Traveling to San Francisco has always carried a special magic for me. The city’s rolling hills, the sight of the Golden Gate Bridge half-shrouded in fog, and the vibrant neighborhoods full of art, history, and energy make every trip memorable. But long before I walk down Market Street or sip coffee in North Beach, I face the first and perhaps most important challenge: booking the flight. Over the years, I’ve learned that getting the lowest airfare isn’t about luck—it’s about timing, strategy, and knowing the right resources. In this guide, I want to take you through my personal journey of finding affordable flights to San Francisco, highlighting my successes, my mistakes, and my favorite insider tips.
Why I Needed to Master Cheap Flight Hunting
I remember my very first trip to San Francisco. I was in my early twenties, broke but adventurous. I wanted nothing more than to watch the sunset from Twin Peaks and wander the piers at Fisherman’s Wharf. But when I first searched for flights, the prices nearly scared me off. A round trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco was over \$300 at the time. For a student working part-time, that felt like a fortune.
That was the turning point. I decided that if I wanted to travel more, I had to become clever about flights. Since then, I’ve spent years experimenting with platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Expedia, and I’ve even dabbled with lesser-known budget airline websites. Over countless trips, I’ve gathered tricks that consistently save me anywhere from \$50 to \$300 on each booking.
Flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has become second nature to me now, and I’ve learned not only how to find cheap flights but also how to make the experience more enjoyable.
My Personal Golden Rules for Booking Flights to San Francisco
Before diving into specific airlines and flight examples, I want to share some of the rules I personally live by when searching for airfare. These aren’t abstract theories—they are hard-earned lessons that have saved me hundreds of dollars over the years.
1. Timing Is Everything
The first time I got an amazing deal—\$89 one way from Seattle to San Francisco—I realized that timing was the single biggest factor. Booking too early often meant higher prices, and waiting too long meant only the most expensive seats were left. I’ve found that the sweet spot for domestic U.S. flights to San Francisco is usually 3 to 6 weeks before departure. For international flights, I start monitoring fares about 3 to 6 months ahead.
2. Flexibility Wins
I once insisted on flying to San Francisco on a Friday afternoon because I wanted to maximize my weekend. That ticket cost me almost double compared to the Thursday evening option. Since then, I’ve become flexible with travel dates. Flying midweek—Tuesdays and Wednesdays especially—always gives me better deals.
3. Compare Multiple Platforms
I never trust just one site. For example, Google Flights is my go-to for a quick overview, but I’ve noticed that Skyscanner sometimes lists budget airlines that don’t appear on Google. Kayak has great price alerts, and Expedia occasionally bundles flights with hotels for a lower total cost. I make it a rule to check at least three before I decide.
4. Watch Out for Hidden Fees
Some budget airlines look cheap at first glance but charge for everything—carry-ons, seat selection, even water. I once booked a \$59 flight that ended up costing me over \$150 after add-ons. Now I always read the fine print and compare the total cost, not just the advertised fare.
5. Loyalty Programs Can Be Worth It
When I started flying to San Francisco more regularly, I realized that signing up for loyalty programs with airlines like Alaska Airlines or Southwest not only gave me points but also early boarding and free checked bags. Those perks save money and stress.
Flight Example 1: Alaska Airlines – A Reliable Favorite
One of my absolute favorite carriers for San Francisco trips is Alaska Airlines.
Why I Love It:
The service feels polished but not pretentious. The staff are always smiling, the seats have more legroom than many competitors, and the flights are almost always on time. Alaska Airlines also has an amazing reputation for customer service—I’ve personally had gate agents go out of their way to rebook me quickly during weather delays.
Traveler Feedback:
Most passengers highlight Alaska’s punctuality and cleanliness. Frequent flyers I’ve spoken with often say that Alaska feels like a hybrid between a budget and a premium airline—it’s affordable without sacrificing comfort.
My Experience:
One summer, I flew Alaska Airlines from Portland to San Francisco. The flight cost me \$109 one way, which felt like a steal. I booked directly through the Alaska Airlines website, though later I found out I could have saved an extra \$15 by booking via Kayak. Still, the highlight was the comfort. I even ordered a local craft beer onboard, something I don’t usually splurge on, just because the atmosphere felt welcoming.
Booking Tip:
Alaska frequently runs promotions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I often find the lowest fares by setting alerts on Google Flights and cross-checking with Expedia.
Flight Example 2: Southwest Airlines – The Budget-Friendly Workhorse
If you’re like me and appreciate free checked bags, then Southwest Airlines is a lifesaver.
Why I Love It:
Southwest is famous for its “Bags Fly Free” policy, and that alone has saved me hundreds over the years. Unlike some carriers, they don’t nickel-and-dime you for small things. Plus, I find their boarding system quirky but efficient once you get used to it.
Traveler Feedback:
Friends of mine who fly Southwest to San Francisco often praise the no-frills but reliable service. Reviews online consistently highlight that while it’s not luxurious, it gets the job done, and the flight crews are often humorous and entertaining.
My Experience:
I once snagged a round-trip from Denver to San Francisco for just \$178. Booking was seamless through Southwest’s official website, and their flexible cancellation policy gave me peace of mind. I remember laughing with the flight attendant during boarding—she was cracking jokes about seat choices, and the entire cabin was chuckling. That lighthearted atmosphere makes a difference.
Booking Tip:
Southwest flights don’t show up on third-party sites like Google Flights or Expedia. You have to check their official site directly. I recommend looking during their “Wanna Get Away” sales, which happen multiple times a year.
Flight Example 3: United Airlines – The Major Player at SFO
When I think of San Francisco, I can’t ignore United Airlines. After all, SFO is one of their biggest hubs.
Why I Love It:
United has the most flight options to San Francisco, both domestic and international. That means if I need flexibility or a last-minute booking, United almost always has availability. Their newer aircraft on certain routes also feature upgraded entertainment systems and Wi-Fi.
Traveler Feedback:
Reviews for United are mixed, but frequent flyers often note that flights into SFO are more reliable than flights to other hubs. Travelers appreciate the wide network of connections, though some complain about customer service inconsistencies.
My Experience:
I flew United from Chicago to San Francisco for \$212 round trip. I booked through Expedia because they had a flash deal, and I combined it with a two-night hotel stay, which lowered the overall cost. The in-flight entertainment made the four-hour journey fly by—I binge-watched two movies and enjoyed a surprisingly good chicken wrap.
Booking Tip:
Use Google Flights to monitor United fares because they fluctuate wildly. I’ve seen the same ticket swing from \$450 to \$212 within two weeks. Price alerts are essential.
My Go-To Platforms for Booking Flights
Through trial and error, I’ve come to rely on a few specific booking platforms that consistently help me score the best deals.
- Google Flights (https://www.google.com/flights): My starting point for almost every search. It’s fast, visual, and helps me compare prices across dates easily.
- Skyscanner (https://www.skyscanner.com): Great for budget airlines and international flights. I’ve discovered carriers here that don’t show up elsewhere.
- Kayak (https://www.kayak.com): I use Kayak for setting up fare alerts. The email notifications have saved me more than once.
- Expedia (https://www.expedia.com): Ideal when I want to bundle flights with hotels or even rental cars. Sometimes the package deals are shockingly cheap.
- Priceline (https://www.priceline.com): Their “Express Deals” can slash prices if I’m flexible about flight times.
Tricks That Saved My Money
- Book in Incognito Mode: I once noticed fares rising after repeated searches. Now, I use a private browser or clear cookies to avoid dynamic price hikes.
- Fly into Oakland or San Jose: On certain trips, I’ve saved over \$100 by flying into Oakland International (OAK) or San Jose International (SJC) and taking a short train ride to San Francisco.
- Use Credit Card Points: My Chase Sapphire Preferred card has given me free flights into San Francisco more than once. Redeeming points directly through their portal often unlocks great deals.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Apps like Hopper predict fare changes, and I’ve used them to time bookings perfectly.
- Travel Light: Budget airlines sting you with baggage fees. When possible, I pack only a carry-on and save \$30–\$60.
How I Feel Every Time I Land at SFO
No matter how much money I save or which airline I fly, the moment my plane descends over the Bay Area always feels magical. Looking out the window, I catch sight of the Bay Bridge, the city skyline, and, if I’m lucky, the Golden Gate Bridge peeking through the fog. All the effort—the weeks of monitoring fares, the countless comparisons, the little victories of snagging a deal—suddenly feels worth it.
That’s when I realize cheap flights aren’t just about saving money. They’re about giving myself the freedom to come back to a city I love, again and again, without breaking the bank.
Over the years, booking flights to San Francisco has transformed from a stressful chore into a game I actually enjoy playing. By combining timing, flexibility, and the right booking platforms, I’ve consistently scored fares that leave more money in my pocket for sourdough bread at Fisherman’s Wharf, cable car rides, or wine tastings in nearby Napa Valley.
Flying into San Francisco doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With the strategies I’ve shared—and a little persistence—you can find affordable flights that make your Bay Area adventures possible. Whether it’s the reliability of Alaska Airlines, the budget-friendliness of Southwest, or the network reach of United, the choices are plentiful.
And every time I land at SFO, walking through the terminal with my backpack slung over my shoulder, I smile knowing that the journey started long before the plane took off—with a smartly booked ticket that made everything possible.
