Submit feedbackSacramento International Airport (SMF) remains efficient in November with typically lighter summer crowds and more predictable weather. For most flights to Phoenix, arriving 90 minutes before departure for domestic travel is recommended; allow 2 hours during Thanksgiving week. Use official parking or rideshare pick-up points to avoid delays, and check the SMF website for any November construction alerts.
Yes — November includes Veterans Day and the Thanksgiving travel surge, which can increase TSA screening lines. Expect heavier passenger volumes the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after; consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if available to speed your screening. Check live TSA wait times for SMF before leaving for the airport.
SMF offers short-term & long-term parking, economy lots, and off-site shuttles; November rates are generally stable but can rise slightly during Thanksgiving. Reserve long-term parking or park-and-ride in advance for better rates, and check SMF's official parking map to choose the closest lot to your terminal. Consider rideshare from downtown Sacramento for added convenience during holiday weekends.
Nonstop service from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) is commonly offered by Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, with multiple daily options. Flight schedules can shift seasonally, so search for November nonstop flights directly on airline sites or use a fare aggregator for updated frequencies and fare deals.
November in Sacramento can be cool with occasional rain — pack a light rain jacket and leave extra time for traffic and shuttle transfers. Monitor regional weather and airport advisories; if you have morning flights, expect lower visibility some days and give yourself extra time for ground transport. Booking mid-week flights often yields lower prices and fewer crowds.
Yes — use your airline’s website or the Sacramento International Airport (SMF) arrivals/departures page to check live status, gate info, and delays. For November holiday travel, sign up for text/email alerts from your airline for real-time updates and rebooking options if your flight is impacted by weather or high demand.
Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) is used to denote the Phoenix metro area including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix–Mesa Gateway, and nearby airports that serve the region. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the closest to downtown Phoenix and typically offers the most ground transport options in November. Depending on your final destination (Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, or Sedona), Gateway or regional airports may be more convenient.
November in the Phoenix area is mild and dry, with daytime highs often in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F (18–24 °C) and cooler nights. This makes November a popular month for outdoor activities like hiking in Sedona or golf in Scottsdale. Pack layers for cool mornings and evenings but expect sunny, comfortable days upon arrival.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor and other Phoenix-area airports, you’ll find rental cars, rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), light rail from the airport to central Phoenix (PHX Sky Train + Valley Metro Rail), taxis, and shuttle services. In November, demand can increase for hotel shuttles and rental cars due to pleasant weather, so book rentals in advance for the best rates.
November features several events that can influence SMF–PHXA travel plans. In Sacramento, expect community observances around Veterans Day and early holiday markets later in the month. In the Phoenix metro area, November brings Día de los Muertos and All Souls events (nearby Tucson), Veterans Day ceremonies, the start of the high season for golf and outdoor festivals, and the beginning of holiday light displays in many downtowns and suburbs. These events can increase hotel occupancy and airport arrivals, especially on holiday weekends.
For the best combination of price and convenience, fly Tuesday or Wednesday mornings from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) in November. Early November (first two weeks) usually offers lower fares than the week of Thanksgiving. If traveling for Thanksgiving, consider departing on Thanksgiving Day itself or the Saturday after to avoid the heaviest airport crowds on the Wednesday before and the Sunday after. Book 4–8 weeks in advance for optimal fares on non-peak November travel.
Nonstop flights from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) are the fastest option, typically under two hours and ideal for short trips or tight schedules. Connecting flights can be cheaper but add travel time and increase the chance of missed connections, especially during busy November travel days. Common connecting hubs for this route include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Las Vegas (LAS). If you value convenience and time savings, choose nonstop; if you prioritize price and are flexible with time, a one-stop itinerary may save money.
Major carriers serving the SMF→PHXA corridor in November include Southwest Airlines (frequent nonstop flights, two free checked bags for many fares), American Airlines (hub connectivity and loyalty perks), Alaska Airlines (competitive fares and West Coast network), and occasionally Delta with connecting options. Southwest often offers the most nonstop frequency and flexible change policies; American and Alaska provide loyalty integration and partner connections. Compare total price including baggage and seat selection to determine the true value for November travel.
Pack layered clothing: Sacramento mornings can be cool and rainy while Phoenix days are warm and nights cool. Bring sunscreen for daytime outings in Arizona and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the desert air. For November road trips (Sedona, Grand Canyon, Flagstaff), check elevation-related weather changes and bring warmer layers for higher altitudes. Reserve rental cars and accommodations early for Thanksgiving and long weekends, and allow extra time for TSA screening and airport crowds during holiday periods.
Nonstop flights from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) typically take about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes gate-to-gate in November, depending on winds and routing. There are multiple daily nonstop departures offered by carriers such as Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. During November, airlines may add flights for holiday demand; typical daily frequency ranges from 4–10 nonstop flights, with additional one-stop options via hubs like Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) if nonstop seats are limited.
To find cheap flights from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) in November, search 3–8 weeks ahead for non-holiday travel and 8–12 weeks ahead for Thanksgiving weekend. Use flexible-date searches to compare Tuesday/Wednesday departures which tend to be cheapest. Sign up for airline newsletters and fare alerts, compare major carriers (Southwest, American, Alaska) with low-cost options, and consider early-morning or late-night flights. Use multi-airline search tools, apply reward points if you have them, and clear your cookies or use incognito mode when comparing fares.
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Yes — November signals the start of peak tourist season in Phoenix and Scottsdale due to sunny weather and golf season, which can increase hotel rates and airport arrivals. Additionally, cultural events such as Día de los Muertos observances and Veterans Day ceremonies may draw visitors. Book flights and hotels early to avoid price spikes during long weekends and festival dates.
Yes — renting a car is common when arriving in the Phoenix area to access Scottsdale, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and other regional attractions. November’s mild weather makes driving enjoyable, but demand rises in peak travel weeks; reserve online and confirm pick-up procedures at your arrival airport to streamline the process.
November typically brings low humidity and comfortable temperatures, but the desert climate can cause dry skin and dehydration — drink water and apply lotion. Also be mindful of shorter daylight hours late in November and book any shuttle or hotel transfers ahead of time during holiday weekends to avoid wait times.
