✈️ Flight Guide: San Francisco (SFO) → New Delhi (DEL)

October can be a high-demand travel month for San Francisco to Delhi routes due to regional festivals and events. In Delhi and across India, festivals such as Navratri and Dussehra occur in October (dates vary by year) and can increase domestic and international travel to Delhi and nearby destinations like Agra and Jaipur. In the San Francisco Bay Area, October often features events like Fleet Week and fall cultural festivals, which may affect local airport traffic. These events can drive higher hotel prices, busier airports, and occasional fare spikes for SFO to DEL flights.

October is one of the best months to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) because Delhi's climate becomes milder—ideal for sightseeing—and airfare can be more attractive than peak winter holiday months. Shoulder-season benefits include comfortable daytime temperatures in Delhi, reduced monsoon humidity, and better hotel availability. However, festival dates like Dussehra or early Diwali observances can drive temporary demand spikes, so plan bookings around those weekends or book earlier if traveling during festival periods.

Choosing between nonstop and connecting flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) depends on your priorities. Nonstop flights (when available) minimize travel time (~15–16 hours) and reduce the risk of missed connections, but they can be more expensive. Connecting flights via Doha, Dubai, London, or Frankfurt are often cheaper and can offer comfortable hub lounges and better frequent flyer options; however, they increase total travel time and introduce layover risk. For October travel, weigh the savings of a one-stop itinerary against festival-driven demand that can lengthen layovers or reduce seat availability.

When choosing an airline for San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in October, consider nonstop options (when available) from carriers like Air India versus one-stop premium carriers such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, and British Airways. Air India may offer direct routing and competitive fares for a nonstop experience, while Gulf and European carriers typically provide high-quality service, modern lie-flat seats in business class, and competitive pricing on one-stop itineraries. United and partner carriers can offer seamless booking for U.S.-based flyers with alliance benefits.

Packing and planning smartly can make an October trip from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) much more comfortable. Delhi enjoys warm days and cool nights in October—pack layers, sunscreen, and a light jacket for evenings. For long-haul comfort, bring noise-canceling headphones, a neck pillow, and hydration aids for the 15+ hour nonstop or longer one-stop itineraries. Allow extra time for airport transfers in the Bay Area and prebook airport transfers in Delhi during festival weekends.

Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), when offered, average about 15 to 16 hours in flight time. One-stop itineraries commonly add 3–12 hours of layover, depending on the hub, making total travel time between 18 and 28+ hours. October schedules often maintain regular frequencies, but expect increased seat demand during festival weekends. Popular layover hubs include Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB), London Heathrow (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), and Mumbai (BOM), each providing multiple daily connections to Delhi.

To find cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in October, combine flexible dates with multi-airline searches and fare alerts. Use weekday departures (Tuesday–Thursday) and consider one-stop routes through Middle Eastern hubs like Doha (DOH) or Dubai (DXB), which often offer lower fares than direct long-haul flights. Book roughly 6 to 12 weeks ahead for the best mix of availability and price; last-minute deals happen but are less reliable during October festival periods. Apply LSI keywords like 'discount SFO DEL airfare', 'San Francisco to Delhi flight deals', and 'October cheap international flights' in your searches to refine results.