83
Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) in September from $83
From $83
Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) in September from $165
From $165
Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
In October, travelers flying from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can often find reduced fares as summer demand slows. Nonstop flights remain frequent, particularly on United Airlines and other major carriers, with multiple daily departures. Plan for cooler temperatures in Chicago with potential for early fall storms; San Francisco typically enjoys mild to cool weather with morning fog near the coast. Peak travel days tend to be weekend Fridays and Sundays; for cheaper fares, search midweek outbound or return dates. Use targeted queries such as "October ORD to SFO deals" or "cheap Chicago to San Francisco flights October" to uncover sales. Consider refundable or flexible tickets in October due to occasional weather disruptions. Top nearby cities accessible from ORD include New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas, while SFO provides easy access to San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Napa Valley, and Silicon Valley.
Nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically take about 4 hours and 20 minutes to 4 hours and 40 minutes depending on winds and routing. Flight time can vary by carrier and whether the flight is nonstop or has a connection, so check the specific itinerary for exact block time. Use keywords like "ORD to SFO flight time" or "Chicago to San Francisco nonstop" when searching for schedules.
Major carriers offering nonstop and one-stop service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) include United Airlines, American Airlines (via partners), Alaska Airlines (seasonal or codeshare options), and several joint-venture routes. United operates many nonstop flights at both ORD and SFO hubs. Compare fares by searching "ORD SFO airlines" or "Chicago to San Francisco flights" for best options.
To find cheap flights ORD to SFO in October, book 3–8 weeks in advance, use flexible dates, and compare round-trip vs one-way fares across meta-search engines and airline sites. October often offers shoulder-season savings between peak summer and holiday travel, so set price alerts and consider midweek departures to lower costs. Use keywords like "cheap ORD to SFO October" and sign up for fare alerts to catch flash sales.
In October, security wait times at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) are typically moderate but can spike during fall breaks and weekend travel. Expect primary security lanes at all terminals, and use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to reduce wait times. Check live airport status or the TSA wait time tool before heading to the airport, and arrive 90–120 minutes for domestic flights if you need checked baggage.
October marks the start of Chicago's cooler, changeable fall weather which can occasionally bring fog or early storms that affect ORD operations, though significant winter delays are rare until later months. San Francisco's microclimates are generally mild, but coastal fog can affect SFO arrivals in early mornings. Always monitor weather forecasts and airline notifications for the latest delay or cancellation information when flying in October.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers CTA Blue Line trains to downtown Chicago, express shuttles, taxis, ride-shares, and car rental facilities. From ORD, passengers often connect to top destinations like New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and Washington D.C. when planning multi-city trips. For arrival planning in San Francisco, consider connecting transportation options and nearby cities to maximize your October itinerary.
October arrivals at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) are common as business travel resumes and leisure travelers take advantage of off-peak fares. Expect mild temperatures inland and potential morning fog along the coast; packing layers is recommended. Public transit (BART), rideshares, shuttles, and rental cars are convenient choices for reaching San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and nearby attractions. October is grape harvest season in Napa and Sonoma, making this an excellent time for wine country day trips from SFO. For early morning arrivals, watch for coastal fog delays and check "SFO flight status" before disembarking. Use keywords like "arriving SFO October" and "SFO ground transportation" when researching.
In October, the fastest public transit option from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to downtown is BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), which connects the airport to key downtown stations in about 30–45 minutes depending on your destination. Other options include airport shuttles, taxi or rideshare services, and car rentals; fares and travel time can vary with traffic. Use search terms like "SFO to downtown San Francisco October" to find current transit schedules and discounts.
SFO experiences moderate passenger volumes in October—lower than summer months but still active on long weekends and during regional events. Expect standard arrival processing times for domestic flights, and use mobile boarding pass and contactless baggage claims where available. For a smoother experience, have identification ready, follow signage for baggage claim and ground transportation, and consider off-peak arrival times to avoid crowds.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a gateway to nearby destinations including San Jose, Oakland, Palo Alto, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Sacramento, and Yosemite (via connecting ground transport). October is ideal for visiting Napa and Sonoma during harvest season and wine tours. Use search phrases like "SFO to Napa October" or "day trips from San Francisco in October" to plan excursions.
October offers pleasant fall weather in much of the Bay Area, but mornings can be foggy near the coast while inland areas are sunny and warm. Pack layers for variable microclimates and reserve car rentals or rental pick-ups ahead of time for weekend travel. Also check for special events such as wine harvest festivals; planning ahead helps secure accommodations and ground transportation.
Check your airline's official website or the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) arrivals page for real-time flight status, gate assignments, and terminal updates. Flight-tracking apps and airport monitors also provide live updates; search using your flight number or "ORD to SFO flight status" for quick results. Sign up for airline text or push notifications to receive gate change or delay alerts.
For domestic flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), standard checked and carry-on baggage rules apply; confirm size and weight limits with your carrier. If your itinerary continues internationally via SFO, allow extra time for customs and immigration processing. Check your airline's baggage policies and prepay baggage fees online where possible to speed up arrival procedures.
October brings several events and festivals in the Bay Area that may influence travel to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Napa and Sonoma host harvest and wine festivals, while San Francisco stages fall food events, cultural festivals, and neighborhood celebrations. These events can increase local hotel demand and ground transport usage, so book early. Use queries such as "San Francisco festivals October" and "Napa harvest October" when planning an October trip.
The best time to fly between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in October is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and outside holiday weekends. Early morning flights often have fewer delays and are typically cheaper than weekend options. For the best combination of price and convenience, book 3–8 weeks before departure and look for mid-October dates where shoulder-season discounts are most common. Use phrases like "best time to fly ORD to SFO October" and "cheap midweek Chicago to San Francisco flights" when researching.
Choosing between direct (nonstop) and connecting flights for ORD to SFO hinges on priorities: nonstop flights are faster and reduce the risk of missed connections, while connecting itineraries can be cheaper or offer better departure times. In October, nonstop flights remain frequent and are recommended for travelers prioritizing time and simplicity. If saving money is the primary goal, compare one-stop options with short layovers in major hubs like Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas. Search for "ORD to SFO nonstop October" or "cheapest connecting flights ORD SFO October" to evaluate options.
Compare key carriers serving the ORD to SFO corridor. United Airlines typically offers the most nonstop flights and convenient schedule options between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). American Airlines and Alaska Airlines provide additional options, sometimes with one-stop itineraries or codeshares. When comparing, evaluate fare class, baggage allowances, seat selection fees, loyalty program benefits, and on-time performance—especially in October when schedules adjust for seasonal demand. Use search strings like "United ORD SFO October" or "best airline Chicago to San Francisco October" for targeted comparisons.
October travel between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) benefits from shoulder-season pricing and moderate weather, but travelers should plan for microclimate variations and occasional weather-related disruptions. Pack layers for San Francisco's coastal fog and Chicago's crisp fall air, allow buffer time for connections, and pre-book ground transportation and rental cars for weekend travel. Use secure mobile boarding passes and check gate and baggage updates frequently. Search phrases like "October ORD to SFO packing list" and "SFO weather October" to prepare.
Typical nonstop flight time from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 4 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 40 minutes. Airlines operate multiple daily nonstop flights; United often has the largest schedule due to hub operations at both ORD and SFO. In October, schedules slightly reduce from peak summer frequency but still maintain several daily options including early morning, midday, and evening flights. Use search queries such as "ORD SFO schedule October" and "Chicago to San Francisco flight times" to compare itineraries and find preferred departure windows.
Finding cheap flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in October requires a mix of flexibility, timing, and tools. Search midweek departures and returns, compare nonstop versus one-stop itineraries, and consider early-morning or late-night flights for lower fares. Use a variety of search engines and set fare alerts for keywords like "cheap ORD SFO October", "discount Chicago to San Francisco flights", and "cheap nonstop ORD to SFO". Book 3–8 weeks ahead for best shoulder-season pricing and monitor airline sales.