✈️ Flight Guide: San Francisco (SFO) → Seattle (SEA)

November in Seattle brings the start of winter festivities: Winterfest at Seattle Center (tree lighting and holiday performances), holiday markets like Pike Place seasonal events, and Bellevue’s Festival of Trees at Meydenbauer Center. Many museums and indoor attractions run special exhibits in November, making it a great month for cultural trips from San Francisco. Note that Thanksgiving weekend may feature special dining events and increased hotel demand, so book early.

The best time to fly SFO to SEA in November is mid-November (weekdays) to capture shoulder-season savings and avoid the Thanksgiving surge. Book 3–6 weeks ahead for domestic deals, or earlier if traveling during holiday weeks. For a balance of price and reliability, choose morning flights mid-week; if you have flexibility, compare Tuesday-Wednesday departures which typically show lower fares than weekend travel.

For SFO to SEA travel in November, nonstop flights are usually the best option due to short flight time (about 2 hours) and high frequency of service. Nonstop flights minimize the risk of missed connections and weather-related disruption. Connecting itineraries via hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), Salt Lake City (SLC), or Phoenix (PHX) can sometimes yield lower fares but add total travel time and connection risk — generally not recommended unless the price differential is significant.

Alaska Airlines often offers the highest frequency on the SFO–SEA route, with competitive fares and extensive loyalty benefits for Pacific Northwest travelers. United and Delta provide reliable service with broad connectivity for travelers needing onward connections, while Southwest offers flexible fare bundles and two free checked bags. In November, check each carrier’s promotions: Alaska may have regional sales, United/Delta may offer competitive fares for connecting itineraries, and Southwest can be price-competitive for families thanks to its baggage policy.

Pack waterproof outerwear, quick-dry layers, and comfortable shoes for rainy November days in Seattle. Bring a compact umbrella and a lightweight waterproof jacket rather than heavy winter boots unless you plan to visit higher elevations like Mount Rainier. At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), verify TSA and airline check-in windows and use mobile boarding passes to expedite your airport experience. For holiday travel, arrive earlier than usual and confirm rideshare or rental car reservations.

Typical nonstop flight time from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes door-to-door. There are multiple daily departures—morning, midday, and evening—offered by Alaska Airlines (high frequency), United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. In November, early morning flights often face fewer delays and are a good choice for weather resilience, while late afternoon/evening flights can experience ripple delays from earlier disruptions.

To score cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in November, book 3–8 weeks in advance for best mid-month fares and monitor prices several times daily during flash sales. Use fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner, be flexible with departure dates (Tuesdays-Wednesdays often cheapest), and consider alternative nearby airports like Oakland (OAK) for potential savings. Sign up for airline newsletters for last-minute Alaska Airlines and Southwest promotions. For Thanksgiving week, lock in fares earlier to avoid spikes.