JFK - SFO

£147 Find Cheap Flights from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco – Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco departing on 29/8. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return fare
£238
Typical prices: £207-£435
Alaska Airlines
Tue 10/11Tue 10/11
JFK - SFO • 1 stop
Cheapest direct flights
£255
Typical prices: £214-£399
JetBlue
Sat 31/10Sat 31/10
JFK - SFO • Direct
Advice from real travellers
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts and KAYAK users. AI can make mistakes.
For this long flight, pack entertainment and consider support socks for comfort.
At JFK, bring food and a water bottle; airport options can be limited and pricey.
Expert advice
Expert advice
+1
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Expert advice
Expert advice
+1
Top airlines
Cheapest • from £238 (return)
Best reviews • 7.9 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
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Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Direct flights
You can fly direct with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and others. Average duration is 6h 27m
Direct flights
Direct flights
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+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 83% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 3 weeks in advance save around 40% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 27% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
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Good to know
Good to know
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KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to San Francisco!
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Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco (JFK-SFO)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco

Tue, 10 Nov - Tue, 10 Nov
Alaska Airlines Logo
16:00 - 21:56
JFK
-
SFO
8h 56m
1 stop
Alaska Airlines Logo
23:00 - 07:46
SFO
-
JFK
5h 46mdirect
£238Alaska Airlines
Sat, 29 Aug - Sat, 5 Sep
Frontier Logo
13:00 - 19:03
JFK
-
SFO
9h 03m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
22:35 - 11:54
SFO
-
JFK
10h 19m
1 stop
£238Frontier
Mon, 5 Oct - Tue, 6 Oct
Multiple Airlines Logo
13:00 - 19:48
JFK
-
SFO
9h 48m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
13:43 - 22:29
SFO
-
JFK
5h 46mdirect
£239Multiple Airlines
Thu, 10 Sep - Fri, 11 Sep
Alaska Airlines Logo
18:59 - 22:19
JFK
-
SFO
6h 20mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
07:08 - 22:59
SFO
-
JFK
12h 51m
1 stop
£242Alaska Airlines
Sat, 5 Sep - Sat, 19 Sep
Multiple Airlines Logo
13:00 - 19:03
JFK
-
SFO
9h 03m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
22:33 - 07:19
SFO
-
JFK
5h 46mdirect
£245Multiple Airlines
Sat, 5 Sep - Sat, 19 Sep
Alaska Airlines Logo
16:29 - 19:45
JFK
-
SFO
6h 16mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
18:58 - 06:01
SFO
-
JFK
8h 03m
1 stop
£249Alaska Airlines
Fri, 6 Nov - Mon, 9 Nov
Delta Logo
15:59 - 19:32
JFK
-
SFO
6h 33mdirect
Delta Logo
23:00 - 07:26
SFO
-
JFK
5h 26mdirect
£259Delta
Sat, 24 Oct - Sat, 31 Oct
Delta Logo
07:00 - 10:29
JFK
-
SFO
6h 29mdirect
Delta Logo
07:00 - 15:30
SFO
-
JFK
5h 30mdirect
£259Delta
Sat, 29 Aug - Sat, 5 Sep
American Airlines Logo
21:30 - 00:59
JFK
-
SFO
6h 29mdirect
American Airlines Logo
12:23 - 23:58
SFO
-
JFK
8h 35m
1 stop
£268American Airlines
Sat, 5 Sep - Sat, 19 Sep
American Airlines Logo
21:30 - 00:59
JFK
-
SFO
6h 29mdirect
American Airlines Logo
15:10 - 23:59
SFO
-
JFK
5h 49mdirect
£278American Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a return flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco?

This analysis is based on the cheapest return trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco departing in August.

Flight prices are below average for this route right now.

Flights to San Francisco from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport usually cost between £254 and £434 in August.
The lowest price found in the past 5 days was £238 on Frontier (29 Aug–5 Sept).

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco?

The average price of all round-trip flights from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

When flying from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco, you should consider leaving on a Friday and avoid Wednesdays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to New York John F Kennedy Airport, you’ll find the best rates on Saturdays and the most expensive ones on Sundays.

What is the cheapest month to fly from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco is January, where tickets cost £227 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and July, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is £400 and £386 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a stopover from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco?

The average return price for all direct flights, flights with one stopover, and flights with two stopovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

Yes, flying with a stopover may cost you more time, but you can also save money on the route, with a 1 stop stopover the cheapest option at £281 on average.

How far in advance should I book a flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 40% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 12 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on JFK

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, The Points Guy, and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Good to know - Cheap tickets from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

£147
Best time to beat the crowds (27% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (10% more expensive on average)
Flight from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco

When to book flights from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

Flights from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travellers who flew the route from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco 
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
JFK
-
SFO
Jun 2026
Expect to leave for JFK 3 hrs prior to flight if traveling by car from Upper West Side. You will want to arrive 1.5 H prior to departure
BeverlyFlew with JetBlue
JFK
-
SFO
Dec 2025
Wear support socks which helps when you sit for a long time.
LuisFlew with Delta
JFK
-
SFO
Mar 2025
It’s a long flight, come prepared to either watch movies, read or sleep.
JulieFlew with Alaska Airlines
JFK
-
SFO
Oct 2024
Leave early. JFK can be messy. I couldn’t find healthy food choices so eat before you arrive.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
JFK
-
SFO
Jun 2024
SFO is one of the most convenient and pleasant airports. When flying Alaska Air make sure to bring your food and a larger water bottle that usual (you get only two drink services (one small cup each) for a 6 hour flight.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
JFK
-
SFO
May 2024
The airport food was limited and expensive. Best to bring a sandwich from outside…

FAQs for booking New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco flights

  • What is the cheapest flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    In the last 5 days, the lowest price for a flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco was £147 for a one-way ticket and £238 for a return.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco?

    JetBlue, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Japan Airlines offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco?

    The Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco?

    SkyTeam, and oneworld are the airline alliances operating flights between New York John F Kennedy Airport and San Francisco, with SkyTeam being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco?

    There are direct flights from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from New York to San Francisco, Alaska Airlines or Delta?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from New York to San Francisco are Alaska Airlines and Delta. With an average price for the route of £480 and an overall rating of 7.9, Alaska Airlines is the most popular choice. Delta is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of £280 and an overall rating of 7.8.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to San Francisco from New York John F Kennedy Airport is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to San Francisco with an airline and back to New York John F Kennedy Airport with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to San Francisco from New York John F Kennedy Airport up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco

  • Looking for a cheap flight from San Francisco to New York John F Kennedy Airport? 25% of our users found flights on this route for £169 or less one-way.

Prefer to fly direct from New York John F Kennedy Airport to San Francisco?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from New York John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco.
Find which airlines fly direct from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

New York John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to New York John F Kennedy Intl

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 3 airlines flying from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from New York to San Francisco. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.9
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 12742 reviews
7.8Comfort
7.0Entertainment
8.1Boarding
8.5Crew
7.0Food
Airline reviews

Alaska Airlines cancelled my flight the night before and then waited hours to let me know that they rebooked me on a flight 2 days later

2.0 MediocreAnonymous, Jul 2026
JFK - SFO
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

Alaska Airlines cancelled my flight the night before and then waited hours to let me know that they rebooked me on a flight 2 days later

The check-in crew for Alaska was rude, unhelpful, and the opposite of customer-centric. We arrived 50 minutes before our flight and were told it was too late to check baggage. When I asked what the cutoff was, the agent started speaking in codes “D50” and yelling to their manager who also spoke in codes. They then tried to speak to me using these codes and all I wanted to know was the time of the cutoff, which they would not — or could not — articulate. They booked me and my family on the next flight while smirking.

I don’t think Alaska coordinates with Kayak. I did not get a “check-in” email inviting me to check in 24 hours in advance. Had to wait 20+ minutes to get a wheel chair.

Overall the flight was on-time and plane ride very comfortable. The free snacks not so good - only a small bag of pretzels and no milk. I wanted milk. There was not entertainment on the plane unless I wanted to download their APP. But I would consider flying with them again and be more prepared on my part with food and entertainment.

Miss bigger screens for movies Staff was friendly Seats comfortable Bathroom line long

If there were movies it would have made the flight much easier.

I had a negative experience, the flight delay was very long, I didn't like it

The seats in first class are very dated and quite uncomfortable. I don’t need lie-flat seats for a 6 hour flight, but more recline is really necessary.

Flight was delayed. Crew was not helpful in the plane.

This was my first trip in years with Alaska. I don’t think I’ll do it again. The planes are old and tired looking. The seats are small with zero legroom. The JFK terminal is one of the worst I’ve been in. On this flight the pilot had to abort the landing and circle the Bay before trying again. I think I’ll stick with the usual suspects …

WiFi didn’t work most of the time. The usb chargers would work only occasionally for 5 mins and wouldn’t charge after that. Had to keep trying repeatedly at each of the seats in the row.

The crew bent over backwards to thank us for flying and make us comfortable. The food service was quick and efficient. The Captain communicated and said goodbye and thank you as we departed. They really stood out!

my mom urmila patel needed a wheelchair which was not available on the curbside. she needed to walk almost 50 meters inside (at the risk of falling) and then had to wait in line to get a wheelchair (this is not ok). Once obtained she had to seat in it for 30-45 minutes for someone to take her in thru the checkin process (which was fairly smooth and easy). the lady who helped her with her checkin process was very courteous and helpful

There’s not much to say about a one hour flight. This is a connection from LA to RNO that I missed the previous night due to a mechanical check delay on my originating flight from JFK to LAX. The short flight itself was fine. Instructions from the pilot and crew were per usual. The coffee was barely lukewarm, which possibly was purposeful so we would down it quickly. Bags were already on carousel upon reaching baggage claim, which was excellent.

They double booked seats, the gate staff changed my ticket as I was boarding she went over to the computer and changed it without telling me. She messed up an entire three row section for me and others. Other travelers were outraged but the gate staff were so rude, so condescending saying it wasn't their problem to solve. I would rate this a zero if I could. Will not fly Delta again I'll stick with United and American.

Not a "Delta" issue, but a JFK issue: We booked a connecting flight with 3 1/2 hours between to clearn immigration and customs. Our inbound flight (BCN to JFK) was on the taxiway 45 minutes which ate into our layover time. Immigtration was insanely quick with the CBP MPC app; however, clearing TSA (again, after we were ALREADY cleared in Spain on the inbound international flight) took over 95 minutes. This left us with 10 minutes before boarding the connecting flight (JFK to SAN) to walk to the far end of Terminal 4 and try to find food. We didn't find any food that could promise to serve us in under 10 minutes so we boarded the Delta flight after coming off a plance and an 8-hour flight knowing that we wouldn't be served any food on the next 5 1/2 hour flight. I feel like Delta needs to put pressure on the JFK TSA to open more screening stations (by our count, we saw only 5 scanners open and a line of - as we said - over 90 minutes. The insult is that we WERE ALREADY SCREENED through TSA, but as you come off one flight into the USA, you have to go through the whole process again. It seems like if you have a connecting flight, there should be a way to pass through immigration and customs without needing to return through TSA.

The entertainment and wifi mostly didn't work on this flight.

Terrible entertainment system - kept freezing and audio kept cutting out. Snacks were mediocre at best for a 5 hour flight.

I am still upset that my bag was lost on a recent trip to Rome ; we were inconvenienced and out €150 Euros ; delta has refused to reimburse us

Really impressive staff at airport and on plane, especially given how busy it was

Horrible. No AC. No Air inside the plane. We had to deplane twice! It is late almost 5 hrs in total. I almost passed out and about to call 911. I asked the crew to be honest and open the door. The lady next to me was lay down in the floor due to heat and no air inside the plane. I got headaches, can’t wait the replacement flight about midnight Dallas time. I end it up rebook for next day flight and stay overnight using my own pocket in a hotel nearby due to headaches and can’t breath. I still have a headache this morning. Still not decided yes how to file this issue to AA and/or FAA.

Initial flight had an engine overheat - returned to DFW. Had another plane ready, but crew timed out. Had to wait 5h for boarding. Fully boarded and pilot says plane is not flight worthy. Deplane and go to the other end of the terminal. Wait an hour to board third plane because the crew couldn’t leave the second plane because no wheelchairs were brought to remove passengers. Finally take off and there is no catering (in flight service) even in first class. Very much an AA failure.

I don’t like the music section but I believe it was a cost decision. I changed my flight last minute due to work issues and had to sit way in the back. The seats were way closer together than I would have preferred.

The flight attendant was very polite and attentive. The food was good.

Was put into a seat right behind the toilet that had no entertainment possible but did have plenty of leg room over noisy part of plane.

Wifi was spotty. Tray table was very dirty when I sat down.

Great. Quick and quiet and east. The breakfast choices were a welcome surprise!

This was a horrible experience. For a first class experience, my chair was held together by 3M tape - and I have a photo. The crew weren’t very attentive, somewhat dismissive and forgot my drink and snack, the chair reclined about 3 inches on a 6-hour cross country flight. I was also not informed that there was no lounge available in Newark airport because of renovations, so all around this was one of the worst experiences and I would actively avoid both American and Alaska Air going forward.

Extraordinary service in business class, and very good breakfast and snacks. A really lovely flight.

Nothing really nondescript, the flight attendants were friendly and helpful.

Everything you need to know for your flight from John F Kennedy Intl to San Francisco

Information on your arrival and departure airports