Traveling from San Francisco, California to London, United Kingdom is a popular route, with numerous flights available from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to several airports in London, including Heathrow Airport (LHR), Gatwick Airport (LGW), and London City Airport (LCY). The flight duration from SFO to London is approximately 11 hours, depending on the airline, route, and weather conditions.
Flight Options from SFO to London
Several airlines operate direct and indirect flights from SFO to London, offering a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the major airlines that operate on this route include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, and American Airlines. Passengers can choose from various classes of service, including economy, premium economy, business, and first class.
Direct Flights from SFO to LHR
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate multiple daily direct flights from SFO to LHR, with a flight duration of around 11 hours. These flights typically depart from SFO’s International Terminal and arrive at LHR’s Terminal 5. United Airlines also operates a direct flight from SFO to LHR, with a flight duration of around 11 hours and 30 minutes.
| Airline | Flight Number | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | BA286 | 8:30 AM | 3:35 PM |
| Virgin Atlantic | VS41 | 9:00 AM | 4:05 PM |
| United Airlines | UA900 | 10:30 AM | 6:00 PM |
Indirect Flights from SFO to LGW
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Lufthansa operate indirect flights from SFO to LGW, with layovers in various cities, such as Philadelphia, Atlanta, or Frankfurt. These flights typically take around 14-16 hours, depending on the route and layover duration.
Passengers can also consider flying into London City Airport (LCY), which is located closer to central London than LHR or LGW. However, LCY has limited flights from SFO, and most airlines operate indirect flights with layovers in European cities.
Flight Schedules and Prices
Flight schedules and prices from SFO to London vary depending on the airline, time of year, and demand. Generally, prices tend to be higher during peak travel seasons, such as summer and holidays. Passengers can expect to pay around 800-1,200 for a round-trip economy ticket from SFO to LHR, while business and first-class tickets can cost 2,000-5,000 or more.
To get the best deals, it's essential to book flights in advance, ideally 2-3 months before departure. Passengers can also consider flying into LGW or LCY, which may offer more affordable options. Additionally, airlines often offer discounts and promotions, so it's worth checking their websites or signing up for newsletters to stay informed.
Tips for Booking Flights from SFO to London
When booking flights from SFO to London, consider the following tips:
- Book in advance to secure the best prices
- Be flexible with travel dates and consider flying during off-peak seasons
- Compare prices across multiple airlines and online travel agencies
- Consider flying into LGW or LCY for more affordable options
- Look for error fares or last-minute deals, but be cautious of potential schedule changes or cancellations
What is the fastest flight from SFO to LHR?
+The fastest flight from SFO to LHR is operated by British Airways, with a flight duration of around 10 hours and 30 minutes.
Which airlines offer direct flights from SFO to LGW?
+No airlines currently offer direct flights from SFO to LGW. However, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Lufthansa operate indirect flights with layovers in various cities.
How far in advance should I book flights from SFO to London?
+It’s recommended to book flights from SFO to London at least 2-3 months in advance to secure the best prices. However, if you’re flexible with travel dates, you may be able to find last-minute deals or error fares.
