Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
For December travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), arrive at least 2–3 hours before a domestic nonstop and 3 hours for international connections when holiday crowds are heavier. December brings increased passenger volume, earlier security lines and occasional weather-related delays, so factoring extra time for BART, parking shuttles, or rental car returns is wise. Check airline notifications and enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to shorten wait times.
The busiest days are typically the Wednesday and Thursday before Christmas and the weekend following Christmas as travelers return home. Peak travel also occurs around New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, which can drive up fares and reduce seat availability on nonstop SFO to JFK routes. Book early and consider flying midweek or taking red-eye flights to avoid the peak crowds and higher prices.
Yes—major carriers like JetBlue, Delta, American and United operate nonstop SFO to JFK flights year-round, and schedules are typically robust in December to meet holiday demand. Expect multiple daily nonstop options including daytime and redeye services; however, frequency can vary on weekends and around holidays. Book early for nonstop seats and flexible fares to lock in preferred departure times.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically sees mild, cool conditions in December with coastal fog, low clouds and occasional rain impacting ground operations. Fog early in the morning can delay departures, while storms can cascade delays across the national system and affect connecting flights to JFK. Monitor NOAA forecasts and airline alerts, arrive early, and have flexible layover plans if connecting through fog-prone hours.
In December, using BART to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is often the fastest city-to-airport option, especially during holiday traffic; rideshares and shuttles are also widely available. Allow extra time for surface travel due to shopping and holiday deliveries that increase road traffic around Peninsula and downtown San Francisco. If parking, book an airport lot in advance; offsite shuttles can fill up fast in December.
To find cheap SFO to JFK December flights, search 6–10 weeks ahead, be flexible with travel dates (avoid peak holiday windows), and compare nonstop versus one-stop itineraries across carriers. Use fare alerts, book midweek departures or red-eye flights, and leverage award miles or airline sales that often run in late autumn. For immediate savings, check bundled packages or credit card promotions that include statement credits for travel purchases.
Upon landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) you will deplane and follow signs to baggage claim or connecting flights; domestic arrivals typically clear baggage and exit, while tight connections may require re-clearing security. December crowds around holiday events can lengthen times at baggage belts and ground transport pick-up zones, so plan 30–60 extra minutes after landing for exiting the terminal. Use airline apps for baggage notifications and consider baggage delivery services if traveling with heavy luggage.
Nonstop flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) typically take about 5 hours and 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on winds and route. Eastbound flights may be shorter or longer with jet stream influences, and one-stop itineraries can range from 7 to 12+ hours including layovers. Always check the scheduled block time and allow a 1–2 hour buffer for taxiing and potential delays when planning ground connections in New York City, Long Island or nearby hubs.
From John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the AirTrain connects to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at Jamaica Station for the fastest link to Manhattan, and MTA subway lines provide budget options. In December, allow extra travel time for taxis, rideshares, or shuttles because holiday storms and heavy traffic can increase transit duration. For Long Island and Jersey City, pre-book car services or LIRR tickets during peak holiday days to guarantee seats and minimize wait times.
Yes—December brings winter weather risks including rain, sleet and occasional snow to the New York area, which can cause ground delays, deicing procedures and occasional cancellations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Airlines and airport operations proactively monitor forecasts and may issue waivers or rebooking options during storms. Travelers should check airline status pages, sign up for text alerts and keep flexible travel plans during major winter systems.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) provides direct links to Long Island, Queens neighborhoods, Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and Jersey City. Popular December destinations include Times Square, the Rockefeller Center holiday tree, Brooklyn holiday markets, and nearby cities like Philadelphia and Boston via Amtrak connections from Penn Station. For efficient transfers, use the AirTrain to Jamaica for LIRR or opt for authorized taxis for door-to-door service especially when carrying holiday shopping.
For last-minute savings on SFO to JFK December flights, search flight comparison engines, monitor airline flash sales, and consider refundable or flexible fares that carriers discount before departure. Redeye flights or midweek travel often show lower prices; also check one-stop itineraries through major hubs (ORD, ATL, DFW) which can be cheaper than nonstop options. Enroll in airline newsletters and use fare alerts to be notified of sudden drops and consider loyalty program award space if available.
December brings signature holiday events in New York City that attract SFO travelers: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Bryant Park Winter Village, and New Year's Eve in Times Square. San Francisco also hosts seasonal attractions for departing travelers including Union Square holiday shopping, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair and seasonal light displays in nearby cities. These events drive higher demand for SFO–JFK flights in mid-to-late December.
The best time to fly SFO to JFK in December for lower fares and fewer crowds is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and during redeye windows. Avoid peak holiday dates (Dec 20–27 and Dec 30–Jan 2) when prices and crowds spike. Early morning departures from San Francisco can reduce the chance of outbound delays caused by fog and give more reliable connections on the East Coast. If flexibility allows, travel in early December (first two weeks) to capture lower fares and less crowded airports.
Choosing between direct (nonstop) and connecting flights for SFO to JFK in December depends on priorities: nonstop flights save time (typically 5.5–6 hours) and reduce the risk of missed connections, while connecting itineraries can be significantly cheaper. Popular connecting hubs include Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), Dallas (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX). In December, connections can be riskier due to snow at central hubs—allow longer layovers and consider travel insurance or flexible fares.
Major carriers flying nonstop SFO to JFK include JetBlue, Delta, American and United. JetBlue often markets competitive transcontinental fares with more legroom in economy and robust Mint or premium options; Delta and American provide frequent flyer benefits and a mix of economy plus/premium economy seats; United features Polaris/first-class options on select transcontinental flights. Typical differences include seat pitch, Wi-Fi availability, loyalty program benefits and baggage policies. During December holidays, compare change/cancellation policies and rebooking flexibility as these vary by carrier.
December-specific travel tips for SFO to JFK: pack layers for New York's cold weather, and include rainproof items for San Francisco's wet season. Carry a travel umbrella, insulated coat and slip-on shoes for quicker security processing. Check weather and flight status the night before departure and the morning of travel; consider flexible tickets and travel insurance for winter storm disruptions. For connections, allow additional layover time to accommodate potential deicing or re- routing.
Nonstop SFO to JFK flight times typically run between 5 hours 30 minutes and 6 hours depending on winds and routing. Eastbound flights from San Francisco to New York are affected by jet streams and can vary by 20–40 minutes. Multiple daily nonstop options are offered by carriers such as JetBlue, Delta, American and United, including daytime and overnight redeye departures. In December, airlines may add extra weekend frequencies to meet holiday demand, while midweek schedules remain stable.
Finding cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in December requires flexibility and timing. Search for midweek departures (Tuesdays-Wednesdays), consider redeye flights which often cost less, and compare one-stop itineraries via hubs like Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL) or Dallas (DFW). Use fare alerts, book 6–10 weeks ahead of peak travel dates, and check low-cost carrier sales (JetBlue often runs transcontinental promotions). For last-minute travel, monitor same-day price drops and airline last-seat sales, and be ready to use award miles or travel credit cards.