Other Options for This Route
Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO) in May from $97
From $97
Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO) in March from $135
From $135
Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO) in April from $148
From $148
Best Flights starting from $49
from$49economy
Seattle (SEA)
Tue, May 12
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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from$49economy
Seattle (SEA)
Wed, May 13
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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from$49economy
Seattle (SEA)
Thu, May 14
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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from$49economy
Seattle (SEA)
Sat, May 16
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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from$49economy
Seattle (SEA)
Sun, May 17
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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from$49economy
Seattle (SEA)
Mon, May 18
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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from$59economy
Seattle (SEA)
Fri, May 15
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Seattle (SEA) to Las Vegas (LAS) in May from $87
From $87
Seattle (SEA) to Phoenix (PHX) in May from $97
From $97
Seattle (SEA) to Los Angeles (LAX) in May from $117
From $117
Seattle (SEA) to Santa Ana (SNA) in May from $117
From $117
Seattle (SEA) to San Diego (Any) in May from $127
From $127
Seattle (SEA) to Orlando (MCO) in May from $166
From $166
Flights from Other Cities
Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) in May from $125
From $125
Grand Rapids (GRR) to San Francisco (SFO) in May from $194
From $194
Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Francisco (SFO) in May from $198
From $198
Fort Lauderdale (Any) to San Francisco (SFO) in May from $199
From $199
Washington, D.C. (DCA) to San Francisco (SFO) in May from $217
From $217
Pittsburgh (PIT) to San Francisco (SFO) in May from $254
From $254
✈️ Flight Guide: Seattle (SEA) → San Francisco (SFO)
Complete travel information for your May journey
Departing from Seattle (SEA) FAQs
To find the cheapest economy fares from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) this month, monitor fare calendars, set price alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner, and check low-cost carriers like Southwest and Frontier. Booking mid-week (Tuesdays–Thursdays) and being flexible with departure times, including red-eye options, often yields the lowest prices. Consider nearby airports such as Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) for additional low-fare options.
For domestic economy flights departing from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), arrive at least 90 minutes before departure to allow time for security screening and possible bag drop. During peak travel months like December and July, increase that to 2–2.5 hours to account for longer TSA lines and holiday crowds. Use the SFO app or airport webcams to check live wait times before leaving for the airport.
Yes, several low-cost and legacy carriers operate economy routes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), including Southwest, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue for domestic low-fare options, plus international budget-friendly options via carriers like Norwegian (seasonal) or promotional sales from major carriers. Compare price-per-bag and seat fees when booking, since a low base fare can be offset by ancillary fees. Use multi-airport search (SFO, OAK, SJC) to uncover the best budget itineraries.
Seasonal events like Thanksgiving, Black Friday deals, and holiday travel in November–December drive up demand and fares from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), especially for nonstop routes to major hubs such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). To save, book well in advance, travel on less popular days (e.g., the Tuesday after Thanksgiving), or consider early December or mid-January when prices typically dip. Sign up for airlines' sale alerts and check flexible-date calendars to spot dips.
From downtown San Francisco to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) you can take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) direct to the airport terminals, airport shuttles, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), or airport taxis. BART offers an economical and reliable option with frequent service, while rideshares provide door-to-door convenience—expect higher prices during peak hours. For budget travelers, shared shuttles and public transit offer the lowest-cost options.
Travelers often connect between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and nearby major cities such as San Jose (Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)), Oakland (Oakland International Airport (OAK)), Sacramento (Sacramento International Airport (SMF)), Napa Valley (via shuttle), Los Angeles (Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)), Seattle (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)), and New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)). These routes frequently have competitive economy fares due to multiple carrier options and high frequency.
Arriving at San Francisco (SFO) FAQs
Cheapest Economy Fare (ECONOMY) refers to the lowest-priced economy-class ticket available for a route, often with restrictions like non-refundable tickets, basic seat assignments, and limited or paid baggage allowances. When searching arrival options from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), compare total cost including baggage and seat fees to ensure the 'cheapest' fare remains the best value. Use price comparison tools and read fare rules carefully before booking.
Commonly low-fare arrival cities from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) include Los Angeles (Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)), Las Vegas (McCarran International Airport/LAS), Phoenix (Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport/PHX), Seattle (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport/SEA), and Denver (Denver International Airport/DEN). Internationally, routes to Mexico City (Benito Juárez International Airport/MEX) and some seasonal European fares may appear on sale. Prices fluctuate by season, so check fare calendars and nearby airports like Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC).
To balance cost and comfort with the cheapest economy arrival ticket, compare basic economy vs. standard economy and purchase baggage and seat selection only if necessary. If you value a seat assignment, consider upgrading to standard economy during booking or at check-in; sometimes last-minute paid upgrades are competitive. For frequent travelers, loyalty program membership or credit card benefits may include one free checked bag or priority boarding that increases the overall value of a cheap fare.
In August, airlines manage high summer demand, which can reduce availability of ultra-cheap economy arrival fares; however, late-August mid-week flights and early-morning departures often show lower prices. Use fare alerts and consider alternative arrival airports such as Oakland International Airport (OAK) or Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) to find better economy deals. Booking refundable or flexible fares may be smart if your dates are not fixed.
Longer layovers and connecting flights typically reduce the price of an economy arrival ticket compared to nonstop itineraries, as carriers price convenience into nonstop fares. When seeking the cheapest economy arrivals, allowing one or two connections can unlock lower fares but increases travel time and risk of missed connections. Balance savings with connection times and consider reputable carriers with protection for missed connections when booking low-cost connecting itineraries.
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Events & Festivals Affecting Economy Fares at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Events and festivals that impact fares at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) include Fleet Week (October), outside Lands (August), Chinese New Year (varies, late Jan/Feb), Pride Parade (June), and major conferences like Salesforce Dreamforce (November). Such events increase demand and raise economy fares—book early or travel on off-peak dates to avoid surges. Nearby event destinations served by SFO include Napa Valley events, San Jose tech conferences, and Los Angeles entertainment events. CTA: Check event calendars and book economy flights early when major festivals or conferences are scheduled near San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Best Time to Fly From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — Economy Fare Guide
Best times to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for cheapest economy fares revolve around shoulder seasons (September–November, January–March), mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday), and off-peak hours (red-eyes and early mornings). Secondary keywords: best time to book flights SFO, cheap months to fly San Francisco, shoulder season travel. Avoid major holiday windows (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Fourth of July) unless booked far in advance. For international cheap economy trips, book 2–6 months in advance depending on destination; for domestic economy, 3–8 weeks is typical. CTA: Check price calendars to identify the best time to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and book when fares dip.
Direct vs. Connecting Flights From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — Economy Fare Trade-offs
Direct vs. connecting flights: direct (nonstop) flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offer time savings and convenience but usually come at a premium in economy class. Connecting itineraries often provide the cheapest economy fares by adding travel time in exchange for lower price. Use LSI keywords: nonstop vs. connecting flights, cheap connecting itineraries, layover savings. When choosing, weigh total door-to-door time, potential for delays, and the savings—connecting through major hubs like Denver (DEN), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), or Los Angeles (LAX) can produce substantial economy fare reductions. CTA: Compare direct and connecting options from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to find the best balance of price and travel time.
Airline Comparison for Economy Fares From San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Comparing airlines for cheapest economy travel out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, and major legacy carriers often compete on key domestic routes. Low-cost carriers and sale-focused airlines can undercut legacy carriers but may impose ancillary fees for baggage and seat selection—factor those into total price. Use primary keywords: airline comparison SFO, cheapest airlines San Francisco; LSI keywords: basic economy vs. standard economy, baggage fees, loyalty perks. For international economy travel, watch major transpacific carriers and seasonal promotions. CTA: Compare total cost (fare + fees) across carriers operating from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) before booking.
Seasonal Travel Tips for Economy Fliers From San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Seasonal travel tips for economy travelers using San Francisco International Airport (SFO): travel during shoulder seasons (September–November, January–March) to access the cheapest economy fares; avoid major holidays unless booked well in advance; consider alternative airports (OAK, SJC) and mid-week departures; use fare alerts and price calendars to monitor dynamic pricing; be mindful of weather-related delays in winter routes and wildfire-related air quality disruptions in late summer/fall. LSI keywords: shoulder season savings, holiday travel planning, flexible date search, price alerts. CTA: Implement these seasonal tips to find the best cheap economy flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Flight Time & Schedules From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — Economy Travel
Flight time and schedule information for routes originating at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with an emphasis on economy class travelers. SFO offers frequent nonstops to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Denver International Airport (DEN), and transcontinental hubs like John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Typical domestic nonstop flight times: SFO–LAX ~1h20m, SFO–SEA ~2h, SFO–DEN ~2h30m, SFO–JFK ~5h30m. For the cheapest economy fares, consider red-eye departures and mid-week schedules, which often have lower load factors and better pricing. Check airline timetables for seasonal schedule changes and compare nonstop vs. one-stop options for total travel time versus cost. CTA: Compare schedules and book the optimal balance of time and price for your San Francisco International Airport (SFO) departure.
Cheap Flights From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — Economy Fare Tactics
Comprehensive guide to finding cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and securing the lowest economy fares. Primary keywords: cheap flights SFO, SFO economy fares, budget airfare. Secondary keywords and LSI: low-cost carriers, fare sales, price alerts, flexible dates, multi-airport search, red-eye flights, shoulder season travel. Strategies include setting up multi-source price alerts, comparing SFO with Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), booking 2–8 weeks in advance for domestic travel and 3–6 months for international trips, and watching for flash sales on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Use fare calendars and sign up for airline newsletters to capture unadvertised promotions. CTA: Search cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) now and activate price alerts.