I’ve taken my share of flights between Los Angeles and San Francisco, one of the busiest domestic routes in the U.S. This short journey is ideal for exploring a variety of airlines, ticket types, and booking strategies to ensure the best travel experience. I’ll share the detailed booking process, my personal experience on a specific flight, four other recommended flights, and useful tips for navigating nearby airports and getting the best fares.
Personal Flight Experience: Los Angeles to San Francisco
On a recent trip, I flew with United Airlines on Flight UA468 from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This one-way journey gave me a great sense of what it’s like to travel economy on a popular route.
Booking Process
- Flight Selection: I booked directly on United’s website after comparing fares on Google Flights and Skyscanner.
- Fare Options: I chose economy class at around $79 for a one-way ticket, though round-trip prices were a bit lower per leg, averaging $145 total.
- Seat Selection and Extras: United’s economy fare included a standard seat with the option to upgrade for an additional $40 to a preferred seat. I skipped upgrades to keep my costs lower but appreciated knowing the option was there.
In-Flight Experience
- Seating and Comfort: Surprisingly comfortable for a short flight, the economy seats provided good legroom and recline. The clean, updated Airbus A320 cabin was an added bonus.
- Amenities: In-flight entertainment was accessible via the United app, with a range of movies and shows to pass the time. Complimentary snacks included a choice of cookies or pretzels with beverages.
- Service: The crew was friendly and efficient, making this quick trip smooth and enjoyable.
Overall Impression
- Pros: Affordable, clean, and reliable, with good amenities for a short-haul domestic flight.
- Cons: Limited in-flight food options without additional purchase.
Booking Platform Recommendation:
- I found the best fare through United’s website for this route, but it’s always a good idea to check Google Flights for comparisons before purchasing.
One-Way vs. Round-Trip Tickets: Choosing the Right Option
- One-Way Ticket Benefits:
- Flexibility: If you’re uncertain about your return date or plan to depart from a different location, one-way tickets provide more options.
- Pricing: On average, one-way tickets on this route range from $70 to $150, depending on the airline and booking time.
- Considerations: Some airlines may charge a premium for one-way tickets; comparing both options is essential.
- Round-Trip Ticket Benefits:
- Savings: Many airlines offer discounts for booking both legs of the journey together. For my recent trip, round-trip fares averaged around $130 to $160, slightly cheaper than two one-way tickets.
- Convenience: A round-trip ticket can simplify travel logistics, especially if you have a set return date.
Four Recommended Flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Southwest Airlines
- Highlights: Southwest’s open seating policy may not suit everyone, but they offer affordable fares and no extra fees for checked bags (up to two free).
- Perks: Flexible change policies are a big plus, especially for spontaneous travelers.
- Drawbacks: Limited in-flight entertainment; may require arriving early for better seating choices.
- Booking Platform: Best booked on the Southwest Airlines website or Hopper for fare notifications.
Alaska Airlines
- Highlights: Known for excellent on-time performance and comfortable seats with in-flight entertainment.
- Perks: Consistently reliable service and a strong loyalty program make Alaska a solid choice.
- Drawbacks: Checked bags are extra for economy, which can add up.
- Booking Platform: Google Flights or Alaska Airlines’ website for straightforward booking and comparison.
Delta Airlines
- Highlights: Delta offers complimentary snacks, good legroom, and multiple daily flights on this route.
- Perks: SkyMiles loyalty program and frequent flyer benefits.
- Drawbacks: Seats fill up fast, and late bookings may result in higher fares.
- Booking Platform: Skyscanner or Delta’s official website for direct booking options.
American Airlines
- Highlights: American offers a wide range of fare classes from Basic Economy to First Class, accommodating different budgets and needs.
- Perks: Regularly scheduled flights, allowing for flexibility.
- Drawbacks: Basic Economy tickets restrict seat selection unless upgraded.
- Booking Platform: Available through Google Flights or American Airlines’ website for direct booking.
Additional Tips for Booking Flights to San Francisco
Book Early, Especially for Popular Travel Days:
- Demand on this route is high, especially on Fridays and Sundays. Early bookings (two to three weeks in advance) often result in lower prices.
Compare Multiple Platforms:
- Sites like Kayak, Google Flights, and Momondo allow you to compare fares across airlines, helping you find the best deal.
Consider a Fare Tracker:
- Apps like Hopper or setting up Google Flights Alerts are helpful for tracking fare changes and receiving notifications on the best time to buy.
Nearby Airports:
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): This is a great option for East Bay destinations or if SFO fares are high. OAK has shorter security lines and may offer cheaper flights.
- San Jose International Airport (SJC): Located about 40 miles south of San Francisco, SJC is ideal if you’re planning to visit the South Bay or Silicon Valley.
Nearby Airport Information
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Location:
- Located approximately 18 miles (about a 30-45 minute drive) from downtown Los Angeles, depending on traffic. Positioned in the Westchester neighborhood, it’s accessible via major freeways like the I-405 and I-105.
- Amenities:
- Dining and Shopping: With hundreds of restaurants, cafes, and shops across nine terminals, LAX has a diverse selection catering to all tastes. Notable eateries include WPizza by Wolfgang Puck, The Habit Burger Grill, and upscale options like ink.sack. Retail options range from luxury stores such as Gucci and Burberry to essentials like Hudson News.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, but faster premium options are available for purchase.
- Lounges: Major airlines have their lounges, including the United Club, American Airlines Admirals Club, and the Star Alliance Lounge. Several premium lounges offer shower facilities, food, and quiet spaces to relax before flights.
- Pet Relief Areas: Each terminal has designated pet relief areas, both inside and outside, for travelers with pets.
- Travel Tips:
- Arrive Early: Security lines at LAX can be long, especially during peak times (early morning and late afternoon). Aim to arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
- Parking: Options include short-term, long-term, and economy parking lots with shuttle services to terminals. Rideshares and public transit options, including the FlyAway bus, are available.
- Traffic: Traffic congestion is common, especially around terminal areas. Try arriving by shuttle or rideshare to avoid parking hassles and delays.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Location:
- Situated about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, SFO is accessible via US-101. Travel times vary from 20-30 minutes by car, depending on traffic and time of day.
- Amenities:
- Dining and Shopping: Known for its culinary variety, SFO offers local favorites like Boudin Bakery (famous for its sourdough bread) and Napa Farms Market for fresh California produce. There are also well-known international and domestic brands like Burberry, Gucci, and DFS Duty-Free.
- Lounges: SFO has an impressive selection of lounges, including the Delta Sky Club, American Express Centurion Lounge, Alaska Lounge, and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.
- Public Art Installations: SFO has a rotating collection of art exhibits and installations throughout the terminals, adding a unique cultural touch.
- Yoga Rooms: The airport provides two yoga rooms (Terminal 2 and 3), offering a quiet space for travelers to stretch and relax.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport with relatively fast, secure access.
- Travel Tips:
- Fog Delays: SFO is known for frequent fog-related delays, particularly in summer and fall. If you have a connection, allow extra time in case of delays.
- Public Transit Access: The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system connects directly to the airport, offering a fast and affordable route to downtown and other Bay Area locations.
- Parking Options: SFO has a variety of parking options, including valet and long-term options. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- Location:
- Roughly 21 miles east of San Francisco in Oakland. Travel time is typically around 30 minutes by car, but traffic varies considerably.
- Amenities:
- Dining and Shopping: Though smaller than SFO, OAK has essential dining spots like Peet’s Coffee and Andale Mexican Grill, as well as shops for basic travel needs and snacks.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
- Lounges: While there are fewer lounges, OAK does have a Priority Pass Lounge and Escape Lounge (accessible to passengers of multiple airlines with memberships or day passes).
- Children’s Play Area: OAK has family-friendly facilities including play areas in the terminals, making it convenient for parents traveling with young children.
- Travel Tips:
- BART Access: The Oakland Airport Connector links OAK with the Coliseum BART station, making it easy to reach San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area.
- Parking: OAK has convenient on-site parking with shuttles to terminals, often less expensive than SFO’s options.
- Smaller, Quieter Environment: For those who prefer a less crowded airport, OAK is a great choice, offering easier security lines and terminal navigation.
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
- Location:
- Located around 48 miles south of San Francisco in San Jose, with driving times ranging from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
- Amenities:
- Dining and Shopping: SJC has a variety of restaurants, including San Jose Joe’s and Gordon Biersch Brewing Company. Shops include Hudson News and local boutiques.
- Wi-Fi: Free, fast Wi-Fi is available throughout SJC.
- Lounges: The airport features lounges such as the Club at SJC and Priority Pass lounges, which provide travelers with complimentary snacks, drinks, and a quiet place to relax.
- Art and Tech Features: Being in Silicon Valley, SJC has tech amenities, like charging stations at most gates and interactive public art exhibits that reflect the local innovation culture.
- Travel Tips:
- Efficient Security: Lines at SJC are generally shorter than those at SFO and LAX, which can save valuable time during check-in.
- Convenient for Silicon Valley Access: Ideal for travelers heading to San Jose or Silicon Valley areas. Shuttle buses and car rentals are readily available.
- Parking: SJC offers both on-site parking and long-term options with shuttle services to the terminal, often at a lower cost than SFO.
This thorough outline offers a blend of personal insights, flight options, and practical booking advice to ensure a smooth travel experience.