✈️ Flight Guide: San Francisco (SFO) → Lisbon (LIS)

Lisbon in October hosts events such as the Lisbon Marathon (usually mid-late October) and regional wine harvest festivals in the Douro Valley—great for active and food-and-wine travelers arriving at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). Cultural exhibits, museum openings and off-season music events increase as tourist crowds drop. On the San Francisco side, October can include Fleet Week or Halloween-themed events that may affect traffic to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). When planning SFO departures or LIS arrivals in October, check event dates, reserve accommodation early for marathon weekends, and anticipate local transit demand.

October is an excellent month to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) due to milder Lisbon weather, fewer summer crowds, and often lower airfares. Compared to peak summer, October offers better hotel availability and pleasant sightseeing temperatures. If you prefer the warmest weather choose September; for lowest prices look at late October or early November shoulder-season fares. CTA: Book an October mid-week flight for the best combination of price and pleasant Lisbon weather.

Choosing between direct and connecting flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) depends on priorities: nonstop saves time (around 10.5–11.5 hours) and reduces jet-lag risk, while connections often lower fares and increase schedule options. Typical connecting hubs include Madrid (MAD), London (LHR), Paris (CDG) and US East Coast airports such as Newark (EWR). For October travel, if price is a top factor, explore one-stop itineraries; if travel time and simplicity matter most, book a nonstop if available. CTA: Compare both options on a flight aggregator to find the best October SFO→LIS itinerary for your needs.

TAP Air Portugal: Often offers competitive one-stop or seasonal nonstop service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), strong Portugal-focused connectivity, and complimentary long-haul economy options. United: Good US domestic feed to SFO and transatlantic partnerships, reliable schedules and frequent flyer benefits for Star Alliance members. Iberia/British Airways/Air France/Lufthansa: Offer one-stop routings via Madrid (MAD), London (LHR), Paris (CDG) or Frankfurt (FRA) with varying baggage and seat policies—these can be cheaper but include longer total travel times. For October, compare fare classes, baggage fees, and schedule convenience; loyalty status and alliance connections may determine the best carrier choice. CTA: Check multi-airline itineraries and baggage rules before booking to get the best October SFO→LIS value.

Packing and clothing: Layer for Lisbon’s variable October weather—light sweaters, a compact rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets and Sintra day trips. Jet lag: West-to-east travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) benefits from adjusting sleep schedules 1–2 days pre-departure, staying hydrated in flight, and getting morning sunlight on arrival. Insurance & contingencies: Purchase trip insurance for connections and baggage, and allow generous connection times if booking separate tickets through hubs like Madrid (MAD) or London (LHR). Local bookings: Reserve Lisbon Marathon entries, guided Douro wine tours, or Sintra palace tickets in advance for October weekends to avoid sellouts.

Typical one-stop SFO→LIS itineraries in October range from about 13 to 18 hours total travel time including layovers; nonstop flights, when available, average around 10.5–11.5 hours. Common connection hubs include Madrid (MAD), London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA), and US East Coast airports like New York (JFK/EWR) or Boston (BOS). Overnight red-eye departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) often arrive in Europe the next morning local time; plan layovers of 1.5–4 hours for international connections to allow for passport control and transfer. For specific daily schedules in October, check live airline timetables and book preferred time slots early.

To find cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in October, search 6–10 weeks before departure and compare one-stop itineraries via Madrid (MAD), London (LHR), or New York (JFK/EWR). Use flexible-date search and consider flying mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) to lower fares. Sign up for fare alerts, clear cookies or use incognito, and watch for airline flash sales from carriers like TAP Air Portugal and partner carriers. If you’re flexible on arrival airports, check flights into Porto (OPO) or Faro (FAO) and add a short regional flight or train to Lisbon for additional savings. CTA: Set a price alert now to capture October SFO→LIS deals.