Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
San Diego (SAN) to Tucson (TUS) in October from $151
From $151
San Diego (SAN) to Indianapolis (IND) in October from $219
From $219
San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF) in October from $232
From $232
San Diego (SAN) to Mexico City (NLU) in October from $691
From $691
San Diego (SAN) to Las Vegas (LAS) in November from $59
From $59
San Diego (SAN) to Tucson (TUS) in November from $131
From $131
Flights from Other Cities
New York (LGA) to Dallas (DFW) in October from $54
From $54
Atlanta (ATL) to Dallas (DFW) in October from $63
From $63
New York (Any) to Dallas (DFW) in October from $74
From $74
Los Angeles (LAX) to Dallas (DFW) in October from $83
From $83
Denver (DEN) to Dallas (DFW) in October from $93
From $93
Durham (RDU) to Dallas (DFW) in October from $114
From $114
✈️ Flight Guide: San Diego (SAN) → Dallas (DFW)
Complete travel information for your October journey
October is a great month to depart from San Diego International Airport (SAN) for Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). San Diego weather in October is mild, making travel to the airport painless, and carriers maintain robust daily nonstop schedules between the two hubs. For the best economy fares, search flexible dates around Tuesdays and Wednesdays, sign up for fare alerts, and consider early-morning departures which frequently have lower prices. If you're traveling from nearby destinations like La Jolla, Carlsbad, Oceanside or even Los Angeles, plan for event traffic on Padres game days or local Oktoberfest celebrations. Book parking and rental cars in advance during popular October weekends and enable mobile check-in to streamline your departure experience. Book cheap flights SAN to DFW now and compare nonstop options to secure the best price.
Departing from San Diego (SAN) FAQs
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is compact and easy to navigate, with most domestic gates within a short walk. In October expect mild San Diego weather (low 60s–mid 70s°F) and steady passenger volumes; early weekday flights often have shorter security lines. Check TSA PreCheck or CLEAR options at SAN and confirm gate changes on your airline app before heading to the terminal.
Nonstop flights between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) typically take about 3 hours to 3 hours 20 minutes, depending on winds and routing. Airlines like American Airlines and Southwest often operate direct services on this route; expect small variations in flight time by carrier and schedule. For precise flight-time estimates, check live schedules on airline or aggregator sites before booking.
Yes—several carriers operate nonstop flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) year-round, and October typically maintains good nonstop frequency. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines commonly offer daily nonstops; check schedules as times may shift for fall timetables. Book early for October travel to secure lower fares on popular departure times.
To find cheap flights SAN to DFW in October, search flexible dates (midweek departures), set fare alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner, and compare low-cost carriers like Southwest alongside legacy carriers. Booking 3–8 weeks in advance for domestic October travel often yields the best combination of price and availability. Consider alternate nearby departure times or connecting options if nonstop fares are high.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers rideshare pickup zones, taxis, shuttle services, public transit (MTS buses and the airport shuttle to Old Town), and multiple on-site rental car companies. If you’re heading to SAN from downtown San Diego or La Jolla areas in October, account for weekday commute traffic and Padres event crowds. Reserve rental cars or schedule airport shuttles in advance during major fall events.
In October, San Diego International Airport (SAN) typically experiences pleasant weather but occasional festival-related crowds (Oktoberfest, Padres weekend series) that can increase curbside and security volumes. Check airline change/cancellation policies ahead of travel for fall sports or festival timing, and arrive 90 minutes for domestic flights during peak event days. Always verify your flight status the morning of departure.
October arrivals at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) combine comfortable fall weather with increased activity from events such as the State Fair of Texas and NFL games. Travelers coming from San Diego International Airport (SAN) should expect efficient rail and rideshare options to downtown Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano and Frisco. For the best experience, pre-book rental cars or arrange airport shuttles for event weekends and consider off-peak arrival times to avoid congestion. Local attractions within easy reach include AT&T Stadium (Arlington), the Fort Worth Stockyards, and Dallas Uptown dining—perfect for fall trips or connecting onward to Austin and Houston.
Arriving at Dallas (DFW) FAQs
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a large, well-signposted hub serving the entire metroplex; expect longer walk times between terminals and frequent inter-terminal Skylink trains. In October, Dallas weather can be mild to warm during the day with cooler evenings, and seasonal events such as the State Fair of Texas can increase passenger traffic. Plan additional time for baggage claim and ground transportation during peak fair weekends.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) offers rideshares, taxis, DART train connections via the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) or DART via shuttle options, on-site rental car facilities, and airport shuttles. If you're heading to downtown Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, or Frisco in October, book rideshares early for event days like the State Fair or Cowboys home games to avoid surge pricing. Consider scheduling pre-arranged shuttles for large groups attending October events.
Yes, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a major gateway to Arlington (home to AT&T Stadium and Six Flags), Fort Worth's Stockyards, and onward connections to Austin and Houston via short regional flights. October often features elevated demand for travel to Arlington and Dallas for sports and fair events, so reserve rental cars or shuttle services early. If driving to Austin or San Antonio after arrival, account for variable fall traffic and occasional weekend congestion.
To minimize delays when arriving at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in October, consider early-morning or late-evening flights and avoid peak fair and NFL game days. Use mobile baggage notifications and enroll in trusted traveler programs to speed up arrivals and customs if applicable. Check airline messages for gate changes and allow extra time for ground transport on weekends with major events in Dallas or Arlington.
International travelers connecting at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) should check the terminal and tight connection times; October schedules can be adjusted for seasonal flights. If you have an international onward connection, confirm customs and immigration procedures and allow at least 90–120 minutes if your itinerary requires re-checking luggage. Use DFW app maps and allow extra buffer during event weekends.
From Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) you can reach the State Fair of Texas at Fair Park in Dallas, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the Fort Worth Stockyards, and the vibrant restaurant scenes in Dallas’ Uptown and Deep Ellum neighborhoods. October is ideal for outdoor festivals, professional football (Dallas Cowboys), and craft beer or food events across the metroplex. Plan day trips to Plano, Frisco (The Star), or Denton for varied fall experiences.
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October Events & Festivals — Travel Impact for SAN to DFW Flights
October brings several events that can affect SAN to DFW travel patterns. In Dallas, the State Fair of Texas (Fair Park) often runs through October and draws large regional crowds; NFL season (Dallas Cowboys home games) and college football increase demand for flights and hotels. In San Diego, October features Oktoberfest celebrations, Padres game weekends at Petco Park, and numerous fall festivals that may increase local traffic to San Diego International Airport (SAN). If your trip coincides with these events, book flights and ground transportation earlier and expect potentially higher fares or limited availability.
Best Time to Fly SAN to DFW — October Travel Advice
For October travel between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the best time to fly is midweek—Tuesday through Thursday—outside major event weekends. Early-morning flights typically cost less and encounter fewer delays, while late-afternoon departures can be pricier due to business travel demand. Avoid flying on State Fair of Texas opening/closing weekends and major Cowboys home-game dates if you want lower fares and less congestion. Book 3–8 weeks ahead for domestic October travel to balance price and availability.
Direct vs. Connecting Flights — San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Choosing nonstop flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) saves time—usually about 3–3.5 hours in the air—and reduces the chance of missed connections. Connecting flights via hubs like Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), or Denver (DEN) can be cheaper, especially in October shoulder-season windows, but add travel time and increase risk of delays. If your priority is convenience and quicker check-in/arrival at DFW, book direct; if you need the lowest fare and have flexible timing, consider a one-stop itinerary. Balance price vs. total travel time when searching SAN to DFW deals.
Airline Comparison for SAN to DFW in October — American, Southwest, Alaska & More
Major carriers operating between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) include American Airlines (frequent nonstop service), Southwest Airlines (competitive fares and free checked bags), and Alaska Airlines (connects via partner networks or one-stop options). American Airlines often provides the most nonstop frequencies into DFW and robust business-class choices, while Southwest appeals to leisure travelers with two free checked bags and flexible change policies. Alaska and other carriers may route through partner hubs offering lower fares but longer travel times. When choosing an airline in October, factor in total trip cost (including baggage), schedule convenience, and loyalty program benefits.
Seasonal Travel Tips for October — SAN to DFW Route
Pack for variable fall conditions: San Diego International Airport (SAN) mornings and evenings are mild (60s–70s°F), while Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) can have warm afternoons and cool evenings (50s–80s°F) in October. Bring a light layer and a compact umbrella for unexpected showers. For airport efficiency, enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR and use mobile boarding passes to speed up SAN departures and DFW arrivals. During October events, reserve rental cars and rideshares in advance and allow extra transit time for crowded roads. Keep essential medications in your carry-on and verify airline baggage rules to avoid surprise fees.
Flight Time & Schedules — San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in October
Typical nonstop flight time from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is about 3 hours to 3 hours 20 minutes. In October, daily service is commonly available with peak frequencies in the morning and early evening to accommodate business travel and connecting flights. First departures from SAN to DFW often leave early morning (around 6–7 AM local), and the last nonstop red-eye or late-evening service departs late afternoon to early evening, depending on carrier schedules. For the latest timetables, check American Airlines and Southwest schedules and compare direct vs. connecting options if you need flexible departure or arrival times.
How to Find Cheap Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in October
To uncover cheap flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in October, start by using flexible-date searches and setting price alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner. Midweek departures—Tuesday and Wednesday—often yield the lowest fares, and early-morning flights are typically cheaper than peak afternoon times. Compare nonstop options from American Airlines and Southwest with one-stop itineraries routed through Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), or Denver (DEN) for potential savings. Sign up for airline newsletters for limited-time October promotions and consider bundling hotel or car rental packages for additional discounts. Always cross-check baggage fees and seat assignment costs to get the true low-cost comparison.
Tips
- Set fare alerts for a 4–8 week window before October travel.
- Search flexible date calendars and compare nonstop vs. one-stop itineraries.
- Book midweek flights and consider early-morning departures to reduce cost.
- Compare total trip cost including baggage and seat fees, not just base fare.
- Use airline loyalty points or miles to lower out-of-pocket costs.