£176 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom

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Good to know - Cheap tickets from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight£176
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 1% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly (14% more expensive on average)
Flight from San Francisco to Manchester

Flights from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who flew the route from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom 
GeraldFlew with Virgin AtlanticSFO-LHRJun 2025
Virgin Atlantic uses terminal 3. Much faster clearing customs than terminal 5
Verified travelerFlew with American AirlinesSFO-LHRJun 2025
Large number of passengers on the flight so arrive early to the airport and to the boarding gate
PallaviFlew with British AirwaysSFO-LHRApr 2025
Eat at the lounge first so you are not stuck eating overcooked cheese ravioli
TapanFlew with British AirwaysSFO-LHROct 2024
Great baggage policy in BA.. The worst part was experience at London Heathrow airport. Security was slow, too many people. Almost lost connecting flight even with 2 hours layover.

FAQs for booking flights from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom?

    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 San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom 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 San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom?

    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 from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • Which airlines fly most frequently to the United Kingdom?

    San Francisco Bay Area and United Kingdom are connected by different airlines. The airlines that fly that route the most regularly are Air New Zealand (28 flights per week), Air Canada (21 flights per week), and United Airlines (21 flights per week).

  • How many airports are there in the United Kingdom?

    There are 39 airports in the United Kingdom. The busiest airport is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), with 45% of all flights arriving there.

  • Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in the United Kingdom?

    Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in the United Kingdom is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), with an average flight price of £304.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to the United Kingdom?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to the United Kingdom is Wednesday when return tickets can be as cheap as £489. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Thursday, when return prices are £681 on average.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to the United Kingdom?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to the United Kingdom is generally at night, when retur flights cost £727 on average. Morning departures are around 1% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to the United Kingdom is generally in the afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is £1,073.

  • What is the cheapest flight to the United Kingdom?

    The cheapest ticket to the United Kingdom from San Francisco Bay Area found in the last 72 hours was to London Heathrow Airport, at £454 return. The most popular route is San Francisco (SFO) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and the cheapest return airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was £454.

  • What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom?

    The cheapest month for flights from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom is October, when tickets cost £455 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and December, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is £767 and £705 respectively.

  • How far in advance should I book a flight from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom?

    To get a below-average price on the flight from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom, you should book around 1 week before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 3 weeks before departure.

  • How many cities have direct flights to the United Kingdom?

    From San Francisco Bay Area, there are direct flights to the United Kingdom from one city. This city is San Francisco and there are 294 direct flights each week.

  • How many direct flights to the United Kingdom are there each day?

    There are around 42 direct flights from within San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom every day. Most flights (60%) depart in the afternoon.

  • How many direct flights to the United Kingdom are there each week?

    Each week there are around 294 direct flights from within San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom. The most common day for departures is Monday, with 14% of flights taking off on this day.

  • How long is the flight to the United Kingdom?

    An average direct flight from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom takes 16h 40m, covering a distance of 5229 miles. The shortest route is San Francisco (SFO) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) with an average flight time of 10h 20m.

  • How many long-haul flights are there to the United Kingdom each week?

    There aren’t any medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) or short-haul (up to 3 hour flight duration) flights to the United Kingdom. Instead, there are 294 long-haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration), with the most arriving from San Francisco.

  • What are the most popular destinations in the United Kingdom?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is London (89% of total searches to the United Kingdom). The next most popular destinations are Edinburgh (3%) and Manchester (2%). Searches for flights to Southampton (1%), to Birmingham (1%), and to Belfast (1%) are also popular.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from San Francisco Bay Area to the United Kingdom? 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.
7.4
United AirlinesOverall score based on 8929 reviews
7.1Entertainment
7.3Comfort
7.7Boarding
8.1Crew
6.6Food
Airline reviews

We had to deboard 2 times due to maintenance issues. They changed the plane, and then we got deviated to LAX due to maibtenance issues on the other plane, had to sleep at LAX and los a full day.

2.0 MediocreAnonymous, Sept 2025SFO - MEX
Read more United Airlines reviews

We had to deboard 2 times due to maintenance issues. They changed the plane, and then we got deviated to LAX due to maibtenance issues on the other plane, had to sleep at LAX and los a full day.

From the first moment you interact with United Airlines, you can expect nothing less but extreme frustration. The baggage handler at the bag drop seems completely unbothered by the presence of customers waiting in line. No help was extended to load the baggage whatsoever. And if any of your bags is overweight by 0.01 pound they will make you re-distribute everything in your suitcase just to play power trip. When it was time to board no help was extended to customers to locate their seats. Moreover. It was a chaotic mess at the gate when it was unclear who should board first and everyone just bunched up, trying to get on the plane. I am sure the crew was doing their best to perform their jobs while being paid their wages however it shouldn’t be that hard to smile once or twice when you’re in the business if serving customers. It is a shame for the United States of America to have a flagship carrier of such low caliber. Our flight was also delayed by about an hour and a half due to further delays prior to our inbound flight. Being someone who has travelled for both business and leisure in Asia, Europe, and South America I have never experienced such poor quality of service.

I understand stuff happens, but plane failures are likely due to lack of maintenance. Additionally, air conditioning wasn't working, no snack/drink service, no WiFi. Fortunately, the crew was communicative and light-hearted. United grabbed another plane and we were able to get to our destination.

The pilots were late and it made us 1 hour late. The meat was tough and bok choy was also tough.

Stuck on tarmac for two hours plus a 5.5 hour flight. Rude flight attendant. And no meals, not even for purchase!

I learned that seating towards the end of plane that a line forms for the restroom and people use your chair as a hand railing, bumping your seat consistently. I was seated in the aisle. I think that next time if I am towards the back row I would want to sit in the middle or window seat.

The best airline I have ever travel , really good customer service, attention and service !!

United sent me a mileage plus number last year but that number is invalid so I can’t use it to check into flights or collect mileage. There is human to speak about the problem, only computers who keep asking me if I am using the correct email. It’s so frustrating and I cannot resolve it.

Not a great experience. We paid for the upgrade for premium economy seats and seated ourselves in very comfortable seats. Someone came along with the same seat on their boarding pass. The aircraft had been changed and as a result we were booted out and sent further back to small uncomfortable seats. After complaining we were moved to emergency row seats, which gave us more leg room but the seats don’t recline. For people in our 70’s we found having to sit upright from California to NJ very uncomfortable. Not sure why they chose to move senior citizens instead of the two people that were allowed to take the more comfortable seats. Not happy.

Everything was great. Only thing that could’ve made it better was buy on board options for hot food, but the snacks were decent. The flight attendants were great. I had no complaints. I was able to make it to my destination safely

Food was the worst I’ve had on a VA flight. Normally it’s a lot better

I was my pleasure to fly virgin on my birthday for my first solo trip ever 🫶🏼

These are one of the older seat arrangements facing away from the windows! Not particularly convenient sets. No storage spaces. NO COAT HANGING HOOKS. Inconvenient business class seat compared to any other airlines of similar class. Staff are excellent! Extremely professional, friendly. Food is good too.

Overall, flight was excellent but check in was very slow for Premium Economy. Economy queue was shorter but we weren't allowed to use it.

The staff was not very polite but the flight was very very nice and comfortable and the entertainment was great

Great crew - old style upper class seats on the older fleet now feels dated

Premium economy more comfortable than economy, but not by much. Did was awful, do not try the omelette. Flight crew were helpful. Flight was delayed by over an hour. Overall but bad, arrived safely and thank God.

Food was excellent. Service was very good. Staff was very helpful to all passengers.

The crew was excellent as ever on Virgin. The special meal was poor unfortunately. More significantly when we arrived at Manchester Airport there was no air bridge provided and we had to exit the plane down a rickety stair case. This is unacceptable for a transatlantic flight. Whilst I understand that this is the airport’s fault at the end of the day the airline is responsible for our transportation and needs to do something.

Super friendly and helpful staff, from check-in desk to cabin crew.

It was fortunate that the flight arrived in London in accordance with schedule, and the luggage was promptly transferred to the luggage carousel. However, I find it concerning that even minor issues in economy cabins are prevalent within the industry. American Airlines, in particular, appears to have the least legroom and feels more crowded due to the proximity of neighboring passengers. Additionally, the crew’s adherence to protocol is inconsistent. While they may enforce certain rules set by the FAA on a select few individuals, they often overlook numerous violations, such as failing to reset seat recline during landing.

Easy and organized getting in and out of the flight

We liked the flight but while we purchased an aisle seat, our seats had a different configuration on this flight. A fellow passenger suggested that the airplane had been changed. Too bad we were not informed and had no chance to modify our seat preferences. We were stuck in the window and middle seats with no chance to walk around and go to the bathroom without disturbing our sleeping fellow passenger.

The crew were not very personable. The crew did not serve tea or coffee. The bathroom was not kept clean. Two out of the 5 toilets in the cabin weren't working.

It was extremely cold in the back of the plane. The seats are uncomfortable and space very small. Crew was excellent as usual.

Check in needed to be in person, not nice. Also I won’t do connections in Charlotte again because you need to go through security again and short connections become a problem

Iberia lost my bag, said they found it in another country, said they sent it to me, but never did. Went my whole trip without my stuff, but expecting it to show up because that’s what they said would happen. Their communication sucks, their website sucks, and to top it all off, their seats are small and uncomfortable. They’re bad at their jobs and they should feel bad about themselves. Do not even get me started on the flight home. AVOID!

I described my experience in the previous window. I didn't realize that there would be another opportunity for this flight. Please look at my response in the previous window.

Boarding was 2 1/2 late no explanation Captain said he did not know why, but he rested at home for an extra couple of hours. Food was edible, Nothing more.

I liked the comfort of the plane. It was unexpected from past experiences.

The food could be better, more snacks. And have some plugs to chargue the phone.

Everything was really great just The aircraft was too old and sounded it will break during takeoff

Extremely pleased with the crew. Best flight attendants ever! Very friendly, genuinely caring and attentive.

Best flight attendants ever! Very customer and service oriented, courteous, professional and helpful.

Cheapest airlines I have ever been on. I got downgraded and never got on united. I got rerouted through Vancouver onto jetwesf

Very small and uncomfortable seats, Hard to hear entertainment system sound. Horrible food. Staff doesn't care much about the passengers. 2nd time they didn't give me my vegetarian meal. They asked me regular food with meat. The airline and staff was from United airlines.

Checkin took along timen only.few angents available at.checkin desk. Customer support over phone no existence

At baggage claim, I was given the wrong printed ticket. The ticket belonged to another passenger for a different flight — to Zurich instead of Frankfurt (layover). I was even allowed to pass security, and when I asked the Lufthansa employee if I was on the correct flight, and why it was changed. The employee said everything was correct and I should board. When I got on the plane, there was someone in my seat, and the crew on the plane finally realized that I was on the wrong plane. When I got off the plane, nobody was willing to help, and the security refused to provide my original printed ticket. That was until I showed them that I took a photo of the ticket; once they realized I had photographic evidence, they were suddenly ready to help me. The Lufthansa employee began communicating with other airlines and found a flight that would take me to my destination via Polish Airlines. I was required to once again go through security, re-check my bag, and once again pay for my checked bag and weight overage fees. This experience was incredibly stressful and very frustrating, as you can imagine. A Lufthansa employee told me I would be eligible for a refund. Please tell me what steps I need to take in order to make that happen. Thank you!

Good service … bus transfer upon arrival from plane to terminal: atrocious!!!

helpful and friendly. The Lufthanza people I dealt with before my holiday were so unhelpful by comparison.

The seating has become ridiculous… like a contest to see how narrow and short they can be made- forcing anyone over 5’1 to pay more to not be twisting oneself into a pretzel. Really insane- would have thought BA was better than this. Frankly- it cancels out a lot of the positive aspects.

flight was delayed from BWI to London - missed my connecting flight & then connecting flight (also British Air) was delayed - food is awful, TV & movie selection is great

Super tight economy class. My knees were hitting the back of seat in front of me (I'm only 5'6"). My small backpack (sized according to their required dimensions) would not fit under the seat in front of me because there is a box (is that the life jacket?) in the way. Over all, extremely uncomfortable. I forgive the tasteless food, but the tight seating was torture

Didn’t fly with them as someone had cancelled my flight

Online check-in 24 hours in advance something seems not so easy to check in to pick seats and to print a boarding pass

I like the crew, very welcoming. Food can be better. The seat arms don’t go up so. I could use the empty seat next to mine to relax better. 3hrs delay 😠

Boarding was efficient and quick, crew was very attentive, seats were comfortable.

Everything was very good! I personally struggled with the heat in the cabin for the first 2 hours

Crying baby the ENTIRE flight. Not your fault, but I paid 2700 for a premium economy ticket and it wasn't worth it. should have just stuck with coach. flight attendants very mediocre - minimal effort. Plane didn't seem very clean. Didn't have any cleansing wipes - most airlines give you this when you board. Flat screen scrolling didn't work. Toiletry case a joke - why bother at all?

Enjoyable flight, helpful crew everything was organized to accommodate passengers.

Everything you need to know for your flight to the United Kingdom

Cabin class types available on flights to San Francisco Bay Area

Cabin classes available on flights to San Francisco Bay Area. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.

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