Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your November journey
In November, departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to the Philadelphia market (PHLA) reflect a transition from shoulder season into peak Thanksgiving demand. Expect regular nonstop options on major carriers and additional connecting flights via hubs such as Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL) and Charlotte (CLT). Fares typically dip in the first two weeks of November but rise sharply around mid-November as travelers lock in Thanksgiving plans. For best pricing, search flexible dates, prioritize midweek travel, and set fare alerts. Book nonstops early if you need the shortest travel time; otherwise consider one-stop routes for cost savings. Nearby departure catchment includes Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento and Silicon Valley travelers who often route through SFO.
A nonstop flight between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Philadelphia (All Airports) (PHLA) in November typically takes about 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours depending on winds and routing. Eastbound winter jet streams can slightly shorten or lengthen scheduled block time, so check the airline’s published duration when booking.
Direct nonstop service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and the Philadelphia market (PHLA) is typically available on select carriers and often runs daily or several times per week in November. Availability can vary around Thanksgiving; compare airlines and book early for nonstop seats.
For November travel, especially around Thanksgiving, aim to book 4–8 weeks in advance for the best combination of price and availability. Early November and midweek departures usually offer lower fares; use fare alerts and flexible date searches to identify cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Philadelphia (All Airports) (PHLA).
The busiest days are the Wednesday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Early November weekdays are typically quieter. If you can travel midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) outside the holiday week, you'll likely encounter smaller crowds and lower fares.
The PHLA designation refers to Philadelphia (All Airports), which includes Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) as the primary gateway and nearby access to regional airports and transit hubs serving Wilmington, Trenton, and Atlantic City. Travelers often fly into PHL and connect by SEPTA, Amtrak or car to nearby major cities like New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
Pack layered clothing, a medium-weight jacket, and an umbrella—November in Philadelphia can be cool and occasionally rainy. Bring travel essentials like chargers, a printed/phone boarding pass, and any necessary medications; airport security and carry-on rules remain the same at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Arrivals to Philadelphia (All Airports) (PHLA) in November are influenced by cooler weather, seasonal events and Thanksgiving travel peaks. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) remains the main arrival hub for the region with efficient rail and road links to downtown Philadelphia, New York City, Wilmington and Baltimore. Travelers arriving from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) should plan for possible weather-related delays, verify local transit schedules (SEPTA and Amtrak), and expect higher demand for taxis and rideshares during event weekends and the Thanksgiving period. For last-mile planning, consider booking rides or checking SEPTA timetables ahead of time.
Philadelphia (All Airports) (PHLA) travelers commonly use SEPTA regional rail, regional buses, taxis, rideshares, and Amtrak connections from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Rental cars and shuttle services are available for trips to nearby major cities like Wilmington, Atlantic City and New York City. In November, check schedules for reduced or holiday service around Thanksgiving.
November in the Philadelphia region can bring cool temperatures, rain, and occasional early-season snow inland, which may cause delays. Most flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) arrive on schedule, but allow extra connection time and monitor airline notifications for weather-related adjustments.
PHLA refers to Philadelphia (All Airports) and primarily includes Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). PHL provides the quickest access to downtown Philadelphia via SEPTA and car services. For destinations like Atlantic City or South Jersey, consider nearby airports or ground transport depending on your final destination.
November in the Philadelphia area brings event-driven travel that can influence flight and hotel availability. Typical highlights include the Philadelphia Marathon (usually in November), early holiday markets such as the Christmas Village (late November openings), NFL home games at Lincoln Financial Field, and Thanksgiving weekend activities. These events increase demand for flights and accommodations, especially on event weekends and the Thanksgiving travel window. If attending events, book flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) earlier and consider nearby city access—New York City and Atlantic City—if planning multi-city trips.
The best time to fly SFO to PHLA in November for lower fares and smaller crowds is typically the first two weeks of the month and midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday). If your schedule allows, avoid the Tuesday–Sunday window surrounding Thanksgiving (the Wednesday and Sunday closest to Thanksgiving are the busiest and most expensive). Early-morning departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) often have lighter airport crowds and on-time performance advantages.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Philadelphia (All Airports) (PHLA) minimize travel time (about 5.5 hours) and reduce the risk of missed connections—ideal for short trips or when traveling with checked bags. Connecting flights through hubs like Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT) or Washington Dulles (IAD) can be significantly cheaper and offer more schedule flexibility, although they add connection time and potential delay risk. For November travel around Thanksgiving, choose nonstops if you must guarantee arrival time; choose connections if you prioritize cost savings and can tolerate longer total travel time.
Major carriers offering service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and the Philadelphia market (PHLA) include United Airlines and American Airlines among others. United often offers nonstop transcontinental flights with Economy, Economy Plus and Polaris/Business options on select flights; American may provide nonstop service seasonally or via one-stop through hubs like Charlotte (CLT). Delta typically routes through Atlanta (ATL) or other hubs for one-stop itineraries. Compare ticket class, baggage allowances, seat selection fees, onboard amenities and frequent flyer benefits when choosing an airline. For November, weigh nonstop convenience (United/American when available) against cost savings and schedule flexibility from one-stop carriers.
Pack layers for November travel—temperatures in Philadelphia can range from cool to chilly, and rain is possible. Factor in a medium-weight coat, umbrella, and versatile shoes. Allow extra time for airport security at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) during holiday weeks and arrive earlier if traveling with checked luggage. Remember daylight saving time typically ends in early November (check the current year), which can affect connection timing and local arrival scheduling. For Thanksgiving travel, aim for earlier morning departures to reduce delay risk and consider travel insurance or flexible tickets if your trip is time-sensitive.
A nonstop flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Philadelphia (All Airports) (PHLA) typically ranges from about 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours on the Eastbound sector in November. Common departure windows from SFO include early morning (6:00–9:00) and late morning/early afternoon (10:00–13:00) to align with business travel and east-coast arrival times. Connecting itineraries often route through Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), or Denver (DEN) and can add 1.5–4 hours of transit time depending on layovers. Plan for timezone changes (Pacific to Eastern) when scheduling connections.
To find cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Philadelphia (All Airports) (PHLA) in November, target booking 4–8 weeks ahead for standard November travel and earlier for Thanksgiving week. Search flexible dates and midweek travel (Tuesday–Thursday) for lower fares. Consider one-stop itineraries through hubs like ORD, ATL, or CLT to save money, and subscribe to airline newsletters for flash sales on cross-country routes. Use fare comparison tools and set alerts to capture drops. Sample price range: off-peak early November roundtrips can start in the low-to-mid $200s, while Thanksgiving peak can push prices into the $400s–$600s depending on nonstop availability.
Yes — November hosts events such as the Philadelphia Marathon (varies by year), early holiday markets (e.g., the Christmas Village opening in late November) and NFL games that can increase hotel and flight demand. Expect higher traveler volumes around event weekends and Thanksgiving; book transportation and hotels early.
From Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), take SEPTA regional rail or Amtrak to 30th Street Station for fast service to New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Driving or intercity buses are options too; holiday schedules may vary in November so verify train and bus timetables before travel.
For Thanksgiving week arrivals, give yourself extra buffer time — arrive earlier at the airport for deplaning, baggage claim and ground transport due to higher passenger volumes. If you have tight connections, choose earlier flights or nonstops where possible and monitor your flight status for changes.
