20 Best Airlines to Fly Out of San Francisco Airport (SFO)

Based in California, San Francisco International Airport operates numerous airlines year-round and seasonally. From these 66 air carriers, United Airlines is generally considered the best airline to fly out of SFO. Many travelers consider it the leading carrier due to its extensive connectivity to a wide range of locations in and outside the USA.

Apart from it, United Express and Alaska Airlines also offer a wide number of international/domestic flights to various destinations. For these air carriers, the top arrival airports are Kansas City (MCI), Salt Lake City (SLC), Chicago (ORD), and Seattle (SEA). Based on the city to reach, passengers can select the suitable carrier offering direct/connecting routes.

What are the Best Airlines to Fly Out of SFO?

Out of 66 airlines, a few carriers are generally considered the best by fliers. These include United Airlines, British Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Emirates, and Southwest. However, the list also includes a few airlines based on specific locations.

1. United Airlines

Indeed, United Airlines is one of the top airlines departing from San Francisco Airport (SFO). For this American air operator, this airfield is also one of the primary hubs. From this airport, flights to around 130 destinations are operated. These flight routes are inclusive of both international and domestic locations. Additionally, the airline operates these routes on a regular and seasonal basis.

In addition to connectivity, several other reasons make this carrier the best airline out of SFO:

• This carrier operates regular and seasonal flights from SFO to the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
• For a positive experience, a wide range of onboard facilities is catered to fliers.
• These include:
  • Complimentary meals
  • In-flight entertainment
  • Spacious seating with extra legroom
• These amenities can be enjoyed in any of the classes, Business or Economy Class.
• Special assistance is provided to disabled fliers and unaccompanied minors.

2. British Airways

For flying to London out of San Francisco Airport, British Airways is a good option. To serve this international location, regular routes are managed by the carrier. These flights arrive at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London (England). The availability of direct flights makes it one of the best options out of SFO.

• Both one-way and round-trip flights can be booked from SFO.
• A one-way route is available for just $384 for an adult.
• Being a long-haul flight, the total journey is approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes.
• Apart from this British air operator, 2 other airlines also offer connectivity to London.
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • United Airlines

3. Hawaiian Airlines

When flying to Hawaii from San Francisco Airport, Hawaiian Airlines is undoubtedly the best choice. Apart from being the national carrier of the state, it serves non-stop flights to 2 major cities. One of the destinations is Honolulu, served by Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

• Direct flights are available from SFO to HNL.
• The shortest route is 5 hours and 30 minutes.
• To choose these flights, there are 4 options in terms of classes:
  • Main Cabin Basic
  • Main Cabin
  • Main Cabin Refundable
  • First Class
• Among all these options, travelers rate Hawaiian Airlines among the best airlines from SFO to this island.
• Apart from Honolulu, this Hawaiian carrier also flies to Maui.
  • Kahului Airport (OGG) operates these arriving flights.
  • Non-stop flights of approximately 5 hours are catered to fliers from SFO.

4. Emirates

For travelers who want comfort as a priority when flying out of San Francisco Airport, Emirates is certainly the best. It always makes sure to offer luxury air travel when moving in/out of this airfield. Primarily, it flies to only one destination from SFO, that is Dubai (UAE).

• To arrive in this city, Dubai International Airport (DXB) can be used.
• Direct flights are available from SFO to this city.
• Despite this, 95 other locations are served by this carrier.
• These are transit routes with a stopover in Dubai, leading to destinations in multiple countries.
• A few of them are:
  • India
  • Italy
  • Vietnam
  • Thailand
  • Philippines
  • Hong Kong
  • Singapore
  • Pakistan 
  • Bangladesh
  • Sri Lanka
  • Kenya 
  • Egypt

5. Southwest Airlines

Indeed, Southwest Airlines is one of the best airlines to fly out of SFO. This air carrier departs frequently from this airfield and offers connectivity to various locations within the United States of America. Hence, it is the most affordable, convenient, and reliable carrier for travelers. To make this airline the top choice, there are other reasons as well.

• Southwest Airlines offers domestic flights to various states in the USA.
• Most of these are flown year-round.
• A few flights are operated seasonally.
• The US states where this carrier offers services are listed below:
  • Texas
  • Missouri
  • California
  • Arizona
  • Tennessee
  • Nevada
  • Colorado
  • Illinois
  • Maryland

Top-Rated Airline To Fly Out of SFO Internationally

To fly out of San Francisco International Airport, United Airlines is a top-rated carrier. It provides maximum direct/transit flights to over 27 international destinations. A few of these are in China, Germany, Australia, Japan, and Mexico. Despite this, travelers can also book flights with 47 other air carriers to destinations outside the United States. Some of the airlines and serving destinations are:

Best Airlines for Palm Springs Out of SFO

Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Express, and United Airlines are some of the best airlines to fly out of SFO to Palm Springs. Travelers know these air operators for providing low-budget yet comfortable services. They can choose one of these based on his/her travel needs:

Travelers often consider multiple air carriers among the best airlines out of SFO, including United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Emirates, and Southwest Airlines. These air operators offer Convenient connectivity. In addition, there are multiple factors that make them the best to consider. These include newer fleet, good in-flight offerings, and positive safety records.

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