✈️ Flight Guide: San Francisco (SFO) → Puerto Vallarta (PVR)

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) — Early November: Traditional altars, parades, and ceremonies in Puerto Vallarta draw visitors and may slightly increase airport and local traffic around November 1–2. Book transfers and hotels early if your travel dates overlap. Puerto Vallarta Gourmet/Restaurant Events — Typically in November: The culinary scene heats up with food festivals and restaurant weeks; ideal for gastronomy-focused travelers. Expect higher demand for top restaurants and culinary tours. Thanksgiving Travel (U.S.) — Late November: U.S. travelers often fly out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for warm destinations like Puerto Vallarta, increasing fares and occupancy; plan and book early to avoid peak surcharges. Use event-driven searches like 'SFO to PVR flights Thanksgiving' or 'Puerto Vallarta Day of the Dead airfare' to compare timing and prices.

November is often one of the best months to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) because it sits between the rainy season and the peak winter surge. For cheaper fares and smaller crowds, travel midweek (Tuesday–Wednesday) and avoid traveling on the weekend adjacent to U.S. Thanksgiving (late November). Book 4–8 weeks in advance for the best balance of price and availability. Early morning flights tend to experience fewer delays and smoother transfers.

Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) offer the quickest door-to-door travel time (about 4–4.5 hours) and less risk of missed connections — ideal for short November vacations. Connecting flights routed through hubs such as Los Angeles (LAX) or Phoenix (PHX) can be significantly cheaper but add connection time and potential for delay. If price is the priority, consider a well-timed single-stop itinerary; if time and simplicity matter, book a nonstop if available. Always factor in layover length and luggage transfer times when comparing options.

Alaska Airlines: Often offers seasonal nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) with competitive fares, free snack/beverage service on shorter flights, and a strong West Coast network. Good for loyalty members using Alaska Mileage Plan. United Airlines: Provides both nonstop (seasonal) and one-stop options; benefits include broad connectivity for onward travel, complimentary inflight entertainment on many aircraft, and frequent flyer accrual through MileagePlus. Other carriers (American, Delta via connections): May offer competitive one-stop itineraries via LAX or DFW, useful when chasing lower fares. When choosing in November, compare total travel time, baggage fees, seat availability, and schedule reliability; use primary keywords like 'SFO to PVR flights' and 'cheap SFO to PVR' in your searches to surface the best offers.

Pack light breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and a light layer for evenings — November in Puerto Vallarta is warm and dry. Bring travel documents (passport and completed FMM) and photograph them in case of loss. Purchase travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and trip interruption for holiday travel. Reserve airport transfers ahead of time for festival and Thanksgiving travel windows, and check for seasonal nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) when aiming for the fastest travel.

Direct flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) typically take about 4 to 4.5 hours of airborne time. Expect a time-zone difference of approximately two hours in November (San Francisco on Pacific Standard Time, Puerto Vallarta generally on Central Time), so a morning departure from SFO can arrive in PVR early afternoon local time. Nonstop frequencies increase in November as carriers add seasonal service; if no nonstop fits your schedule, one-stop routings via Los Angeles (LAX) or Phoenix (PHX) are common. Always confirm local departure and arrival times in the airline itinerary and account for daylight saving transitions early in November.

To find cheap SFO to PVR flights in November, start monitoring fares 6–8 weeks before your preferred travel dates. Use flexible date search tools and set fare alerts for both nonstop and one-stop itineraries. Midweek departures (Tuesday–Wednesday) typically offer lower prices than weekend travel. Consider nearby airports for connections — sometimes routing through Los Angeles (LAX) or Phoenix (PHX) reduces cost. Redeem miles or use airline promos (Alaska Mileage Plan, United MileagePlus) for deeper discounts. Book early for Thanksgiving week travel to avoid surcharges and limited inventory.