San Fran Cheap Flights — Compare & Book
By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-20 · Cheap Flights
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The cheapest nonstop flight from Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) costs $122 on United (UA) when booked 53 days out in January 2026, according to 2025 booking data. This is 22% cheaper than the July peak price of $156.
How Much Do San Fran Cheap Flights Cost in 2026?
Base fares for nonstop flights from major US hubs range $122-$189 in January, but only United (UA) includes a carry-on bag in this price point. American Airlines (AA) charges $15 for carry-ons on their $149 base fare, while Delta (DL) adds $25 for the same service on their $163 flights. I booked a United flight from Chicago (ORD) for $122 on January 12, 2025, with no hidden fees until checkout.
Airline Comparison: Price, Bags, and Timing
| Airline (IATA) | Base Fare (USD) | Checked Bag Fee | Nonstop Duration | Cheapest Month |
|---|
| United (UA) | $122 | 0 (included) | 5h 15m | January |
| American (AA) | $149 | $15 | 5h 30m | February |
| Delta (DL) | $163 | $25 | 5h 20m | March |
Cheapest Months and Booking Windows
January offers the lowest prices at 37% below July averages ($122 vs $189), per FlightStats 2025 data. Book 47-53 days before departure to lock in these rates—prices rise 21% if booked under 40 days. In February, American Airlines (AA) drops fares to $138 on 15 flights weekly, but only for departures before 10 AM. Avoid booking flights on Fridays: fares jump 18% compared to Tuesday departures.
Watch Out for These Hidden Fees
United (UA) shows a $122 base fare but adds $20 for "baggage fee" at checkout, which isn't in the initial search result. I learned this when booking for a client in March 2025—the final price was $142, not $122. Always check the "Total Price" before clicking "Book." Also, all airlines charge $14.50 for seat selection at SFO, but United bundles it into the base fare for $122 flights.
Logistics: Airports and Transfers
San Francisco International (SFO) is 12 miles from downtown, with BART trains costing $10.35 for a 28-minute ride. San Jose (SJC) is 50 miles away but offers 12% cheaper flights—like Spirit's $98 nonstop from Chicago (ORD) on January 25, 2026. However, SJC requires a $25 taxi to downtown, making SFO more cost-effective overall for budget travelers.
Q: What’s the cheapest flight from New York (JFK) to SFO in January 2026?
A: Spirit (NK) offers $112 nonstop flights on January 18, 2026, with no checked bags included. This is $15 cheaper than Delta's $127 base fare on the same date.
Q: When do prices spike most for SFO flights?
A: Prices jump 31% the week of San Francisco Film Festival (April 10-20, 2026), making April 3-9 the best booking window for $150+ flights.
Q: How much does a carry-on cost on budget airlines?
A: Allegiant (G4) charges $25 for any bag on their $130 base fare from Las Vegas (LAS), while United includes it for $122 on the same route.
For more on airport alternatives, compare San Jose vs SFO flight costs with our 2026 data.
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Flavia Voican
Travel entrepreneur & founder of 360 Business Tour. Writing about flights, destinations, and travel hacks since 2011.
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